How should I prepare my garden tools for winter?

Question:

How should I prepare my garden tools for winter?

Answer:

Proper care of garden tools and equipment prolongs their lifetime, prevents costly repairs, and improves their performance.  In fall, remove caked-on soil from shovels, spades, hoes, and rakes with a wire brush or stiff putty knife.  Wash the tools with a strong stream of water, then dry.  Sharpen the blades of hoes, shovels, and spades.  Wipe the metal surfaces with an oily rag or spray with WD-40.  Sand rough wooden handles, then wipe with linseed oil to prevent drying and cracking.  Hang or store the tools in a dry location.  Drain water from garden hoses.  To prevent kinking, store hoses on reels or coil it and place it on a flat surface.