By Scout Nelson
During the end-of-season, both wildlife and gardeners prepare for the colder months, with cleaning and disinfection of gardening tools being essential. Proper care ensures their longevity and prevents the spread of diseases among plants, similar to the squirrel with its acorns.
Quality gardening tools come at a cost, and simple cleaning sometimes doesn't cut it. These tools can pick up harmful organisms from diseased plants, leading to potential problems in the future. Hence, a comprehensive two-step cleaning process becomes important.
Step one focuses on the basics. Remove dirt, sap, and other debris. Tools can be scrubbed using brushes or sponges, or even rinsed with a strong water jet.
With the tools clean, it's time for disinfection, which is step two. A plethora of household disinfectants are at a gardener's disposal. Yet, they aren't all equally effective against pesky bacteria, fungi, and viruses. For instance, fire blight bacteria, a threat to apple and pear trees, can linger on tools. Soaking tools in Clorox, Lysol, or Pine-Sol was highly effective against this menace.
When using these disinfectants, diluting them in water and allowing the tools to air dry post-soak yields the best results. But remember, some chemicals can be harsh on the metal. It's a good idea to apply oils like linseed or mineral post-cleaning to keep rust at bay.
One can't always rely on studies to determine the best disinfectant, as there are limited studies available. However, a general tip is to soak tools longer if they have many crevices or visible wear.
In personal practice, smaller tools like pruners are soaked in Lysol, while larger tools find their way into a bleach-water mix. It's all about finding the balance between effectiveness and cost.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-johnbraid
Categories: North Dakota, Rural Lifestyle