10.18.25 Winterizing Gardening Gear
Dig Deeper
Episode Transcript
Welcome back to the Keep Growing Podcast, where we dig into all things gardening to help you cultivate a thriving outdoor space! I’m your host, John Morgan, and today we’re talking about something every gardener needs to tackle as the seasons change: getting your garden tools and equipment, like lawn mowers, ready for winter. The cold months can be tough on your gear, but with a little prep, you can ensure everything’s in tip-top shape when spring rolls around. So, grab a cup of coffee, or maybe a warm cider, and let’s get into it!
Segment 1: Why Winter Prep Matters
You’ve worked hard all season—mowing, tilling, pruning, and planting. But before you hang up your gardening gloves for the winter, it’s time to show your tools and equipment some love. Proper winterizing prevents rust, keeps blades sharp, and extends the life of your gear. Plus, it saves you from those frustrating spring moments when your mower won’t start or your shovel’s dull. Today, we’ll cover sharpening tools, oiling for rust prevention, draining water systems, cleaning mowers and tillers, sharpening mower blades, stabilizing fuel, and maintaining batteries. Let’s dive in!
Segment 2: Sharpening Your Tools
First up, let’s talk about sharpening. Your pruners, shovels, hoes, and other hand tools take a beating during the growing season. Dull blades make work harder and can damage plants. Here’s how to get them ready:
Clean First: Wipe down tools with a damp cloth to remove dirt and sap. For stubborn grime, use a wire brush or steel wool.
Sharpen with Precision: Use a mill file or a sharpening stone. For pruners, focus on the beveled edge—usually a 20- to 30-degree angle. File in one direction, following the original angle, until the edge feels sharp to the touch. For shovels, smooth out nicks and sharpen the edge slightly for easier digging.
Test It: A sharp pruner should cut paper cleanly, like a pair of scissors. If it’s tearing, keep sharpening.
Pro tip: If you’re not comfortable sharpening, many hardware stores offer sharpening services. It’s worth the small investment!
Segment 3: Oiling for Rust Prevention
Next, let’s protect those tools from rust. Metal tools exposed to moisture over winter can corrode, so oiling is key.
Apply a Light Coat: Use a clean rag to apply a thin layer of motor oil, linseed oil, or a product like WD-40 to metal surfaces. Pay extra attention to pivot points on pruners and loppers.
Wooden Handles: For tools with wooden handles, rub them down with linseed oil to prevent cracking and splintering.
Storage: Store tools in a dry shed or garage, ideally hanging them to keep them off damp floors.
This simple step keeps your tools looking and working like new.
Segment 4: Draining Water Systems
Water left in hoses, outdoor plumbing, or garden features like fountains can freeze and cause serious damage. Here’s what to do:
Hoses: Disconnect hoses from spigots, drain them completely, and coil them up for storage. If you’ve got a hose reel, make sure it’s empty too.
Outdoor Plumbing: Shut off and drain outdoor faucets. If you have an irrigation system, blow out the lines with compressed air to remove all water.
Fountains and Water Features: Drain them, clean out debris, and store pumps indoors if possible. Cover larger features to protect them from snow and ice.
Taking these steps prevents cracked hoses and burst pipes, saving you a headache come spring.
Segment Break
Alright, we’re halfway through prepping our tools for winter. Before we move on to lawn mowers and tillers, a quick shoutout to our listeners! If you’re enjoying the Keep Growing Podcast, please leave us a review on your favorite platform—it helps us reach more gardeners like you. Now, let’s talk about those bigger machines.
Segment 5: Cleaning Lawn Mowers and Tillers
Your lawn mower and tiller worked hard all season, so give them some TLC before winter. A clean machine is less likely to rust or clog.
Remove Debris: Scrape off grass, dirt, and mud from the undercarriage and blades. A putty knife or wire brush works great.
Wash It Down: Use a hose to rinse off remaining dirt, but avoid spraying electrical components directly. Let everything dry completely.
Check for Wear: Inspect belts, filters, and spark plugs for wear and replace them if needed.
A clean machine is a happy machine, and it’ll be ready to roll when the grass starts growing again.
Segment 6: Sharpening Mower Blades
Dull mower blades tear grass instead of cutting it, leaving your lawn vulnerable to disease. Sharpening them is a must.
Remove the Blade: Disconnect the spark plug for safety, then tip the mower on its side (carburetor side up to avoid oil leaks). Remove the blade with a wrench.
Sharpen: Use a bench grinder, angle grinder, or metal file to sharpen both cutting edges at a 45-degree angle. Aim for a sharp, but not razor-thin, edge.
Balance the Blade: Hang the blade on a nail or screwdriver through its center hole. If it tilts, file down the heavier side to balance it. An unbalanced blade can damage your mower’s engine.
Reattach: Secure the blade tightly and double-check your work.
If sharpening feels daunting, local repair shops can handle this for you.
Segment 7: Fuel and Battery Maintenance
Finally, let’s talk about fuel and batteries.
Top Off Gas Tanks: Fill the fuel tank to prevent gas residue from evaporating and leaving a gummy varnish. Add a fuel stabilizer, like STA-BIL, to keep gas fresh for up to a year. Run the engine for a few minutes to circulate the stabilizer.
Drain Carburetor Bowls: On some equipment, like rototillers and push mowers, the carburetor might have a drain plug. Be sure to drain the carb to prevent evaporation and gumming up the works. A shot of carb cleaner after draining it helps too by removing gas residue.
Battery Maintenance: For electric-start mowers, remove the battery and store it in a cool, dry place. Use a battery maintainer to keep it charged over winter—most maintainers plug into a standard outlet and trickle-charge to prevent overcharging.
These steps ensure your mower starts right up in spring, no jumper cables needed!
Segment 8: Wrapping It Up
And there you have it, folks—a complete guide to winterizing your garden tools and equipment. Sharpen those blades, oil those metal surfaces, drain those water systems, and give your mowers and tillers the care they deserve. A little effort now means a smooth start to your gardening season next year.
Thanks for tuning in to the Keep Growing Podcast. If you found this episode helpful, share it with a fellow gardener. Until next time keep learning, keep those tools sharp, and, of course, keep growing!
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