How many times, with the arrival of spring, have you found yourself with broken vases, ruined furniture or unusable tools? It’s frustrating, right? But it doesn’t have to be that way. With a few precautions, you can avoid these problems.
But how to take care of the garden during the winter? In this guide you will find out what is best not to leave out in the cold and how to keep it safe.
Why protect your garden during the winter
Winter is unforgiving. Rain and frost can damage items left outdoors. And even constant temperature changes can damage objects. Cracks, deformations and rust may form.
You know those beautiful vases in terracotta what did you buy with such enthusiasm? If you leave them outside, moisture seeps into the walls and, in the cold, turns to ice. Result? They crack and break. And what about the tools from the garden? They too can rust if exposed to moisture and furniture wood instead they can rot.
Protecting your garden in winter is not just a matter of practicality, but also a way to save and value what you have. Let’s see specifically what objects need to be protected and how best to do it.
Protect terracotta, clay or plastic pots during the winter
Terracotta and clay pots are very beautiful, but also extremely fragile in winter. They absorb moisture which, when frozen, causes them to crack. Even plastic pots are not safe: the cold can make them brittle and cause them to break.
- Bring the pots to a location closed, such as the garage or cellar.
- Empty them completely from the soil and wash them to eliminate all traces of humidity.
- If you don’t have space indoors, wrap them in a three insulation or use frost-resistant pots.
Gardening tools during winter
Winter is no friend to your gear. Rakes, shovels and scissors, if left outside, will rust and become unusable.
- Clean the tools from the ground and residues before storing them.
- Store them in a shed or in a waterproof box.
- Use this period to sharpen them or treat them with a little of oil: they will be ready for spring.
Garden furniture in winter
Wooden outdoor furniture can become soaked in humidity and ruined, while metal risks rusting over time.
- Bring the furniture to the covered, if you can.
- Cover them with waterproof sheets if they have to stay outdoors.
- Enough to dry cushions well before storing them in closed containers.
Irrigation hoses and watering cans
A hose full of water left outside can freeze and break. The same goes for watering cans, which often warp in the cold.
- Empty completely i tubes and watering cans before the frost arrives.
- Roll up the pipes and store them in a dry place, such as a shed or cellar.
- Conserva keep watering cans indoors to prevent them from getting ruined.
Decorations and lights in winter
Glass decorations and solar lights are particularly delicate. Frost can break glass, while humidity can damage electronic parts.
- Bring all the decorations indoors and place them in a transparent box: you will easily find them in spring.
- Remove the battery from solar lights to prevent them from oxidizing.
Organize the garden for the winter
Preparing your garden for winter is simple. With a few precautions you can protect everything and have a garden ready for spring, without any nasty surprises.
- Dedicate a corner of the garage or the cellar to store everything safely.
- Usa cans transparent or labeled to organize items.
- Check not to forget anything, especially the smallest things, such as decorations or tubes.
- A little about order now will save you time and trouble later.
A small gesture for a big result
Taking care of your garden in winter is like taking care of a trusted friend. A few precautions are enough to avoid damage and keep everything in perfect shape. When spring returns, your garden will be ready to welcome you without any nasty surprises.
Have you already started putting everything away? If not, it’s never too late to do so. Every item you protect today is one less problem tomorrow. And then, how nice will it be to find everything ready and in order when the sun shines again? Your garden will thank you!
Photo © Stock.adobe
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