Last Updated on December 17, 2023 by Kimberly Crawford
There are many reasons people like to garden: for food, fresh air, and exercise. A well-maintained garden provides you with fresh organic produce and it can also be a wonderful addition to your backyard. However, having proper tools is essential when tending to your garden.
It can make gardening easier and provide you with better results as well. If not taken care of, though, your garden tools can become damaged or even dangerous, which is why it’s so important that you take the proper steps in order to keep them maintained.
1. Storage Options
The way you store your gardening equipment is the most important part of this process, and there are a lot of factors that determine what kind of storage is optimal in your case. For starters, you want to look at the tools you’re using. The right storage for your lawn mower will heavily depend on whether it’s a regular one or a riding mower.
In other words, how big are your tools and is there anything about them that requires a specific kind of storage? If you use any forms of pesticide or chemicals for your garden, they might need a temperature-controlled storage unit.
Another important aspect you need to consider is how many tools you have. Can it all fit in a single cabinet or would it be more practical to use different storage units?
You also need to consider your backyard – if you don’t have much space, you’re obviously going to want something that takes up as little room as possible. Ideally, you’ll have a garden shed where you can keep all of your equipment, or at least you’ll have enough room in your garage to dedicate a portion of it for your gardening tools.Â
Once you settle on those aspects, you should consider the details – do you need a pegboard, a closed-off cabinet, or perhaps wall shelves? The storage you choose should be able to accommodate all of these considerations while keeping your equipment safe from too much sun, water damage, any other outside elements that might damage them.
2. Regular Cleaning
It’s very important to clean your tools after each use. Doing so might seem like an overly time-consuming task, but it can actually be really simple once you have the proper equipment for cleaning them. For example, if you have gardening shears, all you need is some window cleaner and a rag.
Spray the shears once you’re done using them, wait for a few seconds, then wipe them off with your rag. This process will get rid of any dirt that might have been on the blades and it will also prevent rust if humidity is an issue in your area (and most likely it is).
Keep in mind, though, that if your tools have wooden elements to them, you’ll want to avoid using overly abrasive chemical cleaners. In that case, a simple soap and water solution would be more than efficient for getting rid of any dirt on the wooden parts. Of course, it’s also important to dry your tools thoroughly after the cleaning process to prevent rusting. Maintaining clean tools will also make them safer to use.
3. Oil Your Tools
Just like any other piece of equipment you use, your gardening tools will start to show signs of wear and tear over time. The more often you use them and the more force you apply with them, the faster they’ll deteriorate. It’s important to consider replacing some of your tools every once in a while, but there are also steps you can take to prevent your tools from deteriorating too fast.
One of the simplest and most effective solutions for extending the life of your gardening tools is to apply a coating of oil right after you clean them. This process will protect any metal parts from rusting, it also prevents wood from drying up and splitting, which can cause pieces to break off eventually. Just make sure you choose the right oil for the job. For example, if your tools have wooden parts to them, don’t use grease or motor oil because these can damage their finish and cause cracking. On the other hand, only use motor oil for engine-run equipment.
4. Sharpening Shears and Pruners
This is a process that should be done on a regular basis, regardless of the maintenance you’ve been doing so far. There are a lot of different sharpening tools you can use for this purpose – from sandpaper to diamond sharpeners, depending on whether your tool is serrated or not.
Sharpening your tools will make them safer, reduce the strain you’re putting on yourself and it will also improve their overall performance. Look up some tutorials online and see which process would work best for your needs. Of course, you could always hire a professional to do this for you, which might be the simplest solution in the long run.
Gardening is truly a passion for many people and it’s such an immensely rewarding activity. The right gardening tools will make the entire process easier and they’ll last longer, too. Taking proper care of your equipment will not only extend their lifespan but will also ensure that you use them safely, which is of utmost importance.