Keep your gardening gear working through the winter
So far November has spared us from any killing freezes, but winter is on the way. All the tools that make our work so much easier can use a little tender loving care before we relax.
This maintenance can extend the life of all our garden equipment and will make working with them easier and more efficient. Thanks to Iowa State University Extension and Outreach and to Sherry Rindels for much of the information in this article.
Hoses should be drained and stored loosely coiled or on a hose reel. Do not kink the hose. Any kink becomes a weak point in the hose. They often crack in those locations and water flow can be restricted.
Now is a good time to set your irrigation system on manual operation instead of automatic. Water needs are drastically reduced in our landscape, and this one practice can save both wear-and-tear on equipment and money on water bills.
Remove caked-on dirt or vegetation from tools with a putty knife, wire brush, or strong stream of water. Lubricate all pivot points and springs. Sharpen hoes, spades, pruners, loppers and saws. Rub sandpaper over the edges to smooth. Check all tools thoroughly for loose screws or nuts and tighten them accordingly. Replace or repair broken handles and parts. If any rust is present, remove with steel wool, then spray all metal and edges with a penetrating oil to prevent future rust. Warmed linseed oil will penetrate wooden handles to help prevent cracking and drying.
One tip I found especially helpful, and I am sorry I don’t remember the source, was to color-code the handles of the tools. It will make it easier to locate the tool you need.
Sprayers should be thoroughly washed and rinsed. Most pesticides recommend triple rinsing. Apply oil to moving parts as needed. Tip the sprayer upside down or hang upside down when not in use so it can drain and dry.
Wheelbarrows, carts and wagons may need some attention, too. Clean and touch up paint chips with spray paint to prevent exposed steel from rusting. Grease wheels to prevent squeaking.
Power equipment — such as lawn mowers tillers and chippers — require additional winter preparations beyond cleaning, sharpening and oiling.
If your equipment has a four-cycle engine, change the oil by following directions in your owner’s manual. Clean the oil and air filter line by starting the engine and letting it run until it stops.
Two-cycle engines should have the oil-gas mixture removed for the winter. Run the engine with the choke open to remove fuel from the lines. Check the spark plug and replace if it is worn. Replace other worn or damaged parts as well. Avoid storing gasoline over the winter. Old gasoline does not ignite easily, making the machines using it work harder.
Don’t forget the garden gloves. Cotton garden gloves can be tossed in with the wash but should be air-dried to prevent shrinking. Dishwashing liquid is a good cleaner for rubber gloves. Brush dirt off leather gloves by hand or with a soft-bristle brush. Clean with saddle soap and rinse with a damp towel. Dry flat. If the leather is stiff, linseed oil can be used to condition it.
Just when you thought life would be boring after gardening season!
You can reach the Big Country Master Gardener Association by calling our hotline at 325-672-6048 or emailing us at mgardeners@yahoo.com. We love to hear from you.
Until next time, happy gardening!
This article originally appeared on Abilene Reporter-News: Keep your gardening gear working through the winter
