Fall Garden Tool Storage: Safeguarding Your Tools Against Humidity, Rain, and Cold Weather Damage - Essential Tips from the Pros
Maintaining your garden tools is essential for their longevity and the health of your garden. Here are some tips to help you take care of your yard tools and prepare them for winter storage.
Wooden-handled tools are a great eco-friendly choice for your garden. To prolong their lifespan, it's important to protect them from moisture and temperature fluctuations. A simple solution is to apply a mixture of half parts turpentine and half parts linseed oil to any wooden handles with a dry cloth.
When it comes to cleaning your tools, a stiff-bristled brush can help dislodge stuck-on dirt and soil. For tough grime, Dawn PowerWash is suitable. If you're looking to simplify the cleaning process, consider the Boot Buddy tool from Amazon.
Hanging tools on a wall in a dry location during the fall can help them last for many years. Using vertical storage, such as the Tool Storage Rack from Walmart, can save space in garages and sheds. A rust-resistant wall tool storage rack can keep larger yard tools off the floor and away from pests during the fall.
For smaller tools, the Hyper Tough Toolbox from Amazon can be a useful storage solution. Keeping tools indoors during winter can protect them from damage caused by temperature swings and pests. Experts recommend storing devices for the winter in a dry, frost-free, and temperature-stable environment.
If you have battery-powered gardening tools, it's best to keep batteries in a small, sealed tool storage box when storing them in the home. Battery-powered tools struggle with cold temperatures and should not be stored in a shed during the fall. Draining any larger yard machines before storage is important to prevent gasoline and motor oil from changing consistency and losing effectiveness in cold temperatures.
Investing in shed organization ideas that are protected with waterproofing and insulation can keep tools safe from damage if they cannot be brought into the home. Overwintering native seeds may require them to be left outside in the cold weather to germinate properly.
John Coykendall, the Master Gardener at Blackberry Farm and a world-renowned expert in seed saving, emphasises the importance of keeping your essential gardening tools safe and secure over the fall. This can help towards zero-waste gardening and reduce the need for replacements.
By following these tips, you can ensure your yard tools are well-maintained and ready for the next gardening season. Happy gardening!
