When the seed catalogs start showing up in the mail, I take it as a sure sign that spring is just around the corner. Even if there is still frost on my windows and gloves stashed in the car, I know that the sun is getting ready to warm things up. This is a great time to make sure all your yard and garden tools are in tip-top shape.

Now if you're new to zoning your home, you can go ahead and read all about it right HERE. If you're already zoning with the rest of us, then you know that this week we are deep cleaning and decluttering Zone 4; and our special project this week is our yard and garden tools.

Now, for starters, I'll just come out and say it. I don't know a single stinkin' thing about lawn mowers so maybe one of you mamas can make a comment and share your wisdom on the subject. All I know is that there's a place to put in the oil and a place to add gas. Fortunately, my oldest son, Kyler, does all the mowing. Blair makes the oil and gas runs. But, it hasn't been any work in over a year because we don't have a single blade of grass on our lawn. When the ground warms up, that's one of my goals...to actually have a lawn. I know you're supposed to keep the blade sharp and change out the oil and filters and such. So, if anyone would like to leave a comment about lawnmower care, I would appreciate it! Now, let me tell you what I DO know about lawn and garden equipment.

As far as your pruning shears, hand shovels, hedge trimmers, and other hand tools, this is a good time to give them a good check-up. Make sure there is no rust and the blades are nice and clean. Oil them down (you can use WD40) and then (here's the kicker) store them in a place where you will ALWAYS put them back. One solution is to have a specific hook in your storage room/closet for that tool, and that tool only. If it can't fit on a hook, then loop a piece of sturdy twine to one of the handles and use that to place it on the hook.

If you have an electric or gas-powered weed trimmer, make sure it's oiled well and that you have plenty of plastic cording that fits into it.

For all those loooong tools, like shovels, rakes, and the like...make sure these are in good shape and they have not loosened at the base. I was collecting my shovels the other day and found out that my best wide shovel had split on the base. Then I found out that it was because my kiddos were using it to sled the last time it snowed! Oh, well. You can always get a new shovel. You can't always get a new awesome sledding day! When you're storing your long tools, don't just prop them up against a wall. A good idea is to get a tall trashcan and use this to store them, handle down.

Your garden hose is also an essential tool. Even if you don't garden that much, a hot day is just around the corner and the kids are going to have to play with it. Check your hose for any cracks or areas that may have become flattened or folded over the winter. If you need to replace it, make sure you get a good quality hose that resists kinks.

There you go. Now, I'm going to go pore over my seed catalogs and dream of spring...

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