Wintering: Preparing your garden and equipment for winter

Why is winterizing essential?

Winterizing protects your plants, tools and installations from damage caused by the cold. Benefits include:

• Keep hoses and irrigation systems from freezing.
• Protect your fragile plants by offering them favorable conditions.
• Extend the life of your garden equipment.

The consequences of neglected wintering

An unprotected garden can suffer :

• The death of certain varieties of frost-sensitive plants.
• Material damage, such as cracks in pots or pipes.
• More costly maintenance in spring.

The different types of wintering

1. Wintering plants:
   • Mulch to protect roots.
   • Tuck in the most fragile potted plants.
   • Use winter sails to cover exposed shrubs.
2. Winterizing equipment:
   • Drain water pipes and tanks.
   • Clean and store garden tools.
   • Disconnect automatic watering systems.
3. Winterizing the pool (if you have one) :
   • Add a specific product to prevent freezing.
   • Install a winter cover.

Special equipment not to forget

• Lawnmowers: empty the fuel tank.
• Power tools: store in a dry place.
• Garden furniture: protect with covers.

How to successfully winterize your garden?

Plan essential tasks

For optimal wintering, it is important to follow a suitable schedule:

• October to November: start by protecting your plants and tools.
• December: make sure everything is in place for the cold weather.

Adopting the right gestures

• Water plants that have been sheltered sparingly.
• Monitor temperature fluctuations.
• Inspect your installations regularly for signs of deterioration.