This is a good time to clean your gardening tools and pots before you put them away for winter. Dirty ones can spread disease from an infected plant to a healthy one. If you are working with diseased plants, it is important to disinfect your pots and tools.
Be sure and clean the entire pot, inside and out as plant pathogens can hang on to bits of soil and plant debris like roots stuck on a shovel, tree sap on a pruner blade. Include cleaning tomato cages as well.
First wash with water and soap or detergent to remove grease and grime. Use a stiff brush, especially on rough surface
Dirt and debris left on tools will interfere with the disinfection process and reduce its effectiveness, so remove all visible soil and plant debris. Most wood used for planters naturally repeals bacteria and fungi, but it can get dirty. Wash wooden planters with warm, soapy water, let dry and oil or wipe with a wood preservative.
Chemicals used to disinfect can have harmful fumes and burn skin. Read the label, use as directed, and wear personal protective equipment like goggles and gloves when the label recommends doing so. Never mix disinfectants with other chemicals.
One product is Lysol All-Purpose Cleaner. Research has shown that this formulation will eliminate bacteria, fungi and viruses from tools. This product dose not corrode metal and will not damage fabric. Do not use on polished wood, painted surfaces or acrylic plastics.
Pruners can be dipped or sprayed with disinfectant after cleaning. Dip tool, spray directly on a tool or soak tool for 2 minutes. Let air dry.
Bleach is a common, inexpensive household product. It corrodes metal and is not recommended for pruning and cutting tools that require a sharp edge as it can create pits and nicks in the metal.
Dispose of bleach after use by pouring it down the sink. Do NOT pour it in your garden as it can harm plants and beneficial soil organisms.
Mix one part bleach with 9 parts of water in a plastic container large enough to immerse all or part of the item. NEVER mix bleach with anything except water or laundry detergent as dangerous, toxic gases may be generated that can be harmful to your health and others around you.
Dip, douse or spray tools with the 10% bleach solution. This will kill fungi, bacteria and viruses within seconds. Allow tools and equipment to dry completely.
Rub metal items with a few drops of linseed oil, tung oil or mineral oil.
Do not use motor oil as it may transfer to plants.
If rust does develop, use steel wool or wire brush to remove and re-oil.
(Lysol is a registered trademark of Reeckitt Benckiser Group plc. The use of trade names is for clarity and educational purposes only and does not imply endorsement of a particular brand or product.)
Master Gardener Sue Morris has been writing a column since 1991 for Kandiyohi County newspapers. Morris has been certified through the University of Minnesota as a gardening and horticulture expert since 1983. She lives in Kandiyohi County.
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