Winter is the time for gardeners and the garden to rest. During this slower gardening period, take the time to check and prepare garden tools for the tasks that begin in spring. Repairing, cleaning and sharpening garden tools now will make them easier and safer to use, plus it will preserve your investment.

An annual inspection of gardening tools is recommended to keep them in working condition. Begin by determining whether the handles need repair and if the tool is sharp and sturdy. Wood handles can be revived by cleaning, gentle sanding and then rubbing on boiled linseed oil. Apply a coat of oil with a rag and let it soak in for five to 10 minutes, then reapply until the wood no longer absorbs the oil. Let it cure for eight hours before using the tool. Always wear gloves when working with chemicals. If the handle is cracked, look for a replacement handle. This is often less expensive than purchasing a new garden tool.

Remove any rust with a wire brush. If the rust is significant, soak the tool in pure vinegar for a few hours to overnight. Brush off the remaining rust with a wire brush or steel wool rated 000 or 0000. Repeat if needed. The best way to prevent rust is to always dry tools prior to storing them. Laying them on a warm surface in the sun for a couple of hours will suffice. Coating steel surfaces with lubricating oil also helps prevent rust.

There are two types of pruning mechanisms: bypass and anvil. A bypass pruner cuts when one blade “passes by” the other. Anvil pruners cut when the blade presses against a flat lower plate. Bypass pruners are the preferred tool for pruning live plants, while anvil pruners work best when cutting dry plant material.

To inspect pruners, look at the blades. If there are divots or nicks, the tool might need to be professionally sharpened. The divots are the result of pruning a tree or shrub that is too big for the tool. Typically, hand pruners can cut wood with a diameter of 3/4 inch while loppers can cut up to 1 1/2 inches. For branches larger than 1 1/2 inches, use a pruning saw or a rope saw. Check the pivot on the pruning tool for smooth motion and wobbliness. Tighten if needed.

Once the tools are inspected and maintenance is complete, follow the process created by Ben Kotnik of Suburban Food Farm. Ben says: “To help in remembering the steps for tool care, use this acronym: Scrub, sharpen, sanitize or S-S-S. It is good practice to implement scrub, sharpen, sanitize every time garden tools are used and between pruning plants.”

The first step is to scrub the tool. Remove debris from the tool with soap, water and a gentle scrubbing pad. A foaming bathroom cleaner is also effective. Tools accumulate sap when pruning, which can “gum up” moving parts and leave residue on the cutting blade and anvil. Also, fertilizers or other chemicals can be corrosive. Regularly cleaning tools ensures improved performance and tool longevity.

Sharpening tools makes using them easier and safer. Cuts will be smoother, and there will be less torque on your hands, wrists and arms. Also, a cleaner cut is better for the plant, and a sharp blade is safer for you, should you be cut.

Allen Buchinski, a UCCE Master Gardener from Santa Clara County and a garden tool specialist, has this advice: “If you are not comfortable sharpening the tool, or if it is very dull or nicked, find a professional tool sharpener to do the work. If you choose to do it yourself, a variety of sharpening devices are available. Options include carbide sharpeners, whetting stones and diamond hones. Pick one that works for you. Sharpen the bevel of the cutting blade on one side and in one direction, from pivot to point, maintaining the original bevel angle. A tip is to use a marker to color the bevel and then sharpen until all the color is evenly removed. For anvil pruners, sharpen both sides of the blade.”

For shovels, hoes and other non-pruning tools, sharpen if the metal has folded back. Use a flat edged file or a coarse sharpening stone. Using a vise to hold the tool as you file is helpful. Take tools with serrated edges, such as a pruning saw, to a professional for sharpening.

Sanitizing garden tools prevents transmission of disease from one plant to another. It should be done prior to pruning and always between pruning plants. Dip the tools in a 10 percent bleach solution (1 part bleach and 9 parts water) and let dry. Tools should never be put away wet. Alcohol wipes and alcohol-based disinfecting sprays also work for sanitizing tools while in the garden.

Lastly, oil any joints, blades or metal parts with lubricating oil. This helps to maintain smooth motion for tools with pivots and reduce rust while in storage. Wipe excess oil with a rag and make sure that all the metal surfaces are coated.

Clean, sharp and sanitized tools make gardening easier and safer, protect your investment and reduce disease transmission. Start the new year and spring gardening with well cared for garden tools. Your plants will thank you.

Bay has been a UCCE Master Gardener since 2012. She specializes in teaching new gardeners how to grow their own food and sharing knowledge on best practices for tool care.

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