After a long season of digging, planting, and pruning, your garden tools need a little care. October is the perfect time to clean them up before winter. Clean tools work better and last longer, and they help keep your roses healthy, too.
Start by gathering the tools you use most—pruners, shovels, rakes, and trowels. Rinse off any dirt with water and use a brush to scrub away anything stuck on. If there’s rust, you can rub it off with steel wool or sandpaper.
Once your tools are clean, dry them really well. Moisture can cause tools to rust, especially over winter. Some gardeners wipe their metal tools with a little oil to keep them from drying out or getting rusty.
Wooden handles also need care. If the wood looks dry or cracked, rub it with some linseed oil or another plant-based oil. This keeps the handle strong and smooth, so it won’t break or give you splinters next year.
It’s a good idea to sharpen your pruners and shears before you put them away. Sharp blades make cleaner cuts, which are better for your rose bushes. You can use a sharpening stone or take them to a garden center for help.
Store your clean, dry tools in a shed or garage where they won’t get wet. You’ll thank yourself in the spring when your tools are ready to go and in great shape for another growing season.