Many gardeners ask me: should I water in winter?
I've long emphasized that the mix of high humidity and freezing cold harms plants, but so does desiccation from lack of moisture. For young plantings, bulbs, biennials, or anything planted in fall with shallow roots, drought sensitivity is a real risk. Yes, you must water them—but with care. The key is ensuring the water doesn't freeze in the soil or plant tissues.
Water only outside frost periods, even on humid days. Follow up by mulching the soil (or hilling up around trees and shrubs) to retain moisture and insulate roots.
That said, if intense cold follows soon after, plants may struggle below 0°C. It's a delicate balance.
So, what’s the solution? As any experienced gardener knows, water yes—but sparingly. Gardening isn't an exact science; watering demands observation, honed technique, and a touch of intuition—listening to your plants and the soil.
To thrive through winter: prevent thirst while shielding from freezes. Your hands turning green? That's progress, not frostbite—experimentation builds mastery.
