How to Water Plants in Cold Weather

While the drooping plants that suffer in the summer heat get all our attention, sometimes we forget to care for plants enduring the cold. Watering is still an essential part of plant care during the winter, both before and after the first freeze. Properly caring for plants in the garden and in containers will ensure that they will survive winter's cold and be ready to bloom again in the spring.

Things You'll Need

• Hose
• Sprinkler or irrigation system
• Mulch

Instructions

1. Water before a freeze to reduce damage. The wind that may come with cold weather will hurt the plants by drying them out; watering will help prevent this.

2. Pay particular attention to watering on cold days that include wind and sun. Plants and trees lose more water in such weather.

3. Add mulch to plants after the first freeze to keep water in the soil. Mulch also reduces the movement of the soil as the temperature fluctuates.

4. Keep water away from the plant's leaves. If water remains on the leaves during freezing temperatures, plants will be damaged. Moisture in the soil, however, will reduce damage to the plant's roots.

5. Add water to the frozen soil in potted plants. You will thaw the soil and keep it moist to protect the roots. Container plants have a more difficult time retaining moisture.

Tips & Warnings

• Ensure that soil remains moist--and not waterlogged--before freezing temperatures begin.

• If cold weather turns your plants to mush, remove them to prevent fungal growth. Keep the roots, though, as they may sprout come spring.

References

• Cold Weather and Protecting Plants
• Protecting Plants from Cold Damage
• Protect Plants from Cold Weather

Resources

• Be a Cold Weather Friend to Your Plants