subject: Buying Quality Gardening Tools Saves Money In The Long Run [print this page] It is impossible to grow a really good garden without the proper tools to do it with. You always have to till your soil and if you do not want to use a lot of pesticides and weed killers, you need good hand tools to help get rid of weeds and grasses. Having a garden hoe, spade, shovel, metal rake, wheelbarrow, gloves and water hose are all must haves for gardening whether you plant trees, flowers, vegetables or all three. If you intend to cultivate a large garden plot, you will likely need a gas tiller to save the wear and tear on your back. Preparing soil for planting a big garden is a back breaking job if you do not have a tiller. For smaller garden areas like for flowers, a smaller tiller might be just fine.
Some beginner gardeners are often tempted to buy less expensive tools because they want to save money, but this is not always the best way to do it. Most of the time it is better to invest in better made tools that can be more expensive, but in the long run they will last longer and probably do a better job for you when you need them. You also have to know how to keep your tools clean and dry in between uses to prevent rusting and decay. Grow lights are a useful tool that many gardeners use to start seedlings indoors. Always follow instructions when using grow lights.
It is important to have a place to store your tools. It might be in your garage or in a storage building, but they should be kept out of the rain. To care for the wooden handles that some tools have, about once a year they should be lightly sanded and oiled. Lightly sand the surface and remove the dust. Then you are ready to apply a light coat of linseed oil. Rub in in until it will not absorb anymore.
Metal parts of your your tools can be cleaned lightly with a wire brush especially if they are showing any signs of rust. Once they any rust or dirt debris has been removed, use a bucket filled with sand and some oil such as motor oil, to dip the metal into and clean it further. The metal portions can be left in a bucket of sand and oil during the winter months to protect them. Pruning tools that have hinged parts can be cleaned with a little oil or w-d 40 to keep them moving freely between uses.
Rubber water hoses should be brought inside in the winter to keep them from freezing and busting. Keep them out of the direct sunlight when not in use in the hot months to prevent them from drying out and cracking.
For tools that need sharpening, either learn how to do this correctly yourself or you might take them to your local hardware store or other professional and get it done there.
Caring for your tools each time you use them and during the months when they are not in use will help you get the most from them. Proper care of garden tools will keep them in good shape and useful for years to come.
