If you've ever tried to weed a garden or add a new plant, you know how essential well-maintained garden tools are for working in your garden. However, these tools also require proper care. The best time for routine maintenance is during the off-season when your outdoor chores are more about shoveling snow than tending to plants. Spending some time on your garden tools now can prevent rust, dull blades, and weakened handles, ensuring they are effective and long-lasting. Here's a comprehensive guide on how to care for your garden tools when they're not in use.
Manual Tools
Cleaning
Once you've put your garden to bed for the winter, clean your tools thoroughly. Dirt, sap, and plant residues can cause tools to deteriorate over time. Cleaning them ensures they remain in good condition and are ready for use when the gardening season returns.
To clean your garden tools:
Remove soil and debris: Use a stiff brush to scrub away dirt. For stubborn soil, rinse with water but ensure the tools are dried thoroughly afterward.
Remove sap and residue: Wipe down tools with a rag dipped in a solution of warm water and mild dish soap. For tougher residues, use mineral spirits or a specialized cleaner.
Sanitize: To prevent the spread of plant diseases, soak the tools in a solution of one part bleach to nine parts water for about 10 minutes. Rinse and dry them completely.
Sharpening
Sharp tools make gardening tasks easier and more efficient. After cleaning your garden implements, sharpen the blades as appropriate. In the spring, sharp blades will make cleaner cuts, reducing strain on your plants.
Garden tools that need regular sharpening include:
Pruners (bypass, anvil, loppers)
Shears (hedge, grass)
Garden scissors and floral snips
Grafting and pruning knives
Digging and trenching shovels
Garden stirrup and weeding hoes
Splitting and hand axes
Lawn mower blades
Edgers
Pruning, chain, and bow saws (replace saw blades if needed)
Hand trowels
Basic sharpening steps:
Clean the tool: Remove dirt and sap before sharpening.
Secure the tool: Use a vise or similar to hold the tool steady.
Sharpen the blade: Use a file, sharpening stone, or grinder. Follow the natural bevel of the blade.
Oil the blade: After sharpening, wipe the blade with an oiled cloth to prevent rust.
Wear gloves and eye protection while sharpening and follow the manufacturer's instructions for each tool. There are detailed guides on tool sharpening available online.
Oil
For garden tools with moving parts, such as loppers, scissors, and pruners, oiling is crucial to ensure proper functioning and prevent rust. Apply a few drops of machine oil or WD-40 to the joints, hinges, and blades. Open and close the hinge a few times, then wipe off excess oil with a clean cloth to avoid attracting dirt.
Inspect and Care for Handles
Inspect the handles of each tool. Wooden handles should be sanded down and treated with linseed oil to prevent splitting. For fiberglass handles, check for cracks or damage and clean them with soapy water if needed. Tighten any loose handles with screws or bolts and replace damaged handles if necessary.
Power Tools
Power tools like hedge trimmers and chainsaws require special care at the end of the season to keep their motorized parts functional.
Clean
Clean your power tools by wiping down the exterior with a damp cloth and using a brush to remove dirt from hard-to-reach areas. For mowers and trimmers, clean the blades and decks thoroughly to remove grass clippings, sap, and debris.
Electric and Battery Tools
For electric power tools, check batteries, oil moving parts, and sharpen blades before storing them for the winter. Inspect electrical cords and extension cords making repairs or replacing as necessary. Remove batteries and store them in a cool, dry place, periodically recharging them during the off-season. Consult your user manual for detailed instructions.
Fuel
For fuel-powered tools, address the fuel in the tank at the end of the season. Either drain the fuel by running the engine until it runs out of gas, use a siphon pump, or add a fuel stabilizer to a full tank of fresh fuel and run the engine for a few minutes to circulate the stabilized fuel.
Change the Oil
Drain the old oil from the engine while it's warm (not hot) and refill with fresh oil recommended by the manufacturer. Dispose of used oil properly according to local Massachusetts regulations.
Air Filter
Replace or clean the air filter. For paper filters, replace them with new ones. For foam filters, clean with soapy water, rinse, dry, and lightly oil before reinstalling.
Spark Plugs
Inspect spark plugs for wear and tear. Clean them with a wire brush if they're in good condition, or replace them if worn or damaged, ensuring proper gapping according to the manufacturer’s specifications.
Lubricate Moving Parts
Apply a light coat of oil or lubricant to all moving parts, such as cables, levers, and joints. Wipe off any excess to prevent attracting dirt.
Tool Storage
Proper storage of garden tools during the winter is essential to keep them in good condition and extend their lifespan. Store tools in a dry, well-ventilated area, such as a garage, shed, or basement, to protect them from moisture, which can cause rust and degrade wood handles.
Storage Ideas:
Hang tools: Use hooks, pegboards, or wall-mounted racks.
Tool racks: If wall space is limited, use a tool rack.
Shelving: Store smaller tools on shelves or in bins.
Toolboxes: Use toolboxes or storage bins for hand tools.
Buckets of sand: Store shovels and hoes in a bucket filled with sand mixed with a small amount of oil to keep tools dry and rust-free.
Protective covering: Wrap tools in cloth or store power tools in their original cases to protect them from dust and moisture.
Organize your storage system now to save time in the spring. Label bins, shelves, and tool racks to easily identify where each tool belongs, and group similar tools together for easier access. If possible, store tools in a climate-controlled environment to avoid extreme temperature fluctuations.
Record Keeping
Keep track of tool maintenance to remember when each tool was last serviced and what work was done. Set up a logbook or spreadsheet with details of cleaning, sharpening, oiling, and repairs for each tool. Use your digital calendar to set reminders for periodic maintenance tasks.
Taking the time now to care for your garden tools not only extends their life but also ensures they perform efficiently when needed. By following these steps, you’ll be ready to tackle any gardening task with ease and confidence when the next season arrives. Proper tool maintenance is an investment in the health of your garden and the enjoyment of your gardening experience.
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