Winter Tool Maintenance: Extend the Life of Your Garden Equipment

Pre-Season Tune-Up for Spring Readiness

A few minutes of winter maintenance adds years to your garden tools' lifespan. Here's what experienced garden writers recommend:

Hand Tools

• Remove dirt and sap, then wipe metal parts with an oily rag.
• Rub unfinished wood handles with linseed oil.
• Sharpen cutting edges on everything from hoes to grass clippers (consider replacing rotary mower and pruning shear blades for cost efficiency).

Power Tools

• Run engines dry of gas.
• Change oil, spark plug, and air filter as needed.