Fall Watering Guide: Calgary Edition
Keeping your garden healthy through winter starts now.
As the days get shorter and the air gets cooler, watering might not be the first thing on your mind. But in Calgary’s dry climate, a little late-season care goes a long way.
Roots continue to absorb moisture until the ground freezes, and keeping soil hydrated now helps protect your plants from winter drought, freeze-thaw cycles, and chinook winds.
Special Care for New Plantings
If you have installed a new bed or garden this year, your plants will need extra attention this fall.
New trees, shrubs, and perennials have smaller, less established root systems that can dry out quickly in Calgary’s arid climate. Regular watering helps them develop the strong roots they need to survive their first winter.
Here’s what we recommend:
Water regularly until the snow stays. Continue watering every few days during dry spells or warm chinook periods.
Soak deeply at the base rather than watering lightly or often.
Check the soil often. If it feels dry two inches down, it’s time to water again.
Add mulch if possible. A few inches around the base of plants helps retain moisture and moderate soil temperature.
Your garden’s first winter is its most critical. Keeping new plantings hydrated until the snow stays gives them the best chance to establish and come back strong in spring.
Watering Tips for Calgary Gardens
Check the Soil: The best indicator of when to water is dry soil. Stick your finger a few inches into the ground to test for moisture before watering.
Water Deeply: Water slowly and thoroughly to encourage deep root growth that helps plants endure Calgary’s dry winters.
Watch for Chinooks: Warm chinook winds can dry out soil quickly. If the ground hasn’t frozen, continue watering during warm spells to keep roots hydrated.
Stop When the Ground Freezes: Once the soil is frozen solid, watering is no longer effective. Moist soil before freeze-up provides the best insulation for roots.
Adjusting Your Watering System
Automatic Sprinklers
If your automatic sprinklers have been disabled for the season, switch to manual watering as needed. Use a hose or watering wand to give trees, shrubs, and new plantings a deep soak every few days during dry periods. Reduce frequency during cooler weather or after rainfall to avoid overwatering.
Manual Watering
If you water by hand, check soil conditions before each watering. Avoid watering if the soil is still moist from rain or snowmelt.
Final Winterizing Steps
Heavy Watering Before Frost: Give trees, shrubs, and perennial beds a final deep soak before the first hard frost, typically in late October.
Winterize Your System: Turn off outdoor water lines, disconnect and drain hoses, and shut down irrigation controllers to prevent freezing damage.
Calgary Quick Tips
Focus on watering at the base of plants for better root absorption.
Water more often for new plantings or during dry autumn periods.
Avoid standing water or ice buildup near roots.
In most years, watering can continue until mid or late November, depending on soil temperature.
Why It Matters
Calgary’s freeze-thaw cycles, dry air, and chinook winds can be tough on gardens. A little extra watering now helps plants enter winter strong, reduces stress, and encourages better growth come spring.
A few minutes with the hose this fall can save you a lot of replanting next year.
