There are many ways to care for Garden Tools. In this article, we set out some basic techniques to help you get long life from your garden tools.

wipe your tools clean with a damp cloth, whilst tools with dried on dirt may have to be soaked in water to help loosen hard on dirt and residue.

After soaking, dry the tools with an old rag. Finally, give them a wipe with an oily rag to keep them rust free. (Vegetable oil is good), because it won't contaminate your soil.

How to Sharpen Spades & Trowels

To Sharpen your spades you don't need any fancy kit. A basic file will do the job nicely. Keep the angle of your file nice and shallow and be sure to sharpen both the front and the back of the tool blade.

How to Sharpen Secateurs & Pruners

Your cutting tools need more care than digging tools. You need to keep Secateurs, Loppers, Hedge Shears and Pole Pruners nice and sharp. A sharp tool produces a clean cut, and reduces the possibility of disease affecting your plants and trees.

Start off by making sure your pruning tools are nice and clean. Wipe with either a wire brush them or give them a wipe with Steel wool then Wash them in soapy water and dry them.

To sharpen Pruners, Shears and Loppers you can use either a file, sharper or a whetstone. Held the tool firmly, and pass your sharpener over the edge of the blade. Be sure to move your sharpener in the same direction as the cutting bevel until sharp.

After you are satisfied, you should check for any loose screws or bolts, tighten them up if you find any.

Then just spray with a lubricant such as WD40 before storing.