“If you want to improve your work, you must first improve your tools.” - Confucius
The snow this past Thanksgiving weekend was my official announcement that outdoor gardening will be complete for the 2023 season. When my husband Scott needed to use a snow blower to clear his driveway, I was pretty sure now was the time. It's a good thing they did it. . Part. There are still some things I want to do outside in my garden, but if that doesn't happen, it's not the end of the world. However, there is one gardening job that doesn't require me to stay outside and that is cleaning, sharpening and preparing garden tools for next year's gardening.
Caring for garden tools consists of three main steps: cleaning, sharpening and storing. The first step is cleaning. Rinse the metal parts of your tool under running water or submerge it in water if stubborn dirt sticks to the tool. For cutting tools, remove the liquid with a little soapy water and turpentine. Carefully remove the rust using steel wool, pieces of pumice, sandpaper, a wire brush, or a putty knife to avoid further scratches from regrowing rust. The main step of cleaning is disinfection of the instruments. Rinse the device for 30 seconds in a 10 percent bleach solution (one part bleach to nine parts water) or preferably 70 percent alcohol as it is less abrasive. Rubbing alcohol and other spray disinfectants contain 70% alcohol. Allow the tool to dry, then apply a few drops of linseed oil, tung oil, mineral oil, WD-40, silicone spray, or another rust inhibitor to the metal surface. For tool handles, tighten loose screws and bolts, scrub with a stiff brush, and use sandpaper to smooth the wood and remove splinters. Finally, rub the wooden handle with boiled linseed oil to prevent drying, cracking and splintering. Also, wash your gardening gloves before storing them for the winter, as pots, tools, and gloves can transmit diseases in the winter. For more information about cleaning and disinfecting garden tools and containers, visit https://extension.umn.edu/planting-and-growing-guides/clean-and-disinfect-gardening-tools.
People also read...
The next step is to customize the tools as needed. Mine always needs sharpening after a gardening season, especially my various secateurs. There are various tools that can be used to sharpen tools. Sharpener for garden tools, ideal for year-round use, router file or table grinder for larger jobs. You really only need a milling file unless you know how to use a bench grinder or other sanding tool. Remove rust before sharpening. If you have one, hold the tool with a vise while sharpening. To sharpen, run the slope along the cutting edge; This creates a metal scratch or rough edge on the back of the cutting edge. Next, remove the burr along the back of the cutting edge using a file, emery stone, or light sandpaper. Sharpen only the beveled (cutting) side to maintain the original angle of the tool and always wear eye protection. When you're finished, clean the metal parts with a lubricant such as linseed oil, mineral oil, or tung oil and allow them to dry. Be sure to only clean the sides of the blade and not the freshly sharpened edge.
Once your tools are clean and sharp, store them properly for the winter. Store them in a clean, dry place and, if possible, hang them to prevent them from absorbing moisture from the floor of your garage or garden.
Take some time this winter to clean and sharpen your garden tools so you're ready to go next spring. When mowing or planting next spring, you'll appreciate having sharp tools with firm, clean handles.
