Sometimes the best tools around are the ones you already have in the garage or garden shed.
They just need a little love.
They’ll last longer, look nicer and make your horticultural labors much easier if you take care of them at least once a year.
Start by washing off all dirt and debris, using a wire brush to get rid of stubborn clumps of dirt or sap. Let them dry and, if needed, use a handheld metal file, such as a mill file, to sharpen tools if they are dull.
Then remove bits of rust with sandpaper and follow up with a light coating of WD-40 spray, motor oil or vegetable oil to prevent rust. Specialty oils for garden tools are also available at hardware stores. Rub the oil in with an old rag or paper towel.
If you’re caring for pruners and shears, spray the joints, rub oil on the cutters and sharpen the blades with a small sharpening stone, such as a whetstone or honing stone, sold at most hardward stores.
If you want to clean your tools more routinely — after each use is ideal — make it easy by filling a large bucket with an 8-to-1 ratio of sand and motor oil. Store spades and trowels in the bucket to keep them clean and conditioned. Be sure to wipe off tools before each use.
Get tool perfection by sanding splintery wooden handles, followed by a light massage with linseed oil or a coat of polyurethane.
Find step-by-step instructions for do-it-yourself tool sharpening by searching “tool sharpening” at www.taunton.com/finegardening.
Sarah Jackson
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