It’s that time of year again.  Garden clean-up.  I’d rather decorate than clean, but I know how good I’ll feel when these chores are finally done.

Garden Tools

I’m a lazy gardener when it comes to tools, but I’ve promised myself I’ll be better this year.  I expect the spades and forks to dig on demand, with very little TLC between seasons.   When my hand shears are dull, my husband works his magic and returns them in sharp shape.  The rest of the tools deserve the royal treatment as well.

Lounge Cushions

I can hardly wait to get them out of storage each spring, but putting them away feels like such a chore.  I’m ready to move on to the next thing.  Right now, they’re stacked in the garage in a not-so-convenient spot. I need to slap them together to loosen the dust. Then I’ll damp wipe the surfaces before storing them in the shed for the winter.  I use extra-large Ziploc® bags to keep them clean between seasons.

Slipcovers

I made a slipcover for the garden swing in May with a few easy ties for quick removal  I tossed it into the washing machine yesterday, then dried it on low.  It’s ready to store for the winter.  I want to come up with a teepee-styled cover for the entire swing to keep the original cover and frame clean and dry.  One year I used an old vinyl tablecloth with flocking on the back.  It worked fine until the squirrels moved in, shredding it into nesting material over the course of a few days.

Empty pots

I don’t have too many empty pots, thanks to our mild winters.  I clean the pots that aren’t in use  and store them upside down in the side yard.  Some gardeners scrub with a mild solution of bleach to kill off any parasites, but I try to go the organic route.  Using mild detergent and super hot water does the trick.

Stakes, trellises and supports

Saving the easy stuff for last, I just stack these in a corner near the shed and have them at the ready for next season.

Have you already tackled your garden-cleaning chores?  Do you put it off like me?  Check back tomorrow for a progress report.  Once I click the “publish” key, the pressure is on!

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Tips for cleaning and storing your garden tools.