Storing garden tools over winter

Tools that go into the shed dirty come out rusty in spring. An hour at the end of the season keeps them in working order for years.

Wash off the soil, dry everything properly and oil the metal. Wooden handles like a coat of linseed oil before the cold months.

Drain hoses and store them coiled and off the ground, and bring the timer and any battery tools indoors where it does not freeze.

Sharpen blades now rather than in spring, when there is never time. Secateurs and loppers benefit from a drop of oil on the pivot.

Hang long-handled tools on hooks so the blades do not stand in damp, and keep the shed ventilated through winter.