Preparing to winterize your homestead can feel overwhelming, but over the years, I’ve learned that a little planning goes a long way. When the temperatures drop and the first frost arrives, I want to ensure my animals are comfortable, the garden is protected, and our family is ready for whatever winter throws our way. In this guide, I’ll walk you through the simple, step-by-step tasks I use to prepare our homestead for the colder months. These are practical, no-fuss tips anyone can follow—let’s get started!
1. Inspect and Winterize Buildings
- Check for leaks and drafts:
- Inspect roofs, walls, and windows for any cracks or gaps.
- Use caulk, spray foam, or weatherproof tape to seal problem areas.
- Focus on insulation:
- Add insulation to barns, coops, and sheds to help retain heat.
- Quick fixes include using straw bales, foam panels, or a reflective insulation roll.
- Seal gaps to prevent pests:
- Look for small openings where mice or other critters could enter.
- Seal these areas now to avoid infestations during winter. The best thing we’ve found for this is the quarter-inch hardware cloth. We bury it underground and have even gone to the extent of cementing it in to keep critters out of our chicken coops. For small jobs, this 25 ft roll will do. We had to use the 100 ft roll to secure our whole coop.
Trust me, a little work now saves a lot of trouble when the cold hits! I have found that planning to do this one specific day makes it a lot easier to get it done without feeling overwhelmed.
2. Prepare Livestock for Winter
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- Provide warm, dry shelter:
- Make sure barns, coops, and pens are draft-free but well-ventilated. We usually use a heavy-duty tarp like this one to keep drafts off the animals. I’ve even seen people use shower curtain liners for this purpose.
- Add plenty of fresh bedding like straw or wood shavings to keep animals warm and comfortable.
- Ensure access to fresh, non-frozen water:
- Use heated waterers or a submersible water deicer to prevent freezing.
- Check water sources daily—I’ve found this one of the most important tasks in freezing temperatures. Water freezes and that’s something your animals can’t go long without!
- Stock up on feed:
- Animals burn more calories in the cold, so be ready to increase their rations.
- Store extra hay, and grain, or feed in a dry, protected area to prevent running out during storms.
Taking these steps not only keeps your animals healthy but also gives you peace of mind when that cold weather sneaks up on you.
3. Winterize the Garden
- Harvest and store crops:
- Gather any remaining vegetables, fruits, or herbs before the first hard frost.
- It’s best to store root crops like carrots and potatoes in a cool, dark place to keep them fresh for months.
- Protect soil and perennials:
- Add a thick layer of mulch to garden beds to insulate the soil and protect perennials from freezing temperatures. Use a good organic mulch like this one or something similar if you can find it locally. If you have strawberries, use an organic straw like this one. Cover the ground around them pretty thick to keep the roots from freezing.
- Mulching also helps prevent erosion and keeps the ground healthy for spring planting.
- Clean and store tools:
- Wash dirt off shovels, pruners, and other tools to prevent rust.
- Store everything in a dry, sheltered spot—I’ve learned the hard way that leaving tools outside can shorten their lifespan! A simple mess-up in this area can lead to lots of unnecessary money spent.
These steps will leave your garden in great shape, ready to rest through the winter and thrive again in spring.
4. Set Up Emergency Supplies
- Stockpile essentials:
- Keep plenty of hay, feed, and bedding on hand in case of bad weather or supply shortages.
- I always like to have at least a two-week reserve—it’s a lifesaver during unexpected storms or bad weather that creeps up on us.
- Prepare for power outages:
- Have a backup heat source, like a propane heater or generator, to keep animal shelters warm if the power goes out.
- Keep flashlights, batteries, and a reliable weather radio accessible.
- First-aid kits:
- Assemble first-aid supplies for both your animals and your family.
- Include bandages, antiseptics, and any medications your livestock might need during winter.
Being prepared for emergencies gives me peace of mind and keeps the homestead running smoothly, no matter what the weather is looking like.
5. Winterize, Organize and Protect Equipment
- Store hoses and tools:
- Drain and coil garden hoses to prevent freezing, and store them indoors.
- Clean and put away tools like shovels, rakes, and wheelbarrows in a dry, sheltered spot.
- Winterize machinery:
- Add antifreeze to tractors, mowers, and other equipment if needed.
- Perform any necessary maintenance to avoid breakdowns during the cold months.
- Cover outdoor items:
- Use tarps to protect equipment that can’t be moved indoors, like large machinery or outdoor furniture. In our case, we can never have enough tarps!
Taking the time to care for equipment now saves money and hassle later—Winter can be tough on anything left exposed!
6. Inspect Fencing and Water Systems
- Check and repair fencing:
- Walk your fence lines to look for damage or weak spots.
- Secure loose posts and replace broken sections to keep animals safely contained.
- Winterize water lines:
- Insulate exposed pipes or water lines to prevent freezing.
- Drain hoses or use a heated water hose to ensure a steady water supply.
A little maintenance now can save you from major headaches during freezing weather!
7. Prepare Firewood or Heat Sources
- Stockpile firewood:
- Split and stack enough seasoned firewood to last through the winter. The best firewood comes from hardwoods like oak, ash, birch, and maple.
- Store it in a covered, dry location to keep it ready for use.
- Inspect stoves and chimneys:
- Clean woodstoves and chimneys to prevent creosote buildup.
- Test heaters or alternative heat sources to ensure they’re working properly.
Having reliable heat sources ready makes the cold months much more manageable for the whole family!
8. Plan and Prepare for Snow/Ice
- Clear pathways:
- Snow tools and gear:
- Check that snow shovels, plows, or blowers are in working order.
- Keep winter boots, gloves, and warm clothing ready for outdoor chores.
Staying ahead of snow and ice makes daily tasks easier and safer for everyone.
9. Review and Adjust Daily Routines
- Modify feeding schedules:
- Feed animals earlier in the day to give them more energy to stay warm.
- Check food and water more frequently to prevent freezing or spoilage.
- Plan for storm days:
- Have a plan for how chores will get done during severe weather.
- Be sure to double-check that everything is stocked and secure before storms hit.
Adjusting routines helps your homestead run smoothly, even during winter’s toughest days.
Winter Ready, Homestead Steady
Preparing your homestead for winter doesn’t have to be overwhelming—just a series of small, intentional steps. By taking the time to winterize your buildings, care for your animals, protect your garden, and stock up on essentials, you’ll set yourself up for a safe, smooth season. I’ve found that being proactive not only saves time and money but also brings peace of mind when those freezing temperatures roll in. Winter is tough, but with the right preparation, your homestead can thrive no matter what the season brings!
If you’ve read this far, what are some things you do to prepare your homestead for winter? Let me know in the comments!