Denver residents, have you watered your lawn and garden this winter? One of the benefits of living in Denver is occasional mild winter days. We do get snow, but in between we get days that make us wish it was spring already. These days are ideal for watering our outdoor landscape. What are some tips on winter watering?
Water less frequently in winter.
Just a couple times should do it. If it's not a drought year, once is enough. That's because in between the nice days, we have the snow for moisture. The sun is less intense in winter too. Still, Denver's semiarid climate necessitates some winter watering. In cold, wet winter climates, winter watering isn't needed or recommended.
Water on warm days, in the morning.
Watch for those occasional warm weather days to water your Denver lawn and garden. Give things a good soak in the morning. This gives the water a chance to seep in before freezing. Night temps are too low to water nightly, like you do in the summer.
Water trees with care.
Most tree roots aren't located close to the trunk. Water around trees, rather than hitting the trunk base. If possible, use a soil needle to get water down where it's needed. Large, older trees don't need heavy winter watering.
Water your compost.
If you have an ongoing compost pile, don't forget to keep it moist in the winter. A closed container will catch some condensation. It will need more water than an open one in snowy winters. On the other hand, a sunny Denver winter with little snow means open containers may need more water.
Watering needs vary.
All plants are different. Don't assume your entire yard and garden needs winter watering. Certain plants weather well without it. Definitely water your grass at least once in January or February. We do get March snow most years. Winter watering will help soil soak it up.
Note areas of sun and shade.
Plants in shaded areas may retain water better. The sun doesn't hit there to dry them out. Accumulated snow stays longer in these areas too. As a general rule, sunny areas will need the most water, just as they do in summer.
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