This isn't something I think about doing, but taking care of your garden tools.

image from mysissakrenzler.blogspot.com 

Good morning to a clear blue sky.  BUT the down part it is only 11 degrees.  High today of 31 and again a low of 10 tonight.  For us here in North Central Iowa, roads are clear, snow piles have started to go down. Stay warm, stay safe.
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This is one thing I probably don’t do enough is sharpen and care of my garden tools.  GOOD idea to do. 
How to Sharpen and Care for Garden Tools  by The Editors
Let’s show our hardworking garden tools a little love! Here’s how to clean, sharpen, and spruce tools up for the growing season ahead. Plus, we’re making a smart new tool rack that’ll keep them organized and tidy… and looking good!
Just as you care for things inside your home, caring for your garden tools means they’ll last much longer (often a lifetime!)
We have a handful of important tools.Those with blades most definitely need to be cleaned and sharpened for a variety of reasons:
Clean and sharp tools means that digging is much easier and the blades or tines of the fork just glide through what they’re up against.
Sharp pruning tools give a nice, clean, precise cut; blunt blades tend to crush the stems which invites disease.
Wet mud left on your tools could eventually lead to staining or rust.
Everyday Cleaning
Every time we use our tools, we should blast mud off of tools with the hose and wipe clean with an old rag. Pruning tools may require a wire wool or brush to remove ingrained dirt; wash in soapy water then dry with a rag.
Annual Cleaning (or More Often If Needed)
1. Hand Pruners
If there’s one tool you keep sharp, it should be your pruners.  For hand pruners, start out with a pail of soapy water and a damp cloth. Just wipe away any bits of dirt. If it’s really bad, use a wire brush or pan scourer to get them clean.
To sharpen your blade, hold the open pruners tightly in one hand pointing towards you. (See the video for help.)  Then you can use a sharpening stone or file whetstone that’s first been soaked in water for five minutes or so.
Imagine the motion of playing a violin. Make short passes with the sharpening file across the angle of the pruners.  Follow angle of the blade in gentle, smooth, short strokes. Sharpen evenly, giving each section of the blade equal time as you work. No need to push down – let the stone do the work. The freshly exposed blade should have an equal depth right the way along it.
Use the flat side of your stone to remove any metal burs from the flat side.
To prevent the blades from rusting, apply a non-petroleum-based oil (which won’t harm plants) to the blade. Just add a tiny amount along the blade and moving parts, then wipe off any excess with a kitchen towel.
2. Digging Tools and Hoes
For long-handled spades, shovels and hoes, start again by getting the dirt off with a wire brush and then wipe clean with a rag. If the dirt is really hard, you may need to soak the holes to soften it up.
Once clean, sharpen the blade. Again, use a metal file on on the cutting edge of the blade, working at a shallow angle. Four or five passes should be enough.  Also, do the sides of the blade. Clamping the tool in a vice will make this easier. Finish by oiling the blade edges. Add a tiny speck of oil and rub in with a rag or kitchen towel.
The final job is to give wooden handles some love, too. Clean if needed with sandpaper or a sanding sponge. Polish them with a natural, protective oil such as linseed soil or teak oil.
Tighten up any loose bolts on moving parts and check if any worn-out parts need replacing. Finish by spraying with a tool lubricant. Don’t forget to apply lubricant throughout the year, particularly after heavy periods of pruning.
It’s so satisfying to see old tools revived to shining like new!
How to Make a Tool Rack
What better way to show off your hard-working tools than with a beautiful tool rack? All we really need to make it is a wooden pallet, some screw, and some wood stain or paint to pretty the whole thing up!
The pallet boards will run horizontal. Start by measuring it up for good size against your tallest tools. To make it easy to remove and replace them, remove the top two boards which you can use the give the tool rack some feet, so it doesn’t get top-heavy and tip over.
Cut boards to size—perhaps three boards—and attach to base using wood screws.
Give the whole pallet a good sanding down, to smooth off the surface, which should give it a much more professional finish.
Add our wood stain (or paint). Make sure to cover every single exposed surface to both protect the wood and to make it really stand out aesthetically too. Let it dry.
 The taller tools have slotted down into the inside of the rack, but to be able to attach and access the smaller tools, it needs screws for hooks and supports. Line them up to fit each tool, and then simply screw them into place. Not bad, eh?
Tools aren’t the sexiest things in the garden, but they are essential and, of course, make everyday gardening jobs so much easier!
Taken from https://www.almanac.com/video/how-sharpen-and-care-garden-tools
Till next time this is Becky Litterer, Becky’s Greenhouse, Dougherty Iowa beckmall@netins.net  641-794-3337  cell 641-903-9365