How-To Library

Harsh winter weather can be hard on the valuable shrubs in your landscape. A few preparations in the fall will get them ready for the long winter months ahead. Preventing desiccation, protecting the roots from temperature fluctuations, using caution while pruning and keeping an eye out for damage or pests can keep your plants healthy until spring.

As the temperatures start to drop (and the snow begins to fall in some parts of the country) your goats will need a little TLC to stay healthy and warm. Winter can be a stressful time for livestock and pets. Owners can help reduce that stress by providing adequate shelter, routine feeding/watering, and steady illness prevention.

Although the majority of perennials and trees are dormant this month doesn't mean the garden can be ignored. Dormancy actually helps with some of the opportunities for projects this month.

A cold frame is exactly what it sounds like: a clear outdoor frame that protects plants from cold weather, while still letting sunlight in. Providing a warm and protected space in your garden for spring seeds will allow you to get a head start on your gardening season. Cold frames, usually made of lumber or hay bales and old windows or glass shower doors, are the perfect way to control the climate in your nursery beds. Not only are they very easy to make and use, but a well-constructed cold frame can last you for several years to come.

Winter is almost upon us and the list of outside gardening tasks will be less. However, you can turn a good amount of your organic garbage into better produce and flowers next year with the investment of a little work on your compost heap. Hot composting, cold composting, or both, now is the time to start and/or maintain them.

When the weather outside is frightful what is the horseback rider to do? That fire may be delightful, but we can't just sit inside and sing let it snow, let it snow, let it snow. It's our responsibility to maintain a fitness program for both horse and rider during the winter months. Inclement weather can definitely put a damper in your riding plans, but there are still ways to keep both you and your horse fit during the winter.

One of the saddest things about changing seasons and colder weather approaching is seeing dead plants and bare spots in your garden and yard. If you're looking to spruce up a barren yard, then evergreen shrubs are the perfect solution to fill that space in. Evergreens are not only aesthetically pleasing but can serve many other purposes depending on where you plant them and what you are planning to use them for.

Winters in the south can be extremely dry and freezing temperatures can cause chapped cheeks and dry skin for many of us. The same is true when it comes to our pets that venture outside during these cold months. Due to constant contact with the frozen ground, your pet's paws are at risk for a multitude of issues. Knowing preventative care and what signs to look for can save you a trip to the vet this winter.

When an impending severe weather event is on its way, a little bit of preparation can go a long way in keeping you safe. Before the storm hits, be sure to take the right precautions to ensure the safety and effectiveness of your propane system.

Chickens are much tougher than they appear and they only need a little extra care during the winter months. Chickens who are healthy and happy will continue to lay eggs all year long. Here are a few essential tips to consider when caring for your chickens throughout the winter.

Wind chill affects cattle just like it affects people. Intense cold weather can leave cattle struggling, from trouble putting on weight to maintaining their normal milk production. Plus, cold weather can leave them stressed as they attempt to go about their normal activities. Luckily, there are many ways you can keep your livestock happy and healthy during even the most brutal of winters.