Winter is a marathon for our plants in Colorado.
It’s an endurance test, and it can take its toll on our landscapes. Typically:
- Most of us don’t get a lot of precipitation during winter in Colorado.
- We get drying winds that pull the moisture out of plants.
- We also get wild temperature swings above and below freezing — like animated 7-year-olds riding up and down on a seesaw.
All of this is tough on our plants.
And it’s especially tough in our gardens that face south or west. These plants get warm afternoon sunshine, and then the temperatures drop at night. As the ground freezes and thaws, it creates cracks in the soil, creating little Grand Canyons. This can push our plants’ roots up. Now our plants’ roots are more vulnerable to getting cold and drying out.
And winter can go on, and on, and on…
Our Colorado gardens have to put up with a lot!
So, if you’re wondering, “Should I water my Colorado garden in the fall and winter?”
Yes, it can be a good idea for many plants if you’re having a dry fall or winter.
If you’re going through a prolonged dry period, hook up a hose and give your plant babies a deep watering, so their roots stay hydrated and healthy.
Read on for specific watering tips!
During a dry autumn and winter…
Water 1-2 times per month if:
- It’s been windy. Or:
- You’ve gotten less than 1″ of moisture from rain or snow.
Just as a point of reference, 1″ of rainfall usually works out to to about 12-13″ of snow. So, a dusting of snow — or even a couple of inches — doesn’t add a lot of water for your plants!
Make sure:
- Temperatures are above 40 degrees.
- The ground isn’t covered with snow.
- You water in the middle of the day when it’s warm. Mid-day watering is ideal in the fall and winter, so foliage can dry before nightfall and water can soak into the ground.
Pro tip: Make a note on your calendar or on your phone when you water. It can help you keep track.
What plants should you water in your Colorado garden?
New plants tend to be more vulnerable to winter stress. However, even waterwise perennials that have been growing in your garden for a number of years can experience winter dieback during drought. (Perennials are your plants that come back each year.)
If you’re pressed for time, focus your watering efforts on your:
- Trees and shrubs, especially those you planted in the last 2-3 years AND those that keep their leaves or needles over winter
- Any perennials you planted in the fall
- Any perennial gardens that face south, west or are exposed to wind
There are exceptions on what to water.
Because Mama Nature makes her own rules, y’all!
Xeric plants (those that need VERY little supplemental water) that have been growing in your garden for a season or two likely don’t need any irrigation from you.
Many parts of Colorado are in a “rain shadow.”
In the Front Range of Colorado, we live in a rain shadow of the mountains. Weather systems lose their moisture on the windward sides and tops of mountains. This casts a shadow of dryness — aka, a rain shadow — onto the Front Range.
The same thing can happen on the Western Slope. If you live in western Colorado, you can get a rain shadow effect from Utah.
So, if you haven’t gotten much moisture or it’s been windy in your garden this fall or winter, pull out the hose to water.
If you’d like specific watering tips…
The Colorado State University Extension has more details on fall and winter watering, including how to water your trees.
And for related topics, check out:
- How do I make my garden look good in the winter?
- Is it better to empty flowerpots in the fall or spring?
- 3 plants that struggle in western winters (what NOT to plant in your Colorado landscape)
