Some terra cotta planters (unless directly specified) should not be left outdoors.  Sturdy planters such as high-fired terra cotta, iron, concrete and lead can be left in place on a frost-proof base with the drainage hole open to prevent water from accumulating.  When planting, remember it’s best to sandwich a layer of landscape cloth on the very bottom, then a layer of gravel, then more landscape cloth to prevent plant roots from growing into and blocking the drainage hole.  We also recommend lining the inside of especially valuable pots with closed cell foam (used as packing material, available where you buy bubble wrap or mailing supplies).  The closed cell foam will help provide a little bit of cushioning against expansion and contraction as the planting medium freezes and thaws.  Some spacers under the bottom of the container to keep it slightly raised off the ground or base will allow for proper drainage.  Spacers can be as elaborate as specialty decorative pot feet or can be as simple as a few shims or pennies placed under the container around the edges.

Protect your fountain so it’s ready to go next spring.  Pumps should always be removed, cleaned and stored in a sealed plastic bag so the rubber pump seals don’t dry out.  Remember to blow out any water lines to prevent them from freezing.  If your fountain basin is not permanently installed it should be turned upside down.  Covers are available if the fountain basin is permanently attached or you can create your own makeshift cover from a sturdy waterproof tarp or a heavy-duty contractor-type trash bag.  Make sure the basin is dry and put some absorbent material in there (like burlap or an old towel) to absorb any condensation that might occur before covering.  Secure the cover to withstand windy wintry conditions.  If you have an above-ground fountain pool, open the drain and make sure it remains clear by checking it often so the pool does not hold water.  If there is no drain, you’ll need to either turn the pool over or cover it with a tight, waterproof cover that won’t sag and leak over the course of the winter.  If you have an inground fountain pool, place a bucket weighted down with rocks or a log in the pool; as water freezes and expands, it will crush the immersed objects before cracking the pool and will help keep the pool from freezing solid.

Even empty jars and urns need some attention.  Although they may have drainage holes, leaves and debris can collect inside blocking the drainage hole.  Any water trapped inside will freeze and could create damage by cracking.  These empty jars or urns can either be turned over or covered with a piece of Plexiglas cut slightly larger than the opening and secured so they stay put. 

Empty and bring your rain gauges inside for the winter.  Most have glass or acrylic rain collection tubes that will crack and break when the temperature dips and the water inside freezes and expands.

Finally, if there is statuary in your garden, keep in mind that the ground moves and shifts quite a bit with the freeze and thaw that we experience here from fall through spring.  If your statuary is on a solid, frost-proof base it should be secure.  A frost-proof base is a well-prepared site that has been dug down below the frost line (we dig down about 30” here in SE PA) .  If your statue is not on a frost-proof base, it could fall over and cause damage when the ground heaves and sinks below it during the changes in temperature.  A little hard work now to correct this omission could save lots of cleanup and heartache in the spring! 

Please let us know if we can help or answer any of your winterizing questions.  We have a great selection of tools to help get you through the winter unscathed and gardens are always enthusiastically discussed no matter what the weather! All our best!