After a rewarding spring and summer of gardening, winter is the ideal time to maintain your equipment. As a seasoned gardener with years of hands-on experience, I've learned that proper care prevents rust, extends tool life, and ensures they're ready for next season. Follow these proven steps.
Cutting tools like pruning shears, spades, shovels, hoes, and rakes feature steel blades and wooden handles. I always clean mine thoroughly after each use, protecting them from rust and wear for years of reliable service.
Start by dry brushing dirt and mud from blades and handles on spades, rakes, or hoes. Scrape off rust with a wire brush if needed.
Disinfect with a soft cloth soaked in rubbing alcohol. For wooden handles, apply linseed oil to shield against cold and frost. Lubricate springs, pivots, and moving parts with oil or grease.
Lawn mowers, shredders, and edge trimmers are common motorized tools. Clean them after every use when possible, but before winter storage in a dry spot, perform these essential checks.
Change the engine oil annually on mowers. Drain fuel tanks on all motorized tools. For gas models, remove spark plugs carefully.
Store with handlebars tilted back slightly to avoid flooding the carburetor with oil.
