Every gardener tends to buy the best equipment for his or her orchid or garden. The tools make the process of planting easier and faster. With good-quality instruments, it’s not so difficult and overwhelming to keep your garden in order. Yet, spades, trowels, hoes, knives, and secateurs are helpful and useful only if they are in good condition.

It happens quite often that careless gardeners forget to take care of the items. It leads not only to property damages but affects the plants. The tools which are dirty transfer diseases, seeds, pests, and weeds. You are able easily to prevent all these troubles. It’s enough to make untidy the tools. There is a list of frequently asked questions when it comes to keeping your garden equipment in order.  

Should I clean my garden tools?

Neat tools last longer so there is no need to buy new items. You save not only your money. It’s easier to work with well-organized items. Moreover, the soil left on the surface of the used appliances transfer weeds or pests. You can hurt your plants.

What should I start with?

The first thing you may do is to organize your belongings. It’s better to divide all the belongings into the following groups:

• Used in soil: shovels, hoes, forks;
• Hand appliances;
• Finer models: pruners, loppers.

Every group needs a definite dusting and maintenance. There are also common stages such as getting rid of dust and rust and washing with water.

What supplies do I need?

You may need gloves, detergent, sprayer, sponge, and old towels. You have also to prepare steel wool, scrub brush, and a wire brush. It’s important to wear eye protection and a dust mask.

How often should I do the cleaning?

An ideal variant is to brush your belongings after every time you use it. Yet, there are only gardeners who really do this. You are to clean the equipment at least once at the end of the season. 

What is a quick clean bucket?

It’s a bucket filled with sand and vegetable oil. It’s enough to pump the appliances up and down after you’ve used them to get rid of dust and prevent from rust appearing.

Is it necessary to sharpen the instruments?

It’s an important element of washing your appliances. It’s easier to work with sharp instruments. You can sharpen the items with the help of a metal file. You have to do it carefully in order not to grind away too much of the metal.

Is disinfection important?

It’s an important thing to do if you want to prevent transmission of plant pests and diseases. You can use household disinfectants or 70% isopropyl alcohol.

How should I store my instruments?

It’s of primary importance to store your garden equipment in the right place. Every item is considered to have a definite room. The best variant is dry shed or garage. 

In conclusion, it’s important to underline that keeping your gardening tools in order helps you to save money, time, and efforts.