A gardener is only as capable as the tools they choose to work in the garden with. If the gardening tools are tossed nonchalantly into a dusty corner of the garage as soon as the weather starts to feel a little chilly, you can be sure that the gardener isn’t going to be very capable next year.
If you are prepared for laying your gardening tools down for their long winter hibernation, this chore won’t take very long.
Remember to clean your tools thoroughly as leftover soil and mud lead to rust. Let the tools dry and then rub them down with an oily rag to prevent corrosion. Wooden handles should be wiped with linseed oil as well, as this prevents cracking. The more you know, the better.
Run the lawn mower until it is entirely empty of gas. This is important for keeping the engine clean and clear. You may want to enlist the help of a service shop for cleaning or replacing the spark plug, the oil and the air filter, as they can be dirty jobs. Remove all clippings from under the deck and if you want your lawn mower to look like the belle of the ball come next spring, take the time to clean it now too. So the whole contraption is ready to go when you need it next, sharpen the blade and coat it with oil.
Maintaining your equipment is important for maintaining your garden!
