Learning to Grow: Autumn is time for tools

Gardeners are supposed to take care of their tools because they are important to a successful gardening experience. We are supposed to clean them after each use, store them in a clean and dry place, and sharpen edges after each use – these are the recommended practices. But I suspect that most of you are like me and sometimes your tools are not cleaned and sharpened after each use and may not be stored in a clean, dry place. I often get interrupted when working in my garden and consequently my tools are left where I last used them. At this time of the year as I wander around my yard planning for next spring’s plantings and pulling the last of the season’s weeds I am also collecting my tools.