Winter Gardening Tips

Winter is a great time in the garden to get those jobs done around the shed that need doing to prepare for the coming spring. Tool maintenance is always a great place to start. Check handles for splinters and cracks. A rub over with some sandpaper and a coat of timber oil will help with splinters. Cracked or broken handles can be replaced with new ones from the hardware store. A wire brush is a great way to clean spades, shovels and other digging tools of the rust and soil build up, a quick rub over with engine oil will help with rust prevention and preserve those expensive tools. Pruners and loppers can be cleaned and sharpened in preparation for those late winter pruning jobs. Winter is also a great time to have mowers or any power equipment serviced don’t wait until you really need them before having them serviced or repaired. Mower shops are not as busy in the winter and as the grass is not growing a couple of weeks in the shop won’t be an issue. Take the time to do a stock take of your garden chemicals and fertilizes. Purchase new ones if required, also do a bit of research on the chemicals you have, some may be out of date or even banned from use now. With a good tidy up in the shed and serviced tools you will be ready for the wonderful spring ahead.