The Importance Of Cleaning Your Garden Tools

There are many garden chores to tackle throughout the year, some more exciting than others. When there are fun tasks like planting and propagating to consider, no one wants to head to the shed to care for their tools. However, if you want them to last as long as intended, it’s a task you cannot ignore.

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Garden tools go through plenty of wear and tear. Even when used carefully, they are bound to be caked in dirt, scratched up and untidy by the end of a full day of gardening. If left in this condition, your tools will rust sooner and break faster, resulting in unexpected expenses that could be avoided.

But that’s not the only reason to keep your tools clean. Dirty garden tools, especially ones that have been used on diseased plants, can carry diseases themselves in soil and plant debris. Used on healthy plants, they will then spread those problems around your garden, becoming that much harder to control.

All tools should be washed with soap and water at the end of the day. Make sure they are completely dry before putting them away. Metal tools require oiling around once per season. You can also sanitize your shears after use on diseased plants to eliminate the risk of transfer. Store your tools in a dry area, preferably hanging up so any leftover moisture can drip off.

Although chores are not the most exciting gardening tasks, they will help you, your budget and your garden in the long run.

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