Winter garden machinery maintenance
When winter sets in and the garden takes a rest, make the most of the bright, sunny days and show your garden tools some care and think about your garden machinery maintenance. A little time spent on basic cleaning and upkeep now will not only keep the garden safe and looking its best, but will ensure your tools and equipment work efficiently when needed – potentially saving money on replacements and costly machinery repairs.
Winter garden machinery maintenance
These quieter growing months are the perfect time to do some general tidying and garden machinery maintenance. Clearing out the garage or shed is a great opportunity to assess and take stock of your tools and equipment.
It’s the ideal time to service and repair your garden machinery, such as lawn mowers and hedge trimmers. Have blades professionally sharpened and engines checked by your local garden machinery service centre. If your equipment isn’t due for a full service, run petrol engines until the fuel is used up to prevent it from sitting in the machine over winter. Afterwards, clean the mower deck, and for any tools with blades, clean, sharpen, and oil them before storing everything away for the season.
Regular servicing and care will not only extend the life of tools, but will also ensure everything is ready to go next year when the garden springs into action again. Ask your local garden machinery dealer about winter service packages, or collection-and-return options which can make the practicalities of maintenance even easier.
If your garden tools struggled last season, this is the time to consider an upgrade. Get in contact with your local garden machinery retailer now to research any new items you may be thinking of purchasing, and utilise their expert advice to help you find models that fit your garden’s size, layout, and your personal operating needs. Garden machinery retailers often have seasonal offers in winter and early spring on new or refurbished equipment, so it’s a great time to research, replace or upgrade garden machinery.
Take care of hand tools
A winter tidy also presents an opportunity to overhaul lighter garden tools. Clean and sharpen the blades of hand held cutting tools like secateurs, loppers, shears and edgers. Even a good edge on a spade can make all the difference – it will be more effective and easier to use. If you need help sharpening tools your local garden machinery dealer will be able to help.
With milder weather, disease spores and bacteria can easily over-winter on garden tools, so it’s worth cleaning forks, spades and trowels with a coarse brush in a bucket of soapy water. For tools with wooden handles, once dry, treat with an application of linseed, Danish or teak oil, rubbing off any excess before storing the tools away for spring.
Prepare the garden for winter
Outside of the shed, there are also other maintenance tasks that can be done now to help prepare the garden for the wet and freezing weather ahead.
Put away hose pipes, drain outside taps and insulate them with covers to prevent freezing. Clear gutters and check that drains are free running and haven’t been blocked by fallen leaves.
Protect your garden furniture. Start by cleaning with warm soapy water to remove dirt and algae, then leave it to dry thoroughly. If possible, move furniture under cover to protect it from frost, rain, and prolonged damp. If storage space is limited, invest in high-quality waterproof covers and raise furniture slightly off the ground to prevent water damage. Wooden furniture can also benefit from a coat of protective oil or sealant before storage. If you’re not sure on the best product to use, ask for advice from your local garden trader.
Jet wash patios, paths, and decking to remove moss and algae, keeping them clean, safe, and looking their best. Regular cleaning also helps reveal any cracks or loose paving that can be repaired before frost causes further damage. If you don’t have a jet washer, a stiff broom and soapy water will do the trick, but for added convenience, check with your local garden machinery retailer and get great advice on the range of jet washers they offer for sale or hire.
Clean the greenhouse. Remove old soil, debris, and algae to prevent pests and diseases. Wash benches, shelves, and glazing, and check for any damage – repair any broken glass before the winter winds set in. Remember your local garden machinery retailer can supply the right cleaning tools, protective products, and expert advice to make the job quicker, safer, and more effective.
Assess pots and planters. Move any tender potted plants into shelter or wrap them in fleece to protect against frost damage.
Sort out empty plant pots and seed trays. Throw away or recycle any cracked or damaged pots, then clean and sort the ones you’re keeping. Brush out any old compost, and wash in soapy water to remove any lingering pests or diseases that could harm new plants in spring.
Taking the time for winter garden equipment maintenance is a small effort that will pay off when spring arrives. So start your winter jobs now, and set up your tools and machinery for hassle-free, productive gardening in the months ahead.
Winter garden machinery maintenance in summary…
Winter garden machinery maintenance is the perfect way to protect your investment and ensure your tools are ready for spring. From servicing lawn mowers and hedge trimmers to cleaning, sharpening and storing hand tools correctly, a little winter care can extend the life of your garden equipment, improve performance and reduce costly repairs. Preparing your garden, furniture, greenhouse and machinery during the quieter months also helps prevent damage from frost, damp and wear. Speak to your local garden machinery retailer for expert advice, winter servicing options and seasonal offers on new or refurbished equipment – and give yourself a head start on a productive, hassle-free gardening season ahead.
