Will it help to water the eyes?

[Libby]

Looks like the temperature is going to crash later this week. Surface soil is dry, moist underneath from scattered showers. Is there any advantage to watering all these hosta eyes that have poked up?

[HostaDesigner]

Last year, we had some late frosts, so I reprogrammed my sprinkler system to water every hour and a half thru the night for 20 minutes at a time. The water is at least 20 degrees above freezing, so it worked like a charm. That was for ONE night of frost at a time. This cold spell is supposed to last for a week or two for us.

I wouldn't recommend doing this for long cold spells like the one coming. Personally, I'm just going to tough it out and keep my fingers crossed.

[eastwood2007]

Someone told me recently (I don't remember who, so I am not sure of the integrity of the advice, but I think it was at a reputable garden center), that if expecting a frost, it is good to water well ahead of time. Said the leaves hold up better when well hydrated.

[MikeWI]

single watering prob won't help much if you do dip below freezing... you'd prob have to do what Jamie suggested for real benifit. I would consider maybe a single deep watering then cover with pots or some sort of fabric, but don't wet the fabric.

[Libby]

Thanks for the advice, guys! Mother Nature made the decision for me and threw in the ice cubes. I appreciate the information though and have made reference notes.

[eastwood2007]

I am glad you clarified that, Mike! I didn't realize I left that kind of open-ended. I meant to say that deep watering before covering helped more than if they were on the drier side. Thanks!