Our Gardening Guru @greenfingeredcityboy is here to help you with green gardening in winter! So, read on for a more sustainable tomorrow.
As winter approaches, conducting maintenance on tools is crucial. Cold temperatures can encourage rust, resulting in reduced functionality. By addressing these issues, we increase their lifecycle and ensure they perform effectively.
Winter maintenance is a proactive measure that guards against unexpected breakdowns during critical tasks, so you do not find a malfunctioning tool halfway through a job, which is so annoying! You then have to stop what you are doing and make a trip out – you can tell I am speaking from experience!
Preparing and storing tools for winter involves a systematic 3-step approach
By following these three steps, you will not only protect your tools from winter damage but also increase their longevity and ensure optimal performance when those warmer months return.
- Clean each tool thoroughly to remove dirt and moisture, 3-IN-ONE Multi-Purpose Oil can help with this and will reduce the risk of corrosion.
- Inspect for damage and lubricate moving components to prevent freezing and ensure smooth operation. 3-IN-ONE High Performance Penetrant Spray can be used for this and works well if anything has seized as it helps to regain their function.
- Finally, store tools in a dry environment. Hanging them or using storage solutions helps prevent contact with cold surfaces that might contribute to rust. You could use the 3-IN-ONE White Lithium Grease Spray for added protection.
Reducing waste and your carbon footprint
Maintaining tools will ensure they last longer, instead of having to discard and purchase replacements. This is obviously more sustainable, as you are reducing waste. By increasing the life cycle of a product, you are eliminating the number of manufacturing and transportation processes it takes for you, the gardener, to have your tool collection, therefore reducing your carbon footprint.
Regular maintenance also ensures optimal performance. Sharp blades, lubricated parts and calibrated mechanisms enhance efficiency, saving time and effort during tasks. Lastly, I can’t help but feel a sense of pride in keeping a nicely kept and well-organised collection. Although during peak gardening season, all organisation can go out the window. This genuinely fuels a bit of a connection with certain tools. I have a blue long handled trowel, which I’ve done so many tasks with, most learning on the job. Most people would see a mangled trowel, but I can’t help having a feeling of fondness towards it.
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