Candy's Garden Oasis

Preparing you Patio for Winter

23rd September, 2009 - Posted by candy - No Comments

For all of my reader in the northern part of the county the colder weather will soon be driving us indoor.

Follow the step for preparing patio for the winter will make you spring time go a lot smoother so that you can get out there and state enjoying you backyard oasis sooner.

1. Give your furniture a quick cleaning. Don’t bother with a good scrubbing because ever with a cover you furniture will still get dirty before spring. Whisk loose dirt from tables and chairs with a brush, getting and debris that is stuck to legs or crevices. Quickly rub down the cushions with a sponge dipped in warm soapy water. Rinse the sponge and wipe again, let them air dry. Wrap cushions in a old sheets and store indoors.

2. Degreasing the grill. Fire up you grill for about 10 minutes to bur off any residue, then turn off the flame and scrape the grated clean with a wire brush or ball of aluminum foil. Once the grill cool sown remove the grease tray and wash. Leaving grease in the tray can attract critters. Wipe grills lid, knobs and side trays with a soapy water and rinse. Turn off gas and disconnect. Cover the grill.

3. Putting away garden gear. Start with the garden hose. Find an end and start pulling it straight out into the yard, unkinking as you go. Head to the other end and begin winding the hose into a circle on the ground, any water that’s inside will come out as you reel it in. Store inside so it won’t freeze. Next toss out any potted plants. Empty the dirt out and clean out the inside. If you can’t store inside then turn them upside down. If a planter is to large to turn upside down then leave the dirt in it, this will keep its temperature more constant and prevent the container from cracking when the temperature drops. Store all garden tools indoor

4. Sweep, give your patio a good sweeping.

To make it easier for next time sometime in the spring give your furniture a thorough cleaning then coat with car wax this will repel the dirt.

Before your first cookout line the grill grease tray with foil for a easier clean up in the fall.

Buy a reel or a hose pot or get creative and find another large container that can be use to coil your hose in.

Until next time Candy.