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by Claire ColvinSpring is in the air and it's time to get outside. Looking to make the most of your outdoor spaces this year? A little extra care and prevention now can make for sunny days ahead. Take advantage of the cooler temperatures to get your yard and garden ready now.
- Pick-up debris. Before you break out the lawn mower and breathe in the smell of fresh cut grass, take some time to pick up the bits of debris around the yard. You never know what winter storms may have blown into your backyard. Your lawn mower, and your pocket book will thank you.
- Prepare the lawn mower. Mary Ellen Pinkham of HGTV recommends sharpening the blade of your lawn mower at the beginning of the season. For safety, she suggests using a C-clamp to secure the blade while you remove the bolts that attach it to the mower. Then you can take the blade in to be sharpened and leave the rest of the mower at home.
- Check gardening equipment for rust and wear. Don't wait until planting day to find out that your hose nozzle rusted out over the winter. Check and repair tools early in the season so they will be ready when the really good weather arrives.
- Clean and repair outdoor furniture. A mixture of three parts water to one part bleach is great for getting out the winter grim – just be sure to test the solution on a hidden corner before spreading it all over your favourite deck chair. If you've got rust to deal with, the old wives' tale about Coca-Cola is true, just pour it on and wipe away the rust. After the rust is gone apply a coat of rust resistant paint so you won't have to do this again next year.
- Prepare flower beds. Before you come home with an arm load of annuals, make sure you've done some weed prevention. There are many products out there that you can add to the soil to prevent weeds. Get one that has an added fertilizer and you get twice the benefit. Once the soil is dry, just follow the manufactures instructions to work the product into the soil and save yourself hours of back-breaking labour.
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