Wrapping up the season in the garden
Tools
Clean, sharpen, and lubricate tools before putting them to bed. Begin by soaking them in a hot bubble bath. Then use a wire brush to scrub off debris. Use sandpaper or a scouring pad to remove rust, if necessary. Have the tools sharpened professionally or do it yourself using a bastard mill file: Place the blade at a 45-degree angle. Pull the file across and perpendicular to the blade (filing in one direction only). Turn the blade over and repeat the process. Remove burs with the file or with sandpaper. Lubricate all tools with purchased lubricant, or simply spray with olive oil, and wipe off the excess. Condition wooden handles by lightly sanding with fine sandpaper, then waxing with paste wax (available in most hardware or big box stores).
This end of the season tip and several more can be found in the National Gardening Association newsletter (website)
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