The garden is resting. Bring in your tools, equipment and furniture. Protect watering equipment from freezing. Revision, repair, maintenance, are necessary so that your garden equipment can be used for as long as possible. We explain how and why with Minutes Maison.
Pipes :drain them and dismantle all the connections to check that they are working properly and that they are sealed. Change the seals. Roll up the hoses on reels and tuck them away. If you leave them outside, because there is no room inside, make sure there is no more water inside, as the frost could cause them to burst.
Sprinklers :also check that there is no water inside, especially if they are not stored frost-free. Clean the filters if there are any. Unclog nozzles without using wire.
Underground watering :Drain all lines at the bleed port(s). Disconnect the connection at the water inlet, this must be provided with effective protection against freezing if it is not possible to shut off the supply from inside. Drain and return the programmer to shelter. Don't leave your fittings outside. Freezing could burst the mechanisms.
Check the joint and reinforce it with a nail or a screw if the handle is not attached to the metal part. Pass a sheet of very fine sandpaper over the entire length to avoid splinters. Do not cover it with varnish. This cracks and damages the palms of the hands.
Clean the metal parts with a brush and a cloth dry so that they are clean. Dry them carefully. A brush stroke soaked in edible oil prevents rust from setting in. Hang your tools on the rack, under cover.
Good to know :Cleaned and brushed with oil to prevent rust, the garden tools are ready to resume work in the spring. Do not store gasoline all winter in a container, as it may form condensation.
For each material: change the engine oil. Replace it with an oil recommended by the manufacturer. Empty the fuel tank and leave it open to avoid any condensation inside. Disassemble and then clean the air filter and the spark plug. Slip a little thin oil into the sheaths. Do not touch the electric motors but check the condition of the power cable. Charge battery devices once a month.
The mower: disconnect the spark plug to prevent accidental start-up. Brush, clean the crankcase thoroughly and dry it. Pass a brush soaked in cooking oil over its entire surface or spray a lubricating product to ensure good protection. Take the blade apart and sharpen it. Store your mower in a dry, ventilated place under an old blanket.
The brushcutter :brush and sharpen the blades. Grease the sprockets and bevel gears. If you have a nylon line cutting head, put new line in the slot provided for this purpose. Surround the cutting head with good protection and store your tool in an upright position so that it takes up as little space as possible.
The hedge trimmer: vigorously brush the teeth of the tool. Use some clean gasoline to remove the stuck-on sap. In general, it is not necessary to sharpen the teeth, the sharpening is done automatically. Place the protective sleeve over the blade and be sure to store your tool out of the reach of children.
Clean synthetic resin garden furniture with soapy water and dry it. Stack furniture away from cold and rain. Cover them with a tarp. Wash wooden furniture with a damp sponge, let it dry, and put it away. In the spring, you will do a very light sanding, before coating it with a wood preservative.
Also read :Planter:tips for protecting plants in winter
