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Tools can be quite expensive to replace so maintaing them will keep costs to a minimum, plus a clean, sharp tool can often take a lot of effort out of a particular garden task.
The list below gives a few indicators of things that can be done to achieve this;
Week 1;
- Check over tools, repair/sharpen if necessary.
- Check that handles are secure in sockets and replace damaged wooden ones.
- Rub down rough wooden handles with sandpaper to avoid splinters, and apply a protective coat of clear varnish or linseed oil.
- Keep hand tools in serviceable condition by thoroughly overhauling them before the onset of spring.
- Cheap tools can usually be hammered back into shape on a block of wood and sharpened by touching up the edge with a file.
Week 7;
- If not already attended to, check over your lawn mower and if necessary send it to an expert for an annual overhaul & service.
- Check that blades are sharp.
Week 35;
- In hard water areas, watering can roses and sprayer heads may become badly 'furred' or 'scaled' with calcium deposits.
- This will gradually decrease irrigation efficiency, but you can solve the problem by immersing the rose or spray head in a solution of vinegar and water.
- Persistent bits may be poked out with a fine needle point.
Week 52;
- Thoroughly clean lawnmowers before giving them their annual overhaul before storing for the winter.
- Empty fuel tank (this job should be done in the open air) and change sump oil on four-stroke models.
- Ensure that filters are thoroughly cleaned and check sparking plugs.
- Remove batteries from mowers and check over power leads for signs of insulation deterioration.
- Look at condition of cables and adjust or replace as necessary.
- Ensure that power leads are disconnected before removing all traces of dirt and compacted grass clippings.
- Brush off any flaky paint and rust before applying a rust preventer or remover.
- The sharpening of metal rotary and cylinder mower blades is best done by experts.
- When removing blades, cover cutting edges (lengths of slit hosepipe are ideal) to avoid nasty accidents.
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