Leftover seed laying around, tools yet to be cleaned, and fertilizer and pesticides in need of safe storage. Our warm fall may have delayed some end of season garden tasks that are best not overlooked.
If you have leftover garden seed you plan to use next spring, store the seed in a cool, dry location to keep the seed viable; or consider donating it. A good way to store seed is in a sealed jar placed in the refrigerator.
If you prefer to buy new seed, leftover seed can be donated to the Columbus Public Library’s “seed library”. This project was started by the Columbus Library Foundation and Platte County Extension Master Gardener Volunteers.
Garden seed packets were donated by local businesses and gardeners and made available free to the public at the library. People could take up to three seed packets per visit. During 2024, seed was taken over 370 times during the growing season.
The seed library allows gardeners to grow fresh vegetables for eating or flowers for beauty and pollinator support. If you’d like to donate seed packets to the seed library, please bring them to the Platte County Extension office at 2715 13 street. The seed packets should not be more than three years old.
While it is best to clean garden tools after each use, it’s easy to overlook this task. Don’t put it off any longer. Wash or brush soil or plant residue off of tools with a soft cloth or stiff brush. If sticky sap is present, hot soapy water or turpentine may be needed to remove it.
If tools like shovels, hoes, or pruning shears are rusted, use coarse-grade steel wool or lump pumice to remove the rust. Abrasive materials like sandpaper, emery cloth, or a putty knife should be avoided or used carefully as they can leave scratches where rust can redevelop.
Disinfest tools by treating them for at least 30 seconds with 10 percent bleach or preferably 70 percent alcohol which is less corrosive. Rubbing alcohol and many spray disinfectants typically contain approximately 70 percent alcohol.
Now is a good time to have tools sharpened. Sharp tools are much easier to work with than dull tools. Once tools are clean, rust-free and dry, apply oil, WD-40, silicone spray or some other rust inhibitor to all metal surfaces.
After cleaning and sharpening, store tools where they will stay dry and remain rust-free. Small spades and trowels can be kept in a bin or large pot filled with sand containing linseed oil. Larger tools are best hung in a dry, ventilated area or stored in a heavy-duty utility bin with the handles facing down.
Do not lean tools against a garage wall so they are touching the floor. Pavement can dull blades and hold moisture that can promote rust. Check wooden handles of tools for slivers. Sand and treat with linseed oil if needed.
Store bags of fertilizer granules tightly closed to avoid moisture absorption and clumping. Store liquid fertilizers and pesticides in an area where they will not freeze. If the liquid expands, containers may be damaged.
Store pesticides such as herbicides, insecticides and fungicides in locations out of reach of children or pets. Ideally, keep them in a locked storage area. Check pesticide labels for specific storage requirements. The label is the law and need to be followed.
Prepare the lawn mower, and other landscape equipment with small engines, for winter storage by changing the oil and filter. Inspect and change the spark plug if necessary. Have mower blades sharpened now so they are ready for the first spring mowing.
By: Kelly Feehan, Extension Educator
Release: Week of December 2, 2024