As the old saying goes, don't be casual when watering before winter. Although the cold winter is approaching, Uncle Wang, an old farmer who grows garlic, also thinks so. Uncle Wang knows that compared with the wheat, spinach and other crops he grows, garlic has a shallow root system and is more likely to freeze to death in the cold wind. If the soil is too dry in winter and the gaps are too large, it is easy for cold wind to pour in, and the consequences are unimaginable. However, it is not so simple to water garlic before winter, Uncle Wang has been planting it himself for decades, and he is well aware of the truth that "watering may also harm it". Seeing that the first snow in the north was not far away, Uncle Wang finally made up his mind to pour this water of fate on his garlic. He understands that the meaning of watering is to keep the soil moist, which can not only block the invasion of cold wind, but also increase the temperature of the ground, so that the roots of garlic will not freeze to death. Looking at the well-drained soil in the field, Uncle Wang secretly hoped that the garlic he planted would grow again, blossom and bear fruit in the coming year. Watering criterion 1: When mulching, garlic never needs to be watered. Uncle Wang thinks so too. The garlic film in the field is covered with silver film during the day, and it is open at night to keep the ground warm at medium temperature. 
This delicate artificial control system makes the soil moisture trapped in the ground by the film, and no one has to worry about water replenishment at all. Watering criterion 2: In plots where the soil itself is damp, do not carelessly cover the water source before winter. It's too wet, it's like drinking too much water, and the cells are full, but they can't work properly. At this time, if you fill it with water, it will only make the soil more silty and the water will be deeper - the roots of the garlic will rot as a result. Reckless and disorderly watering will only lead to a greater risk of these roots freezing to death. Watering Criterion 3: Dry land is in dire need of water. Soil without moisture is prone to cold wind and cold in the small voids. When the soil freezes, it is difficult to replenish water to the garlic. If this drought persists into the harsh winter, garlic can wither and wither. Therefore, it is necessary to inject an appropriate amount of water before the earth is completely frozen to ensure that the garlic survives the winter. The timing of watering, Uncle Wang has accumulated valuable experience over the years. The most suitable irrigation node for wintering water is when the local temperature meets the fluctuation characteristics of "sub-zero at night and thaw during the day". This usually means that average daily temperatures remain in the mid-30s Fahrenheit and around 5 degrees Celsius for a week or so. Specifically, the best time slot is concentrated at noon on the same day. First, the temperature is relatively high during the day, and the moisture seeps into the soil relatively quickly. Second, the water itself releases heat in the process of infiltration, which just warms the surface a little, which is conducive to the growth of garlic seedlings. 
If you choose to water after the sun goes down and the temperature plummets, the moisture can form a thin layer of ice on the surface of the soil, blocking contact with the underlying soil. In addition to capturing the timing correctly, the method and magnitude of watering also need to be mastered properly. Uncle Wang always carefully scooped some well water with a kettle and sprinkled it lightly on the vegetable field. He knew that if he poured too much hard, the cold water would sink strongly, and it would probably freeze the garlic directly. Prudence is a must for success. "Watering before winter, depending on the situation, blindly is no different from drinking a donkey to quench your thirst. Uncle Wang summed up years of planting experience and came up with this completely different new insight. 
He found that soil and climate conditions vary widely from region to region. It is impossible to apply the same moisture standards to the north and south, to dry land and water sources, to cover mulch ridges and bare loess. Spreading the water down may be just right for some places, but not for others. Therefore, it is not possible to simply use the word "watering" to summarize the coping strategy, but it is necessary to adjust water resources input according to local conditions and specific environmental changes. Nature is complex and changeable, and manual operations must be equally flexible and thoughtful. Blindly applying water or mechanically to the so-called "standard process" can easily backfire and harm the crops you have worked so hard to plant. 
Uncle Wang thought as he glanced at the well-drained fertile soil in his field. The garlic here will no longer need to be irrigated for the next month. He believes that through scientific judgment and rational operation, the garlic plants he has cultivated will survive the first harsh winter in the north and bloom golden flowers in the coming year.