Do I Water Potted Plants That Winter in Garage?

As winter arrives, many gardeners wonder about the importance of watering their potted plants that they have moved inside the garage. The decision to water or not to water the plants during the winter period can be quite confusing. This article aims to provide you with guidelines to help you determine when to water your potted plants that are wintering in the garage.

Understand the Plants’ Watering Needs

The first thing to understand when it comes to watering potted plants is that every plant species has unique watering requirements. Some plants require more water, while others need less. Therefore, the decision to water your potted plants during winter depends on the plant species and its watering requirements.

Before winter, it is crucial to understand your plants’ watering needs, as some plants can survive for weeks or even months without watering. However, others cannot survive more than a few days without water. Therefore, it is essential to check the watering needs of your plants and the duration they can go without water.

Determine the Humidity Levels

The second factor that affects watering potted plants in the garage is the humidity levels. The garage environment may be more humid, dry or draughty than the outside environment. Moreover, the garage may be lacking air circulation, making it difficult for the plants to breathe.

If the humidity levels in your garage are too low, it can result in the plants losing water, which may lead to dehydrated or wilted plants. On the contrary, if the humidity levels are too high, it may cause waterlogging, the growth of fungi, and other plant diseases. Therefore, it is crucial to measure the humidity levels in your garage and adjust accordingly.

Observe the Plants’ Growth and Condition

Finally, before watering your potted plants in the garage, it is vital to observe the plants’ growth and condition. If you see the plants looking healthy, with shiny and vigorous leaves, it may mean that the plants are getting enough water from the soil. Therefore, watering them may cause overwatering, which may damage the plants’ roots.

On the contrary, if you see the plants with dry and brittle leaves or falling out, it indicates that they need water. However, it is essential to water the plants gradually and avoid watering too much at once. It is because overwatering can lead to root rot and other plant diseases.

Conclusion

Watering potted plants in the garage during winter can be quite challenging. However, by understanding the plants’ watering needs, the humidity levels in your garage, and observing their growth and condition, you can make an informed decision on whether to water your plants or not. Remember, it is better to underwater your plants than overwater them, as overwatering can cause more harm to your plants.