As we slip into winter and wind down the garden season, it is time to clean, winterize and store your tools.

For this task have the right cleaning supplies. You are going to need a wire brush, goggles, dust mask, gloves, file and a good area to work safely.

It would be a good idea to disinfect your tools with a diluted solution of bleach and water. Mix a cap to a gallon to a gallon and a half of water. Please use common sense and remember that more is never better.

Working in an open aired environment is the way to go. Remember safety first. Always wear the appropriate attire while working with any chemicals.

To clean for example your shovel you would use your wire brush to knock off any dirt. Clean it then use your file to sharpen the edge. Clean with your disinfecting solution and let dry.

Some people wipe mineral oil on to keep it from rusting. For things like your pruners I like to disinfect them and sharpen with my sharpening tool that you can buy where pruners are sold.

If you look at the blade you will notice one side is slanted and you should only sharpen that side and never both sides unless it’s the anvil pruners. I always use bypass pruners.

For your power equipment it’s a little more involved. It’s a bit wet to mow and when we have a good amount of dry and the ground hardens up give your lawn one more mow if needed.

When winterizing your mower all the gas should be out of the tank. Disconnect your spark plug, safely take the blade off and sharpen it. Drain the oil, changing it as well as new air filters and spark plugs.

In most cases I like to bring my equipment to a reliable mechanic. I take my equipment to the Small Engine Clinic, Inc. located in Silverdale. Their address is 7775 Eldorado Blvd. Phone number is 360-692-5179.

They sharpen blades, and fix most power equipment. It’s a lot easier to have them do it than worrying about doing it yourself.

It will give you more time to read a great garden book and get ready for the next growing season.

Happy Gardening,

Gardener Joe