H2O Too Much? How To Water Your Plants Going Into Winter

Modifying your watering routine with the changing seasons is essential for keeping your plants thriving, particularly in areas with diverse seasonal climates such as Southern California. Here’s how to effectively manage your watering routine to avoid common problems like overwatering: 

Cactuses and Succulents:

Minimize Watering: In the cooler months, these plants need significantly less water. Generally, cactuses and succulents should be watered every three to four weeks. 

Shrubs and Trees:

As November and winter approach, it’s important to water your shrubs properly. Provide a deep, slow soak at the base of each plant with a hose, ideally every couple of weeks until the ground freezes. Make sure the soil remains moist but not waterlogged; you can check the moisture level using a trowel or screwdriver before watering. Also, avoid watering when temperatures drop below freezing, as the water won’t absorb into the frozen soil. 

Perennials: 

Ensure you water your perennials consistently until the ground freezes, particularly after a hot and dry summer. Watering can be done every other week to monthly, and utilizing a drip irrigation system or soaker hose is ideal for reaching the root zone effectively.



*Special Note: Ensure you water your plants at least 24 hours prior to a frost, allowing the roots ample time to soak up the moisture. 

Keep an Eye Out for Heat Waves: 

Should an unexpected heat wave arise, you might want to tweak and boost your watering a bit, but typically, it’s best to water less during the winter months.

How do you tell when you water too much?

What you need to watch out for in cooler times. Here are a few indicators that you might be giving your plants too much water: