How to Keep Using Your Outdoor Spaces in Cold Weather

As colder temps begin to creep in, you don't have to give up on your beloved outdoor spaces like your patio or deck—you just need to make a few seasonal adjustments to get them winter-ready. Exactly how you do that will depend on how you want to use your outdoor space. Do you want a quiet place to take a nap, a fun hangout, a workout spot, or a comfortable outdoor "at home" office? To help power up your outdoor action plan, here's how to keep on chilling in these areas without breaking your back, or your budget.

Clean It

Sure, we all know about spring cleaning—it's the way we wake up our inner neat-freak after months of hibernation. But fall is also a great time to burn some energy with a deep-dive into the world of disinfectants. After all of the summertime activities these multi-functional spaces were treated to, they deserve a good cleaning.

• Start by sweeping. Pull out all of the furniture or anything else that might be in your way of tackling every square inch.
• Shake out any floor rugs while you're at it.
• Give your lounge chair or wicker sofa some tough love by removing stains with a fabric-friendly cleaner, like Scotts® Outdoor Cleaner Multi Purpose Formula Ready-to-Spray. The bleach-free formula works on a variety of surfaces, so use it to wipe down window sills or potted plant containers, too.
• As you put any decorative objects back in their spots in enclosed porches or sunrooms, shine them up with a feather duster or an old rag (like that college t-shirt you outgrew). 
• For larger areas, like the floors of your deck or patio, use Scotts® Outdoor Cleaner Patio & Deck With ZeroScrub™ Technology and Extended-Reach Wand to clear away mold, or mop up dirt that may have built up over time.

So it's sweep, dust, wash, and boom! You can call it a day.

Stock It

Clear out any storage bins that might have been filled with summer stuff and swap it for cold-weather needs. On-hand layers and supplies will keep everyone comfortable for longer stints outside the warmth of your house.

• Put knitted beanies and gloves where your wide-brimmed hat once was.
• Add a thermos instead of bottles of sunscreen.
• Replace beach towels with warm blankets—lots of blankets! 

Warm It Up

When it comes to keeping your space nice and toasty, you've got options. Try plants that help keep the wind out, additional heating, and playful lights to warm up your patio or deck.

There's still time in late fall and winter, depending on your location, to plant a fence of wind-breaking evergreens in your backyard. Just be sure to check out your planting zone, and follow any tag or packaging instructions on how to take care of the plants you've chosen.

• Create a fence of evergreens with spruce, fir, or juniper trees. 
• Try out a low barrier with boxwood, cypress, or holly shrubs.
• For a lower commitment level, add a dense row of hardy container plants around your patio.
• For more info about what could work best for your region, contact your local extension service, a network of educators who can offer a lot of solid advice.

Trees and shrubs can shield you from the wind, but lower temps may still have you shivering. Consider heating your space the way restaurants do, and add a heat lamp to your own home venue. There are plenty of options, from temporary to permanent fixtures. With any heating unit, be sure to read all the manufacturer's instructions for safe use.

• Keep it simple and low-key with electric tabletop units or a portable space heater (check that you have an exterior electrical outlet).
• For more intense heat, try a propane-powered freestanding unit.
• If space is limited, consider adding a wall- or ceiling-mounted heater instead. 
• Try out a portable fire pit (make some s'mores while you're at it).

When daylight disappears earlier on, additional lighting can help extend the timeframe for outdoor activities. While lights may not keep you warm temperature-wise, they can certainly brighten up the space and set the mood for whatever you're doing.

• Create a warm glow with large, slow-burning candles. 
• Add a festive vibe with string lights.
• Place a rechargeable LED lamp on a side table, floor, or windowsill for functional illumination.

Do It Up

Consider how you want to use your space in the winter months and get it ready! Whether you want to catch Zs on the weekend or find a sunny spot for a workout, you can tailor your space to your needs.

• Keep those power naps going on the porch or your secluded deck! All you need on cooler days are weather-resistant pillows and heavy blankets.
• Warm up a cold garage floor with gym mats if that's your preferred place to train.
• Add outdoor rugs to a sunroom for morning stretches.
• Consider screening in your porch if it isn't already.
• Install retractable sunshades to cut down on winter glare, or canvas to keep out wind, rain, and falling leaves.
• For rooms that aren't heated like the rest of your house but have some built-in protection, insulate them further with plastic sheeting around the windows or heavy-duty curtains.

With a few swaps and updates, you can keep warm while kicking back to watch the leaves fall, or heck, even witness the first snowfall. Don't let cold weather drive you back inside—the simple pleasures of outdoor living are just too stellar to give up.