But plants often may need supplemental watering in cool, wet months like winter.
Winter can be a dry time.
Changing weather patterns don’t help, either.
SolStock / Getty Images
Areas that once had predictable winter rainfall are drier.
Plants need water for photosynthesis.
Water transports nutrients and minerals from the soil to the plant.
But water is valuable in other ways.
Keeping plants watered in winter also helps protect them against insect damage and diseases.
Plants are more susceptible to damage when they are parched.
Want more gardening tips?
When to Water Plants in Winter
During winter, most plants are dormant.
So, they typically need to be watered less frequently.
In most places, water once or twice a month through the winter, until April.
A soaker hose works well for winter watering.
It provides steady but slow water and helps prevent overwatering or runoff.
A soaker hose is a perforated hose that delivers water to the soil along its entire length.
It can be run along the length of flower or garden beds or between rows in vegetable gardens.
With trees, make a soaker ring around the tree.
Water at the drip line, not directly against the tree base.
Trees may need special soaker hoses with Y-splitters to create a soaking ring around the tree.
We’ve evaluated factors like cost, materials, durability, and coverage to bring you thebest soaker hoses.
When to Stop Watering
Too much water can damage the plants.
The Center for Climate and Energy Solutions.
