Keeping your garden tools in good shape is key to making your gardening work easier and helping your tools last longer. Well-kept tools can make each gardening task smoother and more enjoyable. Imagine always having sharp, clean, and reliable tools ready whenever you start gardening.
You’re only as good as your tools so if you want a picture perfect garden, you need to keep your tools in good shape. Tools that can’t get the job done makes gardening a chore and your results will suffer. In this article, we will go over several tips to help you keep your garden tools in good condition.
1 – Keep them sharp
Sharpening your garden tools is important for keeping them effective and easy to use. Dull blades can make your gardening work harder and might even harm your plants. When you keep your blades sharp, you’ll find that cutting becomes easier and quicker.
To start sharpening, you need a few items. One is a file for the rough work, then a sharpening stone for fine-tuning, and finally a honing rod for finishing touches.
Use the file to smooth out any rough spots or uneven edges on blades like shears or pruners, always moving the file in one direction. Then, use the sharpening stone to gently sharpen the blade with even, smooth strokes. This step is important for tools that need to be very sharp. Finish by using the honing rod to polish the blade, giving it a sharp edge.
Sharpening your tools regularly not only makes your gardening easier but also helps your tools last longer.
2 – Lubricate them
Oiling and lubricating the metal parts of your garden tools are important for keeping them working well and lasting longer. Proper lubrication prevents rust and ensures that the tools operate smoothly, making them easier and safer to handle.
When choosing oils and lubricants, a light machine oil or a silicone-based lubricant is usually best for garden tools because these options protect well and don’t attract too much dirt.
Applying oil is easy but needs to be done carefully to cover all parts properly without using too much. First, make sure the tool is clean so you’re not trapping any dirt under the oil. You can apply a small amount of oil directly on the metal parts or use a clean rag to spread it.
3 – Storage systems
Properly storing your garden tools is key to preventing damage and rust, which helps them last longer and stay in good shape. The right storage conditions can protect your tools from moisture and other elements that might harm them.
It’s best to store your tools in a dry place like a shed, garage, or inside your home. Moisture is the main cause of rust, so keeping your tools dry is very important.
Organizing your tools well also saves space and makes it easier to find what you need. Hang larger tools on wall-mounted racks or pegboards to keep them off the ground and avoid clutter. For smaller tools, try using magnetic strips or outline boards where each tool fits into its own marked spot.