Life Lessons for Gardening Tools

• Garden tools are more effective when taken care of properly. Dougal Waters/Digital Vision/Getty Images

  A gardener is only as effective as his tools. Gardening with deteriorated or dilapidated tools is time and energy consuming. Proper gardening tools are an investment with some tools costing hundreds of dollars. Gardeners who take proper care of their tools and equipment get the most return on their investment. Well-maintained tools function more effectively and endure.

Cleaning

• Keep garden tools clean. There is no better shovel or spade than the brightest and shiniest one in the shed. Dirty tools can lead to the transmission of pest and diseases throughout the garden, as well as promoting rust and deterioration. Dirty tools are often harder to hold and use. Most tools simple need sprayed with water or wiped after each use. According to the University of Florida, all tools should be allowed to dry completely before storage. When working with a diseased plant, the University of Florida recommends wiping the tool with rubbing alcohol before using them on healthy plants.

Oil

• Oil works as a metal preservative protecting your tools against moisture, rust and deterioration. Keeping tools lightly oiled prolongs their life, as well as ensures that they operate at their best. The University of North Carolina asserts that garden tools should be oiled directly after cleaning and drying. There are a number of oil products for this purpose including clean motor oil or machine oil and vegetable oils. Simply rub the tool down with a lightly oiled rag or cloth to prevent rust and deterioration.

Wooden Handles

• Caring for wooden handles extends the overall use and function of any garden tool. Rough and worn wooden handles can lead to calluses, splinters and other inconveniences in addition to reducing the life span of the tool if the handle breaks completely. Sandpaper smoothes rough spots along the handle , as well as removes and prevents splinters. North Carolina State University recommends applying boiled linseed oil to the wood to extend the life of the handle. Inspect wooden handles to maintain the connection. Check to make sure that wooden handles are not loose. Always immediately replace a broken handle.