Your garden doesn’t need as much water in winter as it does in summer, making watering in winter somewhat tricky.
With the cooler temperatures, plants lose less water during the day and the frequency of watering must be decreased. Overwatering can lead to fungal diseases and root rot. Here are some tips for watering gardens in dry winter climates.
• Avoid watering early or late in the day. Water in the afternoon to avoid leaving plants wet overnight. If the plants are wet during the night, or early morning when it is still very cold, they struggle to grow and are prone to frost and fungal diseases.
• Do not water plants a little bit every day. This only moistens the top layer of the soil and plant roots will stay dry. Rather water less frequently but for longer periods to let the water seep to the roots.
• Avoid watering on windy days as the water will evaporate easier.
• A lawns’ root system is not so deep and it will need a shallow watering every now and then. To tell if your lawn needs watering, walk on it. If it feels crusty, it needs water.
• Water ornamentals and lawns once or twice a week, depending on your climate and soil conditions.
• Mulch your garden, this will help keep moisture in the soil and protects plants’ roots from the cold. Water less when using mulch.
• Water requirements for indoor plants also change in winter. Use lukewarm water as the plants can absorb it easier. Reduce watering but don’t let it become bone dry. Water approximately once a week, but check the moisture in the soil before you water.