6 garden items you should store away when temperatures really dip
Preparing your home and garden is essential to combat the drop in temperature during winter. One crucial outdoor task involves safely moving items that aren't likely to withstand frost, snow, and other adverse weather conditions. Here are six items to prioritise...
1. Terracotta pots
While you'll need to protect your plants from harsh frosts to keep them thriving, terracotta pots need a little TLC too. Although real terracotta pots and certain types of ceramic work particularly well in the heat and humidity of the summer months, they’re not quite as hardy in the cold. ‘Terracotta in particular is porous and will crack as water seeps in, freezes, and expands,’ explains Sarah Day, storage expert at Pay Less For Storage. Move your pots to a frost-free place and ensure they are off the ground.
2. Electric garden equipment
‘Anything electric or with a motor, such as lawnmowers or trimmers, should be emptied of fuel to prevent condensation in the tank, which can harm the engine,’ says Sarah. Storing these costly garden machines in a shed or garage should suffice. Remember to check on them periodically throughout the winter months.
3. Metal tools
Good-quality metal garden tools aren’t cheap either, so you don’t want to leave them out over winter exposed to the elements, as this can lead to rusting. ‘If you want your shovels and secateurs to have a long life, carefully clean and oil them, then wrap them in an old hessian sack or dust sheet and store them somewhere dry,’ suggests Sarah.
4. Wooden furniture
Extend the lifespan of your outdoor furniture sets with protective covers. While metal, rattan, and rope furniture can generally withstand winter conditions, wooden sets should ideally be stored in a dry place such as a shed or garage.
'For pieces that are more vulnerable to winter weather, such as wooden or fabric-based furniture, it's worth investing in high-quality covers,' says Nazia Irfan, style advisor at Kettler. Covers need to be breathable to avoid condensation, which can create mould and mildew on furniture. Ensure the covers fit snugly but allow for some airflow, and raise the furniture slightly off the ground to avoid direct contact with snow or pooling water.
'Applying a good quality wood preservative or waterproof wood wax is recommended as well, as it will form another protective barrier from the elements,' says Sam Stevens from Pergolux UK.
5. Hoses
As soon as the temperature drops below freezing, any residual water that has been left inside a hose will freeze, which can lead to a cracked and damaged hose if you're not careful. Disconnect your hose, drain it, and safely store in a water-resistant container or shed.
6. Seeds and spring bulbs
Cold and moisture can ruin seeds and bulbs before they’ve even had a chance to be planted. ‘If they get too damp, they could rot, and if they freeze, they are unlikely to survive planting in spring,' says Sarah. 'Store them in a cool but dry area inside your home, such as an old shoebox lined with newspaper.'
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