The expert named the rules for preparing gardening equipment for winter
The end of the summer season requires owners of suburban areas to take a systematic approach to the conservation of the territory. Proper pre-winter preparation of garden equipment is the key to its durability and helps to avoid annoying surprises with the onset of spring. Maria Shurakova, a consultant for working with individuals at the Cycle company, told Izvestia about this on December 17.
"A common mistake of gardeners is ignoring the need for conservation of irrigation equipment. Meanwhile, the water left in hoses, sprayers and drip irrigation systems expands during freezing, provoking microcracks and deformations of the material. To prevent damage, it is necessary to drain all the liquid from the system, thoroughly purge the remaining moisture and place the inventory in a room with a positive temperature," she advised.
For year-round gardening enthusiasts, the winter months offer new opportunities. The cultivation of seedlings and indoor cultivation of ornamental plants continue even in the cold, but require the creation of special conditions. Lighting becomes an important factor — most crops require a light day lasting 10-12 hours. Without additional illumination by ultraviolet lamps, young shoots stretch out, lose their color saturation and become vulnerable to diseases.
Watering in winter also has its own specifics. Waterlogging of the soil with reduced growth activity leads to rotting of the root system, so it is important to observe moderation, warned Shurakova. To maintain optimal air humidity and delicately moisten the leaf plates, a compact manual sprayer is useful — it provides fine spraying without puddling in the pallets. Regular ventilation without creating drafts completes the complex of measures for the care of the winter garden.
Snow removal equipment also deserves special attention. There is no universal shovel for all situations — the efficiency of work directly depends on the correct selection of tools for a specific task.
"Compact models with a narrow bucket are indispensable when clearing winding garden paths and limited spaces between buildings. Their maneuverability and low weight make it possible to work for a long time without excessive fatigue, especially with freshly fallen snow. Such shovels are convenient to store in the trunk of a car — they will help out if you need to clear the area around the car in the parking lot," the specialist noted.
A spacious courtyard, a car landing or an area in front of the gate are effectively cleaned with shovels with a deep bucket (from 10 cm) capable of capturing a significant amount of snow mass in one pass. Modern models are equipped with curved handles and additional handles that reduce the load on the back muscles — the work becomes less tedious even when cleaning large areas. A high-quality tool is distinguished by the presence of stiffeners reinforced with an aluminum strip on the bucket edge to protect against wear, and a rubber braid on a metal handle allows you to work without gloves even in the cold.
"When precipitation cures or an ice crust forms, a third type of tool comes into play — a reinforced scraper. The rectangular bucket of increased rigidity effectively destroys the crust, breaks up the icy areas and peels off the frozen layers, preparing the surface for final cleaning," said Shurakova.
According to her, a well-thought-out set of snow removal tools and timely conservation of gardening equipment turn the winter period from a test into a predictable routine, leaving more time for rest and planning for the coming season.
On May 6, doctor Irina Geroeva gave advice to summer residents on how to work safely in the garden. According to the expert, it is important to stretch your muscles regularly, doing simple stretching and relaxation exercises, and not stay in a bent position for a long time.
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