Tools are an important part of a gardener's life. With proper care before you put them away for the winter, they can serve you well for years to come.Gather up all your hand tools. Are they looking shiny and sharp? Or, do they need a good cleaning and oiling? Clean them up removing any dirt or leftover plant bits. If the metal parts are rusty, sand them with a fine sandpaper. If wooden handles on tools feel rough, sand them too. Sharpen the blades on hand shears, loppers or hedge clippers. I also keep my shovels and hand trowels relatively …