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The Weekly Insight Week 44
Growing Grass in the Desert Starts Here

October 27 - 31, 2025

Quick Stats:

  • Current Soil Temp: 79°F 

  • 5-Day Average Soil Temp: 76.8°F

  • Year-to-Date Rainfall: 19.71 inches + .69 inches above normal.

This is the gauge at 4512 Adobe Dr. San Angelo, TX 76903

I track our local lawn and landscape conditions using two reliable sources. Soil temperature data comes from GreenCast Online, a tool by Syngenta that updates daily and helps guide planting, fertilizing, and pest control decisions. Rainfall totals are measured using Raindrop, an app that compiles local precipitation reports to keep us aware of moisture conditions.

As we close out October, this will be our final Weekly Insight of the 2025 growing season. With cooler air, shorter days, and the welcome rain we’ve received, it’s time for lawns and landscapes to take a rest and we’ll do the same for a few months.

We’ll be pausing the Weekly Insight through the winter and will return in early spring when soil temperatures start to climb and the growing season begins again. Until then, we’ll keep sharing practical information in-store, answering your lawn and landscape questions, and helping you prepare for next year.

This week’s feature our Winter Mower Storage Guide walks you through a few simple steps to protect your equipment through the colder months so you’re ready to roll when spring arrives.

Proper winter storage isn’t just about parking your mower it’s about protecting your investment so it’s ready to fire up come spring. A few hours of care now can save you hundreds of dollars in repairs later. Follow these easy steps from BES-TEX Supply to keep both four-cycle and two-cycle engines in top shape through the off-season.

1. Clean the Mower Thoroughly

Remove all grass clippings, dirt, and debris from under the deck, around the engine, and on moving parts.
Why it matters: Moisture trapped under debris causes rust and corrosion and can even invite pests.
How to do it: Scrape off buildup with a putty knife or scraper, then rinse with a hose. Let it dry completely before storing.

2. Take Care of the Fuel System

Old fuel is the most common cause of hard-starting engines come spring.

  • Drain or run out old gasoline completely.

  • Add 1 quart of VP 4-Cycle Fuel (2-year shelf life) and run the engine a few minutes to circulate it.

  • For two-cycle engines (like trimmers, blowers, and chainsaws), use VP SEF 2-Cycle Fuel pre-mixed and ethanol-free to protect carburetors and gaskets.

Why it matters: Stale fuel gums up carburetors and clogs jets. Stabilized fuel keeps the system clean and ready to fire up in spring.

3. Change the Oil (Four-Cycle Engines Only)

Drain old oil and refill with clean oil before storing.
Why it matters: Old oil contains acids that corrode internal parts. Fresh oil keeps everything lubricated and rust-free all winter.

4. Clean or Replace the Air Filter

Replace paper filters or wash foam filters with warm, soapy water and let them dry fully.
Why it matters: Good airflow means better combustion, easy starts, and more power.

5. Service the Spark Plug

Remove, inspect, and replace if needed. Spray a small shot of fogging oil into the cylinder and pull the starter cord once or twice before reinstalling.
Why it matters: Prevents rust on internal parts and ensures reliable ignition next season.

6. Sharpen and Oil the Blades

Sharpen dull blades and lightly coat them with oil to prevent rust.
Why it matters: Sharp blades protect your turf from tearing and disease while reducing engine strain.

7. Care for the Battery (If Equipped)

Disconnect and store indoors in a cool, dry place. Use a battery maintainer or trickle charger if available.
Why it matters: Batteries lose charge or freeze over winter, shortening their lifespan.

8. Check Tire Pressure

Inflate to the manufacturer’s recommended PSI.
Why it matters: Prevents flat spots and helps keep your mower level and balanced.

9. Inspect Belts and Cables

Look for cracks, fraying, or wear on belts, pulleys, and cables. Replace worn parts now.
Why it matters: A few minutes of maintenance now avoids costly downtime later.

10. Choose a Proper Storage Spot

Store indoors if possible in a garage, shed, or shop. If storing outside, elevate the mower and cover it securely with a quality tarp.
Why it matters: Moisture is the mower’s biggest enemy. Keep it dry to prevent rust and corrosion.

Bonus Tip for Two-Cycle Equipment

Before hanging up your trimmers, blowers, or chainsaws:

  • Empty the fuel tank or run it dry.

  • Add a few drops of mix oil into the spark-plug hole, pull the starter cord gently, and reinstall the plug.

  • Store equipment vertically or on racks to protect hoses and fuel lines.

Why it matters: Two-cycle engines rely on oil mixed with the fuel for lubrication, if left to dry out, they can seize or score the cylinder.

Closing Remarks

Even though the Weekly Insight will take a break until spring, BES-TEX Supply is still open and ready to serve you all winter long. Our hours remain Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and our team is available to help with parts, service, and equipment needs.

If you need mower blade sharpening, winterization, or just good advice on your next project, stop by or give us a call. We appreciate your business and the trust you’ve placed in us this season it’s because of loyal customers like you that BES-TEX continues to grow year after year.

We’ll see you in spring with fresh insights, green lawns, and new opportunities to keep West Texas growing strong. 

BES-TEX Supply
4512 Adobe Dr. • San Angelo, TX 76903
325.653.1300 • www.BES-TEX.com

Payment Terms: At BES-TEX Supply, we accept all major credit cards (MasterCard, Visa, Discover, American Express), as well as personal checks & cash. Please note that all sale items must be paid for at the time of purchase. We do not offer net 30 terms on sale items. 

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