Laidback Gardener Tip of the Day

End-of-season Lawnmower Care

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERAWhen you’re finished using your lawnmower for the season, take an hour to clean it well before winter. To prevent condensation and the resulting damage to the carburetor, run the motor of gas models until the tanks is completely empty, then fill again with fresh gasoline. If it is a battery model, it’s best to bring the battery indoors for the winter.

Scrape the underside of the deck to remove dried grass clippings and sharpen the cutting blade. Finish by oiling all metal surfaces to prevent rust.

Refer to your model’s instruction manual for the recommended frequency for other interventions, such as cleaning or replacing the air filter, oil changes, and changing spark plugs (gas-powered mowers only), all tasks best accomplished before storing your mower in a garage, tool shed, or basement for the winter.

Garden writer and blogger, author of 65 gardening books, lecturer and communicator, the Laidback Gardener, Larry Hodgson, passed away in October 2022. Known for his great generosity, his thoroughness and his sense of humor, he reached several generations of amateur and professional gardeners over his 40-year career. Thanks to his son, Mathieu Hodgson, and a team of contributors, laidbackgardener.blog will continue its mission of demystifying gardening and making it more accessible to all.

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