Spring is just around the corner and the spring bulbs and flowering trees are bursting into flower! Spring is just around the corner and the spring bulbs and flowering trees are bursting into flower! Fruit trees – As your fruit tree buds begin to swell, now is the ideal time to apply a copper spray. Be sure to do this before any pink blossoms emerge, as copper can be toxic to bees once the flowers are open. Pay special attention to covering every crevice where bacteria or fungus might be hiding, ensuring your trees stay healthy and strong throughout the season. New season fruit trees and ornamentals have arrived at our local garden centers, making it the perfect time to start planting. If you’re considering adding some to your garden, now is the time to explore what’s available. For those with limited space, consider espaliering fruit trees against a wall or fence, or choose compact varieties like ballerina apple trees, or the range of mini peaches & nectarines. A good gardening job for rainy days is cleaning and sharpening tools Secateurs — it’s a simple process: Spray your tools with CRC and use fine sandpaper to remove any sap and dirt buildup. Wipe them clean with a rag. Apply oil to a sharpening stone (available at Mitre 10) and sharpen only the angled side of the blade. You should only need to run the stone over the blade 2-3 times. You’ll know they’re sharp when you hear the crisp snip sound, like that of sharp scissors. Finally, apply a bit of oil to the central pivot and the spring to improve movement and reduce stiffness. Shovels, Spades, and Hoes: After each use, rinse off any soil and debris, and let the tools dry completely. For stubborn dirt, use a stiff brush. Once clean, check the edges—sharpening them with a file will make digging and cutting much easier. Wipe the metal parts with an oily rag to prevent rust. Rakes and Forks: Remove any tangled grass or dirt from the tines, and inspect for bent prongs. If necessary, straighten them with pliers. Like with shovels, wiping them down with a light coat of oil will protect against rust. Pruners and Loppers: Besides cleaning and sharpening the blades, pay attention to the joints and moving parts. Regularly applying oil to these areas will keep them working smoothly. Also, inspect the blades for nicks and sharpen them as needed. Hand Tools: Smaller tools like trowels, hand forks, and weeders can also benefit from a good cleaning. Scrub off soil with a brush, rinse, and dry thoroughly. For wooden handles, a light sanding followed by a coat of linseed oil will prevent them from splintering and keep them in good condition. Regular maintenance not only prolongs the life of your tools but also makes your gardening tasks easier and more enjoyable.
Fruit trees – As your fruit tree buds begin to swell, now is the ideal time to apply a copper spray. Be sure to do this before any pink blossoms emerge, as copper can be toxic to bees once the flowers are open.
Pay special attention to covering every crevice where bacteria or fungus might be hiding, ensuring your trees stay healthy and strong throughout the season.
New season fruit trees and ornamentals have arrived at our local garden centers, making it the perfect time to start planting. If you’re considering adding some to your garden, now is the time to explore what’s available. For those with limited space, consider espaliering fruit trees against a wall or fence, or choose compact varieties like ballerina apple trees, or the range of mini peaches & nectarines.
A good gardening job for rainy days is cleaning and sharpening tools
Secateurs — it’s a simple process:
Spray your tools with CRC and use fine sandpaper to remove any sap and dirt buildup. Wipe them clean with a rag.
Apply oil to a sharpening stone (available at Mitre 10) and sharpen only the angled side of the blade. You should only need to run the stone over the blade 2-3 times. You’ll know they’re sharp when you hear the crisp snip sound, like that of sharp scissors.
Finally, apply a bit of oil to the central pivot and the spring to improve movement and reduce stiffness.
Shovels, Spades, and Hoes: After each use, rinse off any soil and debris, and let the tools dry completely. For stubborn dirt, use a stiff brush. Once clean, check the edges—sharpening them with a file will make digging and cutting much easier. Wipe the metal parts with an oily rag to prevent rust.
Rakes and Forks: Remove any tangled grass or dirt from the tines, and inspect for bent prongs. If necessary, straighten them with pliers. Like with shovels, wiping them down with a light coat of oil will protect against rust.
Pruners and Loppers: Besides cleaning and sharpening the blades, pay attention to the joints and moving parts. Regularly applying oil to these areas will keep them working smoothly. Also, inspect the blades for nicks and sharpen them as needed.
Hand Tools: Smaller tools like trowels, hand forks, and weeders can also benefit from a good cleaning. Scrub off soil with a brush, rinse, and dry thoroughly. For wooden handles, a light sanding followed by a coat of linseed oil will prevent them from splintering and keep them in good condition.
Regular maintenance not only prolongs the life of your tools but also makes your gardening tasks easier and more enjoyable.Spring is just around the corner and the spring bulbs and flowering trees are bursting into flower! Fruit trees – As your fruit tree buds begin to swell, now is the ideal time to apply a copper spray. Be sure to do this before any pink blossoms emerge, as copper can be toxic to bees once the flowers are open. Pay special attention to covering every crevice where bacteria or fungus might be hiding, ensuring your trees stay healthy and strong throughout the season. New season fruit trees and ornamentals have arrived at our local garden centers, making it the perfect time to start planting. If you’re considering adding some to your garden, now is the time to explore what’s available. For those with limited space, consider espaliering fruit trees against a wall or fence, or choose compact varieties like ballerina apple trees, or the range of mini peaches & nectarines. A good gardening job for rainy days is cleaning and sharpening tools Secateurs — it’s a simple process: Spray your tools with CRC and use fine sandpaper to remove any sap and dirt buildup. Wipe them clean with a rag. Apply oil to a sharpening stone (available at Mitre 10) and sharpen only the angled side of the blade. You should only need to run the stone over the blade 2-3 times. You’ll know they’re sharp when you hear the crisp snip sound, like that of sharp scissors. Finally, apply a bit of oil to the central pivot and the spring to improve movement and reduce stiffness. Shovels, Spades, and Hoes: After each use, rinse off any soil and debris, and let the tools dry completely. For stubborn dirt, use a stiff brush. Once clean, check the edges—sharpening them with a file will make digging and cutting much easier. Wipe the metal parts with an oily rag to prevent rust. Rakes and Forks: Remove any tangled grass or dirt from the tines, and inspect for bent prongs. If necessary, straighten them with pliers. Like with shovels, wiping them down with a light coat of oil will protect against rust. Pruners and Loppers: Besides cleaning and sharpening the blades, pay attention to the joints and moving parts. Regularly applying oil to these areas will keep them working smoothly. Also, inspect the blades for nicks and sharpen them as needed. Hand Tools: Smaller tools like trowels, hand forks, and weeders can also benefit from a good cleaning. Scrub off soil with a brush, rinse, and dry thoroughly. For wooden handles, a light sanding followed by a coat of linseed oil will prevent them from splintering and keep them in good condition. Regular maintenance not only prolongs the life of your tools but also makes your gardening tasks easier and more enjoyable.
