Susan’s Gardening Tips

 So, just when is the first day of Spring this year?

• According to wiki.answers.com… “Spring comes in between the 19th to the 21st of March and at different times. It changes on a yearly bases because the first official day of spring is the (Spring) Vernal EQUINOX. This is when The Sun is directly above the equator. It rises Rises due East and sets due West and does not do so on the exact same day every year due to the calendar is not exactly 365 days every single year. In 2009, spring will arrive on March 20th, as stated above and the Sun will be above the equator, crossing to the northern hemisphere at 11:47pm (ish)”

Since the first month of spring in the Northern Hemisphere will be here before we know it, we better get ready! 

It’s never too early to prepare your power equipment for duty, and to clean your gardening tools. 

• Lawn mower and edger…Clean off all the dirt and grass grunge. Change the oil (or recharge the battery). Sharpen the blades. Don’t forget to make sure all the bolts are good and tight. If you can’t service your lawn mower yourself, call a local garden center or check the yellow pages.
• String trimmer… Wipe off the dirt. Inspect the cord (or recharge the battery). Stock up on string cartridges.
• Hand tools… Clean off the dirt. Smooth any rough edges on wooden handles with sandpaper, and seal the wood with linseed oil. Sharpen hoes, shovels, trowels, and clippers. Files work well on single edges, a whetstone is good for pruning shears, and carbon wheels are better for small tools. Next, apply a thin oil to all the metal parts. 

Even if it’s the middle of the winter in your area, this chore can be done inside your garage or tool shed. Let’s get busy…

Happy gardening… Susan Nelson Hopkins
Check out all the lawn articles and videos at
Susan’s Lawn Gardens,
and the garden articles at all of
Susan’s Gardens