While the maintenance of tools is considered a fall task, I am sure that there are many gardeners in Sea to Sky that have the same philosophy on tools as I do - ignore them until they don't work any more. This result is frustratingly experienced the following spring when the tools are again needed. Tools that are improperly cared for and put away dirty, rusty and dull do not work as well as ones that are looked after, resulting in more blisters and backaches for the gardener. So, if you're like me and didn't care for your tools properly, here is a quick primer on tool maintenance.
If nothing else, tools should be cleaned after each use. This keeps diseases, fungus, insect eggs and weed seeds from being accidentally spread to other parts of the garden. Cleaning also extends the life of the tool by removing moisture-laden, rust-enhancing soil from steel surfaces. For tools with a sharp edge, cleaning keeps rust from eating the edge away. Spades, hoes, rakes, trowels, and any other tools that come into contact with the soil should be hosed off with water after each use. Usually the spray of the hose will knock off the dirt, but heavy soil may require some scrubbing with a hard bristle brush. After washing, dry with a cotton rag before putting it away. Tools that don't come in contact with the soil - axes, pruning shears, saws and knives - should be wiped down with a thick cotton cloth to remove any sap or gum from their blades. Don't be afraid to use little paint thinner to remove pitch from your blades if needed.
Even with washing and drying, steel tools are still susceptible to rust, and generally speaking, the better the steel the more vulnerable to rusting it is. A motor oil blend is a very inexpensive and effective to keep your tools from oxidizing, as it creates a barrier between the air and the steel. The best combination I have found is to mix one litre of non-detergent 30W motor oil to a half litre of either lamp oil or kerosene. This 2:1 ratio can be applied with a rag onto your tools. Because motor oil is organically based and breaks down quickly in the soil, the small amount of oil on your tools will not affect the sweetness of your soil.
Tools that have been left to become rusty will require some additional attention. Sandpaper is the easiest way remove a light coating of rust, but rough surfaces may require a wire brush treatment. After sanding, use oil mixture to protect your new, clean edge.
After tools have been cleaned and oiled, test tools for their sharpness. Tools such as shovels, hoes, and trowels are best sharpened with a hand file, while others such a pruning shears and knives call for a honing stone. Sharpening is neither complicated nor are the tools required expensive. An 8-inch mill file with a bastard cut is about $10 at any hardware store. A honing stone is available in any kitchen shop. When sharpening a tool with a mill file, work by drawing the cutting teeth in one direction over the edge being sharpened. For best results, keep the tool steady by using a vise or other bracing system.
Good gardening!
