Good quality garden tools can last a lifetime with ongoing basic care. When you find a tool that works really well, it’s worth taking the time to maintain it.
Confused by pruners? This shows you how to decide which pruner is best for the jobs in your garden.
Tool Time
No two gardeners seem to prefer the same tools: it depends on what you’re growing, how you like to work, and the type of maintenance your garden requires. But there’s one thing we all come to realize: cheap garden tools are cheap garden tools—more often than not, you get what you paid for.
Once you know which tools you like, start investing in the best ones you can afford and take the time to keep them in good shape. You’ll not only save a lot of money but have a collection of treasured tools to rely on throughout your gardening years.
Related: See my DIY Garden Tool Shed
4 Tips For Best Garden Tool Care
Product links go to my affiliate’s account at Amazon.com.
Tip #1 – PAINT
This is particularly useful for locating small hand tools that disappear into weed bins.
- Paint the ends of your garden tool handles so they stand out in the garden.
- Or mark them with a distinctive color of duct tape.
Tip #2 -CLEAN
- After use, scrub off dirt under garden hose.
- Rinse in diluted household bleach if necessary.
- Dry thoroughly.
Tip #3 – STORE
- Make sure tools are completely dry.
- Store tools hanging up. See how I create tool hangers (below).
If every tool has a designated place, you’ll notice what’s missing at the end of your gardening day.
Tip #4 – MAINTAIN
- Protect wooden handles with boiled linseed oil. See it here at Amazon.com.
- Tighten loose screws.
- Lubricate moving parts with 3-in-1 oil (see it at Amazon.com) or WD-40.
- Sharpen – learn to do it yourself or take tools with dull or nicked blades to professional sharpener.
Painting Tip
Painting tool handles and making hangers
1. Drill holes through top of wooden handles. Position the hole so that bulky rake heads will hang parallel to the wall.
2. Sand wood to remove any finishes.
3. Apply painter’s tape if you want a crisp edge.
4. Paint end of handle. Allow to dry.
5. Apply stencil (optional). I created a simple leaf stencil with cardstock and used white spray paint. Allow to dry.
6. Add wire to form a ring.
7. Hang on wall-mounted board with cup hooks.
My black and white tool handles are easy to see in the garden plus they match my stencilled wheelbarrow and lawnmower, of course. It was worth doing it just to see how it made my husband laugh!
If you’re curious about my favourite weeding tool, it’s an older version of this one.
~Melissa the Empress of Dirt ♛
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Lynne Cherot says
June 30, 2014 at 12:38 pmI think we can all get a bit lazy about our tool care. Some great tips here and for sure a sharp, clean, easy to find tool makes gardening much easier!
Louise Lagacé says
June 30, 2014 at 10:00 amHello from northern Alberta. Love the idea of stenciling your tools and the care info. Thanks.
Annette says
June 30, 2014 at 9:15 amJust found your delightful and informative site. Inspiring.
Annette says
June 30, 2014 at 9:16 amForgot to say, I am from Tillsonburg, ON.
Heather - New House New Home says
June 29, 2014 at 10:53 pmGreat tips, Melissa! I need to give my tools a good cleaning an sharpening.
Marianne Leo says
June 24, 2014 at 3:19 pmWhat a lovely basket! I am from the Okanagan n British Columbia.
Linda aka Crafty Gardener says
June 21, 2014 at 8:21 amGood morning, one of the jobs on my list is to paint the handles of my garden tools, especially the hand tools. I’m always putting them down and forgetting where I put them. I’ve got a bright lime green colour. I would love to be entered to win the baskets of tools and I’d put them to great use in my Ontario garden. If I am the lucky winner some of my old hand tools will be joining all the other retired tools in my fence garden.
Angie V says
June 20, 2014 at 3:53 pmWhat a fun giveaway! Hello from Paisley, Ontario! 🙂
Pat. Smith says
June 20, 2014 at 9:24 amWe relocated to Welland, Ontario 2 years ago and this year I planted a Memory Garden at the front of our little doll house. I so enjoy working in and ‘talking’ with my loved ones that have passed on. Many neighbours have commented on how nice the front garden looks now and seem to like the idea of a Memory Garden. It was great fun picking a plant for each family member we’ve lost over the years and then I planted three Hollyhocks at the corner for all the cats, dogs and other pets we’ve had and lost through our 50 years of marriage and raising our boys,
Love this site and find so much useful information, keep up the good work our most beloved Empress of Dirt.
Karen says
June 18, 2014 at 6:17 pmThose are the same tips my chiropractor here in Westbank, BC gave me. As I had already caused some strains, the timing of this giveaway coincides nicely with when I should be able to get back to my garden. This time I will follow the advice!
Holly Campbell says
June 17, 2014 at 9:15 pmI absolutely love everyone of your posts and am a faithful follower. I love to play in the dirt! I am from Dauphin, Manitoba. Keeping up the awesomeness!
Phyllis Caslick says
June 17, 2014 at 5:45 pmI enjoy your blog so much, and was delighted to learn that you’re a fellow Ontarian, living not far from my hometown, London..
Liat says
June 17, 2014 at 3:18 pmWould love to win this great Giveaway. Hello from Halifax, NS
Mila D. says
June 17, 2014 at 2:54 pmGreat tool care tips and strain prevention points too, Thank you!
Bev Dring from Haldimand County says
June 17, 2014 at 2:35 pmlove the Empress of Dirt Posts….Thanks
Bev Dring from Haldimand County says
June 17, 2014 at 2:34 pmJust love the Empress of Dirt Posts
Thanks
Linda Gladman says
June 17, 2014 at 2:10 pmWarm welcome from St. Catharines, Ontario!
Great Giveaway, ♥ it! 🙂
Kim Campbell (@kimmcamp) says
June 17, 2014 at 1:51 pmI would love to win the basket of garden tools, I spend hours each day outside enjoying the connection with earth, and plants.