Q:
If I unhook my garden hoses from the faucet, can I leave them outside? I always turn off the outside water for the winter. But will it damage a hose to leave it outside ?
A:
Hoses can be stored outside as long as you make sure to drain all of the water from the hose. Hoses can be drained easily by running them over a tall place where gravity forces water to exit the hose. This ensures that the hose won't split when any residual water freezes.
However, be aware that the temperature swings will cause the hose material to age at a faster rate and the hose will not last more than a few seasons, even if it is completely drained.
Want to learn more about this topic? Explore more resources from OSU Extension:
Gardening techniques
