Give your garden tools a little love this winter to prepare them for springtime joy

Nobody works harder than you in the garden with one exception — your garden tools. Quality tools are essential as they cut, chop, dig, and, overall, make our life easier.

Spending time maintaining your tools will save your arms and back this spring. The off-season is an excellent time to make needed repairs.spa

Mud and dirt on metal and wood surfaces trap moisture, resulting in rust and rot. Wash metal parts and blades to remove any caked-on mud. A wire brush is helpful for this chore. Wipe down wooden handles in the same manner with a rag to remove any garden grime.

Once clean, wipe metal surfaces with a protective coating of household lubricating oil. Wooden handles with any rough wood can be lightly sanded to remove potential splinters. Then rub the wood with tung or linseed oil to restore and protect the wood.

Another option is to paint your handles. Some gardeners like to paint their tool handles with bright colors. The color stands out when the tool is laid on the ground, making it easier to find. I cannot tell you the number of times I set my trowel down, only for it to blend into the growth and mulch, leading to a time-consuming hunt.

Sharp tools make the job easier. Dull blades do not work as efficiently and can lead to garden accidents. A sharp edge leaves a clean-cut and helps the plant recover more quickly from the wound left behind. Take time to sharpen mower blades, knives, shovels, hoes, pruners or other tools that slice and dice. Sharpening can be done at home with a grinder or file. Local hardware stores may also sharpen tools for a small fee.

Store garden tools out of the elements — that means the garage for most of us.

Winter is an excellent time to make sure you have them organized for spring. There are many options available. Small hand tools can be stored in a bucket, ready to pick up and head out to the garden. Larger tools can hang on racks or panels for easy access. Another trick is to store shovels in a bucket of dry sand. Each time the shovel-head goes in and out of the sand, it helps removes any stuck-on dirt.

This might also be the time to cull your tools. Some may be broken, damaged or even dangerous. Replacement handles can be purchased, but many times they are almost as expensive as buying a new tool.

Make the decision now to repair or replace. That way, you are ready to go to work once spring conditions arrive. Tools that are cared for properly will last many years and make the garden chores more enjoyable.

Dennis Patton is a horticulture agent with Kansas State University Research and Extension. Got a question for him or other university extension experts? Email them to garden.help@jocogov.org.