How to Store Garden Tools in Winter

When the growing season ends and the cold weather sets in, taking care of your garden tools is essential. Left exposed to damp or frost, they can suffer from corrosion, rust and general wear that shortens their shelf life.

By following a few simple steps, you can protect everything from spades to gardening secateurs, keep them in good shape over the Christmas period, and have them ready for spring, and doing so, comes down to using the correct type of storage.

Clean Everything First

Before putting any of your garden tools away, clean them thoroughly. Dirt, plant sap and moisture left on blades or joints trigger rust and speed up corrosion. Use a stiff brush or a wire brush to remove soil and debris. Rinse with warm soapy water if needed, then dry everything completely. This is particularly important for any cutting tool such as pruners, shears or secateur. If you see any spots of rust, try to remove rust straight away using fine steel wool or a rust remover so that it does not spread while the tools are in storage.

Cleaning also extends to handles. Wooden handles can be wiped clean, lightly sanded if rough, and treated with linseed oil to help them resist cracking in the cold. This step adds years to the shelf life of your tools and makes them more pleasant to use next season.

Oil and Protect

Once clean and dry, apply a light coat of oil to the metal parts of your tools. A thin layer of machine oil or a specialist garden tool protector prevents moisture from settling on the surface. Wooden handles can also be rubbed with linseed oil to keep them supple. Pay special attention to gardening secateurs and any other cutting tool that needs sharp, rust-free edges to function properly. A quick treatment now saves you time later when the new season begins.

If you use lawnmowers, give them a proper clean too. Remove any grass build-up, dry the blades and consider applying a thin coat of oil to prevent rust. Covering the mower with a protective cover keeps dust and moisture off and prolongs its working life.

Remove or Store Batteries and Fluids

Power tools and petrol-powered machines require special care before winter. Remove batteries and store them indoors in a cool, dry place to avoid damage. Do not leave batteries in machines as they can degrade in low temperatures. If your lawnmowers or trimmers use petrol, empty the fuel tanks or use a stabiliser. Old fuel can clog engines and reduce performance.

Choose the Right Storage Location

Your storage space plays a big role in protecting tools. A damp shed or garage floor is not ideal. Pick a dry, ventilated and sheltered place. Wherever possible, keep tools off the floor by hanging them on racks, hooks or wall mounts. This reduces exposure to cold surfaces and makes everything easier to reach. Use shelves to keep watering cans, gloves and smaller tools organised and accessible. If your storage area is unheated, a simple protective cover over larger machines helps shield them from moisture and dust.

Use Racks, Hooks and Cabinets

Long handled garden tools like spades, forks and rakes do best when stored upright on racks or wall hooks. This keeps them straight and prevents warping. It also saves valuable floor space and makes them easier to find. Store gardening secateurs, pruners and other delicate tools in a drawer, cabinet or box to protect their edges and hinges. Watering cans can be stacked or placed neatly on shelves so they stay dry and out of the way until needed again.

Control Moisture and Prevent Corrosion

Moisture control is key to avoiding rust. Place moisture absorbers or silica gel packs in your storage area to keep humidity low. Make sure air circulates and avoid wrapping tools too tightly in plastic, as that can trap condensation. Regularly inspect stored tools for early signs of rust and act quickly to remove rust before it spreads.

By keeping tools dry and off damp floors, you significantly reduce the risk of corrosion. This small effort during the winter months means your tools will last longer and be ready for use when the first spring jobs arrive.

Inspect During Winter

Even during the quiet season, check on your stored tools from time to time. Look for signs of moisture, pests or deterioration. Wipe down anything that looks damp and re-oil exposed metal parts if necessary. Rotate tools that are near outside walls to warmer interior positions. This kind of care ensures everything stays in good condition until it is time to bring them out again.

Preparing for the Next Season

When winter is over and you take your tools out again, give them a once-over. Wipe away any dust or excess oil, sharpen blades on secateur or shears and ensure that all moving parts work smoothly. Cleaning them now and maintaining them during storage not only saves money but also means you can start your gardening projects as soon as the weather improves. After the Christmas break, you will have a set of ready-to-use tools rather than facing a pile of repairs.