Garden Tools

There are a variety of tasks where the homesteader will need tools. Let's start with gardening tools. A verse of wisdom: "Prepare thy work without, and make it fit for thyself in the field; and afterwards build thine house." Proverbs 24:27.

Every gardener needs good tools. Tools have varying quality. Metal tools are the most variable in this regard. Some tools are made of low quality, low strength, non-hardened metal and simply are not worth you time to use or fix them. When looking to purchase tools, you may be looking for the most expensive tools of the highest quality available. Seek out brands that have good recommendations from others.

Garden tools should be sharp. Dress the edge of cutting and chopping tools regularly. A sharp hoe works a lot more easily than a dull one.

To clear land, you will want a pick, ax, grub hoe, shovel and a long pry bar. To be truthful the best tool for stump removal is some form of large machinery, but digging by hand works as a second option.

Gather your favorite tools by function:

• planting            - hoe, string, stakes, shovel, rake, broadfork, transplant trowel
• veg. grafting     - disinfectant, razor blade, silicone clips, spring clip, rootstock, mister
• transplanting    - planting trays or soil blockers, transplant trowel, vibrator seeder
• weeding           - flame weeder, hoe, wheel hoe, vinegar, mulch
• pruning            - bypass sheers, loppers, 10% sterilizing bleach
• watering           - hoses, nozzles, drip lines, valves, timers
• harvesting        - bypass sheers, shoulder harness buckets, 4 wheel wagon

With tools that have a metal head: take care that the head does not rust, and keep the blade sharp. Tools with wooden handles should be conditioned with handle rub each year, and more often as needed.

I have learned through repeated experience: If you put a tool away, you will always know where to find it again. Perhaps I have proven the converse true enough, that I see the wisdom in always putting tools back where they belong. Wooden handles should not be left about, at in the heat of the sun, or on the ground, or out  in the rain. I have tried a home made wooden handle rub that I like a lot:

1. 1/3 part paraffin, bees or candle wax
2. 1/3 part linseed oil
3. 1/3 part turpentine

Warm to melt the wax (careful -- do this outside), and mix all together. Let it harden in a tub or jar. It makes a thick paste that can be applied to wooden handles and rubbed down smooth.

I am still looking for the best way to preserve metal tools. I thinly coat the metal with WD-40 and wrap the tool in newspaper, and store in as dry environment as possible. I am still looking for the best method of storing metal tools.

Gather good hand tools, and keep them in good repair.

Resources:

• Wood handle rub (web)