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Have you ever tried to shovel a scoop of dirt or gravel, only to have the handle break out of your shovel? Or chopped weeds with a dull hoe? A lot of these problems could be avoided with regular tool maintenance.

Garden tools take a lot of abuse, and not just normal wear and tear. They suffer a lot of neglect from us gardeners, small things can lead to bigger problems, and even result in the death of a good tool. We take good care of our automobiles, and other possessions, yet garden tools tend to get ignored, until one breaks.

Well maintained tools make gardening much more pleasurable, and efficient. You can save yourself a lot of extra work and backache if you keep your tools in tip-top condition. Regular maintenance is the key, don't wait until the task is overwhelming.

The first thing you should do is wash the tools with a garden hose to remove any dirt left on the tools. You should do this after every use, before you store them. After you wash them, inspect them close for cracks, loose joints, and broken handles. Repair and/or replace loose screws and handles. If this is beyond your expertise, then take them to a competent craftsman.

Any tool that has a cutting edge, such as hoes, mattocks, and shovels will require periodic sharpening. You can do this with a grinder, either hand-held or bench, or the old-fashion way with a file. Once again, if you're unsure of your abilities then leave this to the experts.

The handles should be rubbed good with linseed oil to keep the wood supple, this will repel water as well, adding years to the wood. I also rub the metal surfaces with vegetable oil, it won't contaminate the soil and will prolong the life of the steel tools.

It makes for easier digging, as well as easier cleanup. Dirt and mud just fall away from a hoe or shovel that's been coated with vegetable oil. Don't use a petroleum based oil for this, or you may contaminate your soil.

With a little TLC, you can have tools ready for action, and also tools that will last for many, many years. Don't wait until the end of the season to do these maintenance chores, keep your tools tip-top at all times.

Learn more about this author, Marty Alan McGill.
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