Now is the time to buy that lawn mower

Deal of the day for Wednesday, Februrary 20th: Lawn experts will tell you that one key to a good lawn is a mower with sharp blades and enough power to cut crisply through even the toughest spring grass. Is yours up to the task?

If not, now is a good time to shop for a replacement, as companies clear out 2007 models. For example, Sears has an on line special until the end of the week on a nice 6.5 hp, Briggs & Stratton-powered Craftsman mower for only $269.88, over $60 below list. The machine is self-propelled and offers both bagging and mulching options.

Regular cutting, before the grass grows too tall, is also essential to a healthy lawn, so making the task easier for the mower is important. A self-propelled mower can take a lot of work out of mowing. I like the muching option, too; why toss out the nutrients in grass clippings?

Even mowing sounds like fun, this deep into winter. I can almost smell the freshly cut grass.