Gen. Beauregard Lee on the porch of his Southern mansion at Dauset Trails Nature Center.
Although it’s still winter, spring is almost here. Really.
We can wait to see what General Beauregard Lee, Georgia’s winter prognosticator says on February 2, or we can take advantage of cold, rainy days in January to get ready for the growing season.
Stay sharp
If you didn’t clean, oil and sharpen your garden tools last fall, January is the perfect time to do so. From washing off last season’s dirt and clay to sharpening everything from shovels and pruners to your lawn-mower blades, a cold rainy afternoon with a hand-sharpener and some WD40 or linseed oil will save you some frustration later on.
I’ve yet to find a retailer who can sharpen my tools to my satisfaction, so I took matters into my own hands. I purchased a 10-inch Diamond Sharpener from Lawrenceville’s Ironwood tools and I do it myself. The $25 I spent on the red-handled sharpener was well worth the investment. It’s got a 400-grit side for damaged edges and a 600-grit side for polishing. In 15-20 stokes, my pruners, loppers and other tools are ready for the season.
Wipe the tools with a soft dry cloth, then spray a light coat of oil to help prevent rust.
Georgia-based Ironwood Tools is a family-owned business that offers a wide range of gardening tools. For information, visit ironwoodtools.com.
Be kind to your garden assistants
Inspect and clean your power tools and other machinery. Check for loose belts and missing or damaged parts on your lawn mowers, tillers and other power gardening equipment. If you find anything concerning, replace the parts or take your equipment to a qualified service representative.
Check the fuel tank. If fuel has been sitting all winter long in the fuel tank, drain it responsibly and put in fresh fuel. Dispose the old fuel properly. Don’t leave fuel sitting in the tank for more than 30 days. Untreated gasoline (without a fuel stabilizer) left in the system will deteriorate, which may cause starting or running problems and, in some cases, damage to the fuel system.
Use only E10 or less fuel in outdoor power equipment. Do not use gas with more than 10 percent ethanol (E10) in outdoor power equipment. Some gas stations may offer 15 percent ethanol (E15) gas or other fuel blends, but this higher ethanol fuel can damage – and is illegal to use in – small engine equipment not designed for it, such as lawn mowers, chain saws, generators, and all other lawn and garden equipment. Consider purchasing “non-ethanol” fuel for your power equipment, just like you would for your boat.
Change the oil, install clean air filters and sharpen your cutting blades. Properly dispose of the oil you drained.
Take advantage of sunny days
If you’re like me, you’re still itching to get outdoors, even if it’s cold. Wait until midday, then bundle in layers to get some good and productive exercise in the garden.
Here are a few suggestions that will pay off later. Divide plants such as hostas and daylilies. Team up with neighbors and gardening friends for a plant swap. You’ll all reap the benefits come spring.
Rake leaves and put them in your compost bins. Combined with kitchen scraps and other materials, they will create excellent amendments for your garden by spring. You can also use leaves to mulch perennials and other tender plants.
Clean out summer annual beds and start scouting your source for winter color. Pansies, violas – including the newer Wave varieties – plus ornamental cabbage and Swiss chard can survive the cold and add bright spots along walkways, mailboxes or in containers on your porch, deck or patio. Be sure to water well and fertilize regularly for best blooms.
You’ll be thankful once these chores are behind you. Then you’re well on the way to an early spring when General Beauregard Lee stands there and admires his shadow on Groundhog Day!
Photo: courtesy Jackson Progress-Argus
