The biggest mistake gardeners make before putting tools away for winter

Wilkinson Sword shares four simple steps to help gardeners protect their tools, avoid unnecessary replacements and get ready for spring 

As the gardening season draws to a close, many gardeners are preparing to put their tools away until spring. But there is a common mistake that could be costing them money: putting tools away dirty, damp and in need of maintenance. 

Mud left on spades, sap coating secateurs and moisture trapped on metal blades can all contribute to rust, corrosion and deterioration over winter. Add in blunt cutting edges, stiff joints and wooden handles that have absorbed water, and tools that should last for years can become difficult to use - or need replacing sooner than necessary. 

With the British winter bringing plenty of damp weather, Wilkinson Sword is encouraging gardeners to give their tools a little TLC before packing them away. A simple four-step routine - Clean, Sharpen, Oil, and Store Dry - can help protect tools, maintain their performance and save money in the long run. 

Four simple steps to make garden tools last longer 

1. Clean: don't leave the dirt until spring 

One of the biggest mistakes is putting tools away dirty. Soil can hold moisture against metal surfaces, while sap and other sticky deposits can build up on cutting blades, making them harder to operate. 

Remove soil from digging and cultivating tools using a stiff brush, whilst washing the tool may be necessary to remove heavier soil. Always ensure to dry any washed tools thoroughly with a cloth. 

Secateurs, loppers, pruning saws and garden shears need particular attention. Remove dried sap and residue from the blades using a suitable nylon scourer or wire wool, taking care around sharp edges. If tools have been used on diseased plants, clean and disinfect them appropriately to help prevent plant diseases spreading around the garden. 

2. Sharpen: don't let blunt blades become a springtime problem 

Blunt blades don't just make gardening harder; they can also cause damage. Secateurs, loppers, garden shears and pruning knives should be checked for dull edges, nicks and damage. Spades and hoes can also benefit from sharpening where their cutting edges have become blunt. 

It’s important to use a sharpener that’s designed for the tool, which is why the Wilkinson Sword 6-in-1 Garden Tool Sharpener is the ideal item to have in your kit, as it is suitable for a huge range of tools. It has sharpeners for left and right handled blades, as well as knives and scissors. It has carbide and ceramic stones, for heavy-duty sharpening followed by a fine, professional finish, as well as benefiting from a built-in oil reservoir and sponge to protect blades from rust.  

3. Oil: give metal parts a protective finish 

Cleaning alone may not be enough to protect tools through months of damp weather. Once tools are clean and completely dry, apply a thin film of suitable general-purpose oil to exposed metal surfaces where appropriate. 

Pay particular attention to secateurs and loppers, where a few drops of oil at the pivot can help keep moving parts working smoothly. Check nuts and bolts, too, tightening any that have become loose without overtightening them. 

4. Store dry: the final step that makes all the difference 

Putting tools away while they are still damp can undo all your hard work. A cold, humid shed or garage can also encourage corrosion if tools are stored in a pile or left on a wet floor. 

Make sure every tool is thoroughly dry before storing it in a clean, dry and preferably well-ventilated space. Hang tools up where possible, keep cutting edges protected and avoid leaving equipment outside or exposed to rain. 

Wooden handles should also be checked for roughness, cracks or signs of deterioration before tools are stored away. 

Which garden tools should you clean first? 

If time is limited, start with the tools most vulnerable to sticky residue and corrosion. A little prioritisation can make the job much more manageable. 

• Secateurs and loppers: Start here. Sap can gum up the blades, while dampness and neglected pivots can lead to stiffness, corrosion and poor cutting performance. 
• Garden shears and pruning saws: Remove plant debris, clean the blades and inspect for damage. Sharpen where appropriate. 
• Spades, forks, hoes and trowels: Brush off soil and pay particular attention to metal surfaces and the point where the blade meets the handle. Dry thoroughly to help prevent rust and moisture damage. 
• Rakes and other clearing tools: Remove compacted soil, leaves and plant debris, then check the head, teeth, fastenings and handle for signs of wear. 
• Wooden-handled tools: Inspect handles for cracks, splinters and looseness. Drying thoroughly and applying the appropriate handle care can help prevent deterioration during storage. 

Tools that have been used on diseased plants should also be prioritised for appropriate cleaning and disinfection, regardless of whether they are used frequently. 

Don't let a little neglect become an unnecessary expense 

Garden tools are an investment, and replacing them simply because they have been left dirty or damp can be an avoidable expense. Regular maintenance helps gardeners get more from the equipment they already own, while making sure it is ready to use when the weather improves. 

The good news is that winter preparation doesn't have to be a major job. Set aside a little time at the end of the season, work through the tools one by one and make maintenance part of the annual gardening routine. 

For more garden tool care advice and to explore the Wilkinson Sword range, visit www.wilkinsonsword-tools.co.uk. 

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Editors notes

Wilkinson Sword's mission is to provide gardening tools of premium quality and performance that help make gardening easier and more enjoyable! Reflecting 100 years of cutting excellence, the gardening tools collection comprises highly engineered quality products, including pruners, shears, loppers, stainless steel garden tools as well as a range of axes and multi-tools. Every product in the range is put through rigorous quality tests to ensure the high-quality design, durability and strength expected from this trusted brand. Every product comes with the reassuring stamp of a 10-year guarantee.