Watering requirements

Hello, since things are winding down and winter months are approaching Im wondering how that affects a plants water requirements. Is it true that plants continue to grow their root systems even though they may go dormant and possibly lose their leaves?

I have some plants/trees that I know will lose their leaves soon but I have many others that as far as I know will not show any signs of colder weather I.E Holly trees as an example.

Im doing my best to get all of these trees established and would like to understand better how to care for them so they have the best chance. Thanks

Hi Jason,

A plant gone dormant over winter, especially if it lost its leaves, is not exactly going to grow, but some metabolic activity does take place, notably in the roots.  Importantly, the roots will continue to release exudates that feed bacteria, fungi and some other microbes.  That activity is extremely important for your overall soil health.

Actually Winter is a good time to plant trees as they don’t have to worry about getting growth, but instead focus on maintaining root health and establishing root bacteria and fungal colonies.

Eric

Eric Hanson wrote:Hi Jason,

A plant gone dormant over winter, especially if it lost its leaves, is not exactly going to grow, but some metabolic activity does take place, notably in the roots.  Importantly, the roots will continue to release exudates that feed bacteria, fungi and some other microbes.  That activity is extremely important for your overall soil health.

Actually Winter is a good time to plant trees as they don’t have to worry about getting growth, but instead focus on maintaining root health and establishing root bacteria and fungal colonies.

Eric

Hello Eric, yes I've read similar online but no details on watering regime to be found. Im guessing that it may vary by plant type

Sorry Jason, I got distracted.

You really want to keep the soil moist.  How often does it rain over winter in your neck of the woods?  Judging from your pictures, you have some good mulch on your plants so I would think that would help a lot.  I would guess that you could get by with once per week watering if it does not rain and the soil dries out.  But so long as you have moist soil, you should not need to water over the winter.

Eric

Eric Hanson wrote:Sorry Jason, I got distracted.

You really want to keep the soil moist.  How often does it rain over winter in your neck of the woods?  Judging from your pictures, you have some good mulch on your plants so I would think that would help a lot.  I would guess that you could get by with once per week watering if it does not rain and the soil dries out.  But so long as you have moist soil, you should not need to water over the winter.

Eric

Thank you Eric. You and many others have been a big help for me.

Rainy season is over I guess. Im guessing because I have never lived this far north in fl before and as you know even now I'm only there on the weekends.

I talk with locals though and read what I can and apparently the little bit of rain that we have had is about all we may see in any quantity until next rainy season i.e july of next year.

Im sure there will be the occasional shower but nothing major and prolonged.

I'm trying to alter my landscape I suppose by having removed alot of the native plants and re planting things that I would prefer to be surrounded by.

I dont believe I am haphazardly doing this, I have looked and accounted for the same specimens within short distances and presumably in same soil as what I am dealing with so I have some level of confidence.

It sounds like I am going to have to continue watering almost throughout the winter and surely spring and summer until fl rains start again.

At that time most everything with the exception of the jasmine will have had 1 year plus of my watering to get rooted.

I am almost now done with my major re establishment.

I have plans of attempting a microclimate atmosphere directly behind one of my containers. It is the south side and the container will provide protection from n winds until of course the tree grows beyond that 10 ft. assuming I let it grow beyond that.

Ive noticed unless I'm mistaken that fruuting trees may not like to be topped, it possibly is again variety specific though.

Ive had alot going on last few weeks, ive had my property rezoned to ag/ residential, also have been given fl ag exempt certification based on the trees I've already planted.

Im now waiting for the power company to give me electric to power my well.

Always ( thanks to the higher power ) moving forward