Drain water from hoses, sprinklers and watering cans and store
them to prevent cracking. Terra-cotta pots must be protected and
kept warm. Clean your tools, using soapy water. To remove
stubborn mulch, soak and scrub tool with a stiff brush. Rub off
rust with very fine sandpaper or with fine steel wool dipped
into kerosene. Dry tools with an absorbent rag or paper towels,
as dampness can lead to rust. Sharpen cutting edges with a file
or a whetstone, filing from the outer edge to the center. Wipe
metal surfaces with an oiled cloth or store metal tool ends in a
bucket filled with coarse sand soaked in motor oil. Keep wooden
handles from drying out by applying a light coat of boiled
linseed oil and buff. Tighten screws and dab a drop or two of
light machine oil on moving parts. Store tools out of reach of
children in a cool, dry spot. Winter is an excellent time to
make an organized pegboard or other storage system for your
tools.