It's been a busy week full of fall and winter prep –– pruning plants, digging up tubers, cleaning garden tools, and trying on last season's jeans to see if they still fit or if I need to treat myself to a new, stretchier pair. But the most satisfying part of my week has been discovering a highly effective method for cleaning the rust off my garden tools, and I'll share the recipe and method after the Halfmoon Bay Happenings!
Fall pickleball at the Halfmoon Bay Elementary School: All levels of play are welcome, and equipment is provided for beginners. Starting Oct. 8 and continuing through to Dec. 12 as follows: Tuesdays and Thursdays, 5 to 7 p.m.; $5 per person; must be a member of the HMB Community Association (can register online at halfmoon-bay.ca/contact/#membership); for inquiries, contact Tim Dayton at [email protected].
Sargeant Bay Berm Clean-up: On Oct. 8, 9 a.m. to noon, the Sargent Bay Society and Stream Keepers would like to invite you and your tools (rake, pruners, gloves, etc.) to participate in the Sargeant Bay berm clean-up.
All candidates meeting hosted by HBCA at Coopers Green Hall: All four candidates will attend the meeting on Thursday, Oct. 10, from 7 to 9 p.m., to answer your questions. You are also welcome to email your questions ahead of time to [email protected]. Please RSVP if you know you can attend.
Back to garden tools…
I tend to have several yard projects (and inside projects) on the go at any given time and bounce from project to project to keep things exciting. It works for my brain; projects (eventually) are completed, but it's hard on the tools, which become forgotten and exposed to the elements when a new idea piques my interest.
Yesterday, my husband subtly suggested I gather the garden tools from around the yard and put them away before they rusted out completely. I planned to spray-paint my patio furniture purple at that moment, but he did have a point.
I proceeded to round up six rusty shears from around the yard. It was indeed a shameful sight, so I took it a step further and hopped on Pinterest to find the best method for cleaning rust off garden tools. If you have yet to try the salt and vinegar soak method for removing rust, I highly suggest you do!
All you need is: a bucket big enough to submerge your tools*; white vinegar (8 cups); salt (1/2 cup); * Adjust the ratio accordingly
Add the salt and vinegar to your bucket and stir until the salt has dissolved. Add your tools, ensuring the rusty part is fully submerged, and leave them to sit for 12 to 24 hours (super rusty tools might need a couple of days). After they've soaked, you can effortlessly wipe the rust off with a scouring pad or cloth. Rinse and dry your tools immediately to prevent further rusting! I also put a dab of WD40 on the moving parts and sharpened the blades, so they're almost as good as new! Now I have a big bucket of rusty vinegar on my patio that I should deal with...
