Is It Necessary To Water Your Plants In The Fall? Here's What To Know

Fall often feels like a break for both plants and gardeners. Plants stop pushing out new growth, and some gardeners take it as a sign to pack up their hoses. However, believe it or not, even in the fall, plant roots remain active, and they can dry up if available water gets too low. Fall waterings matter the most, especially for young perennials, shrubs, and freshly planted trees. Their roots continue to grow well into the fall months. They could also benefit from extra water when the natural rainfall falls short. 

As for established plants with deep roots, a blanket scheduling of fall waterings is more often than not unnecessary and a waste of water. Ultimately, you need to make decisions based on measurements for watering plants deeply rather than a calendar. Check the soil moisture 12 to 18 inches under trees and 6 to 9 inches below the surface for beds. And, if the soil at these depths is dry, water accordingly. 

If you have a moisture meter, use it, but keep in mind that moisture meters are not always reliable. But it doesn't matter how you check the soil water content. The thing that matters the most is that you irrigate slowly and deeply during the fall. You can use drip lines or a soaker hose, so the water reaches the deep roots. At the end of the day, whether or not you should water your plants in the fall comes down to a few factors: soil moisture, rainfall, plant type, and the weather.

Even though watering during fall is based on the available water in the soil, you still need to do a bit of planning. For instance, you should not water your plants immediately before or during a hard freeze. Water cannot infiltrate frozen soil, and it can form damaging ice around roots and crowns. Also, watering well during fall ensures that the roots are well irrigated before a hard winter. You need to pick your watering days wisely. The ideal days are when the soil and air temperatures stay above 40 degrees Fahrenheit for several days. It will allow the roots to soak up and actually use the water. 

In the fall, soil type also matters a lot when deciding how much to water your plants. Sandy soils will generally require more frequent watering to replace lost moisture. Whereas, in heavier clay soils, you need to apply water at a rate that doesn't lead to puddling or runoff. Nevertheless, a good rule of thumb in most landscapes is about 1 inch of water per week. 

Also, think twice before watering your plants at night in the fall months. If the soil stays wet for prolonged periods, it increases the chance of a fungal infestation. Watering during the morning significantly reduces the length of time the soil stays damp, thus reducing fungal attack risk. Lastly, if you live in an area that is prone to water supply constraints, group plants by irrigation need and prioritize those plants that are most vulnerable to water stress during the fall.