Get ready for winter

Keeping tools in great condition means they will be in top working order when the gardening season returns.

"Most people, when not using their equipment, throw it in the garage and forget about it," says Don Janssen, educator of urban agriculture at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension. "This can cause a lot of problems. Clean and sharpen [equipment] like it will be used tomorrow," he says.

Gas-powered engines, for example, can easily be ruined if not properly cared for. "Remove the spark plug and place a teaspoon of clean oil in the cylinder," says Janssen. "Then turn the engine over with the starter so the oil lubricates the cylinder walls and valves. This protects against rust."

Dirty hand tools and pruning tools need to be cleaned before you store them. "Remove the soil from metal parts and wipe them with an oily rag. Wood handles and wood ladders can be treated with a wood preservative," Janssen says. "Store tools where they won't be exposed to dampness."

Chain saws and other engine-driven equipment that will be used during the winter should be drained and refueled with winter-grade gasoline.

Prepare the house

As a homeowner, you'll want to make sure your home is in the best condition possible when entering the winter season. Damaged roofing, poorly ventilated attics, and rotting decks are specific costly faults that can be avoided.

"Replacing a roof can be one of the most costly investments that homeowners make to their property," says Gary McElyea of Tamko Building Products. "Protecting and maintaining the roof with quality roofing products is a good line of defense when it comes to gearing up for winter." Cracked, loose, or curled shingles may be signs that they need to be replaced.

Also, make sure the flashing around the chimney or vent pipe is properly sealed against water penetration. And while you're up on the roof, clean the fall debris from your gutters and make sure they are secure and aligned.

"Proper attic ventilation is another problem that is often overlooked by many homeowners," McElyea adds. Unventilated or underventilated attics can cause moisture to build up during the winter months, which can lead to problems, including deteriorating insulation. Excessive heat in the attic will also cause snow to melt and then refreeze on the eaves, causing a potentially dangerous ice dam.

"Many homeowners are replacing their traditional decks with composite decking," says McElyea. "People are tired of waterproofing their decks multiple times each year, just to see the wood continue to deteriorate." Unlike traditional decks, composite decking requires very little maintenance.