Protect your garden for winter

Gardens and gardening are important to the over 50s, especially to those who have retired, and a little bit of autumn preparation can ensure that your garden gets through the winter in the finest fettle.

In the UK five million over 50s say that gardening, including vegetable growing, is their favourite pastime in retirement, according to over 50s insurance provider Saga.

The insurance company is encouraging over 50s to protect their garden and tools for the winter, by locking up those tools in the garden shed or garage.

It may come as no surprise that over 50s are a bit more savvy and protective with regard to their gardens, with only 10 per cent saying they make no preparations for winter, as opposed to 19 per cent of under 50s.

Overall, 14 per cent of garages and garden sheds are left unlocked, and an amazing 25 per cent of garden owners fail to put away their gardening tools in the winter. Passing thieves must think it’s … well, Christmas!

It has been estimated that the contents of a British garden are worth an average of £783, and the average home insurance claim for garden items comes in at £378, according to Saga figures. Without precautions or insurance, British gardeners have plenty to lose.

The average worth of items in the garden on a person over 50 is higher than the overall average, at £903, and considerably more than the average of the over 50s, which is only £665.

Thus, it serves those over 50 to take out all the protection they can for their garden and tools.

The over 50s also take more care of their plants, covering them up against the weather as best they can.

Chief executive of Saga Group, Andrew Goodsell, said: “It may not have been the barbecue summer we were all hoping for, but leaving the barbecue out to rust during winter will mean paying out to replace it next year.

“As a nation we are passionate about gardens and outdoor spaces, but when spring knocks on the door many of us could face hefty bills to replace items neglected during the harsher months, or stolen from insecure sheds.”

Of course, Saga home insurance offers insurance cover to help the over 50s take care of their gardens. It includes up to £250 cover for the garden and £3,000 cover against theft from outbuildings. Customers can choose to add garden protection to their Saga home insurance policy.

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