The British summer has been as unpredictable as ever this year, hasn’t it? One day you’re out in shorts and a t-shirt, soaking up the sun while tending to your roses; the next, you’re in wellies under an umbrella, squelching through muddy flower beds. These fluctuating weather conditions can take their toll not just on us but also on our trusty garden tools.
So let’s dive in and discuss how we can give our tools some much-needed maintenance before autumn sets in.
Cleanse and Check
First things first – let’s get those tools clean! Soil residue can corrode metal parts over time and blunt sharp edges. Use a stiff brush or steel wool to remove dried-on earth from spades, forks, and trowels. For stubborn dirt, soak your tools in warm water before scrubbing them down.
After cleaning comes inspection. Look out for signs of wear and tear: loose handles, rusted parts or dull blades. These issues may seem minor now but could lead to bigger problems later if not addressed promptly.
Sharpening Shears and Secateurs
Keeping your cutting tools sharp is essential for efficient pruning and less strain on your hands. A blunt blade can cause damage to plants by crushing stems instead of making clean cuts.
Sharpening shears or secateurs isn’t as daunting as it sounds! All you need is a good-quality sharpening stone or file. Hold the tool at an angle matching the existing bevel of the blade edge and gently draw the stone across it several times until sharp. Remember safety first – always move away from your body when sharpening!
Oiling Your Tools
Once cleaned and sharpened (if needed), it’s time to oil your equipment – think of this step as applying moisturiser after exfoliating! Oiling protects against rusting and helps keep moving parts functioning smoothly.
Apply a light coat of linseed oil on wooden handles to prevent cracking or splitting due to moisture changes during autumn/winter months. For metal parts like blades or hinges, use a lubricant like WD-40.
Proper Storage
Now that your tools are sparkling clean and ready for action again, storing them properly will help prolong their lifespan even further.
Store smaller hand-tools like pruners in a dry place indoors if possible – perhaps even hanging up so they aren’t knocked about causing damage or injury!
For larger items such as rakes or hoes which might live outside year-round in a shed or garage – ensure they’re off damp floors where possible; maybe hang them up too!
Prepare for Autumn Gardening Tasks
While we’re talking about end-of-summer tool maintenance let’s not forget that autumn brings its own set of gardening tasks that require specific equipment – leaf rakes for falling leaves; pruning saws for trimming back trees & shrubs; bulb planters for those spring-flowering bulbs that need planting come September/October time!
Ensure these tools are included in your maintenance check so they’re ready when required!
Caring for our garden tools is just one aspect of maintaining our gardens beautifully throughout changing seasons here in Britain – but it’s an important one! So why not set aside some time this weekend? Your future self will thank you when spring rolls around again!
And remember – if any jobs feel too big or daunting don’t hesitate to call upon us here at Formby Gardener – we’re always happy to lend a hand (or spade!)
