Preparing your balcony for winter: how to get through the cold months

The days are getting shorter, the coffee on the balcony cools down faster, and the first night frost is just around the corner. Time to get your balcony ready for winter! With a few smart steps, you can protect your plants, keep your furniture and cushions tidy, and make sure your balcony looks great again in spring. And no, you don't need to lock your balcony for the coming months: with a little atmosphere, it can still be a pleasant place to get some fresh air (or enjoy a secret hot chocolate) in winter.

1. Protect your plants from frost and wind

Plants on a balcony have it harder in winter than plants in the ground. Their roots are in a pot and therefore freeze more quickly, and it is often very windy at height. Here is how you can help them get through the winter:

• Group pots together against the building, away from the wind. Together they keep each other warmer, and the wall provides extra shelter.
• Lift pots off the cold floor with pot feet, a board, or a plant stand. This prevents the roots from freezing as quickly and allows excess water to drain away.
• Wrap pots in hessian, bubble wrap, or an old blanket. You can also cover vulnerable plants with a fleece sheet or winter fleece.
• Water less, but do not let the soil dry out completely. Evergreen plants such as boxwood and conifers also lose moisture in winter.
• Bring frost-sensitive plants indoors, such as olive trees, oleander, or citrus plants, to a cool, bright place.
• Empty planters? Clean them and store them dry, or plant them full of hardy winter plants such as heather, pansies, or ornamental grasses.

Looking for new pots, hanging planters, or a stand to keep your plants off the floor? Take a look at our plants and planters.

2. Furniture and cushions: store away or cover

Wet cushions left outside all winter are rarely ready to use in April. A little preparation will save you a lot of scrubbing in spring.

• Bring cushions inside. Let them dry thoroughly first and store them in a dry, ventilated place: in a cupboard, in the attic, or in a storage box.
• Clean furniture before storing it away or covering it. Dirt and leaves retain moisture and cause stains or mould.
• Use a breathable cover. A cover that does not allow moisture through but is still breathable prevents condensation underneath. Secure the cover firmly, as the wind can sometimes blow it away on a balcony.
• Fold up what you can. Place folding chairs and tables against the wall or store them away. This saves space and reduces wind resistance.
• Wooden furniture can be treated with oil or stain after cleaning, so it can better withstand the wet months.
• Close and store the parasol dry. A parasol should not be left open or loose on the balcony in winter.

3. Check the balcony sail and awning

Your balcony sail or screen has braved sun, rain, and wind all summer. A quick check before the autumn storms will prevent flapping sails and loose corners.

• Tighten cable ties and fastening rope. A loose sail catches more wind and wears out faster. Replace cable ties that are brittle, torn, or loose.
• Check the fastening points and rings: is everything still securely attached to the balustrade?
• Clean the sail with lukewarm water, a soft brush, and some mild soap if necessary. Let it dry thoroughly afterwards.
• Fully roll up the blind or awning. Do not leave an awning extended in winter, and only roll it up when it is dry, so that mould does not form in the fabric.
• Remove loose shade sails before winter if possible. Dry them thoroughly, fold them up, and store them dry.

Not sure how best to secure your sail? Read our page on attachment and installation to find out how to hang it neatly and securely. Is your old sail ready to be replaced after a few seasons? Then autumn is a great time to look at a custom-made balcony sail, so you can start the spring with a fresh balcony. Good to know: custom-made items are always shipped free of charge.

4. Keep the atmosphere going, even in winter

A winter-ready balcony does not have to be a bare space. A few small things will keep it a place you enjoy stepping outside to.

• Lights! A string of lights along the balustrade or a few lanterns with LED candles will instantly make a dark winter evening more cosy.
• Hardy winter greenery. A few pots of conifers, skimmia, or heather will provide colour when the rest are in winter hibernation.
• Blankets and a cushion by the door. Your summer cushions are stored inside, but simply take a warm blanket out with you for a short sit outside.
• Birds to visit. A suet ball or small bird table will attract tits and robins to your balcony in winter. Free entertainment with your morning coffee.
• Add warmth. If you really want to sit outside during the colder months, heating will make a big difference. Consider an infrared patio heater with Bluetooth speakers: warmth and music in one.

Quick checklist

• Group plants together, lift them off the floor and wrap them
• Bring frost-sensitive plants indoors
• Store cushions dry and inside
• Clean furniture covered or stored away
• Cable ties checked and tightened
• Blind and awning rolled up dry
• Lights and hardy winter greenery for atmosphere

This will help your balcony get through the winter well and allow you to enjoy it again straight away in spring. Do you have questions about your balcony sail or anything else in our shop? Feel free to contact us; we are happy to help.