Gardening :: How to Properly Care for Garden Tools

If you work in your garden, eventually you will find your garden tools are covered in soil, clay, or garden debris. It is important to properly clean your garden tools after use as to avoid rust and to prolong life of the tool.

My bulb planter was exceptionally dirty - in fact, it was caked with clay and needed a fair amount of cleaning.

 

Using a water hose with a high pressure nozzle, knock off the excess soil on the inside and outside of your tool (shovel, spade, hand rake, etc).

 

Once rinsed clean, dry your tool with an old rag as there will still be soil residue present. Then, using the rag, rub a small amount of the oil onto your tool. Make sure to also oil any wooden parts to keep them from cracking.

 

In the end, you will be left with a clean and shiny garden tool that will continue to perform as it should.