November at the dacha is not a dreary final point, as it may seem, but a smart preparation for a calm winter and an easy start in spring. While the ground has not completely frozen and the snow cover has not become stable and dense, there are tasks that must be completed — they will ultimately save energy and budget, protecting plantings and the house from surprises. The advice was given by experienced gardener Pavel Pakhomov.
Water and Utilities Conservation
The main goal is to prevent ice in pipes and tanks. "Securely shut off the water supply, open all faucets, blow out or drain the irrigation system, empty the pump and hydroaccumulator. Remove and take home the meters and filters, unwind and dry outdoor hoses in loops. In the septic tank, check the level and add a special biopreparation according to the instructions to avoid odors and overload during thaws. Leave the faucets in the bath and summer shower slightly open, and you can fill the traps with a saline solution, as it freezes later. Turn off electricity in unused circuits at the panel," lists the expert.
Preparing the Garden for Winter: Covers, Mulch, Rodent Protection
Fruit trees and shrubs also need to finish the season properly. Clean the root circles of leaves with spots and debris, leaving dry clean foliage under the mulch. Add compost or well-rotted manure in a thin layer, and protect the bark from temperature fluctuations with bark or wood chip mulch. Wrap young seedlings and trunks with mesh to protect against mice and hares, and refresh the basic whitewash to prevent the sun from cracking the bark in winter. Bend and cover roses with breathable material, tie conifers with twine to prevent snow from breaking the crowns. Lightly mulch strawberries and perennials, but do not create dense wet "pillows" — plants need air.
Beds, Greenhouse, and Soil: Tidying Up
In the greenhouse, remove ties, clear plant debris and the top thin layer of soil in problem areas, wash the frame and polycarbonate with soapy water, and leave the doors slightly open for drying. "Empty beds should not remain bare, which is often forgotten: sow phacelia for the winter, as it is an excellent green manure for improving soil, and where you can't manage — spread a thin layer of well-rotted compost and cover it with cardboard or spunbond, which will suppress weeds and maintain structure. Lime acidic soils with dolomite during tilling, but leave mineral nitrogen fertilizers until spring. Label and store boxes, stakes, and hoops under a shed to save time searching in spring," advises the experienced gardener.
Roof, Gutters, and Perimeter: Leak Prevention
Walk around the house. Clean gutters and pipes of leaves, check the slope and fastenings, and place screens on the funnels. Inspect the roof, especially the joints and ridge, hammer down any protruding nails, and replace cracked elements. Install snow guards where snow runoff could damage the porch or bushes, and place drainage trays at the downspouts to prevent melting water from undermining the foundation. Sweep the paths and sprinkle them with fine gravel, and place stakes at the gate to mark boundaries so that snowfalls do not "erase" them. Clear branches on the site that could break wires or damage the greenhouse under the weight of snow.
Inventory, Storage, and Safety: Preserve and Protect
Wash tools, dry them, wipe metal parts with oil, and treat wooden handles with linseed oil. Prepare the lawn mower and trimmer according to the instructions, drain fuel from gasoline tools, and dry the filters. Move paint, sealants, primers, and batteries to a warm room, as they will spoil in the cold.
In the woodpile, leave a dry supply for the first kindling and place it in a separate box. Check windows and doors — seals, locks, mosquito nets. Test the alarm, camera, or motion sensors, and set the light timer for evening hours — this is the best prevention against uninvited guests in winter. Leave contact information with neighbors who live permanently in the village and ask them to keep an eye on your property and home — this is a simple but effective way to maintain control.
