As winter sets in, now is the time to think about cleaning your garden tools before putting them into hibernation.
But before stowing them away, you’ll want to give them a thorough clean and sharpen them up. Maybe even consider throwing out the old and investing in some new ones for next season.
How to clean garden tools for winter and make them last
Here are 5 things to consider…
1. Don’t leave tools out in the rain
If you want your gardening tools to last, then don’t leave them out in the rain and cold or they will deteriorate. Metal will rust and wood will rot.
With any tool, you need to clean the soil off it before storing. Oil any moving parts regularly, and sharpen the blades of knives, shears and secateurs, so they make a clean cut every time.
Blades can be wiped with an oily rag before prolonged storage, and need to be kept dry to avoid rusting.
2. Make sure you remove all traces of sap
Tools should be wiped with a damp cloth and washing-up liquid to remove any sap, which can make the cutting surfaces sticky and prevent a good cut next time.
Dried sap and rust can be also be removed by rubbing the blades with wire wool, before oiling them lightly. Secateurs should be left with their blades open to dry thoroughly before putting them away.
When hoes and spades become blunt, either sharpen them by hand or on a grindstone.
3. Think about replacements
If you haven’t looked after your tools and they’ve had it, what replacements should you buy?
Well, if you can afford it, go for top quality. If not, just go for the best you can afford, as cheap tools only last a few seasons.
If a new spade is needed, go for one that suits your size. A huge, heavy spade may look impressive but won’t be easy to work with if you are small. Go for the one that you feel comfortable with and which suits your height.
A good spade should be made of hardwood which is splinter-free. Check that the shaft, especially where it meets the metal shank, is smooth. The old-fashioned D-shaped handles are often the most comfortable. Check the same things if you are buying a new garden fork.
4. Go for comfort
If you are replacing hand tools, buy stainless steel ones with comfortable handles that don’t create blisters. Spend a little bit more on a pair of good-quality secateurs and they can last you a lifetime if you look after them.
Remember, in general, you should not use secateurs to cut stems that are any thicker than your finger.
When looking for a new trowel, go for one that is strong, rather than admiring the colour of the handle. Cheaper versions will bend if you are digging into heavy soil, especially where the handle meets the blade. Trowels should be used vertically to take out a hole, rather than horizontally like a flour scoop.
Of course, you will need shears if you have hedges to trim, but make sure they’re not too heavy and that the cutting action is smooth.
If your tools are still usable, there are things you can do to improve their performance. Tighten the blade tension of garden shears to improve their cutting, and remove and sharpen the blades of other pruning tools.
As you have done the last cut of the season, it may be time to service your lawnmower. Also, it’s a good time to check electrical equipment, as many plugs, sockets and leads deteriorate with use in the garden.
5. Tidy the shed
Once you’ve had a good clear-out of the shed, you may find space to put up racks and shelves so you can neatly store your newly-cleaned tools, rather than just leaving them on the floor.
That way, there is less chance of accidents through treading on rakes, hoes and other sharp instruments. Plus, invest in a series of galvanised or plastic-coated wire tool racks for the wall and you’ll never have to hunt for your fork or trowel again.
Then, when the busy period of spring arrives, you’ll have all the garden tools for the job – and know they’re all clean and in working order after winter in the shed.
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