How do you take good care of your garden tools

Dip the tools in a diluted solution of any household bleach. Turpentine can be used for any items that might be covered in sap and vinegar can be used to soak items coasted in rust. Give wooden handles a light rubbing with linseed oil. Not only does a thorough cleaning mean sterile tools, it also ensures your tools will last longer. Just think of it as protecting your investment. Sharpening Hoes, shears, scissors, knives, loppers, prunes, and shovels all need an occasional sharpening.

Wipe the blades down with WD or another lubricant. For items that need a finer edge pruners or shears , use a whetstone to finish the edge. Thank you for supporting the brands that support Garden Betty. The No-Waste Vegetable Cookbook is my latest book.

Garden Betty is where I write about modern homesteading, farm-to-table cooking, and outdoor adventuring — all that encompass a life well-lived outdoors. After all, the secret to a good life is Read more ». Hi Linda, Thanks for sharing this great informative article. How long have you been gardening? Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Written by Linda Ly. Here are six simple tips for maintaining your gardening tools this season: 1. Turn on your JavaScript to view content. Jose Frank November 24, at pm. Leave a Reply Cancel Reply. Tools not only need to be sharp, but also clean and sterile.

Tools that are exposed to plants or soil with bacterial, fungal or insect infestations can spread those problems throughout the garden. It only takes a few minutes after each gardening session to take care of your tools and protect your garden the next time they are used. Keeping your tools clean and storing them properly after each use is essential if you want them to last.

Boiled linseed oil can be used to condition the wood handles and protect the metal working parts of tools. When applied to the metal parts, it creates a barrier between the metal and oxygen, preventing rust. For a thorough treatment, apply it liberally over the entire tool, allow it to sit 15 mins and wipe off the excess with a dry cloth.

Read and follow the directions carefully, as used rags can pose a combustion risk if stored or disposed of incorrectly. Pruner blades that are clogged with sap can be difficult to use.

Solvents, such as mineral spirits or turpentine, can be used to remove sap from pruning tool blades.