Gardening For All Seasons Presents - Garden Tool Maintenance



	Attention Gardeners: Be Good to Your Tools and They’ll Be Good To You Garden Tool Maintenance We all know how important it is to have the right tool for the job, but many of us don’t realize how important it is to take proper care of the tool so it continues to perform at its peak. This holds true for all tools… especially garden tools. Garden tools are probably the most neglected of tools. We use them, abuse them and them put them away dirty and wet only to see them rust and lose their effectiveness over time. But with proper maintenance and a little time spent, your tools can last and be effective for many years to come. Follow these simple tips to keep your garden tools in tip top shape:

		Proper Tool Storage Probably the easiest rule to follow when it comes to gardening tools, is to put them away. Don’t leave them outside. Not only will proper storage keep unnecessary moisture away from your tools, it will also protect your valuable tools from theft. Even when rain is not in your forecast, tools left outside are exposed to moisture from wet grass and dew. Use hanging tool racks and pegboard to keep your tools organized and off the floor of your shed or garage. Clean and Dry Tools Because most garden tools are exposed to dirt and moisture, this is the first place to start when it comes time for tool maintenance. Cleaning and drying your garden tools will keep them in good working order. Wash the dirt off with the strong spray from your hose. If the dirt is caked on, keep a brush nearby for a good scrubbing. Most importantly, dry your tools thoroughly before putting them away.
			Prevent Rust While proper storing, cleaning and drying are important to the condition of your tool, it’s still important to prevent rust. The most effective way to prevent rust is to provide some type of protective coating to the surface. Given the high cost of quality garden tools, it’s important to take this step to ensure many productive hours in the garden. You can use Boeshield T-9, a convenient aerosol spray or Bull Frog Rust Blocker which is non-polluting and biodegradable. (Both products are available online at http://www.theruststore.com.)
General Garden Tool Maintenance • Sand wood-handled tools if they become rough to prevent splinters. • Apply a light coating of boiled linseed oil to all wood-handles to prevent the wood from drying and cracking. • Tighten any loose nuts, screws or bolts. • Apply some type of lubricant like Boeshield T-9 to your pruners, loppers and similar tools to ensure smooth operation of moving parts and to prevent rust from forming. • Remove rust that has already formed. Evapo-Rust is especially safe and easy-to use on items that can be soaked. Bull Frog Rust Remover is an organic, non-toxic gel that also protects the tool against future rust formation. It works particularly well in household applications as it does not contain any harsh chemicals or emit strong odors. (Both are available online at http://www.theruststore.com.) Keep Your Tools Sharp Another key to garden tool maintenance is keeping your tools sharp. Sharp tools not only are more effective, but they reduce your frustration. A sharp pruner will cut through a branch with ease and a sharp shovel will dig deep into hard clay soils. Sharpening garden tools requires just a two simple tools, a mill file and a small handheld sharpener. (Both tools are available at http://www.sharpeningsupplies.com.) With a little effort and time your garden tools will be tip top shape for years to come. Even tools that have been neglected can be nursed back into shape. Proper storage, cleaning and drying, general maintenance and sharpening will result in more effective tools and more productive time in the garden. The Rust Store's products include those for rust prevention, rust removal, rust conversion and moisture control, as well as paints, primers, and abrasives. The site, www.TheRustStore.com, features online shopping and helpful rust-related information. The Rust Store is operated by Wingra Direct LLC. For more information contact John Carmona, 313 W. Beltline Hwy. #20, Madison, WI 53713 or call (877) 256-9301.