How to winterize your garden tools, hoses and mower

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Tools that go into winter dirty and wet come out of it rusty and dull. An afternoon of care now means everything works on the first warm day of spring.

Clean and dry everything

Knock off caked soil, scrub blades with a stiff brush and water, and let everything dry completely. Wipe metal with a light coat of oil to stop rust, and rub wooden handles with linseed oil so they don't crack.

Sharpen blades

Sharpen pruners, loppers, hoes and shovels with a file or sharpening stone. Sharp tools cut cleanly, which helps plants heal, and they're easier on your hands. If your pruners are worn out, winter sales are a good time to replace them.

Drain hoses and shut off faucets

Water left in a hose freezes, expands and splits it. Disconnect hoses, drain them, and coil them on a reel or bring them into the garage. In cold climates, shut off the water to outdoor faucets from inside and open the faucet to let it drain.

Empty rain barrels and pots

Drain rain barrels and disconnect them from the downspout so ice can't crack them. Bring terra cotta and ceramic pots inside; they soak up water and can crack when it freezes.

Put the mower to bed

For gas mowers, either run the tank dry or add fuel stabilizer, and clean grass off the deck. For battery mowers and tools, follow the maker's storage instructions; most recommend storing batteries indoors, away from freezing temperatures.

Get organized

A wall-mounted tool rack keeps rakes and shovels off the floor and easy to find. Hang tools up instead of leaning them in a corner where they collect moisture.

Gear for this job

• Tool storage rack: Keeps the shed organized.
• Hose reel: No more tangled hose.
• Pruning shears: Bypass pruners for clean cuts.
• Loppers: For branches too thick for pruners.
• Garden gloves: Breathable with a grippy palm.
• Leaf blower: Clears paths, patios and beds.

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