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Cornell University : Cornell Cooperative Extension
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| Yates Association |
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Gardening Tools |
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October 31, 2001 When
comfortable that your garden is set for winter and your compost piles
increased by healthy organic matter, it is time to get other gardening
things ready for winter too. These other things include the variety
of garden tools and other garden related equipment sometimes forgotten
until next spring. Hand
tools are invaluable to a gardener and should be cared for accordingly.
Rakes, hoes, shovels, along with trowels and cultivators, need to
be cleaned of soil that often sticks to the metal parts. Before hanging
them in their proper places in your garage or shed (you do have a
place to hang them, don't you?) check them for wear and tear. Are
the handles in good shape? Will you need to add to your "wish
list" for the holidays so you get some replaced? Wooden handles
should be rubbed down with linseed oil to help preserve the wood.
Metal parts should be coated with WD-40 (or equivalent), or a 3-in-one
oil. Be sure rust spots are removed with sandpaper or steel wool before
applying the oil. Were
you wishing for a different tool that you did not have on hand to
do your gardening this past season? Along with thinking about the
kinds of plants you want to grow next season, make a list of the tools
that you might need. One never knows what might show up at holiday
or birthday times, unless one shares the desired thoughts with the
givers beforehand! Power
equipment needs attention, too. When lawn mowing has finally ended,
be sure the gas tank is empty before putting it away for winter. The
easiest way to do this is to simply run it until it is empty. Before
you fill it for that last cutting job, check the gas tank. Will you
have enough to finish the job and leave the tank dry? Don't over fill
it! If you need to add gasoline to the tank, do so sparingly. Tillers,
edgers, blowers, and other power tools need to be treated the same
way. Gasoline stores poorly. One way to conserve it is to add a stabilizing
fluid (STA-BIL or equivalent available at many auto accessory centers)
following the label directions. Leaving untreated fuel in equipment
over winter is a sure way to "gum-up" the carburetor and
fuel lines through fuel evaporation necessitating professional maintenance
in spring. Once
the fuel tanks are empty on garden equipment, remove the spark plug
and squirt some light motor oil into the opening. Then pull the starter
cord several times (with the spark plug still removed) or run the
starter for a few seconds to coat the inside wall of the engine cylinder
with clean motor oil. Use caution to avoid contacting the spark plugs
and receiving an electrical shock while turning the engine over. Once
the cylinder is coated with oil, stop the engine and replace the spark
plug and ignition wire. You have
removed the leaves from your lawn. Now is the time to check gutters
and down spouts. You do not need ice build-up under your roof just
because you neglected to clean the leaves and other debris from the
gutters. Keeping roof run-off water flowing freely is important to
general house maintenance. For safety, have someone hold the ladder
for you and do not reach away from the ladder. Take time to move the
ladder to each new location. We love all our faithful readers and
do not wish any harm to "befall" them. Your
deck and lawn furniture should be cleaned before winter storage knowing
that it may need to be cleaned again in spring depending upon how
it was stored.. Hanging lawn chairs in the garage keeps them out of
the way when retrieving the snow shovel or snow blower. But not all
furniture lends itself to being folded flat and stored neatly. When
possible, cover the furniture (or cushions at least) with plastic
to keep the moisture and dust off throughout the winter. Storing
your summer equipment out of the way so winter tools can begotten
to easily is important. This is a step that can be done now, or very
soon. Hunting for the snow shovel after the snow has fallen is too
late! Check out the winter equipment you will be using too, to be
sure it will be ready for you when you need it. Be sure your power
snow removal equipment works and is properly oiled and greased as
per the manufacturer's operating manual. Most people who have this
equipment know to do it, but hopefully this article will help you
to remember to do it early! And, while you are at it, review and follow
all the safety related operating precautions for your power equipment.
Too many unsuspecting people have lost fingers in clogged snow blowers.
Be sure your name isn't added to the ever-growing list for such accidents. Taking
care of the yard and garden is a time consuming process. The job can
be less stressful if the steps are taken before a crisis occurs. Yard
and garden time should be a time that helps people feel good about
themselves, their gardens and their homes. Plan now, not only for
the winter activities, but also for springtime which we all know will
be here soon again. Yates
County Volunteer Master Gardeners are available to answer yard and
garden questions by calling the Cornell Cooperative Extension office
at 315-536-5123. Please leave your name and phone number along with
a time we may return your call. We enjoy very much researching your
questions. We have answered hundreds of your questions and provided
much advice as part of the community outreach of your local Cornell
Cooperative Extension right here in Penn Yan. Thank you for your continued
trust in your volunteer master gardeners. We master gardeners thank
the Cornell Cooperative Extension for providing us with the necessary
training and resources to assist you. We'll be there when you need
us. Cornell
Cooperative Extension Yates Association |
