As homesteaders here in Virginia, we know that when the forecast calls for a nor’easter, it’s time to get moving. Heavy rain, gusty winds, and chilly temperatures can make a mess of your coops, garden, and hives if you’re not ready. With a little preparation, though, your homestead can weather the storm safely and smoothly — and you’ll feel a lot better listening to the rain knowing everything outside is secure.
Here’s a checklist of things to do before the nor’easter rain comes in to protect your animals, garden, and home.
🐓 Add Fresh Straw and Dry Bedding in the Chicken Run
Chickens are hardy creatures, but they do not appreciate wet feet or damp coops. Before the rain starts, spread a thick layer of straw or pine shavings in both the coop and the run. This helps insulate the ground, prevent muddy conditions, and keep their space more sanitary.
If your run tends to flood, consider adding extra straw near the entrance and low spots to soak up moisture. Also, make sure feeders and waterers are raised and covered to prevent spoilage.
🐝 Feed the Bees and Secure the Hives
Once the storm hits, bees will cluster tightly and won’t leave the hive until conditions improve. That means today is your last chance to check on them. Ensure your hives are stocked with sugar syrup or fondant so the bees have enough food to ride out the nor’easter.
Use hive straps or bricks to weigh down the lids and prevent them from blowing off in strong winds. Double-check that hive stands are secure and elevated to avoid flooding near the entrance.
🌿 Clean Out Greenhouse Gutters and Check Drainage
Don’t forget the greenhouse! Heavy rain can easily clog gutters with leaves and debris, causing overflow and water pooling near your foundation or seed trays. Take a few minutes to clear out the gutters and downspouts before the rain begins — it’s a small task that makes a big difference in preventing leaks and flooding.
Also, inspect the roof panels and vents to ensure they’re secured against strong winds. A nor’easter is no time to test your greenhouse’s waterproofing!
🌱 Harvest What You Can and Protect the Rest
Before the rain moves in, harvest any ripe or nearly ripe vegetables — tomatoes, peppers, herbs, and squash are especially vulnerable to wind damage and excess water. For younger plants or fall crops like lettuce and kale, cover them with floating row covers or frost cloth to prevent damage and erosion.
Make sure all greenhouse doors and vents are latched tight to prevent gusts from ripping them open.
➡️ See The Old Farmer’s Almanac Garden Prep Tips for guidance on protecting crops before a storm.
🦆 Prepare Ducks and Other Poultry
While ducks may love puddles, even they appreciate a dry space when the rain turns heavy. Make sure they have access to a sheltered, well-bedded area where they can rest out of the wind. Add straw to their house and check for drafts.
If you have a small pond or pools, monitor their overflow potential — clear debris from drainage areas so it doesn’t flood surrounding ground or enclosures.
🧰 Secure Tools, Feed, and Equipment
A nor’easter can easily turn your tidy homestead into a windblown mess. Collect tools, buckets, feeders, and loose items and store them safely. Check tarps, fencing, and greenhouse coverings to make sure they’re tied down securely.
Feed bags should be stored in sealed bins and raised off the ground to prevent moisture damage. Even a few hours of steady rain can ruin hundreds of pounds of feed if left unprotected.
🕯️ Get the House Ready
Finally, make sure your home is prepared too. Charge your devices, fill water jugs (especially if you’re on a well), and check flashlights, batteries, and candles.
A nor’easter can bring power outages, but with a little preparation, you can turn it into a peaceful weekend indoors — maybe even a chance to learn a new skill, like using your sewing machine or planning next season’s garden.
🌧️ Final Thoughts
Every season on the homestead brings its own challenges — and opportunities. Prepping before a nor’easter isn’t just about surviving the storm; it’s about caring for what you’ve built and protecting it for the seasons ahead. From laying straw in the chicken run to feeding the bees and cleaning greenhouse gutters, these simple tasks keep your homestead strong, resilient, and ready for anything Mother Nature brings.
Once the chores are done and the rain begins to fall, grab a warm drink, listen to the storm, and take pride in the preparation that makes this life possible.
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