Winter house and garden tips for Australians

When winter comes around it's hard to muster any type of excitement for any outdoor activity. Let alone feel the need to crawl around in the garden. Understandably, when you live in the northernhemisphere that experiences a frosty and icy winter, gardening isn't an option. However, should you live in the southern hemisphere where winters aren't as intense, you have little explanation. Countries like Australia still have some temperate days where the sun comes out and a little gardening or outdoor chores can be taken care of. Not saying it isn't cold, but it certainly doesn't mean you gamble with getting frostbite as you're looking after your garden and outdoor maintenance.

If you're someone that suffers from the winter blues, studies have recently shown that getting outdoors will help to relieve a few of the symptoms. Gardening is a great winter outdoor activity, because you can manage to find some shelter during a downpour or warm up as you go about finishing all the needed tasks. Additionally, the garden isn't the only component that needs taking care of during winter. Winter takes its toll on your home and fittings as well.

Here are some tips on how you can take care of your garden and house during winter.

⦁ Prune, snip and preen

Winter in Australia comes with wind, make sure that you properly prune any tree branches that may fall into your property or on your fencing or home. All shrubs and trees which grow close to power lines could prove a security hazard and cause blackouts. Make sure all foliage and branches are kept clear of any infrastructure.

Please don't tackle any branches which are already incontact with any power lines. This is extremely dangerous. Please contact your regional council for assistance in removing those branches safely.

Pruning should ideally be done before winter but during winter you can always make sure that any trees or branches aren't causing any safety hazards. Also, all shrubs and leafy plants will need constant cutting and maintenance during winter to be certain they are prepared for the spring bloom.


⦁ Clear the backyard area of potential hazards

Always make certain that your yards and garden area are clear of any furniture or materials which can be toxic during storms. Tie down any garden furniture and any loose items that may be blown about during a storm. Also, during winter make sure you rake up any twigs, stick, and bark.

⦁ Secure roofs and fix tiles

Before and during winter, make sure you have no loose or damaged roof tiles. Attempting to fix leaks in winter is a hassle no one wants. After storms, always check your roof to be certain no roof tiles are missing or damaged. Also, check and keep your flashings. Eliminate any rust or blockages. Be sure to watch out for any damages from the skylights, fasteners, flashings,and seams.

It is also important to ensure that no moisture can seep through any brick or mortar of the house. Regularly check this before and during winter, and create any necessary repairs.

⦁ Prepare the soil

Just because it is winter, does not mean nothing grows or gets ready to grow. This is a fantastic time to dig the space for a new vegetable patch http://query.nytimes.com/search/sitesearch/?action=click&contentCollection®ion=TopBar&WT.nav=searchWidget&module=SearchSubmit&pgtype=Homepage#/garden tips or to get an current patch ready for planting in spring. Make sure the ground is weed free and well hoed to aerate it.

Winter is also a wonderful time to plant winter vegetables like English spinach, snow peas, and squash.



⦁ Don't forget the pool

The winter season is not kind to swimming pools. It's vital to maintain and 'winter-ize' your swimming pool. Invest in a durable pool cover so you can stop algae build-up and the collection of garden debris in the pool water. The constant maintenance of the mechanics can also be significant, as an instance, ensure that the pool pump is in good working order. Also, give it a good vacuum and clean before you cover it up for winter.

⦁ Ban the winter blues with more color

If you, like many other people, feel that winter fills you with depression and sadness, you can banish the winter blues by potting some colorful blooms around you. Some potted plants flourish in winter and give off the most amazing blooms. Filling a spot in the garden with a few colour will bring cheer to some winter grump.

⦁ Bring down the heating bill

Insulating your home will drastically reduce the heating bill in winter. It is reported that insulation cuts your energy usage by 30 percent. Placing insulation in the ceiling will stop the heat from escaping. The same with insulating wall cavities and outside walls. This should be done before winter, but can also be done during winter. You can find an expert to help with this, as it can sometimes prove a bit of a hard task. Make certain that you insulate all regions where air can escape like windows and doors.

We can all agree that there is very little about winter that conjures up happy or even merry images. But winter is a terrific time to get to the tiny garden and home chores the summer sun does not allow. You can begin before winter, do some homework. The groundwork will take the work out of the tasks and make it fun. It can become a task which each and every member of the family can take part in and enjoy. Besides, what better way than getting the kids away from the TV and have them spend some time outdoors?

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