Your
YARD AND GARDEN

Dave Robson

Garden tools are a major investment most home owners forget as they hurry to winterize their homes for the year. I probably spend as much time preparing tools and machines for the winter as I do the house. Maybe more.

The first and foremost step is to make sure the tools are clean.

Wash the soil off all metal tools. You may have to scrape the tools with a block of wood or a stick. Avoid soaking tools for an extended length of time; you can forget the tools and rust can develop.

Steel wool or abrasive cleaners can be used to remove some particles, including rust. Rinse and dry tools well.

To prevent rusting during the winter, coat metal parts with oil. Blades and tines can be rubbed with an oil-soaked rag or sprayed with oil compounds such as WD-40. Sewing machine oil works well, also.

Check handles and replace those that are beyond repair. Lightly sand rough areas. Painting or varnishing may be warranted. Some of my tools are painted bright orange for easy location in the yard.

Scrutinize fiberglass handles for splintering and then wrap with electrician's tape if necessary. Remove last year's electrician's tape and rewrap.

Then hang all your tools on a wall to limit winter damage. This is also a good time to take inventory of tools to be replaced and prepare a holiday gift wish list, which can later be placed in a conspicuous location.

Garden hoses should be thoroughly drained, coiled and hung indoors away from freezing temperatures. Lay the hose out on the ground, raise one end and allow the water to flow out the other as you walk and raise the hose. Make sure the water doesn't flow back into the length that's drained.

Sprinklers should also be removed from the cold. Metal parts should be oiled. Many soaker hoses can remain on the ground provided the water is drained.

Hand pruners, loppers and pruning saws should be cleaned and metal parts oiled. Make sure they are hung on a wall for the winter.

Push metal plant labels into the ground. Otherwise, freezing and thawing might force them out of the soil.

Lawn mower and rototiller engines should be run until all the gasoline is used. Gasoline is likely to separate during the winter and gum up the engine.

Clean the underside of the mower. Remove caked on grass clippings and coat the deck with metal paint or oil.

Change the oil and spark plugs on the engines. Disconnect the spark plug for the winter.

The winter months are also an ideal time for engine repair and mower blade sharpening.

Preserving autumn's colors In addition to preserving your tools for spring, you might want to preserve some of autumn's color. Used in decorations and crafts, autumn's brightly colored leaves can remind us that winter doesn't last for ever. It is important to collect leaves that have not yet become too dry or brittle. You can place each leaf between sheets of waxed paper and insert between the pages of heavy books. Wait at least a week before checking the results. Or you can dip the leaves in melted, clear paraffin wax. Use a pair of tongs or clothespins to dip the leaves quickly in and out. The wax will harden fast and leave you with a beautiful, flexible autumn reminder.

David Robson is an Extension Educator, Horticulture, at the Springfield Extension Center, Cooperative Extension Service, University of Illinois. You can write to Robson in care of Illinois Country Living, P.O. Box 3787, Springfield, IL 62708. Telephone: (217) 782-6515. E-Mail: robsond@idea.ag.uiuc.edu

16 ILLINOIS COUNTRY LIVING NOVEMBER 1997