If you’re a seasoned green thumb, or even new to gardening, you’ll understand that good quality gardening tools and 
essential pieces of equipment make tasks easier and also you’re more successful with growing!
When purchasing gardening tools it’s good to buy the best quality you can find. In the long run they will last longer, perform better and also will withstand all that us gardeners expect of them!
Our gardening tools do a lot of the hard work. We expose them to dirt, water, manure, sweat and lots of foliage, so we need to care for them to ensure they’re in top performance every time we grab them and head outdoors.
If you’re finding the weather’s not suitable for gardening then it’s a great time to hang out in the shed or garage and get all your equipment ready for when you will grow more!
If you would like a guide for the tools and equipment to use in your garden, download and print this list of equipment to get started!
This list is from one of the courses in the Soil to Supper Membership Community, ‘5 Steps to Become a Savvy Gardener’
More information on the Community here - Soil to Supper Community
Follow these simple steps to keeping your equipment in great shape…
Sharpen Cutting Tools Regularly.
For sharp neat cuts and easier pruning, keep your shears sharp for each use.
Use a quality tool sharpener, sharpening stone or grinder to keep blades of shearing tools sharp. This gives a neat cut to plant stems and reduces damage and disease on foliage.
If you can’t sharpen your own tools there are businesses who specialise in sharpening knives and cutting tools, so have a look within your local community.
Dry Tools After Use.
To prevent rust forming on tools give them a wash to remove soil and other particles and then wipe over with an old rag to dry. If rust forms, then remove with a scourer and wipe with an oily rag to prevent further rusting.
This is really helpful if you aren’t using tools regularly as they will be in great condition when you need them next.
Clean All Equipment.
To prevent the spread of pests and diseases through your garden, give all equipment a wipe or wash with an antibacterial liquid or oil, especially after pruning infected plants.
This will remove all disease pathogens and pest eggs, so they aren’t transferred throughout your garden.
Many essential oils work great for cleaning gardening tools!
If you find diseases on your plants, then follow my simple methods on How to Deal with Plant Diseases
Oil Tools to Prevent Rusting and Cracking.
Keep shovels, metal rakes and other metal tools rust free by dipping a few times into a bucket of course sand blended with vegetable oil. This help to clean tools after use and cover lightly in oil to prevent rust.
Linseed Oil rubbed on timber handles helps to stop drying and cracking of wooden items, especially after being used and getting wet.
Dry thoroughly and rub oil into wood with an old cloth.
Keep Equipment Tidy and Safe.
Tidy up your shed and top up gardening resources.
Keep a stock of potting mix, fertilisers, mulch, seeds, pots, natural sprays and your other favourite items on hand to use as needed…saves a trip to the store every time you want to get a job done!
Clean, sharp tools will last longer, will be ready for use as needed and they’ll be easy to find in a tidy shed!
This is especially important if you’re involved in a community or therapy gardening group, where many people are sharing tools and equipment.
Find extra ideas on starting a gardening program here - Simple Ways to Starting a Gardening Program
Following a few steps to keep all your equipment clean, sharp and safely stored will save you loads of time and money and will also be ready anytime you look forward to heading to the garden!
Looking for guidance in your garden?
Here’s three ways I can support you now!
- You’ll find information on many gardening topics, plus steps to grow your plants through our articles and podcasts. Have a look at topics here…
- Ask a Question in our Free Facebook Club. It’s also a great place to connect with other gardeners and share your gardening wins.
- Learn Online with me! Gain confidence in the garden, grow your health and support others in the garden. Join HERE.
Helping you learn, grow and thrive.
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© cath manuel 12 february 2018
