As winter sets in, your garden goes dormant. Secure your tools, equipment, and furniture indoors. Safeguard watering systems from frost damage, and perform routine maintenance to maximize longevity. Drawing from years of hands-on gardening experience, here's a proven guide to winter storage.
Pipes: Drain them completely and disconnect all fittings to inspect for leaks and wear. Replace seals as needed. Coil hoses onto reels and store indoors. If left outside due to space constraints, ensure they're fully emptied to prevent frost-related bursts.
Sprinklers: Verify no water remains inside, especially for frost-exposed units. Clean filters thoroughly and clear nozzles without using wire, which can damage them.
Underground Watering Systems: Drain lines via bleed ports. Disconnect at the water inlet and insulate against freezing if indoor shutoff isn't feasible. Store the programmer indoors and protect fittings from cold.
Secure Handles: Inspect joints and reinforce loose ones with a nail or screw. Sand wooden handles lightly to remove splinters, but skip varnish—it cracks and irritates skin.
Clean Metal Parts: Brush off debris with a dry cloth and brush. Dry thoroughly, then apply a thin coat of food-grade oil to ward off rust. Hang tools on a rack in a sheltered spot.
Pro Tip: Oiled and cleaned, your tools will be spring-ready. Never store gasoline over winter, as it can condense and degrade.
General Maintenance: Change engine oil to manufacturer-recommended type. Drain fuel tanks and leave open to prevent condensation. Clean air filters and spark plugs; add light oil to sheaths. Inspect power cables on electric models and charge batteries monthly.
Lawn Mowers: Disconnect spark plugs for safety. Brush and dry the undercarriage. Apply food-grade oil or lubricant. Remove, sharpen, and balance blades. Store in a dry, ventilated area under an old blanket.
Brushcutters: Clean and sharpen blades. Lubricate gears. For string heads, preload fresh line. Protect the head and store upright to save space.
Hedge Trimmers: Brush teeth vigorously; use clean gasoline for sap residue. Teeth self-sharpen typically. Add blade guards and store safely away from children.
Clean resin furniture with soapy water and dry. Stack under cover, tarped against weather. For wood, wipe with a damp sponge, dry fully, and store. In spring, light sand and apply preservative.
Related Reading: Planter Tips: Protecting Plants Through Winter
