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LAND HOE! Landscape Design and Renovation If you are like most gardeners, at the end of the gardening season your gardening implements get stuffed into the garage, shed, or other storage area with--if they are lucky-- a quick rinse. When spring comes and you are ready to go, the headache of deferred tool maintenance awaits. Winter is not the time when most gardeners are doing a lot of work outside, but it is a good time to get your tools ready for the coming season. Take an inventory of your tools; decide which tools need simple renovation, and which ones need to be replaced. If you do this soon enough, you can probably catch end-of-season clearance sales as gardening centers. So, the first step to winterizing is to clean your tools. Most tools will require a good scrub with a scouring pad to remove dirt and rust. Don't forget the wheelbarrow. Check all the edges. Shovels, hoes, and other digging tool do their best when they have a sharp edge. This can be done with a little patience and a metal file. Pruners, loppers and sheers should of course have a sharp edge, but not all tools can be sharpened safely. If you did not purchase a cutting tool that disassembles for sharpening, a saw shop may be able to help you. Professionally ground edges cut most efficiently. Once the cleaning and sharpening have been done, spray the metal with WD40 or other light lubricants to prevent rust and corrosion. For mechanical tools, really work it into the hinges and bearing points. The handles of your tools should also be maintained. Sand any rough spots smooth and either oil them with linseed oil or clear coat them with durable polyurethane finish. Pots are also oft-overlooked items that need to be maintained. Empty the pots of soil so they won't become waterlogged thereby risking freezing and cracking during harsh winters. Clean the pots with a solution of 10 parts water and 1 part bleach. This solution will kill any bacteria, fungus, or virus that was left behind and prevent the spread of disease to new plants. With these tasks accomplished, you will be well prepared for the call-of-the-garden come early spring! |
Updated March 2001