It won’t be long until many of us who live on homesteads will be facing the winter in full force. Over the next few posts, we would like to give some ‘tips’ to help you winterize in the areas of your home/house, your garden and your animals (pets & stock).
If you’ve not started, or you are new to an area that has harsher winters, or new to homesteading, these will be some ‘bite-sized’ tips to get the ball rolling. There’s no time to waste, though, because ole man winter is soon to come a-knockin’.
First tips:
In your Home:
Check the Exterior, Door and Windows
•Inspect exterior for crevice cracks and exposed entry points around pipes; seal them.
•Use weather stripping around doors to prevent cold air from entering the home, heat escaping and caulk windows.
•Replace cracked glass in windows. If you end up replacing the entire window, prime and paint exposed wood well before the wet freezing weather arrives.
•If your home has a basement, consider protecting its window wells by covering them with plastic shields to keep weighty snow from crashing in.
•Switch out summer screens with plexi-glass replacements from storage. If you have storm windows, install them now.
In your Garden & Lawn Equipment:
Now is the time to look a head and plant spring-blooming bulbs such as tulips and daffodils. Plant them any time from September in colder regions through December in warmer climates – as long as the ground can be easily worked.
A thorough cleaning of equipment to remove dirt, grass clippings, etc. will prevent rust and corrosion and will reveal any damaged or worn parts that may need replacing.
For your Animals:
Make sure the pen is located in an area where the animals will be protected from harsh winds and, preferably, exposed to the early morning sun. You may want to consider building a special winter pen for your animals in a better location if necessary. South- or south-east facing shelters are ideal in the winter.
Until next tip –
Best Blessings!
The Millers
Popular Questions
What are some winterizing plans on the homestead to complete before the first freeze?
Inspect roofs, gutters, doors, and windows for leaks or drafts before cold weather arrives. Drain and protect exposed water lines, wrap vulnerable pipes, and service heating equipment. Stock firewood, animal bedding, feed, fuel, and basic repair supplies so winter chores are not interrupted.
How can some winterizing plans on the homestead protect livestock during winter?
Provide animals with a dry, well-ventilated shelter that blocks prevailing wind without trapping damp air. Add clean bedding, check waterers frequently for ice, and increase feed appropriately to support the energy needed for warmth. Inspect fencing, gates, and shelters before storms make repairs more difficult.
Which some winterizing plans on the homestead help protect the garden?
Remove diseased plant material, clear weeds, and add compost or mulch to protect soil from erosion and temperature swings. Cover tender perennials with suitable mulch and use row covers or cold frames for crops that can continue growing. Clean, dry, and store hoses, tools, pots, and irrigation components where freezing temperatures will not damage them.
How should water systems fit into some winterizing plans on the homestead?
Disconnect and drain garden hoses, outdoor faucets, filters, and irrigation lines before temperatures fall below freezing. Insulate exposed pipes and use approved heat protection where necessary, while keeping cords and equipment dry and safe. Check livestock water sources daily during cold weather and remove ice before animals are left without access to drinking water.