Hi Friends! Demo had a two-week vacation from work which turned out to be the perfect timing since we needed to get the yard ready for winter. He got some help from Uncle Rene to “winternize” (is that even a word? It should be!) our backyard.

Getting the Yard Ready for Winter

Every year, as soon as the leaves start to fall and the air turns crisp, we know it’s time to put the garden and yard to bed for the season. It’s bittersweet, really. I love our garden! The flowers, the veggies, the pool days, but there’s something satisfying about closing it all up neatly and knowing everything will be ready to bloom again come spring.

Here are a few things we tackled (and that you might want to add to your own fall checklist) to winterize (that’s the actual word I was looking for lol):

1. Clean Up the Garden Beds

All the dead plants from summer had to go. It’s important to remove them before the frost sets in to prevent pests and diseases from lingering over the winter. This will be our third winter with our Vego Garden raised beds, and so far they are holding up pretty nicely.

2. Store Away Garden Tools and Furniture

Hubby and Uncle Rene cleaned and stored all the garden tools. We also put away the patio furniture and outdoor toys. (Pro tip: give everything a good wipe down before storing, future you will thank you!)

3. Empty the Pool

This part is always a bit sad, but it’s a must. We drained the pool, cleaned the liner, and covered it up for the season. Quebec winters can be harsh, and leaving water in there can cause damage when it freezes.

4. Protect Perennials and Bulbs

Add a nice layer of mulch to help insulate the roots. If you’re planting spring bulbs like tulips or daffodils, now’s the time to get them in the ground before it freezes.

5. Final Lawn Care

Before the snow arrives, we gave the lawn one last mow and raked up all the leaves. A clean lawn helps prevent mold and gives your grass a better start next spring.

Simple Garden Winterizing Checklist

Here’s a quick checklist to help you get your yard and garden winter-ready:

☐ Remove dead plants and weeds
☐ Add compost or mulch to garden beds
☐ Plant spring bulbs (tulips, daffodils, etc.)
☐ Rake leaves and mow lawn one last time
☐ Store garden tools and outdoor furniture
☐ Drain and cover pools, hoses, and water features
☐ Protect perennials with mulch or burlap
☐ Clean and cover BBQ, patio set, and outdoor toys
☐ Check gutters and downspouts
☐ Add cozy touches like lanterns or winter wreaths

As much as I’ll miss our green backyard, I’m honestly looking forward to the slower pace that winter brings.

Now that the backyard is ready for winter, it’s time to focus on cozy indoor projects. Be sure to follow along to see what I’m up to next.

Cheers to day 5 of NaBloPoMo!

Be sure you are subscribed so that you don’t miss a thing!

Let’s connect!