How to Care for Your Garden Tools this Winter

As we embrace the harsh weather of Winter, it’s the perfect time to show some love to your trusted garden tools and get them ready for the seasons to come. Here’s a simple yet effective guide to keep them in tip-top shape while making your gardening tasks a breeze.

Clean and Prepare

In an ideal world, we’d diligently wipe our tools after each use, but real life often intervenes. As Winter approaches, it’s time for some tool maintenance. Inspect your tools, remove the grime, and give them a thorough cleaning.

Dunk them in warm, soapy water and use a brush to scrub away the dirt. Rinse them and allow them to air dry or give them a gentle towel pat-down.

Sharpen for Precision

Sharp tools are not only easier to use, but they’re also gentler on your plants. A sharp blade cleanly slices through stems, while a dull one can crush and harm the plant. Choose the right sharpener for your tools to ensure precision.

But why do tools go blunt in the first place? It’s simply a consequence of the work they do. The abrasive action of cutting through branches, stems, and soil takes a toll on the tool’s edge over time. As the blade encounters resistance and continually wears against tough plant material, it gradually loses its sharpness.

Explore our range of sharpeners HERE, designed for different tools to ensure that your cuts are clean and your plants stay healthy.

Protect with Oil

Finish off with a protective layer of oil. This shields the metal from rust by creating a barrier between the metal and moisture. It’s especially vital for tools with carbon steel heads or blades, which are durable but prone to rust.

A light coating of oil also lubricates moving parts, ensuring smoother operation, and extending the life of your tools.

Bonus Tip: Sand Bucket Hack

For year-round tool maintenance, keep a bucket of sand in your shed. Mix it with boiled linseed oil or motor oil. After each use, plunge your tool head into the sand for a quick clean and sharpen while adding a protective layer of oil.

These simple tasks will make your tools your garden’s best friend, ensuring they’re ready for action when Spring arrives.