Out Around the Barn

I was one of the worst, I’ll have to admit.  I would use tools and not think a thing about them once I was done.  I would just put them up and go on with whatever I was doing.  As I became more involved in gardening and working on the farm, I realized that in order to have tools that will last, you need to do a little one on one care with them.

For example;  after using a shovel, do you just store it or clean off the dirt first, or a hoe, rake, spade?  Well, I would just put them away, until I finally realized that if I would clean them off, they would last longer and I wouldn’t have to buy new ones every year or so. 

The best thing to do is a little chore Allen’s dad taught him years ago, clean off the dirt real well, then oil it with vegetable oil or spray.  This will keep them from rusting over the winter months and come spring, they will be ready to use again.  You don’t have to oil them every time you use them but, cleaning them off is a must every time.

The same goes for your wheelbarrel.  Clean it out and don’t let it sit with debris in it.  Especially if water sets in it, it will rust and then need to be replaced.  It wouldn’t be a bad idea to oil it once or twice a year also.  Keep the air in the tire checked and you will be able to manuver it well.  Those tires are hard to change, especially when they have been on for so long.

Another garden tool is the tiller.  It needs to be serviced as well.  The oil needs to be checked on a regular schedule, the gas needs to be drained at the end of the Summer and fresh put in before using in the Spring.  The tines need cleaned and cleared of all debris and sharpened and a little oil on them will do wonders as well.  Check the spark plug, as it may need to be replaced periodically, and clean the outside of dust and dirt.  You can take a leaf blower and blow out any dust from the engine to clear that area also.

Your lawn mower needs the same care and service as well as your weed eater.  Just make sure your weed eater is getting the correct gas and oil mix that is recommended.   I recently learned that mine requires a synthetic oil and it runs a whole lot better. 

Once this is done, a place to store your tools is in a good garden tool organizer or shed.  I have a specific shed for all my tools.  They are organized on the walls and the smaller ones in a tool caddy.  My tiller, wheelbarrel, mower and weed eater all go there as well.

This is not a hard chore or job to complete.  It takes a minimal amount of time and your tools will last for years to come.