Marion Barnes – Senior County Extension Agent – Clemson University
Many gardeners have mixed feelings about fall, some may be a bit sad to see all the fresh warm season vegetable production come to an end but at the same time, glad to get a much-needed break from watering, weeding and the numerous chores it takes to keep a garden. If you did not plant a fall garden, it’s a great time to inspect, clean and repair your tools before you put them away for the year.
As a gardener, there are few things more frustrating than to pull out the gardening tools in the spring and find hoes and other hand tools broken or rusty, a tiller that won’t start or hoses that are cracked and leaking. Gardening tools are expensive, but with a little maintenance, care and forethought, you can make your tools last from season to season.
The following is a short checklist for storing gardening tools for the winter:
Hoes, shovels and other hand tools:
- Clean dirt and other built-up residues from all hand tools. Dirt harbors moisture that will cause metal to rust.
- Sharpen blades with a whetstone or file and apply a thin coat of light, three-in-one, or household oil to prevent rust while in storage. Wear safety glasses and leather gloves when cleaning and sharpening hand tools.
- Lubricate pivot points on clippers, pruning shears and loppers and sharpen edges.
- Replace broken or cracked handles and make sure handles are splinter free. Smooth handles with medium-grit sandpaper in necessary.
- Properly store long handle tools such as hoes, rakes, shovels in a dry location. For smaller tools such a garden trowels, consider storing in a bucket so they are easier to locate in the spring. A plastic five gallon bucket works well.
Water hoses and sprinklers systems
- Drain irrigation and water hoses and clean and inspect for cracks. Store water hoses out the sun in a shed, outbuilding or other appropriate location.
- Replace missing or worn washers and connect hose ends to prevent insects and other small critters from hibernating in the hoses.
- Drain and clean out water timers.
- Inspect and lubricate sprinkler heads.
Tomato cages
- Clean off tomato cages and stack & store out of the way.
- Repair damaged cages.
Sprayers
- Pesticide sprayers should be triple rinsed, dried and stored out of the elements.
- Check hoses, fittings or clamps, strainers and nozzles. Replace worn hoses or nozzles.
Garden tillers
- Clean your garden tiller of any dirt or excessive oil buildup.
- Check for oil leaks.
- Stale fuel is often a major cause of engine problems in the spring. Consult the operators manual or a small engine expert concerning fuel stabilizers and other acceptable alternatives for winter storage.
- Check spark plug, clean or replace air filter, change oil and filter and lubricate grease fittings prior to storage for the off season.
- Check oil levels in gear box and / or transmission.
- Check for loose nuts and bolts.
- Clean dirt from digging tines and replace worn blades as necessary.
- Make sure tires are properly inflated and inspect drive belts if so equipped.
- Replace any damaged or missing safety shields or guards.
- Store tiller in a dry location out of winter weather.
Other off-season or winter activities:
- Take and submit a soil sample. Winter is a great time to amend the soil with lime if the pH is low.
- Browse seed catalogs or online sources for spring seed.
- Make a plan for next seasons garden plantings. Keep in mind crop rotation to reduce weed, insect and disease pressure.
- Try at least one new vegetable variety. Plant breeders are continually developing new and improved varieties that offer enhanced disease and pest resistance as well as improved yields.
- Keeping records or a garden journal is a handy way to record information about plants or varieties that preformed best, weather events, soil conditions or simply as a reminder to keep from repeating gardening mistakes.
- Make a list of garden tools and supplies needed for the spring, they make great Christmas gifts for the home gardener.
- Don’t forget about your “feathered friends”. A bluebird house or bird feeder is a great addition to home gardens or yards.
For more information on home gardening, contact your local Clemson Extension Office.
