Help! Getting my garden and home ready for winter

jennymanalili · May 27, 2024 11:46 am

Hey everyone,
With winter just around the corner, I'm starting to think about how to prepare my home and garden for the cooler weather. Winters can be a bit surprising, with chilly evenings and even some frost. I'm hoping to keep enjoying my outdoor space as much as possible, but I also want to make sure my plants survive and my pipes don't burst!

Here's what I'm thinking: are patio heaters effective for cosy evenings, and how can I protect delicate plants from frost? Winter also seems like a good time for new veggies – any planting recommendations and care tips? With the cooler weather, I hear snails and slugs become a menace – how can I keep them at bay? Finally, should I insulate my pipes, and are there tricks to saving hot water during winter showers?

I'm a bit of a winter newbie, so any advice or shared experiences would be greatly appreciated!

Michelle · Aug 12, 2024 6:50 am

How did you go?

Sorry I've been designing my new home and I've been preoccupied

Maybe a photo of your backyard just in time for Spring.

jagberg · Aug 16, 2024 1:04 am

I’ve been prepping for winter myself, so here’s what I’ve found helpful. For staying cozy outside, patio heaters work well, but if you want a budget-friendly option, I use outdoor throws and blankets. To protect plants from frost, I cover them with mulch and frost cloths – old sheets work in a pinch too. I’ve had good luck with winter veggies like kale and Brussels sprouts; they seem to handle the cold pretty well. For snails and slugs, I use copper tape around my garden beds and set out some beer traps. Definitely insulate your pipes – I learned that the hard way! To save hot water, I cut down on shower time and swapped to a low-flow showerhead.