When we were kids, gardening was a weekly task that included, weed pulling, pruning, thinning bedding, flowers and various overgrowths, turning soil, fertilizing and watering. Our yard consisted of concrete patios, walks and slabs spotted with planting beds, containing foliage...from the tiniest flowers to an ancient-and-enormous peach tree. Yet, our parents didn't own a lawnmower. Alas, there was no lawn to mow. Now, with our own homes, lawns are a large part of our landscape. Perhaps that's because we didn't have one as youngsters.

It's getting to be that time of year. Time to pull out the lawnmower and get it ready for the grass-growing months ahead. Although this article is about how to properly get your lawnmower operational, most of the tips apply to other gas-operated garden tools and equipment, as well.

With lawnmowers and other gasoline-powered devices, there are two major elements that must be closely monitored: Gasoline and sparkplug.

Gasoline can do damage if left in the engine during long storage periods. A glaze can build up in the carburetor, clogging it and preventing it from operating efficiently. Various additives are available that will “deglaze” the internal parts of a gas engine that is in this condition. A carburetor is less likely to “gunk up” if the mower is put away with an empty fuel tank. You should empty the carburetor, as well. It's easy. Just remove the fuel line and let the gas drain from the tank into your fuel container. Replace the line and start the engine. The fuel will be drawn into the engine and burned. The fuel tank and carburetor will be empty and safe, and gunk won't build up during storage. A safety tip: Never leave a fuel can sitting around filled with gas during the off-season. And never keep gasoline for more than 30 days. After four or five weeks it begins to lose its potency. Don't pour it out. Instead, use it in your car.

If you didn't think to drain your mower at the end of last season, you can use a deglazing fluid that will clean internal parts and make it easier to start the engine. Whatever you do, don't try using an additive with old fuel. If you made the mistake of not draining your mower last year, be sure to do it before using it this season. A deglazing fluid is not the same as engine-starting fluid. If you feel the need, you can use both, but be sure that the inside of your engine is thoroughly clean for a problem-free season of operation.

Fuel tip: If you have a choice, use a plastic fuel container instead of one made of metal. Metal containers eventually will rust and the particles could be transported into the motor via the fuel.

Fresh gas and additives are important, but so is the sparkplug. It should be replaced or removed and cleaned before your first startup each season. An arc of electricity is sent from the tip of the sparkplug to an adjacent ground connected to the body of the sparkplug. The best arc occurs when the contacts are clean and the distance between them is properly set. An “ignition” file (a tiny one) can be used to clean the contacts. The manufacturer of the lawnmower usually specifies the preset distance between the tip and the ground. The distance changes as the plug wears. A gauge to measure the distance is available for a buck or two. If you aren't very handy, you can buy a new plug.

All internal combustion engines must have air to operate properly. Dust filters prevent damage to the motor air intakes. The filter lets the air through, but not the dust. However, the filter eventually gets clogged with enough dirt so that air can't pass. When this happens, no air...or a reduced amount...is provided to the engine, and combustion can't take place. If your engine is running roughly, check your air filter. Often, soapy water is all that is needed. Be sure to read your owner's manual to learn how to properly clean the air filter. Don't begin using your lawnmower this year unless you first change the oil. Fresh oil in the correct amount is a must. Finally, be certain that the blade is sharp and that all parts (including the underside of the mower deck) are clean and free of grass and debris.