As I pull out the Christmas decorations, I have to dodge my garden tools. During the holidays, we probably do not think much about our tools -- but we should. Just putting the tools in the shed does not properly prepare them for their long winter’s nap. We need to put our tools in order before we store them. This will prepare them to come out of storage ready to be used next spring. It will also protect expensive tools from deteriorating rapidly. Here are some hints from University of Georgia horticulturists Bob Westerfield and Tony Johnson on protecting your tools.
Gas powered tools must be protected during the winter. Before you work on these tools, remove the wire from the spark plug so the motor will not accidently crank. Remove anything that has wound around the tiller tines or the mower shaft. Check the spark plug and replace if necessary.
Either drain the gas or add a fuel stabilizer. Because much of the gasoline today contains some ethanol, select a stabilizer that is compatible with fuels containing ethanol. Change the oil and clean or replace the air filter before storing the equipment. Also, brush or wash off all soil or grass from the outside of the equipment.
Clean hand tools like shovels, hoes and rakes with soap and water. Clean metal parts with steel wool or a steel brush, sharpen blades and tool edges and then add a light coat of vegetable oil to prevent rusting.
Smooth wooden handles by sanding with sand paper. Coat the handles with linseed oil or paint them. Store rakes and hoes with the teeth or blades down to keep from hurting yourself by stepping on them.
If you have wooden stakes, tomato cages or similar structures, clean and repair them before storage.
Wooden structures store best dry while plastic stores best out of direct sunlight.
Pesticide sprayers should be rinsed three times with water. You can add a little ammonia to help with the process. Remove and clean the spray tip and strainer. Wear plastic gloves to protect yourself from residual pesticides.
If you have leftover pesticides, try to store them where they will not freeze. Do not store them in dwellings or other places people or animals live or in areas with any type of food or drink. One of the best ways to use up residual pesticides is to apply them as the label directions.
Read and follow all label directions when handling or using any pesticide. The label will give the best directions for keeping yourself safe when using pesticides.
Wash all fertilizer out of spreaders. Fertilizer left in spreaders will make them rust quickly. Lubricate moving parts.
If you have a sprinkler system, turn it off and drain the water from it. Inspect the heads to make sure they are not damaged. If you have time, run the system through all zones to make sure the heads all work. Fall and winter are good times to check sprinklers and to make repairs. Waiting until summer to repair sprinklers means that your lawn may suffer from drought. Also, if you need help repairing a system, sprinkler repair professionals are less busy at this time of year.
Water hoses are expensive, so treat them well. Wash them out, inspect them for cracks and then store them inside out of direct sunlight. Once they are free of water, screw the ends together so that no trash or insects can get in the hose. Do not hang hoses on a nail, since this can leave a permanent crimp in them. Hang them on something that is round so the hoses will retain their shape.
As you work on your tools, make a written list of tools you need to replace or would like to have. Then leave the list where loved ones can find it. And then -- drop hints! Christmas gifts that you can work with are some of the best gifts.
Proper tools are vital to a healthy garden. Some of my tools have been helping me in the garden for years. Let’s take good care of our gardening friends and they will take care of us next gardening season.
Willie Chance is retired from the University of Georgia Extension in Houston County. To reach your local extension office, call (800) ASK-UGA1 from any non-cell phone.
