Preparing cottages for winter: what you need to do in October to survive the frosts without problems

Autumn is an important period for summer residents, because it is in October that the active preparation of the plot and the house for the winter season begins. Untimely care of the cottage can lead to breakdowns of engineering systems, damage to plants and even serious damage to structures. To avoid trouble, it is necessary to prepare the cottage and the plot for winter even before the frosts. Izvestia tells you more about how to protect a cottage in the cold season.

Cleaning and preparation of the site for wintering

The first step is to remove from the site all plants that have already outlived their time: dry foliage, tops, weeds and crop residues. These elements can become breeding grounds for diseases and pests, which use the remnants for survival in winter. It is recommended to carefully dig up the beds and apply organic fertilizers such as peat, rotted manure or humus to improve the structure and moisture of the soil.

In the garden, old and damaged branches are cut off, sick or weak plants are removed. It is advisable to cover young trees with special insulation or lapnik to protect them from severe frosts and rodents. Special attention should be paid to whitewashing the trunks — it helps protect plants from sunburn and cracks in the kidneys.

Conservation of engineering systems and equipment

In October, it is very important to prepare the water supply and sewerage. All water pipes, taps, pumps, and boilers must be completely free of water to avoid bursting during freezing. Siphons and plumbing are additionally treated with non-freezing liquids. The gas cylinders must be disconnected if the system is self-contained, or the valve must be turned off when the gas supply is centralized.

Electricity must also be turned off completely to eliminate the risk of a short circuit and fire due to voltage fluctuations. Before disconnecting, it is useful to check all the wiring, fix damaged areas and provide protection from moisture. Fire safety is a prerequisite before the winter period.

Protection of the house, windows and doors

In autumn, it is worth carefully checking windows and doors for cracks and crevices through which cold air can enter. They must be insulated with seals or special tape. If possible and necessary, you can install second double-glazed windows or special curtains for additional thermal insulation.

The roof and facade of the house must be in good condition: the absence of leaks and cracks is a guarantee of heat preservation and protection from ultraviolet radiation and snow. Pay special attention to the insulation of basements and attics — this is where heat loss often occurs.

Greenhouse construction and maintenance

If there is a greenhouse in the country, its preparation for winter begins with harvesting the remains of plants, dry leaves and weeds. The frame and walls are washed, disinfected with a solution of potassium permanganate or copper sulfate, and damage and cracks are repaired after inspection. To preserve heat, the greenhouse is insulated with a film in two layers or a heating system is installed if winter cultivation is planned.

It is important to turn off irrigation and drain the water from the system so that the pipes and hoses do not burst in the cold. Also, make sure that the air vents are closed and protected from precipitation.

Preparing inventory for winter

All tools and garden tools must be thoroughly cleaned, dried and lubricated after cleaning to prevent corrosion. It is recommended to store them in a dry, ventilated place. In autumn, it is useful to make an audit and prepare all the materials — seeds, fertilizers, soils — for the next season.

Stock up on the necessary means to control pests and plant diseases in order to carry out preventive measures on time during the first warm days of spring.