Welcome through Fred's Garden Gate! Clearly, the pits-o-winter have got to be the best time to attend to the mundane. I spend my days feeding the furnace, shampooing Harry (the best dog-pal in the world!) and trying to coax a few more words out of my computer before it crashes into an early — and probably well-deserved — grave.

But during the coming week I plan to sort through the heap of gardening paraphernalia gathering dust and rust in the basement and storage area. You see, now, when you can almost smell spring, is without a doubt the best possible time to get your garden tools and equipment ready for the fast-approaching flurry of activity just around the corner. So...why not join me as we get our "stuff" ready for spring in the garden!

First, the easy: see if you can find your shovel, trowel, hoe and clippers. Hopefully you brought them in before snowfall. Clean them up with a wire brush or steel wool, file or grind a new sharp edge and give each a light coating of oil to discourage rust while they await the call to duty. Wooden handles could use a fresh coat of varnish or paint. Select a bright color so they'll not be lost so easily.

If your lawnmower is anything like mine, it's probably in need of maintenance. There are a number of small engine shops that will be happy to resurrect the old clunker one more time. And right now is the perfect time...in another month they'll be up to their limits in mowers, tillers, shredders, weed-whackers and other sorely-worn power garden tools to fix.

If your gasoline-driven machines aren't in bad shape, there are some things you can do in your own cellar or garage. Drain all of last year's gasoline before you bring them indoors. Change the oil, put the waste in a jug and take it to the transfer station recycling area for proper disposal. On the recommendation of an experienced small-engine mechanic, I use a regular 30W detergent oil in all our gasoline noise-makers.

Scrape away all of last year's debris (leaves, clippings, grease and dirt) from the engine and housing, especially where air has to move to keep the machine cool. Apply a little lubricant to the throttle control. And it probably wouldn't hurt to take the blade to the corner repair shop to have it sharpened and balanced if you don't have the equipment to do it yourself. Lubricate the wheel bearings and height adjusters.

Most importantly, make dead-sure that all of the safety features function properly! Getting your fingers or toes sliced or diced because someone defeated a vital safety device can be very painful, expensive and downright inconvenient! (Drop by some time and ask to see my lawn-mower shoe...it'll be a real eye-opener!)

Don't forget other things like your wheelbarrow. Some have a pneumatic tire and can be repaired if punctured, just like a car tire. What about that leaky water hose? Now would be a perfect time to patch it with a good, tight application of vinyl tape or a new connector. The folks at your local hardware store will help you select the proper size splice or connector. Measuring the inside hose diameter before you go might save you a return-trip.

Tillers, shredders, string trimmers, edgers and garden tractors get essentially the same treatment. Clean up and lubricate the engine and other moving parts; shake out the air filter or replace it; closely inspect and replace, if worn, drive and accessory belts; check battery fluid levels and connections; and correct any serious rust. A new sparkplug, clean crankcase oil and a fresh tank of gas...and you're off and running. Don't forget to check the safety features on all of your power equipment.

One last thing: keep your mittens, scarf and snow shovel handy because, even though you may now be ready for spring, 'ol man winter may still have a surprise or two up his icy sleeve! Until next time, when we'll begin the early-spring ritual of dealing with seeds, enjoy your mid-winter indoor gardening.