Garden Equipment Tips

When chosen correctly and cared for on a regular basis, your garden equipment can last for years, if not a lifetime.  From proper storage to cleaning and maintenance, a few simple steps can keep your garden tools looking and working like new while maximizing your investment.

• Store gardening tools and machines indoors or under cover.  Sun and rain are two of the most damaging elements your garden equipment can face.  Store your tools in a shed, barn or garage to extend their useful life.


• Oil handles and other parts made of wood.  Linseed oil is an inexpensive oil and commonly used for tool handles.  You can buy it by the gallon at a hardware or farm store.  Once a year, lightly oil any wooden components to keep them strong and supple.


• Return your garden equipment where it belongs.  Getting sidetracked and leaving tools where you last used them can expose them, which leads to rust and rot issues.


• Keep shears and pruners sharp.  A sharpened blade means less work and less stress on the tool, so use a file to sharpen the blades on your pruners and shears at least one to two times a year.


• Provide regular mechanical maintenance.  For rototillers, lawn mowers and other mechanical garden equipment, follow a regular maintenance schedule which includes changing the oil, checking fluid levels and airing up the tires.  This keeps your equipment operating at optimal efficiency and helps you see and repair any issues before they become more serious.