Home LivingGardenExpert reveals the 7 garden items you should never keep outside over winterIf these items are still outside, you better move them now!When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
Home LivingGardenExpert reveals the 7 garden items you should never keep outside over winterIf these items are still outside, you better move them now!When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
If these items are still outside, you better move them now!
When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
(Image credit: onepony / iStock)
(Image credit: onepony / iStock)
We’ve already looked at the4 essential winter household checksand4 essential winter garden jobs, but did you know there are certain items that just shouldn’t be kept outside at all? To help, Samantha Richards, garden gazebo expert atGazeboshop, has given her advice on garden storage over the colder months and the exact items to prioritise.
Keep reading to find out the 7 common items in your garden to pack away now, otherwise you may be facing some hefty repair costs.
1. Garden furniture
Although outdoor furniture is designed to live outside and often labelled weatherproof, a light spot of rain is a completely different situation to freezing temperatures and strong winds. Not all the parts can withstand weather conditions in the same way, such as cushions and synthetic rugs, which will need to be cared for and stored differently compared to the metal frame and chairs.
Now that hosting is over until the weather warms up, it’s safest to bring as much of it as you can inside. If this isn’t possible, protecting the bulkier items with a durable cover that’s weighted to the ground will mean the whole set is more likely to survive winter.
2. Gazebo
In stormy weather, gazebos should be taken down and packed away to prevent damage to the gazebo itself, and your property if it blows away. A shed or garage is the best place to store a gazebo, but for those with less space, consider purchasing a waterproof cover or storage chest to shield it from the elements.
Sign up to the T3 newsletter for smarter living straight to your inbox
Get all the latest news, reviews, deals and buying guides on gorgeous tech, home and active products from the T3 experts
3. Lawn mower
Not taking care of yourlawn mowerin general is an expensive mistake, let alone over winter when it’s wet and cold and even more susceptible to damage.
A shed or garage is the best option for storing a lawn mower because of its size, but make sure it isn’t too damp. To reduce the chances of damp corroding your mower, place it away from other gardening equipment with enough room either side, and ideally not up against the shed wall where damp typically forms.
For those without a garage or shed, the next best thing is to purchase waterproof tarpaulin and cover the mower to protect it.
4. Outdoor plants
With temperatures creeping below zero, certain plants in your garden will need some extra care if they are to outlive winter. Whilst cold-hardy perennials are fine, the more tender ones will need to be lifted and moved inside away from the frost.
If you have a greenhouse or porch area, utilise this space to not only reduce harm to the more tender plants, but your plant pots too. Shielding them from strong wind and freezing temperatures will prevent your favourite pots from cracking and breaking.
5. Garden hose
One garden item often forgotten about when it comes to winter is thegarden hose. If the cold weather causes the hose to freeze over, there’s a good chance the hose will crack, leaving it unusable for your watering jobs when it warms up again.
When temperatures drop below freezing, empty all the water from the hose, wrap it up and move it to a dry place. If you are struggling for storage space, a good alternative is to buy a hose hanger, which can be purchased online and in most garden stores. The hanger will prevent the hose from being fully covered in any snow or ice on the ground, and mean it’s less likely to freeze and crack.
6. Barbecue
Although you can still grill in winter, most of us won’t be any time soon. To ensure yourbarbecuefires back up in the summer, it’s vital you store it properly now. Cooking on a rusty grill will contaminate your food and may even pose health risks, which won’t earn you any hosting points.
If you don’t have room for your BBQ inside a garage or shed, try to find a dry space outside which is shielded from the wind and rain. Also, keep it anchored to the ground so it doesn’t blow over and get damaged - or worse, damage anything else on your property in the process.
7. Grass trimmer
Whether your strimmer is corded or battery powered and cordless, it should still be stored inside where it’s dry. The ideal storage position for a strimmer is to be hung upright on a wall, in your shed or garage for instance. If this isn’t an option for you, then simply laying the strimmer horizontally on a work surface out of harm’s way will be sufficient.
If you’re interested in more, check out the6 items you should never keep in your shedover winter.
Vollebak pushes the limits of outerwear with Double Graphene Puffer and Shielding SuitThe company continues to weave innovation into every thread
The company continues to weave innovation into every thread
Bowers & Wilkins Pi6 review: sensational sound, ordinary ANCBowers & Wilkins' step-down true wireless earbuds sound amazing and are well-priced – so what’s the catch, if anything?
Bowers & Wilkins' step-down true wireless earbuds sound amazing and are well-priced – so what’s the catch, if anything?
LG’s latest smart lamp grows indoor plants and sets the mood – but you might not get oneLG combines smart lighting with indoor gardening
LG combines smart lighting with indoor gardening
Should you keep the heating on low all day? An expert reveals allThe age-long question has finally been answered
The age-long question has finally been answered
Energy expert reveals ideal temperature for your thermostat this winterWere you aware of this?
Were you aware of this?
Gardening jobs for December: 10 tasks to wrap up the yearThere are still tasks to be doing!
There are still tasks to be doing!
Stoov’s new rechargeable heated blanket is so big that I immediately had to buy itIt couldn’t arrive sooner enough
It couldn’t arrive sooner enough
These 5 energy-saving heaters will help you stay cosy without touching the thermostatThey’re also incredibly affordable
They’re also incredibly affordable
Gardening jobs for November: 10 tasks to complete before the frost sets inYou better get your gardening gloves on quick!
You better get your gardening gloves on quick!
