Putting your lawnmower to bed

Q: In one of your winterpreparation columns last year, you mentioned storing lawn mowers and removing the spark plug. Why do that? -- Pauline S., via e-mail

A: Removing the spark plug keeps the mower from starting up as you go through the task of storing it away for the winter. As soon as the grasscutting season is over, take the following steps to put your mower to bed for the winter:

Place the mower in a well-ventilated area.

Leaving the spark plug in for the moment, drain the gas from the mower tank into an approved fuel container.

Start the engine for a few seconds to burn off any remaining gas, then turn it off and remove the spark plug.