Garden tool maintenance is an on-going function of good gardening. If you haven't already prepared your gardening tools for the season, then now is the perfect time. Keep your lawn mower clean and the blades sharpened. The underside of the lawn mower deck should be cleaned regularly to prevent the build up of grass. The chlorophyll will also build up on the cutting edges of the blades. This acts to give a poor cut and spreads diseases right into the open wounds of the leaf blades. Hand pruners, hedge shears, grass shears, loppers, shovels, spades, forks and hoes, if they are kept clean and sharp, they work more effectively. Clean with soapy water and dry by hand. Lubricate with olive oil or mineral oil. A good well-fitted pair(s) of gloves is also a necessary tool in gardening. Gloves not only protect us but can also disseminate insects, their eggs, soil borne diseases and viruses.