The 30-minute investment to get you in the garden faster next spring
Published on November 5, 2026 at 6:29pm EST | Author: Kendall Koenen
0Jessica Carlson
Otter Tail County Master Gardener
Last year, I cleaned my garden tools before spring and loved starting the season organized and ready. I had avoided winterizing because it seemed like an all-weekend chore but turning it into a timed challenge made it manageable. Before I start my 30-minute plan I begin with listing what needs attention, assigning each item a storage spot, and gathering the necessary supplies. I focused on digging gear, pruning tools, gas- or battery-powered equipment, and garden hoses. It is an ideal task to tackle before your morning coffee wears off.
For digging tools, gather oil and sandpaper before starting the timer. Spend 5 minutes blasting away caked-on soil with a high-pressure hose, then after drying, oil the metal surfaces and sand wooden handles as needed.
Next, spend 5 minutes on your pruning tools. Save a full disassembly for a snowy day, for now, scrub away debris with steel wool, disinfect the tools with a bleach wipe, and add a drop of oil if the joints are stiff. Store them where they’ll be clean, visible, and easy to find in spring.
Allow 10 minutes for gas- and battery-powered equipment. Run fuel tanks dry before storage, empty grass bags, blow away loose clippings, and scrape buildup from mower decks. Inspect mower blades and set aside any that need sharpening. Remove lithium-ion batteries, store them indoors in a warm, dry place, and take failing batteries to a household hazardous-waste collection site, never put them in the trash as they may spontaneously combust. Just remember to purchase new batteries if you discard any.
Finish with the garden hoses. Shut off the water supply, then disconnect hoses, nozzles, and automatic timers. Open the outdoor faucet to drain any remaining water. Empty each hose by lifting one end and walking its length downhill or across the driveway. Loosely coil hoses without kinks, and hang them in a garage, basement, or shed. Store your battery powered timer indoors.
I hope I gave a little encouragement to tackle a sometimes-daunting task. Personally, I find myself with a bit of disorganization at the end of the season, but this fun angle makes it possible to get it done and ready for the next gardening season.