How To Store Your Gardening Tools in the Off-season

Whether you prefer vegetable gardens, growing your own herbs, or planting various flowers in your yard, gardening is a wonderful hobby that can be enjoyed year-round. However, in order for your gardening tools to last, it is important to take proper care of them, especially during the winter or when it’s cold and wet out. The last thing you want is an expensive tool breaking when it could have been prevented! Proper care will not only prevent unwanted wear and tear but will also help you save money on having to replace them each season. Here are some tips to keep your tools in great condition particularly when they aren’t being used as frequently.

WHY IS IT IMPORTANT TO STORE YOUR GARDENING TOOLS PROPERLY IN THE WINTER?

There are a few reasons why it is important to store your gardening tools properly. First, if your tools are left outside, they can be damaged by the weather. This is especially more so in winter than in other seasons. Tools with wood handles are at higher risk to crack and splinter if they get too wet. Second, if your tools are stored in a damp place, they can rust. This is not only unsightly, but it can also damage the tool and make it less effective. Finally, if your tools are not stored properly, they can be a safety hazard. For example, if you leave a shovel leaning against a wall and forget about it, it could fall and trip someone next time, and that someone could be you!

HOW TO PROPERLY STORE TOOLS

There are a few things you can do to store your gardening tools properly and prevent these problems. First, if you have wooden-handled tools, make sure to oil the handles before storing them for off-season times. This will help to protect the wood from splitting. Second, store your tools in a dry place. A shed or garage is a good option. If you don’t have either of these, you can store your tools in a plastic bin with a lid. Just make sure that the bin is big enough so that your tools don’t get crowded and damaged. Finally, make sure to put your things away after each use. This might seem like common sense, but it’s easy to leave a shovel leaning against the wall or a rake sitting in the grass. Taking the time to put your tools away properly will help to extend their life and keep them in good condition.

Having a place for each item also helps. You can have any organizational system that works for you. You can try color coding your bins to know where which tools are or label them and stick them on all sides. Every so often you should clean these bins out and reassess your tools so you can keep the ones that you value most and get rid of any that are damaged. If you have larger tools like a drivable lawn mower get protective gear like a riding lawn mower cover to make sure they are equally protected from the elements. It may seem like they don’t need it but because tools like these are more expensive, better preemptive upkeep will improve their lifespan and save you from costs later on.

CONCLUSION

Following these tips for proper tool storage in the off-season will help to extend the life of your tools and save you money in the long run. Proper tool storage is just one part of caring for your gardening tools. Be sure to also clean and sharpen your tools regularly to keep them in top condition.