Honor thy tools
Take care of them and they'll take care of your garden
Take care of your garden tools, and they'll take care of you. It's true and easy to say, but if you're like me, it's a sometimes lofty goal. After a day in the garden, I would rather put my feet up with a cold drink in hand than clean my tools properly.
The reality is that if you want your beloved garden tools to serve you well and last a long time, you need to show your appreciation by taking some time to clean, sand, sharpen and oil them.
I like to start with a convenient way to carry them around as I work. I have a tote with pockets to hold hand tools, but sometimes, I leave it behind as I move around. What works well for me is a gardener's apron that also has pockets. It conveniently travels with me, so my tools don't get left in the dirt and misplaced or worse, end up in the compost or green bin. Take a spin around the garden when you are done for the day to take inventory and make sure nothing is left behind.
For quick everyday care, putting your tools away clean every time is an excellent start. First, rinse the digging tools with a hose and use a brush to get rid of cakedon dirt. Next, wash the cutting tools with warm, soapy water and let them air dry or dry with a towel. A used nail or toothbrush helps with the cleaning. If you are air-drying, leave the tool open, so rust doesn't form inside.
If your tools were exposed to diseased plants or pest-infected soil, it is good to give them a quick soak in a diluted household bleach solution (2 cups of bleach in 1 gallon of water) and then rinse in plain water or wipe them with a cotton pad soaked with rubbing alcohol. Disinfecting wipes are super handy for a quick clean-up to remove sap, bacteria and fungus on the fly.
Finally, store your tools in a dry, well-ventilated space. Hang the tools or store them upside down, so the blades do not dull.
Keep a bucket of sand mixed with plant-based oil, such as boiled linseed oil, handy for your metal digging tools. The sand should be damp but not wet. You can plunge the blades, tines or teeth into the sand a few times for a quick clean after they are dry. During regular maintenance, apply the oil liberally, let it sit for a while, and then wipe off the excess with a dry cloth. The oil helps protect the metal surfaces from corrosion and rust. The boiled linseed oil also conditions the wooden handles.
Wood handles can benefit from light sanding periodically to prevent splinters. Should your metal tools
get rusty, a wire brush can take care of most of the rust, or try an 80-grit sandpaper or small electric sander.
Cutting or pruning with dull blades can result in damaged branches that get ripped or torn apart, making them more susceptible to disease. However, there are a few ways you can keep your pruners and other cutting tools sharp. There are specialized pruner-sharpening
tools, sharpening stones and a flat file that you can find at a hardware store. Always wear eye protection and heavy gloves when using sharpening equipment to protect against metal slivers.
Honestly, I bring mine to be sharpened by an expert at this time of year so they are ready to go in the spring.
Quality tools are a worthy investment. Protect your tools, and they will last for a long time and serve you well.
Sponsored by UC Cooperative Extension, the University of California Marin Master Gardeners provides science- and researchbased information for Marin home gardeners. Email questions to helpdesk@marinmg.org. Attach photos for inquiries about plant pests or diseases. Please call 415-473-4910 to see when a master gardener will be at the office or drop off samples 24/7 in the sample box outside the office. To attend a gardening workshop or subscribe to Leaflet, a free quarterly e-newsletter, go to marinmg.ucanr.edu.