▷ When does the garden need water?

Even if nature rests in winter, that doesn’t necessarily mean you should leave your plants completely to their own devices. They can get thirsty, especially in dry winters. But when does it really make sense to water? And how do you deal with frost? In this article you will find the answers to these questions and some practical advice for optimally caring for your garden even in the cold months.

1. Why do plants need water even in winter?

Many plants need water to survive the cold months because they evaporate moisture even in winter – especially evergreen plants such as cherry laurel, yew or rhododendrons. If the ground is frozen, they cannot absorb enough water. A dry winter can be more harmful to plants than it first appears. In winters with little snow and without regular rainfall, it is worth paying attention to the water needs of your plants, because even if they do not form new shoots, frost and cold winds deprive them of moisture, which can damage the roots if the drought lasts too long. On the other hand, if you live in a fairly humid region with regular rainfall, your garden will usually survive the winter without additional watering.

2. When is the right time to water in winter?

When watering your plants in winter, make sure to water only on frost-free days. If you water on a freezing day, the water may freeze right at the surface and damage the roots. Ideally, choose a day with a mild temperature and as dry a weather as possible. Good times for watering:

Before frost is announced: this means that the plants have enough water to survive the cold days.
On sunny, frost-free days: It’s best to do this in the morning, so the water has time to soak into the soil before temperatures drop again.
After a long period of drought: If the climate remains mild and dry for a long time in winter, watering occasionally is necessary. Keep an eye on the soil – if it looks very dry and cracked, it’s time.

3. Which plants are particularly thirsty?

Not all plants need extra water in the winter. But some are particularly susceptible to drought stress and should be kept in mind:

Evergreen plants: These, as already mentioned, include rhododendrons, yews, cherry laurel and boxwood. Because they retain their leaves or needles over the winter, they continue to evaporate moisture and are sensitive to drought.
Plants with shallow roots: Plants with a shallow root system, such as some ground covers or perennials, find it more difficult to support themselves from deeper layers of soil. Especially with them it makes sense to keep the soil well moist.
Newly planted plants: Trees, shrubs and perennials planted in the fall often need a little more attention. Because their roots have not yet grown deep enough, they can dry out quickly.

4. How do you water when it freezes?

If you water on a frost-free day, the goal is to give the soil good, even moisture without flooding it. Keep the following tips in mind:

Use temperate water: Ice water can shock plants and be more likely to damage them. Ideally, you should use a little warm water to gently moisten the roots.
Choose the right amount of water: the soil must be moist, but not excessively wet. Particularly sensitive plants do not like water accumulation.
Water slowly and evenly: A gentle application of water allows the soil to absorb water well before the moisture drains into groundwater.

5. Protect the soil: mulch as frost protection

To protect the soil from drought and cold, you can also apply a layer of mulch. This layer helps retain soil moisture and protect the roots from frost. A mixture of leaves, bark mulch or even fir branches keeps the soil moist longer and makes watering less necessary. Mulch not only protects against the cold, but also acts as a natural humidity regulator. Make sure you spread the mulch layer about five to ten centimeters thick so that it can develop its insulating effect. It is important that the mulch layer does not reach directly onto the trunks or stems of the plants, as this could encourage rot.

6. Special case of potted plants: winter quarters and need for irrigation

Many potted plants are brought indoors in the winter, but they still need water if they are in a cooler location. In conservatories or unheated rooms, the soil dries out quickly, even when the plants are dormant. For frost-sensitive potted plants, check the soil every week or two to make sure it doesn’t dry out completely.

If you overwinter potted plants outdoors, be sure to place the pots on insulating surfaces such as Styrofoam or wooden slats. This will prevent frost from reaching the roots from below. The same applies in this case too: water on frost-free days and, in case of intense frost, keep the soil a little drier to avoid frost damage.

Conclusion: Plants can get thirsty even in winter! 🙂 Especially evergreen and newly planted plants benefit if you water them from time to time, so that they can get through the cold season healthy.

Happy gardening! 🙂