DIY Network

Great Outdoors: Preparing for Winter From "Talking Dirty With the Queen of Clean" episode DQOC-144

Every season has its responsibility and fall is the season of preparation. Historically, and to this day, fall is the time of the year when crops are put up for the coming winter. As the greens of summer change into the yellows and browns of autumn your yard needs special cleaning and care to get ready for winter. Here's how to prepare for the cold months of the year.

• Remove leaves from the grass; if left for an extended period of time, they will kill the grass. Even pine needles should be raked up; use them as mulch for acid loving plants.

• Use nylon netting to keep falling leaves out of ponds (figure A).

• Clean debris out of gutters (figure B). Use a masonry margin trowel to clean out the tight spaces of the gutter.

Figure A

Figure B

advertisement

	Figure C
	Figure D
	Figure E
	Figure F

• Slice annuals off just below the soil surface (figure C). You'll leave more soil in the ground and keep flower beds looking neat.

• Using rough textured burlap, clean dirt off garden tools, spray oil on the metal surfaces, then rub the oil over the surface with the burlap (figure D).

• Drain the old oil out of the lawn mower and replace with fresh oil (figure E).

• Remove the fuel line from the mower's carburetor and drain out the gas. Let the mower run to burn off any gas that remains in the mower.

• Tap dust out of the air filter and check the foam around the filter. If you can't see through the filter, replace it.

• Remove the spark plug by grasping it in the middle with a socket wrench. Replace it if it looks dark and dirty.

• With the spark plug out, remove the blade and clean the mower casing with a plastic putty knife.

• Re-install the blade and put the spark plug back in; when you hear it click, you know the spark plug is in place.

• Cover your grill to protect it from the harsh elements of winter.

• Clean outdoor furniture with a damp cloth and store in the garage, or cover with plastic covers (figure F).

• Caulk and weather-strip windows and doors to prevent air and water leaks from entering the home. Before applying new caulk, remove the old caulk. When caulking outdoors, use a paintable outdoor caulk.

• Remove the hose from outside faucets and cover the faucet with a faucet cover, or wrap with a cloth and secure with tape.