Got a lot of fertilizer, grass seed or other stuff left from last year? Toro Co. and its Web site, www.yardcare.com, offer these tips on the shelf-life of everyday yard products.

Here’s what you can still use and what to throw away (safely, of course):

Grass seed. Depending upon storage, grass seed can last two to three years. In order to test its vitality, plant a few seeds in a small flowerpot, keep them moist and cover them with a plastic bag. Good seeds will germinate within a week or two.

Fertilizer never goes bad. Even when it becomes compacted and hard, all you need to do is take a hammer and break it apart.

Gasoline has a shelf life of about 30 days. Formulations have been changing for many years. It does not store as well as the gasoline we used even just a few years ago. Using old gas may significantly harm a lawnmower’s life span. The old fuel can clog the carburetor, making the mower hard to start. If the stuff in your tank is older than 30 days, dispose of it and get fresh gas.

Oil can have a shelf life of up to three years, but it is important to change mower engine oil at least once a year. Check your owner’s manual for exact specifications.

Important reminder: When discarding old fuel or oil, make sure to dispose of it properly in places such as a service station or waste disposal station.

source : www.post-gazette.com

For more tips on renovating lawns, treating pests, fertilization and other grassy issues, go to www.yardcare.com.