The best way to extend the life of your garden tools is to clean them and store them in a dry place for the winter months, away from wind, rain and sunlight. Leaving tools exposed to the elements or leaving them covered with dirt and grime for months on end can rot wood, rust metal and weaken plastic. Exposure to the elements is a main reason why any tool with moving parts (think nozzles, snippers, and pruners) often only seem to last a season or two before some piece fails and you have to buy new ones.
The best way to prepare your tools for storage is to clean them with a stiff brush. Remove all dried dirt and grime (a utility knife or putty knife could be helpful) and avoid using water. For any tools made of wood or metal, you can polish them with oil to help preserve and protect them from moisture in the air.
Some people recommend that fall is also a good time to sharpen metal tools, as you’re preparing them for storage anyway. It is probably OK to do that in some cases, but we feel that spring is probably better, so they’re the sharpest they can be at the beginning of the season. For more suggestions on how to clean, preserve, and store your tools for the winter, you can check out this article at Today’s Homeowner on garden tool cleaning techniques.
Sometimes tools just wear out, though. No tool will last forever! If it’s time for your favorite gardening tool to RIP, then be sure to visit the feed store! We have high quality tools to replace your old favorites, and you’ll love them just as much!
