13 Tools to Clean, Sharpen, and Store Before the Cold Sets In

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Garden Hoe

A garden hoe is an essential tool for cleaning your garden before the cold weather arrives. It helps remove weeds, break up compacted soil, and prepare the beds for winter. By clearing out old plants, roots, and debris, you prevent diseases from spreading during the colder months.

In addition to cleaning, a hoe is vital for aerating the soil to improve the health of your plants when spring comes around. A well-maintained hoe can make light work of the toughest soil conditions, ensuring your garden beds are ready for the next planting season.

Pruning Shears

Pruning shears are perfect for tidying up plants before the winter. These tools allow you to trim away dead or diseased branches, which helps prevent the spread of pathogens during the cold months. Sharpening your shears before use ensures clean cuts that will encourage healthy regrowth when spring arrives.

When storing your shears, it is crucial to keep them in a dry place to avoid rusting. Clean and oil the blades regularly to maintain their sharpness and ensure smooth cuts throughout the season.

Lawn Mower

Maintaining your lawn mower before winter is a great way to preserve its lifespan. Cleaning the deck, sharpening the blades, and checking for any damage will ensure that the mower is ready for use when warmer weather returns. Additionally, draining the gas tank or adding stabilizer prevents fuel from going stale and damaging the engine.

Proper storage is key to keeping your lawn mower in good working order. Keep it in a dry place, and consider covering it to protect it from dust and debris. By performing these simple tasks, you can extend the mower’s life and reduce the chance of costly repairs.

Rake

A rake is an indispensable tool for clearing leaves, debris, and dead grass from your yard before winter arrives. Using a rake to gather leaves not only keeps your lawn clean but also helps prevent the growth of mold or mildew under the blanket of fallen leaves. A sturdy rake is perfect for both small clean-up tasks and large leaf piles.

After the fall season, store your rake in a dry, sheltered location. Make sure to check for any loose tines and fix them before the next use to avoid having to deal with broken tools in the future.

Hose

While it may seem like you don’t need your garden hose during the colder months, it’s important to properly clean and store it before winter arrives. Drain the hose completely to avoid water freezing inside the pipe and causing cracks. Clean it by flushing out dirt and debris, and store it coiled neatly to prevent kinks and tangles.

Consider storing your hose in a shed or garage to protect it from freezing temperatures. Keeping it out of the elements will ensure that it is ready for use once the weather warms up.

Shovel

A reliable shovel is a must-have tool for any yard or garden. Whether you’re digging to plant new shrubs, remove stubborn weeds, or clear snow, a shovel is versatile and effective. Before winter, ensure that the blade is clean and free of dirt or mud. Sharpening the edge will make digging easier and more efficient in the spring.

For storage, make sure your shovel is kept in a dry place to avoid rust and deterioration. Check for any loose handles and tighten them to avoid breaks during your next use.

Wheelbarrow

Your wheelbarrow is an excellent tool for transporting heavy materials such as mulch, soil, or compost. Before the colder months, give the wheelbarrow a thorough cleaning to remove any dirt, debris, or remnants of materials you’ve moved. Check the tires for any air leaks and ensure the structure is free from cracks or rust.

Store the wheelbarrow in a shed or garage, keeping it off the ground. Elevating the wheelbarrow helps prevent damage from freezing temperatures and ensures its readiness for use come springtime.

Leaf Blower

A leaf blower is perfect for quickly clearing leaves and debris from your yard or driveway. Cleaning your leaf blower before winter ensures that it stays in excellent condition for next fall. Check the filters and clean the air vents to keep the blower running smoothly. Also, ensure that the battery or fuel is properly stored to avoid leaks.

Store your leaf blower in a cool, dry place to avoid exposure to extreme temperatures. Keep the cord or hose neatly coiled to prevent tangling and unnecessary wear.

Garden Trowel

A garden trowel is a small, versatile tool used for digging, transplanting, and breaking up soil. It’s essential to clean it thoroughly before storing it for the winter months. Rinse away any dirt and dry the blade to prevent rusting. Sharpening the trowel will also ensure it’s ready for the next planting season.

Store the trowel in a dry place and apply a thin layer of oil to the blade to protect it from moisture. Keeping it in good condition ensures that you won’t have to spend time repairing it when it’s time to start your garden again.

Hedge Trimmer

A hedge trimmer is essential for maintaining the shape and health of your shrubs and hedges. Before storing it for the winter, clean the blades thoroughly and remove any plant debris that may have accumulated. Sharpening the blades ensures that they remain efficient and effective for the next trimming season.

Proper storage is vital to prevent rust and corrosion. Store your hedge trimmer in a dry, sheltered area and consider hanging it to keep it off the ground and away from moisture.

Tool Box

Having a dedicated tool box is crucial for keeping all your cleaning, sharpening, and storage tools organized. Before winter, take time to clean out the box, removing any unnecessary items that may have accumulated over the months. Organize the tools inside so they’re easy to find, and make sure each one is in good working condition.

A tool box should be kept in a dry area to prevent rust or water damage to the tools inside. A well-organized tool box will save you time and effort when you need a tool quickly.

Pressure Washer

A pressure washer is useful for cleaning decks, patios, driveways, and siding. Before the cold weather sets in, clean the pressure washer thoroughly and check for any signs of wear or damage. Winterize the machine by draining any remaining water from the hoses and pump, as water left inside can freeze and damage the parts.

Store the pressure washer in a cool, dry area, and cover it to protect it from dust and debris. A well-maintained pressure washer is a valuable asset to have ready when spring cleaning comes around.

Tarp

A tarp is an essential tool for protecting your outdoor furniture, plants, and tools from snow and ice. Use it to cover garden beds, lawn mowers, or piles of leaves. Before storing the tarp, clean it thoroughly to remove dirt, leaves, and debris, and check for any tears or holes that might affect its ability to protect your items.

Fold the tarp neatly and store it in a dry place to keep it ready for the next season. Having a clean, functional tarp will make it easier to protect your outdoor equipment when winter weather arrives.

This article originally appeared on Avocadu.