These are tips to get your garden and garden equipment ready for the winter.
1. Empty the gas out of the tanks and run all gas equipment to empty. Gas that sits over the winter does not do nice things to your garden equipment. It changes to a varnish-like substance that coats the carburetors. Once this happens, it’s time to visit the repair guy, unless you know how to repair small engines. You can also use a fuel stabilizer in the tank over the winter, but I prefer to clean all of the gas out of my equipment.
2. If you live in the south and have plants that grow year round, plan ahead and get plant covers. Even in Florida, there are nights that go down below freezing. Those tender tropicals will not make it to the spring if they get frostbitten. Covering plants protects them from frostbite, and ensures that you will have a nice, healthy garden in the spring. You can use old pillow cases or sheets to cover plants, depending on the size.
3. When you know you are not going to use the above ground pool again for this season, thoroughly clean the pool, then add three bags of shock to the pool (spread it around) and put three 3-inch tablets of chlorine in the floater. Check the chlorine every month, and replace as needed. It will last longer in the winter than it does on the summer, as the sun is not as strong, and does not “eat” the chlorine as fast. Once spring hits and you are ready to use the pool, add three bags of shock and the normal amount of chlorine you usually use during the summer. Wait at least 24 hours before using the pool. The pool will not turn green over the winter, and shocking it in the spring ensures that any bacteria that may have overwintered in your pool are gone.
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