I hope you are enjoying this slow, cool rainy day and all your trees, shrubs, and perennials are getting a well deserved drink before winter truly sets in!

As the gardening season winds down your shovel has been faithful all season long and now its time to show it some TLC too! Clean, sharp tools not only make gardening more enjoyable but also help reduce strain on your body and allow your tools to last for years to come. Here’s your quick guide to winter tool storage:

Basic Cleaning (Your First Line of Defense)

• Remove all soil and debris with a stiff brush - pay special attention to joints and crevices
• For stubborn sap or oils, use rubbing alcohol on a clean rag
• Ensure tools are completely dry before storage

Rust Treatment & Sharpening

1. For rust removal:
   • Soak rusty areas in white vinegar
   • Scrub with steel wool until clean
   • For heavy rust, start with 60-grit sandpaper before moving to steel wool
   • Wipe completely dry after cleaning
2. Sharpening guide:
   • Choose a single-cut file for shovels, hoes, and larger tools
   • Position the file at a 35° angle to the blade (start by laying it at 90° (perpendicular to the blade), tilt it halfway to 45°, then a smidgeon more)
   • Use smooth, even strokes from one side to the other
   • 5-10 strokes usually suffices
   • Finish by applying a light coat of mineral oil to all metal surfaces

Handle Care & Protection

• For varnished handles:
  • If coating is intact, simply clean and store
  • Otherwise it might be worthwhile to sand off the worn varnish and treat as below.
• For unvarnished or worn handles:
  • Sand smooth, working up to 120-grit
  • Apply boiled linseed oil generously
  • Let soak 20 minutes, then wipe thoroughly
  • CRITICAL SAFETY: Dispose of oily rags by laying flat outdoors or in a bucket of water - they can spontaneously combust if wadded up!

Essential Materials Checklist

• Stiff bristled brush
• Steel wool
• 60-grit and 120-grit sandpaper
• Mineral oil (baby oil works great)
• Boiled linseed oil or tung oil
• Single-cut file
• Clean rags
• Rubbing alcohol
• White vinegar

Pro Tip: You’ll be amazed at how much easier gardening becomes with properly sharpened tools. Your back will thank you come spring!

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Psst. . . I'm going to be introducing a new series of bundles that let's me do the garden planning for you! Keep an eye out for more to come soon!