As the cool days of winter approach, it’s essential to prepare not only your garden but also your trusted garden tools for the season ahead. Proper storage of your garden tools during the winter months can extend their lifespan and save you money in the long run. GARDENA provides a step-by-step guide on how to store your garden tools for winter, ensuring they will be in perfect working condition and be in tip-top shape when spring arrives.
Step 1 – Inspect and clean the tools
The first and most crucial step is inspecting your tools and deciding best method to clean them. Avoid rust and corrosion from moisture and plant residues which could damage tools over the winter. Follow these simple steps to ensure your tools are clean and in good condition:
- Gather your tools: Collect all your garden tools, including shovels, rakes, pruners, and hoes.
- Remove dirt and debris: Use a wire brush or a putty knife to scrape off any caked-on dirt or debris from your tools.
- Wash with water: Use a hose or a bucket of soapy water to wash your tools thoroughly. A stiff-bristle brush can help remove stubborn grime.
- Dry completely: After washing, let your tools air dry to prevent any moisture from causing rust.
While cleaning, take the time to inspect your tools for signs of damage.
Did you know : GARDENA’s tools are duroplast coated that protects from corrosion, making this task much easier and ensuring your tools survive the winter and is ready for next gardening season.
Step 2 – Sharpen and Oil
Once your garden tools are clean and dry, it’s a good time to sharpen and oil them. Sharp tools make gardening tasks more manageable and efficient.
Follow these steps:
- Sharpen the blades: Use a sharpening stone or a file to sharpen the edges of your pruners, shears, and other cutting tools.
- Oil the metal parts: To prevent rust, apply a light coat of oil to the metal parts of your tools. Household oil works well for this purpose. Wipe off any excess oil to avoid attracting dirt.
Did you know : Blades on GARDENA’s cutting tools are non-stick coated protecting the product and the secateurs have drainage preventing plant sap build up.
Step 3 – Care for tools with wooden handles
The wooden handles of your garden tools need special attention to prevent cracks and splinters.
Follow these steps to care for your tool handles:
- Inspect for damage: Check wooden handles for cracks, splinters, or signs of wear.
- Sand and smooth: If you find any imperfections, sand the handle to remove rough spots and splinters.
- Apply wood treatment: To keep wooden handles in good condition, you can apply a wood preservative. Allow it to soak in and dry before storage.
Did you know : All wooden handles in GARDENA range are sourced from FSC certified, sustainable forests that preserves biodiversity.
Step 4 – Store Properly
The final step is to store your garden tools properly for the winter. Follow these tips to ensure your tools remain in excellent condition:
- Organize and hang: Arrange your tools in an organized manner by hanging them on a storage bracket – we recommend the GARDENA combisystem storage rack. This will prevents them from leaning on each other and causing damage.
- Store in a dry place: Keep your tools in a dry, sheltered location, such as a shed, garage or workshop. Moisture can lead to rust and corrosion.
- Use a tool rack or storage caddy: The GARDENA combisystem storage rack will keep your tools organized and within easy reach when spring arrives.
Taking the time to properly store your garden tools for the winter is a small investment that can pay off with longer-lasting, more effective tools for you to tackle when the gardening season returns.
ALSO SEE: Best use of autumn leaves in your garden
