tool care

I'm not always good at this, but today I oiled all the garden tool handles, something that desperately needed to happen as some of the handles were becoming quite cracked and rough. I used linseed oil, brushing it on, and did several coats before wiping them down with a rag. I also filed the edges on the shovels and hoes, which makes a tremendous difference in how easy they are to use. I usually aspire to do this work in the fall as part of putting the garden to bed, but this year it didn't happen and I could tell it was starting to take its toll on the tools.

It only takes a few minutes, but it makes a world of difference.