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By Kathy Torres
My husband says, “You should always use the right tool for the job.” He builds power plants, so using the wrong tool or equipment can slow down the project, resulting in additional cost or an accident. It’s a practical approach that can be applied to many chores and projects, large and small. In the gardening world, an example might be… using a spade to dig a hole to plant a tree when a shovel is needed; or… using the hose end, rather than a watering wand attached to the hose to water your delicate annuals. It’s common sense, but we humans get in a hurry to complete a task, taking shortcuts that end up making the job harder, damaging plant material, or even causing injury. Many gardening tools and accessories exist to make the job easier and Wingard’s has recently added the Garden Shed which houses these items. Now that spring has arrived, it’s time to get busy in the garden, so you’re invited to come in and check it out. I’m almost positive you will find something that will make your upcoming garden project(s) just a little bit easier and more efficient!
Not only is it important to use the right tools, keeping them clean, sharpened and protected is a must. Properly maintained, they will last longer, work more efficiently and will not spread disease from sick plants to healthy ones. A bit of extra effort will be well worth it in the long run.
CLEANING:
Scrub tools with a wire brush to remove dirt; machine wash garden gloves, rags, etc. on HOT (shake off loose dirt first). Immerse tools in a mixture of water and household bleach. Click HERE for details. Turpentine can be used to remove sap; soak tools in vinegar if rusty. Give wooden handles a light rubbing with linseed oil.
SHARPENING (Hoes, Shears, Scissors, Knives, Loppers, Pruners, Shovels, etc.):
Wipe blades with WD-40 or other lubricant. File blades at a 20-45° angle; for most tools, it’s usually easiest to follow the original bevel. (Most blades can be filed with a 10” flat mill file.) For items that need a finer edge (pruners or shears), use a sharpening stone (whetstone) to finish the edge. FYI… Wingard’s now offers a cleaning/sharpening service for small tools like pruners and loppers for $5/each.
STORAGE:
Even when you know you will use tools the next day, don’t leave them out in the elements. Keep them in a shed or garage where they can be kept dry and they will be much less likely to rust.
You will find a well-organized display of tools and other useful items you may be interested in adding to your collection of “must haves” inside the Garden Shed at Wingard’s. Here’s a peek inside…
Below Left to Right:
Rose Gloves, Garden Bench/Kneeler, Carbide Sharpening Tool, Under Plant Sprinkler, and Yard Butler Hand Tiller
Whatever you have planned for the garden this year, make sure you have the right tool for the job. It can really contribute to the success of your project. In addition to the items shown above, you’ll find everything from garden gloves and sleeves, to watering cans and wands, decorative perennial plant supports, clippers, pruners, and more, all in one place at Wingard’s in the Garden Shed. Shop this new department and enhance your gardening experience!
