If you were to peek inside my garden shed, you would instantly conclude that I’m a tool fanatic. And you’d be right. If you were to suggest that I’ve got way more garden tools than one gardener needs, you’d be right again. I mean, who needs 12 shovels?!

But here’s the deal -- I haven’t bought a new tool in years, and I’ve got some hand-forged tools from England that I bought over 40 years ago that work as well as the day I bought them. That’s because I take care of everything in my inventory. And you should consider doing the same.

Tools get dirty, especially shovels and hoes. And if dirt (or worse, mud) is left on metal surfaces, rust -- the dreaded enemy of metal -- will form. So each time you use your tools, scrape off the dirt with a stiff brush, trowel, or scouring pad, then apply a thin layer of oil -- canola, corn, or vegetable -- or spray with a product like WD-40, and rub it in with a rag. You can also just keep an oil-soaked rag handy and use it to rub metal surfaces periodically. 

Pruners and loppers in particular should never be stored when the blades are wet or covered in tree or shrub sap because they too will rust, and they can harbor diseases. Clean them in the manner described above. Use a foaming bathroom cleaner to more easily remove sap, rubbing surfaces with an old toothbrush. Rinse and dry thoroughly.

Putting a fresh edge on the cutting surface of shovels, hoes, and pruning tools makes a world of difference, and it takes just a few minutes using a metal file or any number of sharpening gizmos made specifically for tools. You’ll be amazed at how much better shovels slice through soil when sharp and how easily and cleanly pruning tools cut.

Over time, wooden handles may begin to dry and develop splinters, but bringing them back to life is simple. Rub the handles well with sandpaper, then apply oil -- Linseed oil, Tung oil, or mineral oil work great -- with a rag, and they’ll last for years to come.

There are plenty of rust-removal products on the market, but plain old white vinegar works great. Just spray or soak metal surfaces in vinegar for up to two hours, then use a toothbrush or nylon cleaning brush to scrub the surfaces clean. Rinse with water, and dry the tool thoroughly before storing.

Beat the spring rush by having your power equipment serviced now. If you wait another month, you’ll wind up waiting weeks rather than a few days to get your mower or blower back, and by then it’ll be time to mow and blow.

When and why should you prune what? I’ll answer that question next week, and I’ll focus as well on what NOT to prune.