How to Care for and Preserve Your Garden Shears: Expert Tips

As the gardening season winds down, it's easy to forget about our tools, leaving them behind in the shed without a second thought. But come spring, you might find your once-trusty pruning shears coated in rust and dirt. Whether you're a seasoned gardener or just starting out, maintaining your tools is crucial to keeping your garden healthy and your tools in top shape.

Let’s dive into how you can take care of your gardening tools and make them last for seasons to come.

Rusty Garden Shears

Clean Tools, Thriving Garden

One of the most important steps in gardening tool care is cleanliness. Keeping your tools clean not only prevents rust but also ensures sharper edges and reduces the risk of spreading plant diseases. If you're one of the diligent few who cleaned and sharpened their tools in the fall, a quick disinfectant wipe-down will suffice. For the rest of us, here's what you need to do:

Start by spraying your tools with water to loosen any dirt. Use a wire brush, putty knife, or steel wool to scrub away stubborn grime and rust. For sap removal, GooGone or lighter fluid works wonders. Once your tools are clean, it’s time to disinfect them to kill any lingering pathogens.

Disinfecting is key, especially at the beginning of the season and after dealing with diseased plants. You can soak your tools in a solution of one part bleach to nine parts water or use rubbing alcohol (70% or higher). After soaking for about five minutes, rinse and dry your tools thoroughly, then store them in a dry place. Alternatively, Clorox wipes offer a quick and easy option.

Simplify Tool Maintenance

Maintaining your tools doesn’t have to be a chore. The easier you make it, the more likely you are to stick to it. Setting up a cleaning station by your shed or garage can help build this habit. A simple trick is to keep a bucket filled with sand and a cup of vegetable oil handy. After each use, dip your tools in the bucket to clean off dirt and protect the finish.

Keep disinfectant wipes or your homemade disinfectant solution nearby to quickly clean off sap or pathogens, especially between plants. Just remember that homemade solutions lose their effectiveness quickly, so only mix what you need.

Keep Your Tools Sharp and Ready

Sharp tools are essential for efficient gardening and plant health. Dull blades require more effort, leading to damaged plants and broken tools. A clean cut heals faster and reduces the risk of disease, while a jagged cut leaves your plants vulnerable.

Sharpening your tools is easy and worth the effort. Start by cleaning the blade with WD-40 to remove any dirt. Use the right file for the job—a small file for hand pruners or a larger one for shovels. When sharpening shovels, only sharpen the inside edge to maintain its effectiveness. After sharpening, always oil the blade to prevent rust.

Well-maintained pruners may only need sharpening every six weeks, while occasional gardeners might find once a year sufficient. Happy Gardening!

Love,

Bedhead