Sharpen and clean garden tools before seasonal storage. Sharpen the shovel with an electric hand sander and place the bevel on the inside edge of the shovel.
It is important to wear ear and eye protection when doing this work, as the grinder makes noise and sparks can be generated. Gradually move the grinder back and forth to get a sharp edge and avoid burning the metal.
Well-maintained tools make gardening easier. -
Well-maintained tools make gardening easier. Use the perforated board on the garage wall to hang and organize your tools.
If your garage does not have heating, it is best to store liquids in the basement. All syringes should also be stored where they do not freeze, as water remaining in the valves can freeze and damage them.
• Get snow thrower serviced before the first steady snowfall, when the shop can perform repairs and maintenance.
• Overwinter your hybrid roses after a few hard frosts (Fahrenheit temperatures in the teens), which usually occur in late November at the Chicago Botanical Gardens. Prune the roses' stems back to about 18 inches and cover the roses with compost or mulch 12 to 15 inches thick for the winter. Do not use cut grass, as it will trap moisture around the plants.
It is best to peel and remove the fallen rose petals if you have a problem with black spot, a common fungal disease. This disease overwinteres on infected leaves. Shrub roses and landscaping require no special care this winter.
• Clean the gutters once all the leaves have fallen and the temperature is above freezing. Leaves can clog drains and are difficult to remove when they freeze.
• Tim Johnson is Director of Horticulture at the Chicago Botanic Gardens, chicagobotanic.org.
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