With cold weather approaching and yard work wrapping up, it's time to hang up your gardening tools for the season, but not until winter.
Careful care will save you time in the spring when you want to go outside. Plus, taking good care of your tools will help them last longer and save you money by limiting wear and tear. If you keep your tools clean throughout the season, you won't have to do much to prepare them for storage, but these are the most important steps.
How to move gardening tools for the winter
First, make sure your hand tools such as picks, shovels, pruners, trowels, etc. are clean and dry. Rinse off the dirt with warm water and clean the leaves of juice and debris. If there are stubborn stains, clean them with a stiff-bristled brush. Use sandpaper or steel wool to remove rust stains.
Then sharpen any dull boring or cutting tools. You'll need some basic tools, including safety gear, so if you don't have these items on hand, consider taking your tools to a hardware or garden store to have them sharpened.
For tools with wooden handles, use sandpaper to smooth out any rough edges that could cause cracks (if there are large cracks, consider replacing the handle entirely). Clean the handles with linseed oil.
Finally, lubricate metal parts such as screws and bolts with mineral oil and clean them with detergent diluted with household disinfectant.
If something is broken and needs repair or replacement, now is the time. Don't store equipment that won't be ready for use next spring. This includes repairing leaking hoses and replacing washing machines and faucets.
If you have garden equipment, such as a lawn mower or trimmer, follow the manufacturer's instructions for cleaning and care. You'll probably want to drain your gasoline car (or add fuel stabilizer), turn off the power, and thoroughly clean all parts.
How to store gardening tools
Store winter gear in a shed, garage, or other area that is protected from moisture and out of reach of children and pets. Ideally, your equipment should not be exposed to the elements, including wet or cold conditions.
If you have wall space, consider a tool rack, sturdy hooks, or a floor for hanging tools. Always ensure that the equipment is secured and not dropped on anyone. Small hand tools can also be stored in buckets of sand and oil to prevent rust.
After draining and drying the snapdragons, wrap them to prevent cuts and hang them for storage. Do the same with electrical cords (wrap them in plastic first if there is a risk of moisture).
Finally, cover clean garden tools and store them in a protected area away from appliances with indicator lights, including water heaters and boilers. All lawn chemicals should also be stored in a safe location, away from extreme temperatures.
