Cold air settles over Missouri and every plant reacts as though the rules have changed overnight.
Daylight pulls back, soil stiffens, and moisture refuses to behave.
A single misstep with the watering can can spark trouble fast, from droopy leaves to roots in distress.
Smart gardeners stay ahead of the curve with a steady approach that keeps winter from calling the shots. Water your trees, shrubs, and perennials deeply before the ground freezes — especially evergreens.
Evergreens Need Extra Hydration Before Winter
Evergreens like pines, spruces, and junipers continue losing moisture through their needles all winter long.
Unlike deciduous trees that drop their leaves, evergreens keep transpiring even when it’s freezing outside.
Before the ground turns rock-hard from frost, give these plants a thorough soaking.
Deep watering helps them store moisture reserves that’ll sustain them through months of frozen soil.
Aim for at least one inch of water per week if nature doesn’t provide it through rain or snow.
Timing Your Final Deep Watering Session
Getting the timing right makes all the difference when preparing your garden for winter dormancy.
Watch weather forecasts carefully in late November and early December for signs of a hard freeze approaching.
Your goal is to water deeply about a week before temperatures plunge below freezing for extended periods.
This gives plants time to absorb moisture without risking ice formation around roots.
Missouri’s unpredictable weather means staying flexible and ready to water when conditions allow.
How Deep Watering Actually Works
Shallow sprinkling won’t cut it when preparing plants for winter’s challenges ahead.
Deep watering means moistening soil to a depth of 12 to 18 inches, reaching where most root systems live and feed.
Turn your hose to a gentle trickle and let it run at the base of each plant for 30 minutes or longer.
Slow soaking allows water to penetrate deeply rather than running off the surface.
Check soil moisture by pushing a screwdriver into the ground—it should slide in easily when properly watered.
Shrubs Require Special December Attention
Flowering shrubs and hedges often get overlooked during winter preparation, but they’re just as vulnerable to winter desiccation as larger trees.
Hydrangeas, boxwoods, and roses particularly benefit from thorough December watering.
These woody plants have extensive root systems that need moisture reserves to survive.
Focus on newly planted shrubs especially—they haven’t established deep roots yet and depend entirely on your help.
Water around the drip line where feeder roots concentrate, not just at the trunk base.
Perennials Benefit From Pre-Winter Hydration Too
Even though perennials wither back to the ground each winter, their root systems remain alive underground.
Hostas, daylilies, coneflowers, and other favorites store energy in their roots throughout winter months.
Adequate moisture protects these underground storage organs from drying out and withering away.
Give perennial beds a good soaking before the first hard freeze locks moisture out of reach.
Well-hydrated roots emerge stronger and healthier when spring warmth returns, producing more vigorous growth and better blooms next season.
Container Plants Need Different December Care
Plants growing in pots face extra challenges during Missouri winter because containers freeze faster and more completely than garden soil.
Roots have nowhere to escape the cold and can dry out quickly despite freezing temperatures.
Before severe cold arrives, water container plants thoroughly and consider moving them to protected locations like unheated garages or against house walls.
Check soil moisture monthly throughout winter on warmer days.
Even dormant container plants need occasional watering when temperatures rise above freezing temporarily.
Signs Your Plants Need Emergency Winter Water
Sometimes plants show distress signals even in the middle of winter, especially during dry spells with little snow cover.
Evergreen needles turning brown at the tips or curling inward signal dehydration stress.
On days when temperatures climb above 40 degrees and soil isn’t frozen solid, you can provide emergency watering.
Focus on the most stressed plants first, particularly evergreens and newly planted specimens.
Winter droughts are real in Missouri, and vigilant gardeners who recognize warning signs can prevent permanent damage to valuable landscape plants.