Here’s expert advice on how to keep your trees, shrubs, lawn alive during dry winter

The recent cold, dry weather has left some wondering if they should water their outdoor plants.

All plants are going to need water during winter, K-State Research and Extension Ornamental Horticulture Agent Matthew McKernan says.

Although precipitation for the last three months was slightly above average, December was dry, with only 0.01 inches of precipitation, compared to the average 1.22 inches, according to the National Weather Service in Wichita.

“It’s important to pay attention to the water needs of your plants, especially during dry weather like this. Some additional water may be needed when we’re not getting a lot of snow or rain outside,” McKernan said. And “even if we get some light rain, mist or snow, we’ve got to make sure it actually soaks the ground deep.”

Air temperature is not a concern when watering outdoor plants, he said. Ground temperature is what will determine when to water plants – anytime the ground is not frozen is a good time to water outside.

“It’s perfectly fine to water during the day when it’s bright, sunny and warm; this allows the ground to absorb that water.

“Once the water is percolated down into the soil, it’s down there where the root of the plant can take advantage of it,” McKernan said. “People will want to soak the ground 6 to 12 inches deep and do it with a slow trickle of water so that you get a good soaking in the soil.”

Watering deep like this once or twice a month is more than adequate to get most plants through the winter without injury, he said.

Plants that require more attention include newly planted trees, shrubs and lawns – with evergreens needing the most attention.

“Anything that you’ve planted in the last six months to a year is going to have less of an established root system, so watering them is very important,” he said.

For more information on watering and gardening concerns, visit Sedgwick.ksu.edu/garden.