Keep Petroleum Products Off Your Garden Tools!

Caring for your garden tools is essential to keep them functional and long-lasting. However, it’s equally important to ensure that the methods you use for maintenance are environmentally friendly. You wouldn’t pour motor oil on your garden soil, but that’s effectively what happens when you clean or store your tools with petroleum-based oils. Each time those tools come into contact with the soil, small amounts of oil are transferred, potentially harming the delicate ecosystem of your garden.

A simple switch to petroleum-free alternatives can make a big difference. For example, instead of using motor oil, you can protect and maintain your tools with a vegetable oil spray. This natural alternative not only protects your tools from rust but also ensures no harmful substances enter your soil. In our video about cleaning and sharpening garden tools, Tricia demonstrates how easy it is to make this eco-friendly switch.

Metal tools with moving parts, such as pruners, loppers, and stirrup hoes, require extra care to keep their mechanisms working smoothly. For these tools, consider using Felco Lubricant Spray, a biodegradable product designed to enhance tool performance while being kind to the environment. This is particularly important when pruning plants or trees, as petroleum products can negatively impact the health of your garden’s foliage.

Another garden habit to leave behind is storing tools in a bucket of motor oil and sand. While it might seem effective for preventing rust, it introduces unnecessary petroleum into your gardening routine. Instead, start your gardening season fresh with a bucket of sand mixed with vegetable oil—a simple, non-toxic solution to keep your tools clean and sharp.

By adopting petroleum-free practices for tool maintenance, you’re protecting your soil, plants, and the larger environment. Make the switch today and enjoy a greener, healthier garden with tools that are as clean as your conscience. Your garden deserves nothing less!