LOOK AFTER YOUR GARDEN TOOLS

A little care and attention before winter arrives can add years to the lifespan of your tools and save time when the growing season starts again

Secateurs and loppers Carefully wipe with a damp cloth to remove any debris. Make life easier next year by sharpening the blades now (either yourself or send them away to a sharpening service), then protect the metal with a smear of oil or grease.

Spades and forks Clean off soil, as it encourages metal to rust and wood to rot. Really caked-on mud might need a soak in hot soapy water or a scrub with a wire brush. Again, sharpening the blade of spades can make digging less arduous in spring, and an application of oil will protect the metal from rust. Give wooden handles a rub with sandpaper and feed with linseed oil. If you fill a bucket with sand and a little linseed oil and push tools in after each use, you’ll keep them in good condition for longer.

Lawnmowers Wearing thick gloves, use a stick to poke out any debris and brush blades clean before sharpening them. Lubricate moving parts with oil, drain any petrol and remove batteries before storing in a dry shed.

See Garden Notes for more about garden tools.