How to Care For Your Garden Tools During the Winter

Every good gardener knows that the right tools are like good bugs—they can make the work easier. As with most things, a good garden tool can cost a fair amount more than the base-line unit. If you're going to shell out money, you should get the most use out of the tool. The proper care can keep your tools in great shape, or even bring back to life an old tool you might find at a yard sale. Preparing and properly storing your tools for winter are important maintenance practices for the longevity of your tools. Lucky, this process is fairly quick and inexpensive.

Step 1: Clean Your Tools

It's important to clean your garden tools before storing them. Fertilizer can deteriorate your tools, and mud can hold moisture that will lead to excess rust. For general cleaning, use soapy water and rinse until clean. You can remove stubborn clumps or caked on material by using a putty knife, wire brush or steel scrubber. Dry your tools with a towel.

Step 2: Sharpen Your Tools

This is the perfect time to get your tools ready for next season. A flat file is great for most tools. (You can usually buy one at your local hardware store.) You can use it to file the blade to restore the edge. Be sure not to make the blade too thin, as this can cause the gardening tool to chip. Take items like shears to a professional if you are unsure how to sharpen them.

Step 3: Maintain Handles

Gardeners know that wooden handles can start to split and crack over time. For split or splintered handles, use sandpaper to smooth the wood. To prevent cracks, use linseed oil. Put a small amount of oil on a towel and work it into the wood. You will see the color of the wood darken as the oil works into the grain. Continue applying the oil until the handle has an even coat.

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Step 4: Prepare a Storage Bucket

Use an old pot or bucket that is large enough to store your tools. This doesn't have to be as big as your rain harvesting container. Fill the container with enough fine sand to cover the metal of your tools. Mix in enough WD-40 or vegetable oil to make the sand moist. You'll need approximately 1 quart of oil for 5 pounds of sand.

Step 5: Store Garden Tools

Now you're ready to insert your tools. Place the metal parts of tools, such as the blade of shovels, hoes, forks or knives, into the sand. This is where they will stay until you want to use them. If you decide not to use the sand method, you will need to oil all the metal parts and leave the oil on them all winter. This can be a little tricky because they need to be covered enough to be thoroughly coated without causing the oil to drip or puddle.

Step 6: Get Ready for Next Season

When the next season approaches, you will be ready for a successful garden. All that you will need to do is wipe off any excess sand and oil from your tools. Use a towel and place the mixture back into the bucket. You can use this mixture again next year, as well as throughout the year.

Using these easy techniques will keep your tools in great condition, letting you enjoy them for many years. Using this process, you can even revive an old tool. Find more information about organic gardening at our DIY blog.