You could be sabotaging your plants if you don’t properly disinfect your tools.
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We all know that double-dipping a chip in a shared guacamole bowl is rude.
Do I Really Need to Clean My Garden Tools?
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Disinfecting is key to preventing the spread of pests and diseases.
“At a minimum, pruners should be disinfected between plants,” Steil adds.
“Ideally, they would be disinfected between each cut if plant disease is present.”
In addition to garden pruners, trowels, shovels, and hoes should all be cleaned regularly.
you might also fill a bucket with water and add the tools to loosen the soil.
Use a stiff-bristled brush to scrub the blades and handles.
Rinse well and allow the tools to air dry.
If tools have wood handles, wipe with a wood preservative.
Rinse well and allow to air dry in the sun.
For power tools, follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for cleaning and disinfecting.
ALWAYS unplug or remove the battery before attempting to clean a power tool.
Don’t forget about your gardening gloves, aprons, and shoes.
Wash or hose them off often to remove bacteria before your next gardening session.
Look for a 70 percent solution.
To sanitize, wipe the tool with a cotton ball or soft cloth dampened with the alcohol.
There’s no need to dilute the alcohol or give the tool a prolonged soak.
Use the solution within two hours because chlorine bleach reverts to water in just a few hours.
