Cleaning up tools and equipment is an important practice related to the garden that should not be ignored in the fall.

Proper cleanup of tools now will leave them in top shape and ready to use when spring comes.

Clean, oil, and repair all hand tools. Sharpen all blades and remove any rust.

Power tools should be cleaned of all plant material and dirt. Replace worn spark plugs, oil all necessary parts, and sharpen blades.

Store all tools in their proper place indoors, never outdoors where they will rust over the winter.

Clean and Dry:

Keep tools clean and dry. Never put tools away wet. If washing off soil from a tool, dry it when done. Store tools in a dry place.

Cleaning:

Wheelbarrows, spreaders and garden carts should be cleaned out with a hose.

Sprayers should be washed out with laundry detergent and water.

Anything that has come in contact with a chemical should be washed with soap and water. Fertilizers are extremely corrosive to metal.

Soapy water or turpentine will remove sap from pruners or loppers. Dry and oil pivot points with light oil or WD-40.

Inspect and Protect:

Wooden handles should be repaired or replaced if broken, weak or cracked. Loose screws should be tightened.

Wooden parts and handles should be coated with linseed oil to prevent drying out and cracking. Sand any rough spots on handles.

Coat metal surfaces of tools with oil to prevent rust. If minor rust is present, clean with steel wool. For larger or harder areas, use a wire brush.

The recipe to keep tools clean and rust free is: five-gallon bucket, five pounds of sand, one quart of motor oil or one quart of vegetable oil (environmentally- friendly). Plunge tool into mixture a few times after each use. Tools can also be stored for extended periods of time in this mixture. Wipe when ready to use.

Hoses:

Don’t keep them in direct sunlight. This will cause them to dry out and crack over time. Drain them before temperatures drop below freezing. Check for leaks and replace worn out washers before coiling up and putting them away.

Storing Items:

Store items upside down to prevent rodents from nesting in them. Use plastic containers for chewable items.

Mower and Rototiller Storage: Drain fuel or add stabilizer. Remove matted grass from top and bottom. Drain oil from crankcase and replace. Change oil filter, if necessary. Check spark plugs. Clean and adjust or replace.

Dry mower, if washed off. Keep battery fully charged and in a warm spot during storage. Sharpen blade. Oil any moving parts and completely wipe down machine with an oily rag.

If you take care of these items of equipment, they can give you good service for many years. It doesn’t save time or money if in the spring you must go out and buy new equipment.

Special Note:

Hand sprayers require cleaning after each use by rinsing at least three times through tank, hose, and hand control-nozzle.

Insecticides and liquid fertilizers are often compatible in the same sprayer but check the labels first.

Sprayers used for herbicides are best kept to that task alone and beware when switching between broadleaf and total vegetation control chemicals in the same sprayer. Keep them separate.

Successful gardening doesn’t stop when frost come but continues throughout the fall and early winter months.

When following good equipment care practices during this time, you’ll be ready for gardening next spring.

“Growing Green” is contributed by Diane Dorn, Lehigh County Extension Office Staff, and Master Gardeners. Information: Lehigh County Extension Office, 610-391-9840; Northampton County Extension Office, 610-813-6613.