How to Clean and Store Garden Tools for Winter

After the last leaf is raked and final bulb planted, tuck tools in for winter. Keep blades rust-free with just sand and oil. Three easy steps ensure tools are ready for next season.

Instructions

Step 1: Fill an old pot/bucket (large enough for all metal tools) with dry sand. Mix in lubricating oil (WD-40 or vegetable oil) until thoroughly moist. Remove caked mud from blades with putty knife or steel wool.

Step 2: Plunge hoes, shovels, trowels, forks, metal dibblers into sandy mix. Store in cool, dry place. Prevent wooden handle splitting/drying by rubbing with linseed oil before storage.

Step 3: In spring, remove tools, wipe blades with burlap or coarse cloth. For non-winter storage, just plunge several times to clean in fall, polish, and hang. Keep sandy mix for anytime tool maintenance.