In winter, the first reflex of the gardener would be not to intervene in the watering of plants installed in the ground or in pots in the garden. Of course, rainfall is sometimes sufficient, but this parameter must be modulated according to the regions, the nature and the positioning of the plants.
Which outdoor plants should be watered in winter?
When the plant is flowering (hellebore, camellia, winter jasmine, cyclamen...) or bearing fruit (citrus, pomegranate, apple tree...) watering will be necessary, especially if it does not rain. The same goes for recently planted plants which will need very regular watering so that their root system forms properly before the summer heat.
Beware of some southern regions where it may not rain for several weeks. Winter drought, although less destructive than summer drought, can destroy many plants if you are not careful enough.
Be particularly wary of potted plants whose mixture dries very quickly, especially if the weather is windy. Pay special attention to them and water them as soon as the mixture starts to dry. To avoid asphyxiation of the roots, remove all the cups in autumn.
Which outdoor plants should not be watered in winter?
Generally speaking, it is not necessary to water plants that are at rest, as rain is more than enough for them. Recognizing a plant in rest is quite simple:
- its foliage is faded, and only the underground part remains;
- the tree or the shrub has lost its foliage ;
- the plant is no longer growing and does not produce flowers or fruits.
Never water succulents and cacti in winter. These very particular plants should be installed in very well drained soil and in a very warm exposure. Succulents grown in pots should be placed in a cool and bright room without watering from October to April.
How to water outdoor plants in winter?
- Always water with water at room temperature to avoid thermal shock.
- It is best to water in the late morning so that the water can be absorbed before the cold falls in the late evening.
- Water only if you feel it has not rained enough. A rain gauge can help you measure the amount of rain that has fallen, but you must remember to empty it often to avoid distorting the data.
- Beware of frost. The main concern with winter watering is frost. Indeed, if the soil is waterlogged, the roots are less resistant to cold. For this reason, beware of mulches in regions where it rains very often, because once soaked, their protective effect is reversed. A good solution is to stop all watering operations in case of an expected heavy frost.
