There’s a certain point in fall when the air changes — the mornings bite a little harder, and it’s time to start buttoning things down. Around here, we call it gathering season. It’s less about decorating and more about getting ready to live well through the cold stretch ahead.

7 Practical Ways to Prepare for the Cold Seasons Ahead

1. Tidy Up the Outside

Before the ground freezes, take stock of what needs doing outdoors.

Drain and Clean

• Drain hoses and roll them up
• Clean out gutters and downspouts
• Clean and store garden tools: If a tool makes it into my shed it means it’s built to last, so at the end of each season I just give them a good clean and store them away for spring. I compiled a list of my favorite tools here

Store

• Bring in anything that won’t handle a hard freeze: clay pots, watering cans, or decor
• If you heat with wood, stack and cover your pile so it’s dry and easy to reach once the snow flies

Set your future self up for success

• Add leaves/ mulch around new or precious plants: Autumn is when I place hay mulch over our soil. This is called Ruth Stout Method, Ruth was a hardworking woman who originated this simple yet effective gardening practice of placing hay mulch to promote rich soil and combat weeds.
• Prep your spring-time areas for inspiration: it’s never too early to plan out your garden!

These are simple tasks, but doing them now saves a lot of cursing later when it’s twenty below and dark at 4:30. Get it done while the autumn sun is still shining!

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2. Check the Heat

A night in front of the fire or in the sauna is so much better when you have your heating source prepared. Whether it’s a wood stove, furnace, or baseboards make sure your heating source is ready to go. Clean the filters, sweep the chimney, and stock what you’ll need for maintenance.

If you use a sauna or cold plunge (like we do), now’s the time to prep that space too — get the firewood split, dry, and ready. Sauna Accessories can enhance your experience and help you reap the benefits of this ancient practice. A family favorite is the hand-embroidered sauna hat that protects your scalp and holds heat in.

Watch how I built our wood storage here

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3. Bring in the Last of the Garden

Anything that’s still hanging on out there — herbs, peppers, or green tomatoes — can be brought in, dried, or used up.
I usually strip the herb beds and hang bundles of thyme, oregano, and yarrow to dry for winter teas and balm making.
It’s also a good time to empty and wash your garden pots before tucking them away. (I am not good at this, but I am so, so glad I did this in the last warmth of the fall and not dealing with it in the colder early spring) You’ll be thankful you did, come spring.

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4. Reorganize the Pantry & Freezers

This one makes a big difference once winter hits. Pull everything off the shelves, wipe it down, and group what you use most often up front.

I like to make an inventory list for our freezer items so I know what we have stocked and running low on.
Top off your staples — flour, oats, coffee, salt. If you make your own bread or broth, prep a few base mixes and label them so they’re easy to grab when the house is cold and everyone’s hungry.

I’ll also take this time to prep dough and bread that I can freeze and come back to. It’s a wonderful thing to be able to pull out my prepped sourdough sandwich bread, whole wheat sourdough, or all-in-one master dough and let our kitchen fill with the warmth of fresh-baked bread.

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5. Check the Entryways

Winter has a way of turning mudrooms and porches into chaos. Every year we follow these few steps to maintain a semblance of organization in this area

• Put out a sturdy mat: A little mat tape goes a long way
• Hang a few extra hooks
• Have a designated spot for wet boots to dry
• If you have animals, set up a spot near the door for chore boots and gloves — it keeps the house cleaner and the morning routine smoother.

I can’t save every time mud or snow sloshes in our house but these tips make life a little cleaner this season.

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6. Bring in What Makes It Feel Good

Each season brings it’s own special rhythm and reason to take a deep breath and thankful. The trademark of these cooler months are comfort. Once the work’s done, add back the things that make your home comfortable to live in.
Heavier blankets, clean bedding, an extra lamp near the chair you actually sit in.
You don’t have to redecorate — just reset the space so it works with the season, not against it.

Maybe it’s time to add in a new addition? I’ve used this time to spruce up our walls with a gingham pattern I’ve been wanting to use for a while!

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A post shared by Emily Tweten (@hearty.sol)

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7. Preventive Health

There’s nothing better then starting the day – or winding it down – with a warm cup of something you know is beneficial for your body. This time of year, we don’t waste any time making sure our cups are filled with immune-boosting ingredients.

• Elderberry Fire Cider
• Lemon, Ginger, Honey Tea
• Turmeric, Ginger, and Lemon Shot

Though it’s getting colder outside, don’t forget the importance of fresh air flow. Throughout the fall and winter seasons, I make it a practice to open our windows for 10 – 15 minutes a day. Maintaining this fresh sweep of airflow through your home is beneficial for airing out germs and boosting your mood with a brisk breeze and natural lighting.

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The goal of gathering season isn’t to make your home look perfect — it’s to make it run smoothly. Whether you’re cleaning up a successful summer garden, preparing your kitchen for on-the-go eating, or preparing your space to warm up by the fire, my hope is you can use this as a guide to do what is important to you this season. When everything’s in order, you get to actually enjoy winter instead of fighting it.

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Check out the Winter Shop!

We are open now! New Luffa sponges, stocking hats, and tickets to my wreath makers class! Check out all of our handmade goodies and grab a spot in a wreath class here.