5 Ways To Prepare Your Garden Tools For Spring

Winter is almost over and it's the perfect time to plant vegetables in your garden or entertain guests. But before that, you need to prepare garden equipment for spring.

When our tools are in good condition, they can make a difference in the garden. From the best lawn mowers to the best gardening gloves, it's important to know how to get your gardening tools ready before you head outside. This will help solve these pesky problems, reduce the risk of plant diseases, and most importantly, create one of the most beautiful gardens in the neighborhood.

So, if you want to get the most out of your tools (and your outdoor space), check out these 5 ways to get your garden tools ready for spring, according to one expert.

1. Give your device a "spring clean"

A good spring cleaning can benefit your garden tools, making the job easier and more enjoyable. Brush or brush away excess dirt, plant matter or debris or wipe with a dry cloth. " Removing dirt and debris from tools is important to prevent rust and maintain performance," says Chris Bonnet, gardener and founder of GardeningExpress.co.uk. "If you get into the habit of wiping or wiping your tools with a damp cloth after use, long-term maintenance will be easier."

After removing the dirt, it is recommended to soak each tool in warm soapy water and clean thoroughly with a sponge. If you have large tools, use a garden hose to remove any dirt or debris before letting the tools dry.

Always make sure tools are completely dry before storing to prevent rust and corrosion. "Damp garden tools create the perfect environment for mold and mildew to grow, which is uncomfortable and unhealthy," Bonet suggests. "It is important to store all garden tools with a dry cloth to extend their life and keep them in good condition." In fact, it's a good idea to clean the tool after use so that the bacteria living there doesn't spread to other plants in your lovely garden.

2. Clean metal parts with oil

Either way, prevention is key, and the best way to keep garden tools rust-free is to wipe them down with a little oil after cleaning. The oil not only acts as a protective barrier, but also prevents dirt from getting on the plants. “As the oils help create a protective barrier, they are also good for preventing the spread of plant diseases. In addition, cleaning tools with oil prevents the accumulation of dirt and debris on the surfaces of the tools and improves their aesthetics.

Ideally, the best lubricants are boiled linseed oil, tung oil, or a little olive oil to prevent drying or cracking.

3. Disinfect for disease prevention

In addition to cleaning garden tools in the spring, it is a good idea to disinfect them. This eliminates bacteria that are spread through gardening and can cause disease. Just pour the alcohol into the spray bottle and apply to the tool. "Gardening equipment must be disinfected to prevent the spread of harmful bacteria and disease."

However, if you have damaged plants, you can make a homemade solution of diluted bleach and water. "If you're working with diseased plants, you can easily disinfect your tools with a bucket of bleach and water before moving on to the next plant," Bonet says. "In addition, proper tool hygiene reduces the likelihood of weeds entering the garden."

4. Tighten

When working with secateurs, loppers or other cutting tools, make sure the blades are sharp for excellent results. This ensures a precise and clean cut without the risk of scratching or damaging your favorite plants. In addition, the sharp blades ensure easy and safe use of the cutting tool without any problems.

It is usually best to sharpen tools at least once a year or whenever the blade becomes warped. Be careful when sharpening tools or take them to your local garden center and see who can help.

5. Store tools in a dry and protected place

After all, proper storage will help you take care of your garden equipment and make it last for a long time. As a general rule, garden tools should not be left outside, as exposure to moisture or extreme weather conditions will accelerate corrosion. Instead, hang them or store them on the ground in a cool, dry place.

"Never leave a garden tool outside, as moisture can rust metal tools, wooden handles and blades," says Bonnet. “If you protect your tools from rain, snow and moisture, they will last longer. Ideally, tools should be stored in a dry garage or shed, hung on the wall if possible."

Keeping all your tools shiny and well-kept in a shed will also add a lot of functionality to your garden.

After tidying up your garden tools, you can continue with these 5 things to get your garden ready for spring. Just make sure you don't make any of these editing mistakes.

For more helpful tips, these 5 ways using foliage in your garden can help plants grow, just make sure you know the different types of tips before blowing them off. Or, if you have a large yard, you may need to know how to use a leaf blower. Before you buy a leaf blower, here are 5 things you need to know.