You know the start of winter makes you less likely to go out and be friendly and connected to your garden - Thats for Spring time isn't it? Well how about making a flask of Winter Warmer, taking your portable radio and making a visit to the Tool Shed.

There will be loads of things to keep you busy, without needing to venture out. But, don't be blinkered by the long list that suddenly faces you. Take a moment to look and prioritise. I always start with the throwing out session - it leaves me feeling more able to face the more challenging tasks. Remember if you're throwing out stuff, the local charity shop is always a perfect destination for used items that are no longer your favourite. Re-cyle responsibly - chemicals should be disposed of at your local re-cyling centre, and definitely not tipped down the sink or into the garden or nearby watercourse where wildlife may be harmed. If in doubt follow advice in this link https://garden-care.org.uk/safe-use-disposal/

Cleaning and sharpening Garden Tools

Honestly, this is the best piece of advise this time of year - You'll be needing to grab some pruners or dig to make way for a new purchase. Sharp tools make ALL the difference to making a precise and easy job of pruning, digging

Create a tool box of essentials:

Twin Diamond File - for smoothing out chinks and nicks of secateur and pruning bladesSharpening Stone (Niwaki do a range in hard, medium and soft wet stones)General purpose lubricating oil (such as 3-in1)Old rags

Best practise for Sharpening tools

Regular and often is best, but you can bring tools back to life following this simple procedureFind a flat surface on which to secure your tool(s)Start with the twin diamond file and gently file out chinks and nicks of blades by using long single strokes along the length of blade at 20-30 degree angleSoak the stones in water for a few minutes - these can then be used to sharpen the blunt edge of a blade. By using the whole length of the stone to rub up and down the blade, you'll be more ecomnimcal with it and it should last many years.It takes some practise with smaller tools and time. No hurry needed, just be therapeutic about itUse this system on hand tools, spades, even forks and rakes - and then finally when you have a grasp of it, Mower blades too.Finish up by drying thoroughly and applying a thin layer of oilIf you need to replace tools, I use Darlac for pruning tools (darlac.com , which can be purchased on Amazon.co.uk) or for just about anything else horticultural, a brilliant source of quality tools is harrodhorticultural.com

Next up in the Shed....

Ensure you have enough hanging space so that everything can be seen and grabbed as and when you need it - nothing more annoying than having to empty the contents of your shed to find the one tool you need for the job. You can use a variety of hanging systems - some pegs allow you to fit more than one tool if you're limited for space.All this takes some planning, so draw a quick sketch to help you plan what goes where.

How many Sheds?

When it comes to practicality, of course one shed is more than enough - We have two!! One for machinery and tools and another tiny cupboard in the veg garden for just the basics (digging, fork, cultivator and a spare pair of gloves). I also keep a handy sharpening stone to make sure to have sharp tools at the ready. You can dress up a ordinary shed with an interesting paint colour or buy a posh one off the shelf.

Recipe for Winter Warmer:

Any pressed juice, such as Copella Apple Juice
Mulled Spice tea bag
Cinnamon Stick (optional)

Warm the juice in a pan but don't allow it to boil. Steep the mulled spice tea bag for several minutes ( I just leave mine in), pop in the cinnamon stick if liked. Pour into a warmed mug or flask - this will keep you going all morning in the tool shed. Later on, if there's anything left, you can add some red wine and heat gently for a delicious instant Mulled Wine

Now all your tools can be put back - in a place to be seen, accessible and ready for use. Youve binned all the old out of date cans and bottles so there is space to start planning the season ahead and ploughing through seed catalogues in front of the fire.

Happy Shedding!

Tool Shed Rules