OCTOBER 5, 2024

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As winter approaches, it’s time to prepare your garden for the colder months ahead. Proper winter storage is crucial for protecting your garden tools, furniture, and even some plants from the harsh weather. By taking the time to store your garden essentials correctly, you’ll ensure they’re ready to use when spring arrives. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you get your garden winter-ready.

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    1. Store Garden Tools Properly

    Garden tools are a significant investment, and storing them correctly over the winter will prolong their life and keep them in good working order.

    Clean Your Tools:

    • Remove Dirt and Debris: Before storing your tools, clean off any dirt, sap, or plant material. Use a wire brush or a putty knife to scrape off stubborn dirt, and then wash the tools with warm, soapy water.
    • Disinfect: To prevent the spread of diseases in your garden, disinfect your tools by wiping them down with a solution of one part bleach to nine parts water. Allow them to dry completely.

    Prevent Rust and Corrosion:

    • Sharpen Blades: Sharpen any blades on pruning shears, shovels, and hoes before storing them. This will ensure they’re ready to use in the spring.
    • Oil Moving Parts: Apply a light coat of oil (such as mineral oil) to metal parts to prevent rust. Pay special attention to hinges and joints on pruners and shears.
    • Store in a Dry Place: Store tools in a dry, sheltered location, such as a garage, shed, or basement. Hanging tools on a wall pegboard or storing them in a tool rack can help keep them organized and off the floor.
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    2. Protect Garden Furniture

    Winter weather can be harsh on outdoor furniture, leading to rust, rot, and other damage. Proper storage can keep your furniture looking great year after year.

    Clean and Cover:

    • Wipe Down Furniture: Clean your garden furniture thoroughly with a mild detergent and water. For wooden furniture, consider applying a protective oil or sealant to shield it from moisture.
    • Use Furniture Covers: Invest in high-quality, weather-resistant covers that fit snugly over your furniture. These covers will protect against snow, rain, and ice.
    • Store Indoors: If possible, move lightweight furniture into a garage, shed, or basement for the winter. If indoor storage isn’t an option, ensure it’s well-covered and raised off the ground to prevent damage from pooling water.
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    3. Winterize Your Planters and Pots

    Not all plants can survive the winter outdoors, and leaving empty pots and planters exposed can lead to cracking and other damage.

    Protect Potted Plants:

    • Move Indoors: For tender perennials and tropical plants, move pots indoors to a cool, bright location, such as a sunroom or garage, to protect them from freezing temperatures.
    • Insulate Outdoors: For plants that must stay outdoors, insulate the pots by wrapping them in bubble wrap, burlap, or an insulating blanket. Group pots together and place them in a sheltered spot close to a building wall to provide extra warmth.

    Store Empty Pots:

    • Clean and Dry: Before storing empty pots, clean them thoroughly to remove soil, salts, and algae. Allow them to dry completely to prevent cracking.
    • Stack and Store: Stack terracotta, ceramic, and plastic pots upside down to save space and prevent water from collecting inside. Store them in a dry location, like a shed or garage, to protect them from frost damage.

  • 4. Prepare Hoses and Water Features

    Water left in hoses and outdoor water features can freeze and cause significant damage. Properly storing these items can prevent costly repairs.

    Drain and Store Hoses:

    • Drain Completely: Disconnect garden hoses from outdoor faucets, drain them thoroughly, and coil them neatly. Leaving water in hoses can lead to freezing and splitting.
    • Store Indoors: Store hoses indoors in a dry location. Hanging them on a hose rack or coiling them loosely will prevent kinks and damage.

    Winterize Water Features:

    • Drain Fountains and Ponds: Drain water from fountains, birdbaths, and other water features to prevent ice damage. If your pond contains fish, consider using a pond heater to keep a small area ice-free.
    • Cover and Store: Cover smaller water features or fountain pumps with a weather-resistant cover. For larger features, remove and store any pumps or other removable parts indoors.or.

  • 5. Secure and Store Garden Structures

    Garden structures, such as trellises, arches, and pergolas, can suffer damage from heavy snow, ice, and wind. Preparing them for winter will ensure they remain intact and usable come spring.

    Inspect and Repair:

    • Check for Damage: Inspect structures for any signs of wear or damage. Repair any loose joints, cracks, or rusted parts before winter sets in.
    • Reinforce: Secure trellises and arches with additional stakes or ties to withstand winter winds and snow. Consider removing any delicate structures that might not survive heavy snowfalls.

    Store Portable Structures:

    • Disassemble and Store: If possible, disassemble portable structures like lightweight trellises or garden arches and store them in a garage or shed for the winter.

  • 6. Store Seeds and Bulbs

    Proper storage of seeds and bulbs over the winter is crucial for ensuring healthy growth in the next growing season.

    Store Seeds:

    • Dry and Cool: Store seeds in a cool, dry place. Keep them in airtight containers, such as glass jars or plastic bags, to protect them from moisture and pests.
    • Label and Organize: Label seed packets clearly with the type and date of collection. Organize them in a box or drawer for easy access when spring planting begins.

    Store Bulbs:

    • Cure and Dry: If you’ve lifted bulbs such as tulips, dahlias, or gladiolus for winter storage, cure them in a cool, dry place for a week or two to allow excess moisture to evaporate.
    • Store in a Cool, Dark Place: Place the bulbs in a paper bag or a box filled with dry peat moss, sawdust, or sand. Store them in a cool, dark place where temperatures remain above freezing but below 50°F (10°C).

  • 7. Prepare and Store Lawn Equipment

    Lawn equipment, such as mowers, trimmers, and blowers, needs special care before winter storage to ensure it’s ready to go in the spring.

    Clean and Maintain:

    • Clean Thoroughly: Remove grass, dirt, and debris from lawn mowers, trimmers, and blowers. Cleaning the underside of the mower deck is particularly important to prevent rust.
    • Change Oil and Filters: For gas-powered equipment, change the oil and air filters. This will help prevent engine damage and ensure a smooth start in the spring.
    • Drain Fuel: Run the engine until the fuel tank is empty or add a fuel stabilizer to prevent the gas from going stale over the winter.

    Store Safely:

    • Store Indoors: Store lawn equipment in a dry, sheltered location like a garage or shed. If storing outdoors, cover equipment with a weather-resistant tarp.

    Remove Batteries:For battery-powered equipment, remove the batteries and store them indoors at room temperature to prolong their life.