Maintain You Garden

Cleaning the gardening tools is the 1st step in storing away the gardening tools during the off season. Harvested seeds, Pots and other materials also need attention and care after the harvest is finished.

Shovels, hoes and rakes need protection to avoid weatherization and decay. Wooden handles gets cracked or split-up over time due to moisture. Sand paper the wooden handles to prevent some of the damage and smooth the wood. A water-resistant coat or a paint finish (non-toxic) will preserve the surface.

Fiberglass handles develop stress marks and cracks. Solution is to wind sturdy tape around the damaged parts. The “quick fix glue” won’t protect from severe splits. But it will prevent dirt and moisture from getting inside the fiberglass coating.

Lightly sand paper away the rust from metal and blades surfaces on the tools. Before storing wipe away clay, dirt, fertilizer, or mud from the surface of the tools. Make sure the wood and metal are dry and clean.

Remove all rocks, soil, other debris, and faded plants from the pots when the season has ended. Any remaining root debris and soil in the seed trays should be emptied. Carefully dry pots and trays before storage.