Especially in the last few days of autumn, which are still a little warmer, we garden owners always think of a lot of things that could still be done on and around the beds so that everything will be even nicer next year. Here are a few more bulbs from the spring bloomers, a raised bed should actually have been laid out for a few weeks and oh dear, the roses also have to be piled up quickly before the threatening frosty nights.

Gardening tools should be thoroughly cleaned in autumn before being put away

Then the first snow will come soon and, as in the many years before, the realization: Once again, nobody thought of the tools, quickly into the shed, bolt down and the rest will happen at some point… It just won't happen if we don't do it right away and implement at least some of the following tips.

Clean, maintain and store hand tools

Picks, rakes, spades, scythes and shovels are first freed from the last clods of dirt. An old tub filled with lukewarm water and a hand brush will help. Splinters on handles and other wooden parts can be removed when the devices are dry again. Anything that is not firmly attached to the handle and wobbles should be securely fastened again immediately. For the rusty spots on metal surfaces, sandpaper or a wire brush must first be used and then an anti-corrosion agent. Treating the wooden parts with linseed oil has proven itself if the handles and handles do not have to be touched in the next few days. Over the winter, these garden tools should be as dry and dust-free as possible. Hanging on the wall of the garden shed or in a tool cabinet is ideal.

Garden hoses, pumps and water tanks don't like frost

Irrigation systems that are in the ground and water pipes are not. As such, the entire water supply can now be shut off and drained completely to protect against a possible rupture. Plastic water hoses are quite sensitive at sub-zero temperatures and, to be on the safe side, are put in a larger potato sack or covered with a warming tarpaulin. Autumn is also a good time to clean out the now empty rainwater tank (after it's dry inside) of all the debris and sludge that has accumulated over the months.

lawn mowers and electrical equipment

In the case of motor-driven and slightly larger garden tools, a thorough cleaning is the first step before the corresponding corrosion or wood protection work is done. After that, a look at the manual helps, since the manufacturer often recommends additional antifreeze measures, such as draining the fuel. The lawn mower, which has to do the hard work in most allotments over the summer, is sometimes neglected. Even if you later want to use yours to remove leaves or make a last clearing cut, at least give it a little inspection now:

  • Thoroughly clean the garden dirt from the blades and the housing with a spatula, brush and plenty of water.
  • Check the mowing blades for cracks and notches, either sharpen or replace blunt blades yourself or hire a garden service to do the maintenance.
  • For mowers with a combustion engine, check the oil level or, if the appointment is due, carry out a complete oil change including replacing the filters.
  • It is better to drain the fuel completely so that the engine starts better next spring and no condensation settles in the tank. Then start the mower again briefly until the last drop of fuel has been used up.

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Care tips