As in life, there are some things that are less glamourous than others but underpin everything else and for gardeners this is looking after your gardening tools.
If you look after your garden tools, they will look after you.
Good quality tools come at a price and are designed to last many years, but they must be cared for and regularly maintained to ensure they are up to the job in hand. If you do decide to buy cheaper tools you may think that maintaining them is less of a problem because when they wear out you can simply throw them away, but this is false economy as well as being bad for the environment.
Regardless of the quality, looking after your garden tools on a regular basis means they will be ready to go to work on your next garden chore. Following a few basic rules will add many years of life and use to your gardening tools.
Digging Tools
Digging tools like trowels, spades and garden forks take a lot of punishment in the mud, gravel and clay of our gardens. To make sure they are in tip top condition, get into the habit of cleaning them after each task. If you have a garden hose handy that should do the job but caked on mud may require a screwdriver or other tool to make sure you get rid of all the grime – especially if you have left it in the shed since you last used it!
Tools with wooden handles
If your garden tools have wooden handles, then you can use linseed oil to help to preserve them – rub in gently until the oil has been absorbed and leave to dry. Linseed oil is obtained from the seed of the linseed-flax plant and is a natural oil. Raw linseed oil is extracted without and chemicals, solutions or additives to preserve it, so it is perfect for the organic gardener. Boiled linseed oil is treated with hot air and additives and will dry more quickly (in about 24 hours whereas raw linseed can take up to 3 days!)
Pruning blades and knives
Pruning blades and knives should be cleaned to remove any ingrained dirt or sap using soapy water and wire wool or brush. Make sure tools are thoroughly dry before use and after each use, wipe the metal parts of pruners, blades and secateurs with an oily rag or a clean rag and lubricate joints with a penetrating oil like WD40.
Sharpening Tools
Tools can be sharpened by using an oiled honing stone in one direction across the tool’s bevelled edge - this applies to the blades of spades as well as pruning tools. To make sure shovels and trowels have smooth edges, use a file to remove any pitting or nicks so they glide through the ground.
Chemicals
Chemicals as well as dirt and wear and tear can have a detrimental effect on your garden tools. Fertilisers and other chemicals will corrode metal parts if left, so thoroughly clean and dry any garden tools used for applying chemicals or fertiliser products.
Sterilisation Of Tools
To ensure disease is not spread between plants you can sterilise your pruning blades using Jeyes fluid or similar – leave for up to 20 minutes before wiping off and making sure no trace of the fluid remains.
Storing Your Tools
Never put your garden tools away wet and remember to store your tools in a dry shed, garage or similar (off the floor) to prevent any moisture and rust building up.
If you follow these rules on how to look after your garden tools, you will always have the best tool for the job and in tip top condition when you need it.
If you would like further advice or information, then please get in touch.
