WORTHINGTON — I never thought I was supposed to clean my garden tools or my pots. Dirt is just dirt! Isn’t it?
Well, I have learned differently being a Master Gardener. After taking a plant pathology webinar class, I found that some fungi and bacteria in the soil can spread on tools and pots that are not cleaned. Diseases can be transferred through bits of soil and plant debris on any garden equipment, which will infect plants.
Clean them now or in the Spring before using them. Wash with water and soap or detergent which will remove grease and grime. Use a stiff brush to remove dirt.
A hard spray of water will remove the caked on dirt and get into tight spaces on tools.
Pots should be cleaned inside and out. Wood planters can be washed with warm, soapy water. Let them dry and then oil or wipe with a wood preservative. Most wood for planters naturally repels fungi and bacteria but do get dirty.
Next, you have to disinfect your tools. Read the label of the disinfectant to use properly and safely. Here are three recommendations from the University of Minnesota Extension Yard and Garden website:
1. Lysol All-Purpose Cleaner is confirmed by research to eliminate bacteria, fungi and viruses from tools. It will not corrode metal or damage fabric. Do not use it on wood, painted surfaces, or acrylic plastics. It works good on small hand tools, pots and saucers, plant labels, ties, clips, plant stands, trellises and hanging baskets.
Dip the tool, spray directly on the tool or soak the tool for 2 minutes and let air dry.
2. Bleach (5.25% Sodium hypochlorite) can damage fabric and corrode metal by creating pits and nicks in the metal. Make a 10% bleach solution by mixing one part bleach with nine parts water in a plastic container large enough to immerse all or part of the item. It is best used for large hand tools like shovels, spades, rakes, tomato cages and large pots.
After dipping, dousing or spraying, allow tools to dry completely. Rub metal items with a few drops of linseed oil, Tung oil or mineral oil. If rust develops, use steel wool or a wire brush to remove it and re-oil.
3. Rubbing alcohol (isopropyl, 70% concentration): Use at a 70% concentration or higher and do not dilute. It is best for hand pruners and small hand tools. Dip, wipe, or spray pruner blades before moving from one plant to the next. It might not work on tools used for apple trees infected with fire blight.
This information is from University of Minnesota Extension, which you can visit for more details at
https://bit.ly/4r84VzH
Also, do a Google search for University of Minnesota Extension Yard and Garden, then type cleaning garden tools in the search bar. Authors Julie Weisenhorn, Natalie Hoidal and Annalisa Hultberg, Extension educators.
Here are a few other sites for information that are helpful in preparing for winter:
Prepare your yard for winter:
https://bit.ly/4oHF7c5
Protecting trees and shrubs in winter:
https://bit.ly/4pjKE8F
If you want to consider new trees in your landscape, this article is a good resource:
https://bit.ly/4oYouJ6
(Climate-resilient landscape trees for Minnesota). Two of the authors on trees are Brandon Miller and Laura Irish-Hanson, University of Minnesota horticulturists who are an excellent resource for trees and shrubs in Minnesota.
Learn more about the Master Gardener volunteer program through University of Minnesota Extension at:
https://bit.ly/47Oo5TK
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