Autumn is the perfect time to get ahead of the game. A few hours spent on winter preparation can prevent thousands of pounds worth of damage to your home and garden from frost and damp. This winter garden prep checklist ensures you put your garden to bed properly, ready for a fresh start in the spring.
Protecting your property: How to protect outdoor taps from frost
The pipes leading to your outdoor tap are highly vulnerable to freezing and bursting, which can cause significant flooding when the thaw hits.
- Isolate the supply: The best method is to turn off the water supply to the outdoor tap at the internal isolation valve (often under the kitchen sink or near the main stopcock).
- Drain the pipe: Open the outdoor tap fully to drain any remaining water from the pipe between the valve and the tap.
- Cover: Fit a specialist insulated tap cover to the tap for extra protection.
- Savvy tip: If you have a sprinkler or irrigation system, a professional can drain down the entire system to prevent water freezing inside the pipes and cracking the plastic.
Preparing garden for winter: The plant and border checklist
Vulnerable plants and hard surfaces need a tidy-up before the severe frost hits.
- When to cut back perennials: Wait until the foliage has died back and turned brown (usually late October/November). Cut the stems back to around 5-10cm above ground level. Leave some seed heads standing for winter wildlife interest.
- Mulch the borders: Apply a thick layer (around 5-10cm) of mulch (bark chips or well-rotted compost) over your soil. This insulates the plant roots from hard frost.
- Clear leaves: Rake leaves off your lawn and patios. Leaving wet leaves on the lawn can cause rot and discolouration.
Protecting potted plants from frost and structures
Pots are highly vulnerable because the plant roots are exposed to cold air on all sides.
- Move pots: Group vulnerable pots together in a sheltered spot, close to a house wall (which radiates heat), or inside a cold greenhouse or shed.
- Protect potted plants from frost: If they must stay outside, raise pots onto ‘pot feet’ or bricks to prevent them sitting in water. Wrap the pots themselves in bubble wrap or thick horticultural fleece to insulate the roots.
- Secure structures: Check that gates, fences, and shed doors are secured, as winter gales can exploit weak points.
Why use Rated People for winter preparation?
A thorough winter garden prep checklist in the UK is often too time-consuming for homeowners. Our platform connects you with experienced gardeners who can efficiently perform tasks like draining your irrigation system, securing delicate structures, and safely how to protect outdoor taps from frost, ensuring your property is secure and ready for the coldest months ahead.
With Rated People, you have the power to get it done. Find a trusted, local tradesperson today.