David Allen, a productivity consultant and writer, suggests that having only one tool can limit your ability to perform various tasks. Does this analogy apply to using the right garden tool for outdoor jobs?
Certainly, and going further: It's time to ensure that your tools are in top working condition for the upcoming season.
Examine your garden tool kit carefully and then make some choices. Are your bypass pruners making clean cuts or are they damaging the branch? If your trowel handle bends easily when digging, then getting a new, sturdy one will greatly improve your gardening experience. Perhaps your tools just need a bit of cleaning and sharpening. And after you've made your choices, how about having spaghetti for dinner?
Clean and sterilize
Enhance tool performance by giving them a thorough cleaning. Just like we wash our hands to get rid of germs and bacteria, we should do the same for our garden tools. We don't want to transfer any harmful pathogens from last year to established plants in the garden and new ones that will be planted soon. And when it comes to tools, the list includes plant trellises, cages, stakes, accessories, and containers (they'll need cleaning and sterilizing as well). Some trellises and containers may be difficult to clean due to their location and size, so do the best you can. In general, wooden containers naturally repel fungi and bacteria. Whenever possible, wash with soap and water, rinse thoroughly, and let dry.
Thoroughly clean each tool before sterilizing. Start by giving each a strong blast of water to remove caked-on dirt and debris. Pruners can be taken apart by removing the nut or screws that hold the blades together, then the spring coil will come off. (Keep track of the pieces.) Soaking in warm, liquid dish soap is all that's needed; use a stiff brush for hard-to-reach areas. If there's dried-on residue or sap, soak longer in soapy water or try a commercial product like Scrubbing Bubbles, which also sterilizes. Follow the cautions on the label when using commercial products. Rinse well with water after cleaning and let dry.
Lysol — or similar, store-brand versions — is effective as a disinfectant for potential fungi, bacteria, and viruses on tools. Simply place the tool in a bucket or box and spray all sides, or use convenient wipes. When done, allow the tools to air dry.
Avoid using bleach products to sterilize pruners and other sharp-edged cutting tools. Bleach is highly corrosive and can create pits in some metal tools. However, diluted bleach (one part bleach, nine parts water) can be used on rakes, shovels, spades, trellises, tomato cages, and containers.
Undiluted 70% or higher concentration rubbing alcohol is effective for small hand tools and pruners, although it may not be as effective when used on tools to prune out fire blight.
Rust can be eliminated in a few different ways: You can soak very rusty tools in white vinegar for several hours or overnight. For shovels, soak a large rag with vinegar, wrap it around the shovel blade, cover with plastic and let it sit overnight. Use a wire brush after soaking to remove any remaining rust. After soaking any tool, wash with soapy water, rinse and dry.
Also try using some effort with sandpaper or steel wool to remove rust.
Sharpening
Do you want excellent experiences preparing a meal and taking care of a garden? If yes, both activities require sharp tools.
The simplest way to sharpen is to take your clean and sanitized tools to a reputable garden center, hardware store, small business or friend who specializes in sharpening gardening tools. Prices should be reasonable.
For DIY, a carbide file is great for smaller tools like pruners, loppers and small snipper shears. A mill file works well on shovel blades.
After all your tools are cleaned, disinfected, and sharpened, give them a wipe down with some vegetable oil, which will help prevent rust through the season. Bypass pruners will benefit from a drop or two of hardware lubricant (like 3-In-One oil).
Tool tips
- During the outdoor gardening season, some clever gardeners brightly paint the handle of their trowels, making them easier to spot in the garden.
- A pocketed apron is useful for holding and carrying tools around while gardening. Plastic tubs with a saddle bag to hold all sorts of tools (and maybe a drink for later) are also popular.
- Take advantage of these warm late winter days into spring and do the work outside while soaking up some healthy vitamin D. Clean tools, sharpened pruners? Life is good.
Resources
How to Clean and Sharpen Tools: bit.ly/3VaXQkh
Laura, The Garden Answer: bit.ly/3VbK0OO
Betty and Alan Rollinger, Keeping Garden Tools Cleaned and Cared For: bit.ly/4a7db9F
Betty Cahill is a freelance writer who speaks and writes about gardening in the Rocky Mountain Region. Visit her site at http://gardenpunchlist.blogspot.com/ for even more gardening tips.
