Winter provides the perfect opportunity to show your garden tools some much-needed care, especially those with wooden handles. While Ben Vanheems has expertly covered pruners and small hand tools, this guide focuses on the essential steps to maintain your long-handled companions, from spades to hoes. Properly caring for wooden handled garden tools not only extends their lifespan but also makes gardening a more enjoyable and efficient experience come spring.
Thoroughly Cleaning Wooden Handles
Before you can nourish the wood, you need to remove the grime and dirt that accumulates during the gardening season. Start by gathering all your tools. A good approach is to retrace your steps in the garden to find any tools left behind after your last gardening sessions.
For cleaning, warm, soapy water and a stiff brush are your best allies. If weather permits, an outdoor scrub is ideal. However, on colder days, a dry cleaning method is equally effective. Use a wire brush to dislodge caked-on soil and debris, followed by a damp cloth to wipe away the remaining residue. Pay close attention to crevices and areas around the tool head where dirt tends to accumulate.
Inspect the handles for splinters or rough patches. These not only feel unpleasant but can also worsen over time. Use fine-grit sandpaper to gently smooth out these areas, ensuring a comfortable grip for future use.
Consider adding a personal touch for easy identification. Inspired by a native plant rescue group’s practice, marking tool handles with bright tape or paint is a simple yet effective strategy. This helps in quickly identifying your tools, especially in larger gardens or shared spaces, and reduces the chances of misplacing them. Distinctive colors or patterns can make your spades, forks, and hoes instantly recognizable.
Oiling and Protecting Wooden Handles
Once the wooden handles are clean and completely dry, it’s time to apply a protective oil. Oiling is crucial as it repels moisture and dirt, preventing the wood from drying out, cracking, and becoming brittle. While linseed and tung oil are frequently recommended for their quick-drying properties, other excellent alternatives include coconut oil and walnut oil.
For optimal oil penetration, bring your tools into a warm space. Room temperature enhances the wood’s absorbency, allowing the oil to deeply nourish the fibers.
To oil the handles effectively, saturate a clean cloth with your chosen oil. Generously apply the oil to the wooden handle, ensuring complete coverage. Allow the oil to soak in for about ten minutes. This soaking time allows the oil to penetrate the wood, providing deep conditioning. After soaking, wipe off any excess oil with a clean, dry cloth. For older, more weathered handles that have endured prolonged sun exposure, a second or even third coat of oil might be necessary to fully rejuvenate the wood. The transformation after oiling is often remarkable, restoring the wood’s natural luster and smoothness.
Protecting Metal Parts with Oil
Don’t forget the metal components of your tools. Oiling the metal parts is equally important to prevent rust and maintain their functionality. For metal parts, the type of oil is less critical. You can use specialized tool oil, but even common household vegetable oil from your kitchen works effectively.
Apply a thin coat of oil to all metal surfaces using a cloth. This simple step will displace any existing rust and create a protective barrier against future corrosion. Oiling not only preserves the metal’s integrity but also enhances the overall appearance of your tools, keeping them looking as good as new.
While extensive sanding and sharpening are best reserved for spring, when you’re preparing for the new gardening season, this winter care routine is invaluable. Even when stored in a dry shed or garage, tool blades can suffer from slight corrosion during damp winter months. Starting the spring with tools that are already cleaned and oiled means they are ready for immediate use when gardening season begins.
Taking the time to care for your wooden handled garden tools offers immediate satisfaction. The smooth feel of a well-maintained handle in your hand is a testament to your care and preparation. This simple act of restoration brings a sense of pleasure and anticipation for the gardening tasks ahead, making you appreciate your tools and the work they enable even before spring arrives.
