Running Out Of Gas: Its On List Of Tips To Ensure Garden Tools Are Ready For Spring

Our garden equipment and tools are an investment. Care must be taken to maintain and operate them properly. Take the time now to make sure you're ready to prune, dig, and plant in the spring before you sink into a long winter hibernation.

Energy equipment

Maintenance of power equipment such as lawn mowers, lawn mowers and garden tractors. Degas or treat equipment with a stabilizing gas before winter storage. Raw gas can damage and contaminate equipment. When you use the stabilizer, start the engine to burn off the raw gas in the carburetor. This helps keep the fuel lines open.

Change the oil when the engine is warm. Check and clean air filters, replace if necessary. Many lawnmowers and lawnmowers have foam filters that can become dirty during use. Dirty filters cause the engine to run poorly or not at all. Check and replace the spark plug.

Sharpen blades, clean teeth, tighten screws and replace broken parts to keep your equipment in top condition. Maintenance takes time and effort, but it reduces the frustration of lost time due to equipment failure in the spring.

Are you feeling nervous? Then take your electrical equipment to a small motor shop for a pre-tune and repair. The time can be slower and it allows you to avoid spring fever.

Maintenance of hand tools

The end of the season is a great time to clean and care for your tools so they last longer. Spades, shovels, and gardening tools often have wooden handles. These pens deteriorate when left unattended. Abrasion increases the graininess of wooden handles and can lead to splits. Ash the uneven areas. To protect the wood, apply a wood preservative such as linseed oil or polyurethane. Wash off excess food, as oil-based products can attract dirt.

Remove dirt from metal surfaces. Use sandpaper or steel wool to remove rust. Sharpen rough edges, as a sharp tool makes the job easier. A light coat of oil will help protect the metal in the winter and help prevent rust.

Pipes and fuel lines

Pipes and shallow fuel lines can be damaged if not drained in the winter.

Lawn irrigation systems have shallow lines. If the system has a main shutoff valve, close it and run it through the areas to make sure any water pressure escapes before it freezes. Some systems require a professional to drain excess water from underground lines. Contact your irrigation service provider.

Garden hoses should be drained and disconnected from the water outlet. Pipes should be stretched for drainage and collected for storage. In winter, it is best to keep snakes in a sheltered place, as ultraviolet rays can make snakes fragile over time.

Gardening equipment and tools are expensive investments. By spending time on general maintenance, you'll take another chore off your seasonal to-do list. Come spring, you'll be ready to go.

Dennis Patton is a horticultural agent in the Department of Research at Kansas State University. Do you have questions for him or other college professionals? Send it to transparent.help@jocogov.org.