Home Gardening

Don't forget to water
Garden Tips Newsletter - November 5, 2001

As temperatures cool and winter approaches, our plants start to slow down and most enter a dormant state. This does not mean, however, that they don't need water. It's true, plants don't need as much water in the winter as they do in the summer, but they still need water. This is especially true during dry winter spells. By watering regularly your plants will stay healthy through the winter months. Plants that don't get adequate water during winter will be more susceptible to cold damage and will have a harder time coming back in the spring. During the winter months we often have sunny and sometimes windy days, which causes plants to transpire (loose water through their leaves). If their roots cannot find adequate water they will dry out. So, remember to water your plants this winter season.

These archived newsletters were written by Dr. Lelia Scott Kelly. Kelly is a Horticulture Specialist with the Mississippi State University Extension Service. Her office is in the North Mississippi Research & Extension Center, Verona.