Check your tools in the garden shed before hitting the outdoors

People have been advised to go through the tools in their garden sheds before hitting the outdoors this spring, in a bid to ensure everything is in working order.

With the warmer weather gardeners will no doubt be itching to get outside, but it is best to take a measured approach to the start of the season, advises the Creston News Advertiser.

"Before hitting the outdoors, make a stop in your garage or shed. Go through all of the tools you'll need in the lawn and garden," states the news provider.

"Is everything in working order and ready to be used again? Check your hand tools to make sure none are corroded or coming loose from the handles … sharpen your shovels, pruning shears and edgers."

Ensure that there is gas and oil for power tools, and taking the lawn mower in to get its blades sharpened is of utmost importance, according to the Advertiser.

Meanwhile, gardeners are being encouraged to mark the onset of spring by getting a head-start on their vegetables.

The Telegraph reports that pre-warming the soil, by way of covering it with plastic sheeting, helps crops in the new season to germinate earlier than usual.

Find out more information about garden sheds.