Winter watering for plants and trees

In New Mexico, we love our plants and trees! They supply us with beauty, support our pollinators, and provide shade during our hot and dry summers.

Of course, in our area, we must be sure to take special care of our plants and trees during the summer so they can survive our intense heat and lack of rain. Our monsoons provide us with a brief relief from summer conditions, but typically not enough to keep our landscaping healthy. While we pay attention in the summer months to keep everything green and lush, we often forget that winter can be tough on our vegetation as well.

The question then comes, do we water in the winter? The answer has some variables to consider as you move through the winter season.

The question of if you should water largely depends on the weather and precipitation we are receiving and whether the plant is adapted for dry winters. Look up your plant, or call the Valencia County Cooperative Extension Office to learn more about what your plant needs.

Our New Mexico winters often bring low moisture levels allowing the soil to dry out for long periods of time and while some plants can survive, some might need some water. For all vegetation, consider your soil. Sandy soils need more frequent, short water schedules. Clay holds a lot more moisture than sand and loamy soils hold more water than sand, but less than clay. Trees, however, are different!

Most trees (and shrubs) in New Mexico need some irrigation in the late winter. Look up your trees’ water requirement to help guide you through watering. Watering should be done when the ground is not frozen and best when the weather is above 40 degrees. Without a good monthly soak from rain or snow, you may consider watering your trees about once a month during the winter. If our winter has provided enough moisture for a once-a-month soaking, you can skip. It is best to check the soil to see how deep the water penetrated to make a well informed decision.

Trees need a slow, deep water. Sprinkler systems for lawns are not a great source of water for trees. Using a handheld hose or bubbler to reach a slow water is best as you want the water to reach 12-36 inches deep. For established trees, you want to water to the drip line and outer edge of the canopy. Avoid watering only at the trunk of your trees! Trees that lose their leaves in fall typically need a good drink a month before growth begins in late winter. During this time, trees uptake water and nutrients as their buds swell. Resume a normal watering schedule once the leaves have returned.

As always, be considerate of our most precious resource in New Mexico, water! Using the right amount of water and applying it the correct way, can not only benefit the plants and trees, but save you money too! If you are looking to plant trees or put in landscaping, consider plants and trees that are well adapted to our climate. Knowing the water requirements of plants and trees along with your soil type can greatly increase your chances of having healthy landscapes and conserving water.

Program announcements

To register for an upcoming program, call the Valencia County Cooperative Extension Service at 505-565-3002. For more information, visit valenciaextension.nmsu.edu.

• 2024 4-H Open Enrollment ends Jan. 31, 2025. Come join the 4-H fun! Visit the website for the 2024-25 4-H enrollment guidelines at valenciaextension.nmsu.edu/4h/join.html and call 505-565-3002 for more information.

• Sourdough Discover the Magic Part 2: 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., Tuesday, Dec. 17, at the Valencia County CES Office. Come discover the science of fermentation and sourdough bread techniques. This is a free class, space is limited.If you would like sourdough starter to take home, bring your own jar! Call the Valencia County CES Office to register at 505-565-3002.

• Fire Cider: 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., Tuesday, Jan. 21, at the Valencia County CES Office. Learn more about the science of fermentation and explore fire cider, kombucha, and immunity shots. Call the Valencia County CES Office to register at 505-565-3002. The lab fee is $10 per participant, to be paid byJan. 5.

• Extension Get Fit starts Jan. 13 and continues for 12 weeks every Monday and Wednesday at the Valencia County CES Office.Extension Get Fit is a community-based strength and balance training program.Based on the latest research, the program is designed to improve balance, strength, and flexibility.Classes are free. For questions or to register please call the Valencia County CES Office at 505-565-3002

• Kitchen Creationsis a cooking school for people with diabetes, their familiesand caregivers.This four-week series will be held each Saturday starting on Feb. 8 and is free of charge. To register, visit ezregister.com/events/40990/

• Middle Rio Grande Valley Annie’s Project is coming soon. A six-week course held on Monday evenings for specialty crop producers with discussion-based workshops on production, financial management, human resources, marketing and the legal field. These classes are relaxed, fun, and a dynamic way to learn, grow, and connect with other women in agriculture, however they are open to all those interested in specialty crops. The cost will be $40 for all courses. Contact Sierra Cain at the Extension Office for more information at 505-565-3002.

• Agriculture School Enrichment Programs Winter and Spring programs related to the science of agriculture are offered to elementary and middle school-aged students. Contact Sierra Cain for program offerings and scheduling atsierragh@nmsu.eduor 505-565-3002.

If you are an individual with a disability who requires auxiliary aid or service to participate in a program, please contact the Valencia County Cooperative Extension Service Office at 505-565-3002 two weeks in advance of the event.