Early spring is an excellent time to check out all your gardening and lawn care tools, make needed repairs, and do general maintenance on mechanical equipment. Here are some tips:
Gasoline powered equipment - To properly store our mowers, edgers, tillers, blowers, etc., we should have drained the fuel tanks and run the motors dry before winter. But many of us didn't do that so the gasoline in the equipment may be forming gum and varnish in the fuel metering systems. There is a good product you can add to fuel, both while the equipment is being stored and during use in the spring. Called Sta-bil, it works in 2- and 4-cycle engines. Sta-bil stabilizes the fuel, keeps it fresh, and makes the equipment easier to start, especially after months of non-use. Use one ounce of Sta-bil to five gallons of fuel. Do not use "old" gasoline that is three months old or more. (Do not pour gasoline in the carburetor; spray ether is not recommended as a starter fluid.) Finally, check your equipment's pull cords, replace spark plugs and change the oil. If "major" repairs are needed, have them done soon before repair shops get busy. Don't wait until you need the equipment.
Cutting tools - Sharpen mower, edger, shears and other blade-type cutting equipment.
String edgers - Replace the string before the season begins.
Personal safety - Most gasoline-operated equipment produces a high level of noise. Wear ear and eye protection when using any of this equipment. Gloves are an additional protection against minor cuts, burns, etc. Check all usable electrical extension cords for breaks and frays; repair or replace them. Never use them under wet conditions.
With planning and positive action now, your spring and summer gardening and lawn tasks can be easy and fun.
Bill Kelldorf, Smith County Master Gardener
Texas Cooperative Extension
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