As the gardening season slows down and temperatures drop, it’s time to think about getting your outdoor tools ready for winter storage. Your Haws watering can is one of those hardworking essentials that deserves some care and attention before it hibernates for the season. With a little preparation, you can ensure it stays in tip-top shape to serve you for years to come. Here's a step-by-step guide to 'overwintering' your Haws watering can, complete with tips on cleaning, polishing, and storage.
Why ‘Overwinter’ Your Outdoor Watering Can?
Overwintering might sound like something you only do for delicate plants, but it's just as essential for your outdoor tools. Watering cans, especially those made with steel or copper, can be vulnerable to the elements if left exposed to freezing temperatures. Because water expands when it freezes, without winter protection, your watering can could fall victim to cracks, rust, and even structural damage as the moisture has nowhere to escape to.
The material your can is made from also undergoes seasonal changes as temperatures vary. For example, plastic cans become more brittle in lower temperatures, leaving them even more susceptible to damage when it drops below zero degrees.
Protecting your watering means it’ll be ready for action as soon as spring arrives, without any need for costly repairs or replacements. Let’s look at the key steps to give your watering can the best winter rest.
What damage can Occur if you skip these steps?
- Cracks and leaks: If water is left in the can, it can freeze and expand, causing cracks or leaks which will make your watering can unusable.
- Rust and corrosion: Exposure to moisture and fluctuating temperatures encourages rust and corrosion, especially in metal cans. Once rust sets in, it’s challenging to remove without causing further damage.
- Damage to the rose: Many Haws watering cans come with a detachable rose, which can become clogged or corroded if not cleaned and stored properly. A damaged rose (brass or plastic) will affect water flow and efficiency, leading to an uneven pour. Leaving a rose attached to a can over winter is never advisable as they can become stuck on the spout due to contraction or expansion as the temperature goes from warm to cold and back to warm again.
Here’s a few tips to follow to help avoid these issues:
1. Clean And Dry: The Can M.O.T.
Start by giving your watering can a thorough clean. This removes any leftover soil, algae, and hard water deposits that could cause corrosion over the winter.
- Step 1: Use warm, soapy water and a soft brush to clean the inside and outside of the can, paying special attention to any seams and the spout where debris like fallen leaves can accumulate.
- Step 2: Detach the rose and clean it separately. You can use an old toothbrush to reach any small holes or hard-to-reach areas.
- Step 3: Rinse well and dry completely. Make sure no water remains inside the can, as even a small amount can freeze and expand, potentially causing cracks.
2. Polishing: Add A Little Extra Shine
Our beautiful brass roses function at their best when they are given a little extra TLC. Consider polishing your can's rose to prevent unsightly tarnishing and potentially damaging corrosion. Our polishing kit is an essential in any gardener's tool box; use this to keep your can looking in tip top shape and well protected against rust.
3. Storage Tips: Find A Safe Spot
Now that your watering can is clean and dry, it’s time to find a good storage spot:
- Indoors is ideal: A garage, shed, or basement is the best place for winter storage, where the temperature remains above freezing.
- Protect against dust: If storing outdoors or in a greenhouse is your only option, place the can in a protective cover or bag. You can even add a bit of silica gel or other desiccant to absorb any moisture.
- Right way up: When storing your watering can indoors, keeping it upright will avoid any accidental dents or warping. But, if you have to store your can in an outdoor space during the winter months, the main aim is to prevent it from collecting rainwater - So keep it undercover in any way possible.
Additional Tips For Spring Readiness
As you pack away your watering can, here are a few final checks to keep it in optimal condition:
- Check seams and handles: Look for any minor signs of wear or damage now, so you can address them before the Spring.
- Apply a protective coating: A bit of WD-40 or a similar rust-resistant spray can add a protective layer to the outside of your metal can, avoiding the interior as this could cause issues to plants you water in the future. A rinse and wipe would be advisable come spring to ensure any residue is removed.
What Can Go Wrong: Real-Life Damage Examples
For those wondering if this process is necessary, here are some common damages that can happen if a watering can isn’t properly prepared for winter:
- Cracked bases: Freezing temperatures can cause the water trapped in the base to freeze, expanding and cracking the metal or plastic resulting in your watering can not being fit for purpose.
- Clogged and rusted roses: These intricate pieces are particularly prone to damage without cleaning and proper storage. Corrosion can occur which fuses the rose onto the spout; making it difficult or even impossible to remove again post winter.
Our Final Thoughts
Your Haws watering can is an investment in quality and durability, designed to last for generations. A little winter preparation goes a long way to protect it from the elements. So, as you finish up the gardening season, take a few extra minutes to prepare your can for hibernation. Your future self (and your garden) will thank you!
By giving it a winter break with a bit of TLC, your Haws watering can will be ready to welcome spring right alongside you.
Happy gardening!
