Three easy steps to prep your plastic watering can for winter
Winter's on its way, and while you're busy protecting your tender plants and clearing the last of the leaves, spare a thought for your watering can. It's worked hard all season, from spring seedlings to summer containers, and deserves a proper rest before the cold sets in.
And for us, it's really simple: remove the rose; give the can a clean and drain out any water. Then you're ready to find somewhere suitable to store it until you need it again in the spring.
While this guide was written with Haws cans in mind, the same advice applies to any plastic watering can. We believe in caring for all cans equally, although we might have a favourite or two.
If you've got a metal watering can, they need slightly different winter prep. You can read our guide to winterising metal watering cans here.
1. Remove any roses
A rose is an attachment that shapes and softens the water poured from a watering can, placed on the end of the spout. When plastic gets very cold, it shrinks, and if your rose stays attached through freezing nights, that contraction can create issues. Pressure is put on the rose where it connects to the ferrule, which can cause it to split. Sometimes, if the plastic shrinks around the brass rose face itself, the main body can crack too. This is less common, but we've seen it happen.
The good news is that it couldn't be easier to avoid. Just detach any roses before winter sets in, give them a light clean (an old toothbrush is perfect for getting in those small holes), then dry them thoroughly and store them somewhere you'll remember come March. When spring arrives, everything will slot back together, intact and leak-free.
2. Clean and dry your can
After your final autumn watering session, give your can the send-off it deserves with a gentle clean. Warm soapy water and a soft brush do the job nicely – pay close attention to the spout opening and anywhere muck tends to gather. Garden debris, algae, and mineral deposits aren't doing your can any favours sitting on it all winter, and these are potential problem spots where leaks can arise. Rinse well, then dry with a cloth.
While you're at it, give your can its annual once-over. Check the spout connection and handle for wear, and look for any small cracks or stress marks. Catching minor issues now means your can will still be watering-worthy come spring.
Once cleaned, it's time to drain. Turn the can upside down and let it drain fully. Give it a good shake, leave it inverted for an hour or so, then check it's empty.
3. Store it somewhere safe
Indoor storage in a garage, shed, or basement is ideal. Somewhere temperatures stay relatively stable and rain can't reach. That way, your can will stay protected and just as you left it. When stored inside, keep it upright to prevent warping.
If outdoor storage is unavoidable, store the can upside down and undercover. This prevents rainwater from collecting inside, which could freeze and cause stress to the can – even plastic has its limits when water inside it freezes repeatedly. A protective cover adds extra insurance, if you've got one handy.
A gentle reminder: even if the can stays outside, bring the rose indoors. It's the part most at risk from cold damage.
Looking after your can for seasons to come
Your trusty Haws watering can is built to last. Quality materials and thoughtful design mean it should serve you for years with correct care. Plastic cans are wonderfully straightforward to maintain, but these few winter precautions ensure yours keeps performing beautifully season after season.
Remove that rose, empty any water, give everything a clean, and store sensibly. Those few minutes of care now mean you'll have a ready-and-waiting garden companion when the growing season returns.
Need advice on caring for your specific model, or help with a leaking base or spout seam? Get in touch – we're always happy to help.