Although cleaning garden tools regularly
(preferably after every use) is ideal, tending to trusty blades and spades
prior to storage will help extend their life and effectiveness.
Leonard Perry, an extension professor at
the University of Vermont who specializes in ornamental horticulture,
floriculture and herbaceous perennial production, says regular maintenance
helps preserve sharp edges on digging tools, prevents rust and removes soil
that may have been contaminated by diseased plants. It also means a fresh start
come spring.
The
Nitty-Gritty
“All tools are important to clean, especially those made with metal
because of the risk of rust,” says Shirley Bovshow, landscape and edible-garden
designer and proprietor of EdenMakers Garden Design. “Tools with moving parts
or joints are especially vulnerable because of the crevices that trap dirt and
moisture.”
For trowels, spades, shovels and pruners,
Bovshow advises the tried-and-true method of first cleaning away dirt and
garden debris, then, after mixing motor oil into a 5-gallon bucket filled with
sand — just enough to moisten the sand slightly — dipping the tools into the
bucket and swirling them around a bit. “The grit of the sand will remove
encrusted dirt,” Bovshow says. “And the motor oil will protect the metal from
rust.”
The gardening gurus at the National
Gardening Association offer an alternative method for deep cleaning: Soak the
metal ends of tools in a tub or bucket of hot, soapy water for 10 to 15
minutes, then rinse with water and dry each tool thoroughly. Once dry, use
WD-40 to lubricate the metal blades of shears and pruners and the metal heads
of other tools and wipe away the excess.
To condition wood handles, the NGA
recommends smoothing out rough, splintery spots with medium-grained sandpaper,
then rubbing with a small amount of linseed oil. The oil will aid in preserving
the wood, reduce splintering and guard against rot.
Sanitize
Pruners Frequently
“Pruners should be sanitized with convenient bleach wipes or
sanitizing spray before using them on plants,” Bovshow says. “If you are
pruning several plants, pruners should be sanitized in between plants to
prevent the spread of diseases and bacteria.”
Remove Rust
If rust has found its way onto your tools,
the NGA suggests scrubbing the area with a bit of steel wool and a dab of Naval
Jelly rust dissolver, which should be used only in well-ventilated areas.
Rubber or plastic gloves and safety glasses should be worn when using the gel
too, because it contains hazardous chemicals.
If this sounds more than a little scary,
the gardening association has a second option: Use a stiff wire brush to get
off as much rust as you can, then apply a rust-inhibiting primer and paint the
tools according to product directions.
Obviously, preventing rust is always Plan
A. To do this, keep tools clean, dry and stored away from moisture.
An
Ounce of Prevention
Avoiding rust can be as easy as wiping off
tools with a damp cloth after use, drying them well and coating them lightly
with a few drops of a multipurpose oil, such as 3-in-1 oil, on a paper towel.
Dirty trick: Bovshow says an easy way to
clean tools after gardening sessions is to wipe down blades and metal equipment
with disinfecting bleach wipes. Dry well and store.
“Make sure to have your cleaning materials handy so you don’t have to
look for them in the dark after the sun has gone down,” Bovshow says. “If it’s
too much effort to find them, you won’t do it.”