Tool maintenance and prepping your landscape for new plantings are two tasks you can tend to now.
Winter has arrived, but just because it’s cold outside doesn’t mean you can’t spend time in your garden. You’re probably looking for an excuse to get out of the house anyway so why not tackle activities that can get your garden ready for spring?
Tending to your tools is especially important as is prepping your landscape for new plantings.
Tools that haven’t been cared for or properly maintained will not work to your advantage when it comes time to use them. You’ll spend more time trying to get the job done or may even have to toss the tools in the trash and start over.
Tackle tools:
- Drain gasoline from all gas-powered equipment.
- Sharpen mower blades.
- Scrape or brush off debris from hand tools before sharpening and applying a light coat of WD-40 or other oil before putting away.
- Check extension cords for cuts and nicks that expose wiring.
- Sand rough spots on tools with wooden handles and apply a coat of boiled linseed oil.
In the garden:
- Remove grass (it’s dormant right now) from areas you plan to put bedding or hardscape — and you’ll be ready for the next round of WaterSaver coupons!
- Collect seeds from plants that have turned brown. Store them in zipper storage bags labeled with plant name and date of harvest; keep them in the fridge until next year.
Take care of these little chores now and come spring, you — and your tools and garden — will be ready and raring to go!
