How to prepare inventory for wintering

Wintering equipment

Gardening and horticulture would not be so pleasant and entertaining if it were not for our assistants - gardening tools. After all, just think how the use of special equipment makes our work easier. It is not for nothing that tools of labor were invented by ancient people. Therefore, it is very important to use and store your garden tools correctly so that they can serve you for a very long time.

Wintering equipment: caring for tools with a handle

If we talk about shovels, pitchforks, rakes, flat cutters, axes, etc., then it is necessary to remove all dirt and clay from the tools, wipe and dry them. If the blades are dull, it is better to sharpen them right away so as not to waste time on this procedure in the spring, when there is so much work in the garden.

It is also necessary to carefully examine the cuttings and handles of the tools. The handle should fit snugly against the metal part and not wobble. If you find a loofah, then you can restore the item with nails, a small block, or drive the handle deeper. However, it is worth considering that in this case it will become shorter, and if its length is below shoulder level, then it will be simply inconvenient to work with it, and long cuttings also complicate the work. If nothing can be repaired, then a new shank can be made.

If the inventory has been used carelessly, then burrs can be seen on the handle. In this case, it is worth walking over the handle with sandpaper. First large and then smaller. After stripping, it is necessary to treat the cutting with some kind of water-repellent solution. Alternatively, you can mix flaxseed oil and varnish gasoline. In this way, you will protect your tools from premature aging of the wood.

In addition, the metal part of the tools should be processed. For this, machine oil is used. It's also good if you wrap it in oil-soaked paper. The room where the tools will be stored in winter must be dry. This can be a shed, garden house, or garage.

Wintering equipment: caring for cutting and sawing tools

As for scissors, pruners and saws, they should be thoroughly rinsed in warm water to get rid of any dirt and plant sap. Plant sap can damage metal prematurely. A metal sponge moistened with alcohol is also effective against vegetation sap.

It is also better to sharpen the blades of tools, because they tend to become significantly dull during the summer season. You can sharpen it yourself, but it is better to trust the professionals. Indeed, in this case, the sharpening angle is important, and minor repairs may also be required against chips and burrs.

These tools are similarly lubricated with machine oil and stored in a dry room.

Preparing for the winter period of the irrigation system

Among other things, the irrigation system also needs to prepare for the winter period. All pipes and hoses must be dismantled and the remaining water drained from them. It is also better to clean the pipes with a special solution to remove dirt and lime accumulated during watering. When water is no longer supplied to the site, the taps should be opened and wrapped with foil. This event will protect them from freezing, as well as keep them from clogging up with snow or debris.

If you use hoses for watering, then they must be carefully twisted and fastened with thick wire. Also store hoses in a dry place.It is important that they are in a horizontal position, as when hung on a wall, the hose can deform over such a long period.

Various containers: buckets, watering cans, barrels, troughs must be washed, dried and turned upside down. Or also bring it into a house, shed or garage.

Caring for wheeled implements

Also, do not forget about garden transport: carts, wheelbarrows, etc. The wheels should be unscrewed and stored in the garage, laid horizontally. The body itself must be well rinsed, dried and lubricated with engine oil, which will rid it of rust. Bearings must be treated with grease, and unsuitable bearings must be replaced.

It is also advisable to store the last inventory in a dry place, along with all the tools, but if they no longer fit, then you can turn it upside down and leave it on the site.