As the gardening season winds down, November is the perfect time to give your tools, pots, and garden gear a little TLC before the frost arrives. Proper winterizing not only keeps everything in top shape but also saves you money — and frustration — come spring.
1. Clean All Your Tools Thoroughly
Before you store anything, clean every tool that’s touched soil or plants this year. Dirt left on metal surfaces holds moisture and encourages rust.
How to do it:
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Scrub off soil with a stiff brush or steel wool.
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Wash with warm soapy water and rinse well.
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Dry everything completely before storing.
Pro tip: For stubborn sap or sticky residue, use a touch of rubbing alcohol or vinegar.
2. Sharpen and Oil Cutting Tools
Sharp tools make spring pruning effortless. Take a few minutes now to sharpen your pruners, loppers, hedge shears, and shovels.
How to do it:
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Use a sharpening file or whetstone.
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Apply light oil (like WD-40 or linseed oil) to blades and moving parts.
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Wipe off excess to prevent buildup.
Why it matters: Sharpening reduces plant damage and extends tool life — an easy win for next year’s growing season.
3. Protect Wooden Handles from Cracking
Cold, dry winter air can make wooden handles brittle. Keep them from splitting by conditioning the wood.
How to do it:
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Sand rough handles lightly with fine-grit sandpaper.
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Rub on linseed oil or beeswax polish using a soft cloth.
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Let the handles absorb it overnight before storing.
This step not only prevents splinters but also helps your tools last for years.
4. Drain and Store Hoses and Watering Equipment
Frozen water expands — and can crack hoses, nozzles, and irrigation lines. A quick drain now prevents costly replacements in spring.
How to do it:
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Disconnect hoses from outdoor taps.
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Drain all water and coil them loosely (tight coils cause kinks).
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Store hoses and sprinklers in a shed, garage, or basement.
Pro tip: Shut off and drain any outdoor irrigation systems to prevent burst pipes.
5. Empty and Protect Your Pots and Containers
Ceramic and terracotta pots can crack if left outdoors with moist soil inside. Even plastic containers can become brittle in freezing temperatures.
How to do it:
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Empty out soil and compost (add it to your compost pile!).
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Brush out any remaining debris.
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Stack and store pots in a dry, sheltered area.
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For large planters that must stay outside, cover them with burlap or plastic sheeting.
6. Organize and Label Everything
Take a few minutes to organize your shed or garage so everything’s ready to grab in spring.
How to do it:
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Hang tools on wall hooks or pegboards.
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Keep fertilizers, seeds, and chemicals sealed and off the floor.
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Label bins or shelves for easy access next year.
You’ll thank yourself when the first warm day hits and everything’s right where you left it!
Winterizing your garden tools and gear is one of those small tasks that makes a big difference. A clean, organized toolkit means a smoother start to spring — no rust, no cracked pots, and no forgotten hoses left to freeze.
Take an afternoon this November to tick off each box, and your future self (and your plants) will thank you.