Water Warms the Soil

• Moisture increases the soil's ability to absorb heat from the sun, which it then radiates to your plants. Mulching is a good practice, as it keeps the soil moist and reduces the likelihood that frost will injure plants.
  
  

Water Protects Plants

• The water inside plant cells acts as an insulator, helping the plant resist damage from freezing temperatures. Toward the end of the growing season, plants use less water, so you can cut watering back to twice a month unless a freeze is predicted.
  
  

Time Frame

• A soaking rain one or two days before a freeze will provide protection to plants. In the absence of rain, water thoroughly the night before freezing temperatures are expected or on the day of the freeze. If you choose the latter, water in the morning to give soil and plants time to absorb the moisture. Try to water when the outside temperature is at least 40 degrees Fahrenheit.