How to Properly Store Your Garden Shovels for Longevity and Easy Access

Properly storing your garden tools is an essential practice that can often be overlooked, but can extend the life of your tools and make them readily available.

As a passionate home and garden enthusiast with experience as a professional landscaper, I understand the value of caring for your garden equipment.

In this post, I will provide you with practical tips on properly storing your garden shovels for their longevity and easy access.

By the end of this post, you’ll know how to care for your garden shovels, ensuring they’re always in good condition and ready to use.

So, let’s dive right in.

Clean Your Garden Shovel Before Storage

Cleaning your garden shovel before storage is one of the most important things you can do to keep it in good condition. Over time, dirt and other debris can build up on the shovel, which can lead to rust and other forms of damage.

To clean your garden shovel, start by using a garden hose or a bucket of water to remove any dirt, mud, or grime that may have accumulated on it. If there is caked-on dirt, you can use a wire brush to help loosen it up.

Next, use a mixture of warm water and dish soap to scrub the shovel with a sponge. Be sure to pay particular attention to the blade and the handle, as these are the areas where dirt and debris tend to accumulate the most.

After you have finished scrubbing the shovel, rinse it off with clean water to remove any remaining soap residue. Finally, use a towel to dry the shovel thoroughly before moving on to the next step.

By taking the time to clean your garden shovel before storing it, you can prevent rust and other forms of damage from occurring, which will help to extend its lifespan and keep it in good working condition for many years to come.

Dry the Shovel Thoroughly

When you finish cleaning your garden shovel, it’s imperative to dry it completely before storing it. If you don’t, it can lead to rust and corrosion, which can damage the blade and shorten its lifespan. In addition to that, the moisture can create a breeding ground for bacteria and fungi which can further corrode it.

To dry your shovel, first, wipe it down with a clean, dry cloth to remove any excess moisture. Then, let it air dry completely out of the sun or any heat source. It can typically take up to 1-2 hours for a shovel to dry naturally, depending on the humidity levels in your area.

If you want to speed up the process, use a hairdryer on a cool setting to dry the blade thoroughly. Just make sure to keep the hairdryer at least 6 inches away from the shovel to avoid any damage.

Remember to make sure that the shovel is entirely dry before storing it.

Sharpen Your Garden Shovel for Best Results

Keeping your garden shovel sharp is essential for effective and efficient garden maintenance. The importance of sharpening your garden shovel before storage cannot be overstated. This is because a dull garden shovel will require more force to use, increasing the risk of injury and making gardening more difficult than it needs to be. Sharpening your garden shovel is not difficult, and doing so regularly can save you time and effort in the long run.

To sharpen your garden shovel, you will need a metal file or grinder. The process of sharpening your garden shovel is simple and straightforward:

1. First, secure your garden shovel in a vise or clamp it to a workbench to keep it steady while you work.

2. Then, using your metal file, position it at a 45-degree angle to the blade of the garden shovel. Holding the file securely, draw it over the edges of the shovel blade several times, working from one end to the other. Make sure to file each edge evenly so that the blade remains straight.

3. Repeat this process on the other side of the blade.

4. To finish, run the file along the edges of the garden shovel.

By sharpening your garden shovel before storing it, you can ensure that it remains in top condition and is always ready for use. This simple step can help you to save time, effort, and money in the long run.

Store the Shovel in a Dry Location

When storing your garden shovel, it’s critical to keep it in a dry location. Moisture can cause rust and other damage which will reduce the lifespan of your tool. Ideally, choose a location that’s cool and dry, and is well-ventilated to prevent moisture buildup. One idea is to store it in a shed or garage, or a covered area outside that’s protected from the elements.

However, it’s important to avoid damp locations such as basements or other areas where humidity levels are high. If you must store your shovel in a damp location, be sure to wrap it in a dry cloth or even newspaper to absorb any moisture. This will help prevent rust and other damage that can occur when metal is exposed to moisture for extended periods.

By taking the time to store your garden shovel in a dry location, you can extend its lifespan and ensure that it’s always ready for use when you need it.

Use a Protective Coating

Extend the life of your garden shovel by using a protective coating. This is an important step that can prevent rust and corrosion, and keep the shovel functioning optimally. There are many types of coatings to consider, including oil-based and silicone-based coatings.

Oil-based coatings are a good choice for garden shovels because they offer excellent protection against rust and corrosion. These coatings also help to prevent dirt and debris from sticking to the shovel, making it easier to clean. To apply an oil-based coating, simply wipe the shovel down with a cloth that has been soaked in the coating.

Silicone-based coatings are another option to consider. These coatings are resistant to high temperatures and are waterproof. This makes them ideal for use on garden shovels that will be exposed to moisture and humidity. Applying the coating is easy, simply spray it on the shovel and let it dry.

When using a protective coating, be sure to read the instructions carefully to ensure that you apply the coating correctly. Also, keep in mind that protective coatings need to be reapplied regularly to maintain the best protection for your shovel.

By taking the time to use a protective coating, you will extend the life of your garden shovel significantly. This will save you money in the long run and ensure that your shovel is always ready for use when you need it.

Store the Shovel Off the Ground

Storing your garden shovel off the ground is important to prevent it from getting damaged or bent. A bent blade can cause problems while digging or planting and can compromise the blade’s strength. By storing the shovel off the ground, you can protect the blade and handle from moisture that could cause rust or erosion.

You can use various methods to store your garden shovel off the ground. One common approach is to use a pegboard attached to a wall. You can place the handle of the shovel through the pegboard’s holes, and the blade can rest against the wall. Doing this ensures that the blade is not touching the ground, and it is accessible whenever you need it.

Another method is to use a wooden rack with slots cut into it. You can place the blade into the slots, and the handle will rest on the rack’s surface. This method is not as accessible as the pegboard, but it still keeps the blade off the ground, which prevents it from being bent or damaged.

Finally, you could also use wall-mounted hooks designed specifically for shovels. These hooks are easy to install and will keep your shovel securely off the ground throughout the year.

Remember, storing your shovel off the ground can indeed help prevent issues and keep your shovel accessible when you need it.

Organize Your Shed or Storage Area

To store your garden shovels properly and retain their longevity, keeping them organized in a shed or storage area can be just as important as following all the other steps we have discussed. It can be challenging finding what you need quickly if the shed is cluttered or unorganized.

So, if you want to optimize your organized storage area for garden shovels, here are some tips:

• Separate by use: Have a designated area for shovels that are used for specific tasks. For example, create a section for shovels for planting flowers and a different one for shovels for digging holes. By organizing this way, you won’t mistake which shovel is for which and be able to grab the right one quickly, avoiding frustration.
• Install pegboards or hooks: It’s much easier to access tools quickly if they are hanging up and easily visible. Pegboards, hooks, and even shelving all serve useful purposes when organizing your garden shed. Plus, you don’t run the risk of tripping over tools that are littering your floor.
• Keep it neat and tidy: The same way you keep your home clean and organized, your shed or storage area should be no different. By doing so, you eliminate having to dig through dirty piles or having to clean up more than necessary.

By organizing your garden shed, you will help ensure you will protect the longevity of your garden shovels, enable you to use them easily and ensure you have fun while gardening by removing the frustration of wasted time looking for tools in a haphazardly stored shed.

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, properly storing garden shovels is essential for their longevity and easy access.

By following the steps outlined in this post, you can ensure that your garden shovels stay in top condition for years to come, allowing you to focus on what really matters: gardening!

Now, it’s your turn.

Which storage strategy from today’s post are you going to try first?

I’d love to hear from you!

Send me a message and let me know.

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Thank you for reading, and happy gardening!