We invest in our garden tools and equipment and need to ensure they are in good condition when we need them. Here are some exercises to help you prepare for spring.
Power tools
Now is a good time to service power equipment like lawnmowers, tillers and garden tractors. Before wintering, turn off the device or treat the existing gas with a stabilizer. Untreated gas can damage and clog equipment. If you use a stabilizer, let the engine run long enough to burn off the raw gas in the carburetor body. This keeps the fuel lines fresh and free of particles.
Change the oil when the engine is warm. Check and clean the air filter, replace if necessary. Many lawnmowers and mowers are equipped with a foam filter that can become clogged with dirt and dust. If they are dirty, the motors will malfunction or fail. Check the spark plug and replace if necessary.
Sharpen blades, clean teeth, tighten screws, replace broken parts, and do any other necessary work to keep equipment in good condition. Maintenance takes time and effort, but in a busy spring it pays off by reducing frustration and time wasted on poorly functioning equipment.
For those who don't consider themselves DIY enthusiasts, take your electrical equipment to your local small engine repair shop and have them make the recommended repairs. For them, it's a slow time that helps avoid the spring rush and delays during rush hours.
Hand tool maintenance
The end of the season is a good time to clean and care for your tools so they last longer. Forks, spades and other garden tools often have wooden handles. These handles can be damaged if left unprotected. Weather can raise the grain of wooden handles and cause them to splinter. Sand and smooth any raised areas. To protect the wood, apply a wood preservative such as linseed oil or polyurethane. Wipe off excess product after a few minutes as oil-based products can attract dirt.
Remove dirt from metal surfaces. Remove any rust with sandpaper or steel wool. This is also a good time to sharpen dull edges. A light layer of oil protects the metal in winter and prevents rust.
Irrigation pipes and lines
Shallow irrigation pipes and lines can be damaged if not kept dry during the winter. Lawn irrigation systems have flat pipes. If the system has a main shut-off valve, close it and then walk through the areas to ensure pressure can escape. Some systems require a professional to remove excess water from underground pipes. Contact your irrigation provider.
Drain the garden hoses and disconnect them from the water outlets. We stretch the drain hoses and roll them up for storage. It's best to store the tubes in a protected location over the winter, as UV rays can make them brittle over time and squirrels like to chew on them.
By investing time and effort into your gear before storing it for the winter, you can avoid delays when warm weather arrives and you need to reuse your gear.
Dennis Patton is a horticulture agent in the Office of Research and Extension at Kansas State University. Do you need help? Contact the Johnson County Gardening Hotline at 913-715-7050 or email Garden.help@jocogov.org.
