Posted on August 30, 2023 at 12:02 pm
Rain seems to be a fond memory for SETX and it's hard to remember our last "significant" rain.
Most of us have been waiting for daytime temperatures to climb out of the triple digits and into what local forecasters are calling "SETX's most common summer temperature" - the 90s. While we await the return of "normal" weather conditions, let's discuss how to make the most of your time at the park.
Maintaining garden tools is certainly not a "glamorous" topic in gardening, but it is important because garden tools are the backbone of almost all gardening tasks.
Gardening tools can help gardeners complete tasks more efficiently (meaning they take less time) or make gardening tasks more difficult, less efficient, and more time consuming.
Fun Fact: Did you know that the "water garden" is one of the oldest forms of horticulture, with Egyptian records showing that nefar was cultivated before 2000 BC. did they succeed
For most gardeners, cooler weather is our "signal" that it's time to start other (daily) garden chores like gardening. B. technical maintenance of garden equipment, inspection and repair of garden hoses and winterization.
Some gardeners - well, most gardeners - overlook the importance of taking care of their garden tools in a "practical or selective" way. Many of us (myself included) choose to just "rip up the floor" and put away our garden tools when fall rolls around, thinking all is well!
I'm here to tell you that it's not a good habit, it's a "bad" practice!
As we continue to experience the "Texas" summer, maybe it's time to make garden maintenance a priority?
As an incentive to appease us all (prices are going up), garden supplies are no exception and prices continue to skyrocket! Your small efforts will pay off big and pay off.
Maintenance ensures that garden tools are functional, sharp and ready to use (when needed) and last longer, especially as autumn and spring approaches.
So find a shady spot and give your garden and lawn the attention they deserve, because tools make a gardener's life so much easier. Here are some tips to help you stay ahead.
Care and maintenance
Yard and garden equipment is actually damaged. Time takes its toll on garden tools, tool use, frequency of use, exposure to the elements and moisture combined with soil, which increases metal oxidation (rust).
With proper cleaning and care, each tool maintains its function and at the same time extends its service life.
Begin tool care by removing stubborn dirt with a wire brush, then rinse with clean water until the tool is completely dry. Sometimes very dirty dishes need to be soaked in water for an hour to remove the remaining scale.
Sharpen blunt tools (shovels, hoes, bypass trimmers, pole cutters, etc.) with a file or whetstone. Holding the tool firmly at a 45 degree angle, start sharpening the tool from the outer edge and work your way towards the center.
Use fine sandpaper and steel wool to remove rust. After removing the rust, lubricate the metal surface with (vegetable) oil.
Carefully examine the wooden handles of garden tools. If chips are visible, sand them lightly with fine sandpaper and then clean. Apply a small amount or a thin layer of linseed oil or wax paste to wooden handles to preserve them and prevent cracks, chips and splits.
To prevent hand garden tools from rusting, store hand shovels and other small tools in a bucket of sand soaked in used oil.
When the rust is gone, hang rakes, hoes, and shovels in easy-to-reach places.
A garden hose should be carefully inspected for leaks and pressure cracks. After inspection, drain the water and move it to a place protected from the weather. Repair the leak with a hose repair kit or replace leaky fittings, which you can purchase at your local garden center or hardware store. Plumbing repairs are easy to complete with minimal effort, cost, and time.
After all, this is the most effective tool for mowing the lawn. Clean and sharpen blades that may rust, or simply replace the blades. Change the oil and oil filter (use the used oil in the garden tool bin). Avoid storing gasoline in your lawnmower over the winter, drain the gasoline and use it in another gas tool, or add fuel stabilizer to the fuel lines, injectors, and carburetor to prevent gum build-up.
storage
Store the product in a clean and dry place. Appliances can be stored on shelves, racks or simply on the wall.
Do not store wood-handled tools in areas where wood will come into contact with soil, concrete, or the outside environment.
Every gardener knows that quality garden tools are expensive. If properly cared for, they will contribute to a productive and profitable garden for many years.
Goodbye fellow gardeners, let's grow a greener and more sustainable world, one crop at a time.
Please send all your comments and questions to John Greene at jonggreene57gmail.com .
