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10 Ways To Take Proper Care Of Your Garden Tools

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10 Ways To Take Proper Care Of Your Garden Tools

Taking care of your garden requires that you use the best tools available. And just buying the right tools is not just sufficient. Once you buy them, you have to ensure that they are properly maintained. Otherwise, the tools won’t function properly, and either they will take a long time to do their job, or you won’t be able to maintain the garden quite the way you wanted. To help you take care of the garden tools the right way, we list six suggestions below.

10 Ways To Take Proper Care
Of Your Garden Tools


Safe Storage

The first thing to do is to store the garden tools in a shed. Don’t let the tools be littered all through the garden. That alone will guarantee that the tools are damaged quickly since they will be exposed to the environmental effects of sun, rain, and so on. Instead, get a weatherproof storage unit and place all your garden tools inside it.

Sharpening

Your tools must be constantly sharpened to get the best results from them. Unfortunately, many homeowners don’t do this. And if you are one of them, then it is time to change your habit and start sharpening the tools. This will make the gardening process easier, and you will finish doing the job quicker. So, remember to check the edge of the blades every time you use them. And if they look dull, then it is a sign that the blade needs sharpening.

Apply Oil On Metal

If the metal parts of your tools are not made of stainless steel, then there is a good chance that they are susceptible to rust. You can reduce the chances of rust by ensuring that the metal is coated with a very thin layer of oil. You can use linseed oil for this task. But be sure to never use motor oil to coat the metal.

Hang Them

One thing you have to follow when resting the tools is to hang them on a long nail. Never place them on the ground, leaning onto the wall. If you do this on a regular basis, there is a good chance that the moisture on the floor might start affecting the tools. And that is something you definitely must avoid.

Conditioning The Wood

It is also recommended that you condition the wooden handles periodically. The best way to do it will be to apply linseed oil on the handles. Remember to only apply a thin coat of oil, else the wood might suck up the oil excessively. Now, if you can’t find linseed oil in your garage, just use some flaxseed oil from the kitchen, and it should do the job.

Diseased Plants

If you have used the tools on any diseased plants, make sure that you treat them with alcohol and water, and remove all residue of the plant from the tool. This is not just good for the tool, but also for you.

Protective Wear

When working in your garden, you will likely be wearing protective wear like gloves and pads on your hands and knees. Makes sure that you clean those protective wear every time you use them. If you allow the dirt on the pads and gloves to remain as it is, then they will be damaged pretty soon. And if you wear any eye-wear during gardening, make sure that you clean the lenses of the eye-wear too.

Garden Hose

Some homeowners keep their garden hose folded in the garage. This is not a good way to store the hose. Instead, always keep the garden hose coiled, ideally inside a bucket. By doing so, you can ensure that the hose lasts at least twice as long, helping you avoid wasting money on quick replacements.

Sand Bucket

A good way to prevent rust on the metal parts of the tools is by using sand. Just fill in a bucket with sand, and then keep the tools submerged in it completely when not in use. This will avoid any chance of the tools rusting. But make sure that you store the bucket in a cool, dry place. Because if any water content falls in the bucket, and the sand becomes wet, then the tools might be affected by rust.

Digging Tools

If you have trouble with cleaning up the tightly clung dirt in the digging tools, then consider using a barbecue brush. You can then use the scraper to remove all dirt on the tool while digging.

And if any of the tools are damaged, then you should get a good replacement for it as soon as possible. Check out Best of Machinery for recommendations on high quality garden tools.

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8 comments

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  1. Hi, Lux!

    Mrs. Shady is an avid gardener and I will share these excellent tips with her. I don't think it occurs to most people to thoroughly clean and properly store their tools after use but, if it prolongs their life, it is well worth the extra time required to do it.

    Lux, thank you very much for your kind and comforting words during my bereavement. I appreciate your support, dear friend!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Safe storage definitely seems like the way to go - a dedicated shed for all of those sharp tools (that need to stay out of the rain!). Interesting post topic, anything related to gardens and nature is good in my book! ;)

    aglassofice.com
    x

    ReplyDelete
  3. Really useful tips!! :)
    kisses
    Agnese & Elisa
    http://desiresinstyle.com/

    ReplyDelete
  4. Interesting post!
    Have a nice week-end!
    Gil Zetbase

    ReplyDelete
  5. I really needed to see this post today! I always forget to put my tools up and when I need them they are a rusty mess! Thank you for sharing your tips!

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  6. For gardening avid like me, I am hailing these gardening hacks.

    ReplyDelete
  7. This is so cool. I was troubling with my weelbarrow. It was getting irony after couples of weeks duration. Now i might get rid of this problem.

    ReplyDelete
  8. Hi, LUX.

    I have few things that might adding with you 10 best way in garden care process.

    I would like to say, You should add few recommended tools name in your article that will brings more help as resource. (Personal opinion)

    Anyways, I'm used to with few tools. specially with my lawn care tools If you want let me share you in next comments.

    In end, You have nice informative article though.

    Thanks for sharing.

    ReplyDelete