It’s time to start cleaning up your garden tools so they are just like brand new to start off the gardening new year again. It is important to keep your tools and other garden accessories clean to ensure they don’t spread any pests or diseases in your garden. It is easy to do and can even fill some time up over the winter months until the weather warms up and it’s time to sow more seeds.
Seed Trays Should Be Included When Cleaning up Your Garden Tools
When you gather all of your gardening tools to clean them, don’t forget any unused pots and empty seed trays. Everything can be cleaned up ready to go for spring. In a[BC1] bucket or bowl, or even the kitchen sink, soak the trays in warm soapy water. Make sure they are well-scrubbed and dry them off ready to store and sow seeds in when you are ready.
When Cleaning up Your Garden Tools, Don’t Forget Hand Tools
Hand tools are some of the most used of all of the gardening tools so they should be top of the list for cleaning. Any time of the year is good for brushing off dirt and storing well [BC2] but at least once a year, a good wash and clean up helps to prevent the spread of disease and pests. When you clean your tools, make sure you check that they are in good working order and do any repairs needed.
Cleaning up Your Garden Tools Such as Forks, Spades, and Hoes
All of your bigger gardening tools also need to be kept in good condition; keeping them clean means they will be in good condition for many years to come. Soaking them in soapy water is the easiest and quickest way to give them a clean but if you have worked with them around any diseased plants, make sure you clean them straightaway before using them around another plant.
Include Plant Labels When Cleaning up Your Garden Tools
Another gardener’s accessory that is used frequently in and around the garden is the plant label. Labels are constantly used in soil and around plants, often switched from one plant to another and they will need to be cleaned as well. Wipe off any plant names if you can soak them in soapy water and scrub.
Allow everything to dry off before you store them again which will help to ensure there is no rust development. Your tools can last very many years with good care and repairs on an annual basis at least.
If you do need some new tools, we have many in store for you to choose from.
