It has been an unusual year. Although I shut off my irrigation system nearly a month ago, the garden continues to be very active and alive. I’m going to have tomatoes right up until Thanksgiving, and most of my herbs along with them. We have all enjoyed this unusual and long season, but I’m ready to hang up my Felco holster and put the tools away for the winter.
If you’re looking for a good project to work on as the garden gradually goes to sleep, think of putting your tools to bed carefully as well. I have invested a great deal of money into quality tools over the years because they simply work better. My strength is limited, so I have to work smart. Good tools make that easy, but they require a little care and maintenance to keep them in tip-top shape.
It is always best to clean and sharpen every tool before winter storage so they are ready to use first thing in the spring. I like to do this all in one big production, but you can work on it a few pieces at a time if you prefer. It is a great Thanksgiving-weekend project if the weather cooperates. Follow these easy steps and be ready for the cutting edge of spring:
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- Clean the mud off every spade, shovel and hoe. If it’s warm enough, use a garden hose and a stiff bristle brush outside, as this can be a messy job.
- Use steel wool to remove any rust or stubborn dried matter.
- Sand down any rough spots on wooden handles.
- If there are nicks in the blades, use a bastard file to remove them and a blade sharpener to hone the cutting edge. Even a shovel works better if it has an edge.
- Rinse again and allow to dry completely.
- Coat the clean tool with oil (I prefer boiled linseed oil or tung oil, but almost any oil will work) and rub from end to end with a rag, metal parts included.
- If oil penetrates quickly, apply another coat and leave tools in the air to absorb and dry.
- Meanwhile, adjust or add hooks to your storage area for safe long-term storage.
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After one marathon session with your long-handled tools, you may be inspired to better maintain them during the season with routine minor cleanings, regular hinge lubrication and blade sharpening.
Disassemble articulating tools, like loppers and clippers, which can be taken apart, so that you can clean the accumulated sap out of the joints and sharpen or replace blades. Keep track of small parts, like springs and washers, so you can reassemble them accurately. The Felco Company offers excellent tutorial videos for maintenance of its products, including the ever-popular No. 2 model, on its website. Felco sells sharpening tools, replacement parts and premium lubricants. One pair of Felcos can last a lifetime if well cared for. If you don’t have any, that’s a great item for your holiday wish list.
