As winter approaches, the worries of summer residents do not decrease, only their specifics change. On the eve of cold weather, it is important to properly prepare your summer cottage for wintering. This applies not only to plants, but also to houses, outbuildings, and communications. To ensure that your first spring visit to the dacha does not bring negative impressions, you must carry out a number of preparatory work.
Preparing trees and shrubs for cold weather
In most cases, experienced summer residents grow acclimatized and cold-resistant species of trees and shrubs on their plots, but it is still better to additionally protect young plants from severe frosts. For this purpose, special materials are used that retain heat. In addition, autumn is the best time to trim trees from dry growth and shape shrubs.
Lawn preparation
The lawn must be cleared of debris and fallen leaves. If this is not done, they will become an environment for the development of pathogenic microbes and pests. The lawn should be mowed a couple of centimeters shorter than usual. It is advisable to mulch the area.
Fertilizer application
Properly selected and timely applied fertilizers will be processed by the soil in winter; in summer they will be easily absorbed by plants, guaranteeing a good harvest. Before the arrival of winter, almost any fertilizer can be applied to the soil. Simultaneously with digging and after it, you can fertilize with compost, chicken manure, peat and any mineral fertilizers.
Sowing winter plants
Plants planted in winter will delight summer residents with an early harvest next season. The list of plants that can be planted before the onset of frost is not limited to the well-known garlic. Radishes, beets, carrots and other root vegetables tolerate winter well. The seeds are hardened by frost, become more hardy and suffer less disease.
Inventory processing
In order for your equipment to last for more than one season, you need to spend time preparing it for winter. The tool must be washed, dried, and if necessary, lubricated. It is recommended to store in a dry place, wrapped in film. These measures will protect the equipment from rust formation.
Preparation of engineering systems
Plumbing requires special attention when preparing for winter. Safety is ensured by eliminating the remaining water in the system. To do this, the water supply is shut off and the tap is opened at the lowest point. Thus, water flows out of the pipes by gravity. If there is no drain valve, the system must be purged using a compressor. If the water pipes are shallow, they are additionally insulated with foam plastic. External taps are packed in polyethylene.
Rodent protection
To prevent mice from attacking the house, exclude the presence of any kind of food in the house. In addition, it would be a good idea to spread a poison that will protect property from damage by rodents. There are modern methods of protection - special repellers, which have become an excellent alternative to mousetraps. Thanks to them, mice avoid housing.
Security
Before winter, locks, bolts, latches, and hinges are checked for reliability and, if necessary, lubricated.If possible, you can further secure your home by installing window bars and metal doors.
Thus, autumn is not yet a time for relaxation. Proper and timely preparation for winter will ensure the safety of your summer cottage, plants and crops until the next season.
