Winter Garden Tool Maintenance

by Tammy Sons – October 31, 2024

Winter is a good time to make sure your gardening tools are in good repair. You spend a lot of time using your tools, so show them some love as you put them away for the winter. Here are some tips to make sure they are ready in the spring.

Clean Tools

Before putting your tools away, clean them well. Use water and a stiff bristle brush to get mud and grass or other foliage off everything. Dish soap will help remove the dirt from your hand tools. Take note of any rust on the tools. Put tools with rust on them to the side to work on when repairing your tools. Rubbing alcohol or mineral spirits will remove gummy sap from your tools. After washing the tools, make sure they are very dry. Any moisture will cause rust to form.

Be sure to empty any fertilizer out of your spreader. The fertilizer will swell with water and cause the metal to rust. Empty garden hoses and roll them up. Store flat on a shelf to prevent cracking and leaks. Empty sprayers and wash well with water.

Empty Gas And Oil

Drain the gas and oil or other fuel from your mower and other gasoline powered machines. Drain all tanks because the fuel can go bad over the winter. Using it in the spring can clog the carburetor and damage the other parts of the engine. Dispose of the drained fuel and oil responsibly. Many oil change stores will take the oil and recycle it for you. It is dangerous and illegal to dump oil or gas on the ground or in storm drains. They poison the ground and water when they are dumped out instead of recycled.

Repair Tools

Now is a good time to repair any problems with a tool. If the wheel on the wheelbarrow is loose, tighten it. If you find rust while cleaning your tools, use steel wool or sandpaper to remove it. You may decide a tool is too damaged to repair. Make sure you purchase a replacement now so you will have it ready in the spring. Starting a garden project only to find you don't have the tools to complete it is frustrating and can be expensive.

Disinfect Tools

Disinfecting tools between uses can prevent diseases from spreading between plants. It is best to disinfect the tools after every use, but not everyone does that. Make sure you are not going to infect your garden with an unnoticed disease by disinfecting them before storage. I use a solution of one part bleach and nine parts water. Bleach is cheap and readily available. Let tools sit in disinfectant for thirty minutes. Use bleach in an area with good ventilation as the fumes can be a problem. Since bleach can be corrosive, wash the tools off well and dry them thoroughly.

If you do not want to use bleach, ethanol or isopropyl alcohol can be wiped on your tools to disinfect them. You can also dip the tools in alcohol. Alcohol works instantly, so you do not have to soak the tools. Let the alcohol dry before storage. The disadvantage of using alcohol is that it is very flammable. Use it in an open area with good ventilation. Do not sharpen tools around it as a spark can cause it to explode. Be sure and store it properly so it is not exposed to extreme heat or an open flame.

Sharpen Edged Tools

Sharpen the edges of your shovels and spades with a metal file. Do the same with any other edge tools you have. Sharpen pruning tools so they cut the branch instead of crushing them. Your plants will heal more cleanly from sharp tools. You can sharpen mower blades, but I usually wait until spring and purchase a new mower blade and new spark plug. Many hardware stores will sharpen tools for you if you are not confident you can do it properly.

Oil Tools

It is advisable to coat your edge tools with a thin coat of oil to prevent corrosion over the winter. You can fill a five-gallon bucket with sand and a quart of oil, then mix well. Push your shovel and other tools into the sand. They will be covered in the right amount of oil when you pull them out.

For spreaders and sprayers, oil the metal parts to keep them rust free. You can rub oil on the deck of your mower to protect it, as well.

Handle Care

Handles tend to be ignored when getting tools ready for storage. You spend a lot of time holding your tools, so make sure the handles are in good shape. Sand any rough spots that have developed in wooden handles. Oil the wood with linseed or mineral oil. Continue oiling the handles until the oil no longer soaks in but stays on the surface of the handle. Wipe the excess oil off with a dry cloth. Store any cloth with oil on it correctly because improperly stored oily rags can spontaneously combust.

Protective Gear

Clean and store your protective gear like gloves, boots, and safety glasses. As you sweat on them, they get very dirty. Follow the manufacturer's instructions to launder gloves and other cloth protective gear. Wash them separately from the family laundry because they may have pesticides or other toxic materials on them.

Storing Tools

Storing tools so they do not touch the ground helps prevent rust. Do not store wooden handles where they touch the soil or concrete floor of the storage space. That can cause rot to attack the wood.

Big box stores sell pegboards and holders. Put one up in the shed or garage where you intend to store your tools so you can hang them up off the ground. Make sure that water will not leak into the building where your tools are stored. Humidity is not good for your tools. Dry, warm areas will best protect your tools while you are not using them.

Order Stuff To Plant

After you get your tools settled for the winter, you deserve some fun. Now is an excellent time to order bare root plants and seeds to plant. At Garden Plants Nursery, we ship our bare root plants in the winter so you can plant them before it gets too cold, or in early spring, depending on your location. Whether you are planting evergreens like pine trees, deciduous trees like white oaks, or perennials like purple coneflowers, our dedicated staff can help you find the best plants for your needs. Call us at 931.692.7325 today to get started.

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White Oak Tree

White Oak Tree

Benefits of Planting White Oak Trees in Your Garden Our White Oak Trees make excellent shade trees for any yard with a canopy spread of 50’ to 80’. During the fall, the leaves turn beautiful shades of red or burgundy. They are known for their solid branches and can live for centuries. They are reasonably slow-growing trees that grow about 12 inches to 24 inches per year.  How to Care for a White Oak Tree: Essential Tips Even though White Oak Trees prefer well-drained, acidic soils, they tolerate alkaline, shallow, or urban soils. They will survive dry or drought periods and occasionally wet soils. They are sensitive to changes in grades and compacted soils. Once established, they have a deep taproot that makes it hard to move or transplant.  Like other types, White Oak Trees produce acorns. Their acorns are as large as 1 inch, with a cap covering the acorn's top quarter. They do not produce acorns yearly; they can start at 20 to 30. Weather conditions like excessive rain, drought, and wind can affect acorn production. Acorns from these trees mature in a single season.  White Oak Tree Growth and Maintenance Guide for Homeowners Hardy Planting Zone—The white Oak Tree will grow in all zones, which protects most of the United States. Bloom Season (if any) – Usually blooms in May and possibly as early as April, depending on weather conditions. Bloom Color—Male flowers first appear in yellow-green oak catkins. The tree's leaves are bluish-green. Height at Maturity –The tree reaches a height of 80’. Soil Type Preferred – They prefer slightly acidic to neutral, moist, well-drained, deep soil. Sun or Shade – Full sun is best, but they also do well in partial shade with at least 4 hours of direct, unfiltered sun daily.
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Purple Coneflower

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Why Purple Coneflower Is the Perfect Addition to Your Garden The Purple Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea) is a dazzling perennial plant celebrated for its vibrant, daisy-like flowers and medicinal properties. Its striking cone-shaped center, surrounded by a burst of purple, pink, or lavender petals, is beautiful. These long-lasting flowers bloom in the summer and grace North American prairies, meadows, and gardens with their beauty. This plant is an exceptional addition to gardens, as they have both aesthetic appeal and ecological benefits. Purple Coneflowers (Echinacea purpurea) are hardy in USDA plant hardiness zones 3 to 9. In warmer zones, they have an extended growing season, allowing for more blooms. They can handle hot summers but may need occasional watering during droughts. Full sun is ideal, but Purple Coneflowers can tolerate partial shade. Purple Coneflowers are cherished for attracting pollinators like bees and butterflies. Goldfinches and other songbirds will all seek out this plant's nourishing seeds.  How to Grow and Care for Purple Coneflower Plants Purple Coneflowers are widely used in landscaping due to their bold, colorful blooms. They are popular in cottage gardens, wildflower meadows, and pollinator-friendly plantings. Due to their ability to propagate quickly, they are commonly used as a bordering plant. A great cool-tone addition to any household garden, this robust plant will grow up to four feet tall and spread between one and a half and two feet wide. A healthy plant can showcase between 25 and 50 prominent flowerheads during its blooming season each year.  As they are native to North America, Purple Coneflowers help restore native plant habitats and support local ecosystems. Benefits of Purple Coneflower for Pollinators and Garden Beauty Bees, butterflies, and other pollinators find the flowers particularly attractive. The seed heads provide food for birds, especially goldfinches. Low-Maintenance Purple Coneflowers are low-maintenance and resilient plants, making them a favorite for both experienced and novice gardeners.  Water regularly until the plants are well established (typically the first growing season). Afterward, they are drought-tolerant but benefit from occasional watering during prolonged dry spells. Deadheading throughout the summer encourages continuous flowering. In late fall or early winter, you can cut the plant back to ground level or leave the seed heads for winter interest and wildlife. Seeds, division, or cuttings can propagate them. The roots and leaves of Echinacea have traditionally been used in herbal medicine. The most well-known medicinal use of Echinacea is its role in boosting immunity, and reducing the duration and effect of colds, flu, and other infections. Some studies suggest that Echinacea has anti-inflammatory properties and may help treat conditions such as skin irritations.
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White Oak Tree

White Oak Tree

Benefits of Planting White Oak Trees in Your Garden Our White Oak Trees make excellent shade trees for any yard with a canopy spread of 50’ to 80’. During the fall, the leaves turn beautiful shades of red or burgundy. They are known for their solid branches and can live for centuries. They are reasonably slow-growing trees that grow about 12 inches to 24 inches per year.  How to Care for a White Oak Tree: Essential Tips Even though White Oak Trees prefer well-drained, acidic soils, they tolerate alkaline, shallow, or urban soils. They will survive dry or drought periods and occasionally wet soils. They are sensitive to changes in grades and compacted soils. Once established, they have a deep taproot that makes it hard to move or transplant.  Like other types, White Oak Trees produce acorns. Their acorns are as large as 1 inch, with a cap covering the acorn's top quarter. They do not produce acorns yearly; they can start at 20 to 30. Weather conditions like excessive rain, drought, and wind can affect acorn production. Acorns from these trees mature in a single season.  White Oak Tree Growth and Maintenance Guide for Homeowners Hardy Planting Zone—The white Oak Tree will grow in all zones, which protects most of the United States. Bloom Season (if any) – Usually blooms in May and possibly as early as April, depending on weather conditions. Bloom Color—Male flowers first appear in yellow-green oak catkins. The tree's leaves are bluish-green. Height at Maturity –The tree reaches a height of 80’. Soil Type Preferred – They prefer slightly acidic to neutral, moist, well-drained, deep soil. Sun or Shade – Full sun is best, but they also do well in partial shade with at least 4 hours of direct, unfiltered sun daily.
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Purple Coneflower

Purple Coneflower

Why Purple Coneflower Is the Perfect Addition to Your Garden The Purple Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea) is a dazzling perennial plant celebrated for its vibrant, daisy-like flowers and medicinal properties. Its striking cone-shaped center, surrounded by a burst of purple, pink, or lavender petals, is beautiful. These long-lasting flowers bloom in the summer and grace North American prairies, meadows, and gardens with their beauty. This plant is an exceptional addition to gardens, as they have both aesthetic appeal and ecological benefits. Purple Coneflowers (Echinacea purpurea) are hardy in USDA plant hardiness zones 3 to 9. In warmer zones, they have an extended growing season, allowing for more blooms. They can handle hot summers but may need occasional watering during droughts. Full sun is ideal, but Purple Coneflowers can tolerate partial shade. Purple Coneflowers are cherished for attracting pollinators like bees and butterflies. Goldfinches and other songbirds will all seek out this plant's nourishing seeds.  How to Grow and Care for Purple Coneflower Plants Purple Coneflowers are widely used in landscaping due to their bold, colorful blooms. They are popular in cottage gardens, wildflower meadows, and pollinator-friendly plantings. Due to their ability to propagate quickly, they are commonly used as a bordering plant. A great cool-tone addition to any household garden, this robust plant will grow up to four feet tall and spread between one and a half and two feet wide. A healthy plant can showcase between 25 and 50 prominent flowerheads during its blooming season each year.  As they are native to North America, Purple Coneflowers help restore native plant habitats and support local ecosystems. Benefits of Purple Coneflower for Pollinators and Garden Beauty Bees, butterflies, and other pollinators find the flowers particularly attractive. The seed heads provide food for birds, especially goldfinches. Low-Maintenance Purple Coneflowers are low-maintenance and resilient plants, making them a favorite for both experienced and novice gardeners.  Water regularly until the plants are well established (typically the first growing season). Afterward, they are drought-tolerant but benefit from occasional watering during prolonged dry spells. Deadheading throughout the summer encourages continuous flowering. In late fall or early winter, you can cut the plant back to ground level or leave the seed heads for winter interest and wildlife. Seeds, division, or cuttings can propagate them. The roots and leaves of Echinacea have traditionally been used in herbal medicine. The most well-known medicinal use of Echinacea is its role in boosting immunity, and reducing the duration and effect of colds, flu, and other infections. Some studies suggest that Echinacea has anti-inflammatory properties and may help treat conditions such as skin irritations.
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