WINTER CHORES FOR THE GARDENER

Just because it’s cold outside doesn’t mean you can’t spend time in your garden. Tool maintenance and prepping your landscape for new plantings are two tasks you can tend to now.Winter has arrived, but just because it's cold outside doesn’t mean you can’t spend time in your garden. Tool maintenance and prepping your landscape for new plantings are two tasks you can tend to now.

You’re probably looking for an excuse to get out of the house anyway so why not tackle activities that can be done when the weather isn’t perfect?

There are several chores you can do to keep up your garden during the cold months. Tool maintenance is especially important as is prepping your landscape for new plantings.
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Tools that haven’t been cared for or properly maintained will not work to your advantage when it comes time to use them. You will spend more time trying to get the job done and may even have to chuck the tools in the garbage can and start over.
Tackle tools:

• Drain gasoline from all gas-powered equipment.
• Sharpen mower blades.
• Scrape or brush off debris from hand tools before sharpening and applying a light coat of WD-40 or other oil before putting away.
• Check extension cords for cuts and nicks that expose wiring.
• Sand rough spots on tools with wooden handles and apply a coat of boiled linseed oil.

In the garden:

• Remove grass (it’s dormant right now) from areas you plan to put bedding or hardscape. This way you’ll be ready for the next round of landscape and patioscape coupons.
• Collect seeds from plants that have turned brown. Store them in zipper storage bag labeled with plant name and date of harvest; keep them in the fridge until next year.

Take care of these little chores now and come spring, you — and your tools and garden — will be ready and raring to go!