How to winterize your garden equipment

Once colder temperatures arrive, lawn grasses and various landscape ornamentals will recline into a dormant state signaling the time to tuck away gardening equipment for the winter.

Before doing so, consider these tips regarding over wintering of gardening equipment that can help save time and money.

•Prior to storing gas-powered equipment run the engine until all gasoline is burned out or if allowing fuel to remain, add a fuel stabilizer.

•Place a few drops of oil into the spark plug hole and work the engine several revolutions.

•Clean all tools removing leftover soil or any garden residue.  Cover metal parts with a thin coat of protective oil.  Wooden tool handles can also be protected by coating with a water repellent sealer, tung oil or varnish.

The time you spend in helping your garden equipment to over winter can be an important benefit toward saving costly delays and repairs come next spring.