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GLT's Grow: Keeping Earthworms And Tools Happy

Hand holding earthworms
USDA NRCS South Dakota
/
Flickr via Creative Commons
A yard full of healthy earthworms is a boon to any gardener

Gardeners love to care for things—and that extends past plants.

  • Julie in Philadelphia wants some advice on how to care for her gardening tools.
  • Rinse off all hand tools after using them, drying thoroughly. Using a stiff brush can help clean stubborn or set dirt off.
  • Keep a bucket of sand moistened with linseed oil handy to put in your blades. This is fine for long-term storage. Linseed oil is also good for keeping wooden handles in good shape. When handles are dry, you can sand them to keep splinters at bay.
  • A flat file will keep tools sharp. Also use the file on your mower blades. 
  • Make sure you clean under your mower after tending to your lawn. Regularly removing debris extends the life of your mower. 
  • Keep the intake vent of any power tools clean. Replace strings on weed trimmer several times a season.
  • And Rich in LeRoy wants to know if using Milky Spores to treat for grub worms might accidentally harm earthworms, too. In a word: no. So feel free to keep using Milky Spore to keep grubs in check while feeling assured that you've done right by the earthworms.

GLT's Grow is your source for sage gardening advice and down-to-earth tips. Host Patrick Murphy and co-host Laura Kennedy are ready to take on all your gardening questions, so submit yours today.

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Reporter, content producer and former All Things Considered host, Laura Kennedy is a native of the Midwest who occasionally affects an English accent just for the heck of it. Related to two U.S. presidents, Kennedy appalled her family by going into show business.