However, he or she might collect all the tools they can, but some tools are definitely more useful than the other and which the garden simply cannot do without.
Here are a few gardening tools that will make a definitive difference to gardening efforts.
Shovels
These gardening implements have a round or pointed blade. They help a gardener to move soil, dig hole or even in the process of planting. You must also try and select a garden shovel that has a flat edge at the top of the blade. Your foot gets a better surface purchase this way.
Hoes
Weeds and a garden go hand in hand. You can’t have a garden which does not have weeds and they are a fact of gardening life. You can’t just get away from them; but hoes help you get rid of them. You can also use hoes to break up the soil, if needed. Your selection of a garden hoe must be dependant on its strength and hence try going for a rolled steel blade that has been riveted to the handle. Such hoes are more reliable.
Hoes with a smaller blade will enable you to get in between the plants, if necessary, and clear the weeds.
Trowels
A trowel is a tool that will offer immeasurable help during planting. If you are looking for durability, and most people are, then a steel blade trowel is the one to choose. If you are looking for an easy grip then choose a trowel that has a soft rubber handle. If gardening is your passion, and you plan to spend long hours working in the garden then you would do well to get trowels which are ergonomically designed, which help in taking off the stress off your wrist.
Rakes
Rakes will help get rid of all the fall leaves from your garden and also enable you to collect all the debris that gets collected in the garden. You can either use a narrow rake or a wide rake. If you use a narrow rake, it’s easier to maneuver around or between the plants, but a wide rake will get rid of the fall leaves easily and quickly. So, its best that you have both types of rakes and here again, choose only those with ergonomic handles.
Pruners
This is yet another gardening tool that a gardener cannot simply do without. This is because the process of shaping of a plant, their pruning, and deadheading goes on throughout the year. So, if you want a cleaner cut on the plants then you should use pruners. The do not rip or tear the plant.
Typically, there are two types of pruners that you can choose from – the anvil pruners and bypass pruners. A word of caution here; buying pruners can be a costly exercise, so be very careful in your selection.
Garden Forks
If you want to break up the garden soil, then a garden fork is the best bet. Compared to a pitch fork, garden forks are thicker and shorter. Don’t go for ones that have flat tines, but for those who have square tines. You can use a garden fork in place of a spade if it’s of the right size and shape.
Water Cans
A good watering can is a must-have, if you are the proud owner of a garden. A good watering can makes it easier for you to water your plants. It can be easily tilted and can easily be maneuvered and balanced in your hand.
These are just some of the gardening tools that are popularly used in a garden. They are many more, but if you have these, then you wont face any trouble in your gardening activities.
Sunday, June 28, 2009
Thursday, May 28, 2009
Everybody Can Garden With Containers
Container gardening is fantastic. On its own, a terracotta pot is just a container and summer bedding is just some plants. However, selectively plant the summer bedding in the container, add a few sprinkles of green-fingered expertise and you have created a miniature garden-scape. You are effectively planting a garden in miniature. This is known to some people as container design planting. The constructive planting of containers allows people who may just have a balcony to enjoy a taste of horticulture; containerised planting also brings the garden within the reach of a disabled persons fork and trowel.
* Cleaning containers
To help you create thriving container plantings for the summer, please consider the following… If you intend replanting any containers you should get rid of all traces of compost from the previous year. Be scrupulous in your washing as particles of previous year’s compost can harbour pests, diseases and mould spores. To ensure a clean environment for growing, wash the heavier covering of old compost off with a hose. Follow this by plunging the containers into water containing a garden disinfectant such as ‘Jeyes fluid’. Scrub off any stubborn compost with a scrubbing brush, do this whilst in the disinfectant. Rinse the containers well under running water and leave them to dry. Use this method on window boxes as well, particularly if you have a build up of old compost and your planting tends to finish flowering far too early.
* Container drainage
Check your container for adequate drainage holes, If you have too few or no drainage holes at all then your plants may suffer from oxygen starvation due to excess water. To prevent drainage points becoming blocked with compost, I suggest placing a layer of broken terracotta or polystyrene bedding plant trays over the drainage holes. In fact broken polystyrene bedding plant trays can also be used to fill the main body of larger containers; this will reduce the amount of potting compost needed.
* Compost level
Fill your container with a quality peat or loam-based compost and firm lightly. Ensure this compost stops at least 1 inch below the lip of the container; this will be your watering space.
* Planting
Hours before planting, plunge these plants in a bucket of water and thoroughly soak them. Watering like this will prevent shock upon replanting and will also help merge the plants existing compost to its new container compost. Position the plants on top of the container to get an impression of what the final planting could look like, it is better to alter positions at this stage rather than at the mucky post planting stage.
* Centre and surrounding planting
Aim to plant from the centre of the container outwards. Create a central or offset central hole big enough for the rootball of the central plant. Examples of good central plants would be a Cordyline or Phormium. Remove the pot (believe me, some people forget this) and place the plant into the hole firming the compost around it. Then, settle the rest of the plants in similar planting style around the edges. All the plants should end up at the same depth as they were in their original containers.
* Watering
Ensure the containers compost stops at least 1 inch below the lip of the container; this is to allow a watering space. Level the surface of the compost with your hand and water thoroughly until water starts to flow from the containers base. Leave the container to sit for about an hour, if after that hour any of the compost has settled then you may top it up. Wooden and unglazed terracotta containers usually require much more water due to their porous and absorbent nature. I suggest you apply a mulch of mini-chip bark or gravel to the composts surface, as well as being decorative this will lessen the containers loss of water through evaporation.
* Cleaning containers
To help you create thriving container plantings for the summer, please consider the following… If you intend replanting any containers you should get rid of all traces of compost from the previous year. Be scrupulous in your washing as particles of previous year’s compost can harbour pests, diseases and mould spores. To ensure a clean environment for growing, wash the heavier covering of old compost off with a hose. Follow this by plunging the containers into water containing a garden disinfectant such as ‘Jeyes fluid’. Scrub off any stubborn compost with a scrubbing brush, do this whilst in the disinfectant. Rinse the containers well under running water and leave them to dry. Use this method on window boxes as well, particularly if you have a build up of old compost and your planting tends to finish flowering far too early.
* Container drainage
Check your container for adequate drainage holes, If you have too few or no drainage holes at all then your plants may suffer from oxygen starvation due to excess water. To prevent drainage points becoming blocked with compost, I suggest placing a layer of broken terracotta or polystyrene bedding plant trays over the drainage holes. In fact broken polystyrene bedding plant trays can also be used to fill the main body of larger containers; this will reduce the amount of potting compost needed.
* Compost level
Fill your container with a quality peat or loam-based compost and firm lightly. Ensure this compost stops at least 1 inch below the lip of the container; this will be your watering space.
* Planting
Hours before planting, plunge these plants in a bucket of water and thoroughly soak them. Watering like this will prevent shock upon replanting and will also help merge the plants existing compost to its new container compost. Position the plants on top of the container to get an impression of what the final planting could look like, it is better to alter positions at this stage rather than at the mucky post planting stage.
* Centre and surrounding planting
Aim to plant from the centre of the container outwards. Create a central or offset central hole big enough for the rootball of the central plant. Examples of good central plants would be a Cordyline or Phormium. Remove the pot (believe me, some people forget this) and place the plant into the hole firming the compost around it. Then, settle the rest of the plants in similar planting style around the edges. All the plants should end up at the same depth as they were in their original containers.
* Watering
Ensure the containers compost stops at least 1 inch below the lip of the container; this is to allow a watering space. Level the surface of the compost with your hand and water thoroughly until water starts to flow from the containers base. Leave the container to sit for about an hour, if after that hour any of the compost has settled then you may top it up. Wooden and unglazed terracotta containers usually require much more water due to their porous and absorbent nature. I suggest you apply a mulch of mini-chip bark or gravel to the composts surface, as well as being decorative this will lessen the containers loss of water through evaporation.
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
A Home Garden – Fun for the Whole Family
Home gardening is a wonderful pastime that the whole family can enjoy. In addition, gardening has become an increasingly popular hobby for people of all ages. Currently, studies show that in the United States, eight of ten households take part in some type of home gardening endeavor. Based on these statistics, gardening is one of the most popular outdoor recreational activities in the nation.
Typically, when people start planting their garden, they start with flowers. In addition, most people will pursue planting roses. The novice garden does not realize that roses usually take the most time and effort as compared to other flowers. With such an enormous array of flowers to choose from, it is best for the novice to start of with easy care plants and flowers.
Vegetable gardens have become quite popular too. A vegetable garden can bring a sense of pride and accomplishment when you place those fresh vegetables on your dinner table. The list of vegetable plants is endless, therefore when planning your vegetable garden choose the right vegetable for your growing climate. For instance, cool weather crops would be green beans, zucchini, and cucumbers.
Many gardeners will consider planting fruits as well. In a warm climate, you could plant watermelons, and trees such as apricots and peaches. A berry garden is also fun, planting strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries. These types of berry gardens are easy to care for and take less space than a traditional vegetable garden.
Herbs are another favorite for the home garden. If you have limited space, you can grow your herbs indoors in a sunny window. The most often used herbs for cooking are basil, thyme, oregano, parsley, and cilantro. These herbs are easy to grow too.
Landscaping your yard is another form of gardening. There are different types of grasses and shrubbery to decorate your yard. Decorative rocks, ponds, and statues are also included as a form of landscape gardening. Landscaping your yard is not limited to plant life. As with a garden, your lawn and shrubbery need upkeep.
As mentioned earlier, gardening can be fun and educational for the whole family. In addition, what a delight to see the flowers bloom and harvest the vegetables. However, as with anything else, to be a successful home gardener takes work. Plants need to be weeded and watered. Do not get discouraged if the flowers are not as brilliant as expected or the beans did not do so well. Research the plant in question and then try again next planting season, eventually you will have a wonderful garden.
Typically, when people start planting their garden, they start with flowers. In addition, most people will pursue planting roses. The novice garden does not realize that roses usually take the most time and effort as compared to other flowers. With such an enormous array of flowers to choose from, it is best for the novice to start of with easy care plants and flowers.
Vegetable gardens have become quite popular too. A vegetable garden can bring a sense of pride and accomplishment when you place those fresh vegetables on your dinner table. The list of vegetable plants is endless, therefore when planning your vegetable garden choose the right vegetable for your growing climate. For instance, cool weather crops would be green beans, zucchini, and cucumbers.
Many gardeners will consider planting fruits as well. In a warm climate, you could plant watermelons, and trees such as apricots and peaches. A berry garden is also fun, planting strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries. These types of berry gardens are easy to care for and take less space than a traditional vegetable garden.
Herbs are another favorite for the home garden. If you have limited space, you can grow your herbs indoors in a sunny window. The most often used herbs for cooking are basil, thyme, oregano, parsley, and cilantro. These herbs are easy to grow too.
Landscaping your yard is another form of gardening. There are different types of grasses and shrubbery to decorate your yard. Decorative rocks, ponds, and statues are also included as a form of landscape gardening. Landscaping your yard is not limited to plant life. As with a garden, your lawn and shrubbery need upkeep.
As mentioned earlier, gardening can be fun and educational for the whole family. In addition, what a delight to see the flowers bloom and harvest the vegetables. However, as with anything else, to be a successful home gardener takes work. Plants need to be weeded and watered. Do not get discouraged if the flowers are not as brilliant as expected or the beans did not do so well. Research the plant in question and then try again next planting season, eventually you will have a wonderful garden.
Saturday, February 28, 2009
Improving Your Garden by Adding a Fountain
A great way to spice up your garden is to add a water feature. These can
be both soothing and aesthetically appealing. I've found that there’s
nothing more relaxing than sitting on a bench next to my garden and
listening to my fountain while I read a good book or do some studying.
Putting in a water feature is fairly easy and relatively inexpensive, and
will add immensely to the pleasantness of your garden. Also, the
maintenance level is minimal.
Usually, people install fountains for the benefit of the natural ambience
it provides. For some reason, being around a gorgeous scene of water gives
you a positive energy. This is also good if you practice Tai Chi or some
form of yoga or meditation. The constant drone of the water is exactly
what most people need to concentrate on what they are doing. Even if
you're not into that kind of stuff, just being in a garden with a fountain
has a sort of meditative quality to it, even if you're not trying to do
so. I recommend it to anyone.
When you first decide to put in a fountain, you need to put great care
into picking out one that will go well with the rest of your garden. If
you have any other decorations, you want to consider if it goes well with
your motif. Does the fountain you're considering stand out in your garden
like a sore thumb, or does it look like it was meant to be there? If
you're like me, you can't naturally tell whether the fountain will be a
good addition to your garden just by looking at it. So my solution was to
bring my sister (a natural at fashion design and that kind of stuff) along
with a picture of my garden to the store. I was able to get her expert
opinion, as well as see for myself what it would look like. By doing this
I was able to pick a beautiful rock fountain that goes marvelously with
the rest of my garden.
However, I still had a slight problem with supplying my fountain with
power. You see, my garden isn't very close to my house. I thought it would
look pretty tacky to run an extension cord across my yard, so I had to
come up with another solution. I discussed my situation with a Home Depot
employee, and he quickly found me the exact solution I needed: an
extension cord meant for being buried! All it took was a few hours of
digging a small trench across my yard, and I had power to my fountain
without an unsightly cord running across my yard. After I got over this
little hitch, my fountain plan went beautifully.
So if you're looking for a way to make your garden a more classy and
beautiful place to be, I hope you consider installing a fountain. The
whole process is surprisingly inexpensive, and I think that you will be
very happy with the results. Having a fountain in your garden is not only
soothing, but it also adds a lot of character to an otherwise bland
garden. Remember, gardens are not just for giving us vegetables! A garden
is a place to go when you want to retreat from the outside world and dwell
in your own thoughts with no disturbance.
be both soothing and aesthetically appealing. I've found that there’s
nothing more relaxing than sitting on a bench next to my garden and
listening to my fountain while I read a good book or do some studying.
Putting in a water feature is fairly easy and relatively inexpensive, and
will add immensely to the pleasantness of your garden. Also, the
maintenance level is minimal.
Usually, people install fountains for the benefit of the natural ambience
it provides. For some reason, being around a gorgeous scene of water gives
you a positive energy. This is also good if you practice Tai Chi or some
form of yoga or meditation. The constant drone of the water is exactly
what most people need to concentrate on what they are doing. Even if
you're not into that kind of stuff, just being in a garden with a fountain
has a sort of meditative quality to it, even if you're not trying to do
so. I recommend it to anyone.
When you first decide to put in a fountain, you need to put great care
into picking out one that will go well with the rest of your garden. If
you have any other decorations, you want to consider if it goes well with
your motif. Does the fountain you're considering stand out in your garden
like a sore thumb, or does it look like it was meant to be there? If
you're like me, you can't naturally tell whether the fountain will be a
good addition to your garden just by looking at it. So my solution was to
bring my sister (a natural at fashion design and that kind of stuff) along
with a picture of my garden to the store. I was able to get her expert
opinion, as well as see for myself what it would look like. By doing this
I was able to pick a beautiful rock fountain that goes marvelously with
the rest of my garden.
However, I still had a slight problem with supplying my fountain with
power. You see, my garden isn't very close to my house. I thought it would
look pretty tacky to run an extension cord across my yard, so I had to
come up with another solution. I discussed my situation with a Home Depot
employee, and he quickly found me the exact solution I needed: an
extension cord meant for being buried! All it took was a few hours of
digging a small trench across my yard, and I had power to my fountain
without an unsightly cord running across my yard. After I got over this
little hitch, my fountain plan went beautifully.
So if you're looking for a way to make your garden a more classy and
beautiful place to be, I hope you consider installing a fountain. The
whole process is surprisingly inexpensive, and I think that you will be
very happy with the results. Having a fountain in your garden is not only
soothing, but it also adds a lot of character to an otherwise bland
garden. Remember, gardens are not just for giving us vegetables! A garden
is a place to go when you want to retreat from the outside world and dwell
in your own thoughts with no disturbance.
Friday, February 20, 2009
Three Idea's For Purchasing a Wall Fountain.
Water fountains and especially wall fountains have been here for a while, bringing a touch of extravagance and serenity to the most impressive houses around the world. Egyptians used fountains in the open air gardens, while the Farsi build there fountains inside within embedded courtyards as a means of stimulating the gods. Today, water fountains add peacefulness to any garden or indoor d้cor, providing a way for the most modest areas to be comfortable.
Wall fountains bear all of the finer details of conventional water fountains, but are much more adapting when it comes to room thy use and care than their outside garden counterparts. They can easy be adhered to any wall, indoors and outdoors; a lot of them involve little more than a few basic household tools and water.
So to help you in preparing for your shopping effort, we have three tips for choosing the perfect wall fountain for you and your household:
1. Wall Fountain Materials and Finish. Depending upon if you plan on installing you're new wall fountain indoors or outdoors, the finish of your wall fountain can change to align with any decor. Sandstone finish over fiberglass is one common choice, as the lightweight make-up coupled with a classical finish brings use and art together into an in and outdoor wall fountain. Copper is a different choice material for wall fountains, providing another look to a classical piece. Then again, wall fountains constructed from cast stone, al tho very appealing, will serve a more pragmatic purpose on an outside garden fountain, as the weight of the fountain is more than plausible too much for an indoor surface.
2. Cost- The normal cost of a wall fountain depends largely on two things- material and the size of it. A lightweight fiberglass fountain will for certain weigh a lot lower than a same fountain constructed of cast stone. A 2-foot high fountain will cost considerably less than a 6-foot fountain. But do not be fooled into believing that you are not able to not afford what you truly want, as these types of items have been thought to be only affordable by the rich, and this is further away from the truth. You will be pleasantly amazed at the low prizes for wall fountains, and you will not know till you start searching.
3. Do not restrain Your Shopping Possibilities- you will be able to shop at more garden shops than just only brick and mortar venues. The World Wide Web has brought the world into your living room, and doing online research and shopping is just one of the benefits that has come in with it, with pride on its coattails. Don't worry, you will find you're dream fountain that fits you're style as well as you're wallet.
Wall fountains bear all of the finer details of conventional water fountains, but are much more adapting when it comes to room thy use and care than their outside garden counterparts. They can easy be adhered to any wall, indoors and outdoors; a lot of them involve little more than a few basic household tools and water.
So to help you in preparing for your shopping effort, we have three tips for choosing the perfect wall fountain for you and your household:
1. Wall Fountain Materials and Finish. Depending upon if you plan on installing you're new wall fountain indoors or outdoors, the finish of your wall fountain can change to align with any decor. Sandstone finish over fiberglass is one common choice, as the lightweight make-up coupled with a classical finish brings use and art together into an in and outdoor wall fountain. Copper is a different choice material for wall fountains, providing another look to a classical piece. Then again, wall fountains constructed from cast stone, al tho very appealing, will serve a more pragmatic purpose on an outside garden fountain, as the weight of the fountain is more than plausible too much for an indoor surface.
2. Cost- The normal cost of a wall fountain depends largely on two things- material and the size of it. A lightweight fiberglass fountain will for certain weigh a lot lower than a same fountain constructed of cast stone. A 2-foot high fountain will cost considerably less than a 6-foot fountain. But do not be fooled into believing that you are not able to not afford what you truly want, as these types of items have been thought to be only affordable by the rich, and this is further away from the truth. You will be pleasantly amazed at the low prizes for wall fountains, and you will not know till you start searching.
3. Do not restrain Your Shopping Possibilities- you will be able to shop at more garden shops than just only brick and mortar venues. The World Wide Web has brought the world into your living room, and doing online research and shopping is just one of the benefits that has come in with it, with pride on its coattails. Don't worry, you will find you're dream fountain that fits you're style as well as you're wallet.
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
Why You Should Have a Garden Fountain.
Commonly, people set up garden fountains for the welfare of the natural ambiance
it offers. Somehow, being around a beautiful scene of water feeds
you with positive energy. And this is great for the people ho practice Tai Chi or some
sort of yoga or meditation. The steady drone of the water is precisely
what most folks need to focus on what they're doing. Even if
You are not into that sort of stuff, just living in a garden with a Garden fountain
has a kind of meditative character to it, even if you are not trying to do
so. I advice it to anyone.
As you first determine to put in a fountain, you want to put a lot of care
into choosing one that will fit with the balance of your garden. Whenever
you have any other ornamentations, you would like to consider if it goes good with
your motif. Does the garden fountain you are thinking of stand out in your garden
like a painful thumb, or does it appear like it was meant to be there? If
You are like me, you can not naturally tell whether the fountain will be a
fine add-on to your garden by merely by looking at it. And so my answer was to
bring my mother (a born natural at fashion design and that sort of things) along
with a image of my garden to the garden shop. I was able to get her skilled
judgment, in addition to that i can see for myself what it would appear like. By doing this
I was able to pick a fine-looking stone fountain that goes terrifically with
the balance of my garden.
Nevertheless, I still had a slim problem with providing my fountain with
electricity. You see, my garden Is not near to my home. I believed it would
look pretty nasty to run an extension cord over my back yard, and so I had to
think up another answer for my problem. I talked over my problem with a professional,
and he rapidly found me the precise solution I wanted:
an extension cord intended for to being buried! Altogether it took was a a couple of hours of
digging out a small ditch across my backyard, and I had electricity to my fountain
without an ugly cord coming across my yard. After I got over this
Small hitch, my garden fountain plan went great.
So if you are seeking a way to form your garden into a more fashionable and
beautiful place to be, I hope you think of installing a garden fountain. The
Whole thing is astonishingly cheap, and I believe that you'll be
very pleased with the results.
it offers. Somehow, being around a beautiful scene of water feeds
you with positive energy. And this is great for the people ho practice Tai Chi or some
sort of yoga or meditation. The steady drone of the water is precisely
what most folks need to focus on what they're doing. Even if
You are not into that sort of stuff, just living in a garden with a Garden fountain
has a kind of meditative character to it, even if you are not trying to do
so. I advice it to anyone.
As you first determine to put in a fountain, you want to put a lot of care
into choosing one that will fit with the balance of your garden. Whenever
you have any other ornamentations, you would like to consider if it goes good with
your motif. Does the garden fountain you are thinking of stand out in your garden
like a painful thumb, or does it appear like it was meant to be there? If
You are like me, you can not naturally tell whether the fountain will be a
fine add-on to your garden by merely by looking at it. And so my answer was to
bring my mother (a born natural at fashion design and that sort of things) along
with a image of my garden to the garden shop. I was able to get her skilled
judgment, in addition to that i can see for myself what it would appear like. By doing this
I was able to pick a fine-looking stone fountain that goes terrifically with
the balance of my garden.
Nevertheless, I still had a slim problem with providing my fountain with
electricity. You see, my garden Is not near to my home. I believed it would
look pretty nasty to run an extension cord over my back yard, and so I had to
think up another answer for my problem. I talked over my problem with a professional,
and he rapidly found me the precise solution I wanted:
an extension cord intended for to being buried! Altogether it took was a a couple of hours of
digging out a small ditch across my backyard, and I had electricity to my fountain
without an ugly cord coming across my yard. After I got over this
Small hitch, my garden fountain plan went great.
So if you are seeking a way to form your garden into a more fashionable and
beautiful place to be, I hope you think of installing a garden fountain. The
Whole thing is astonishingly cheap, and I believe that you'll be
very pleased with the results.
Friday, January 30, 2009
Care and Repair of Garden Tools
Knowing how to properly use and maintain garden tools will increase their life, help prevent personal injury, and increase your gardening enjoyment. For example, properly uncoiling a hose will prevent you from tripping or catching your foot in the coil. The points of an upturned rake can inflict painful and sometimes serious puncture wounds when stepped on, to say nothing about the possibility of the handle flying up and striking you in the face. Tools must not be left where their edges or point may be hidden by grass, leaves, or other material. Keep your fingers away from the blades of the lawn mower: merely striking your hand against the blades can lead to a brutal injury. A small, slight crack in a wooden handle can be repaired by wrapping the handle with tape. A glass filament tape is particularly useful for such a job.
Splinters in wooden handles of rakes, hoes, and shovels can be cured by sanding the surface until it becomes smooth again; this not only protects your hands, but keeps the cracks from spreading and causing the handle to break. A good way to preserve a wood handle is to apply several coats of quality varnish or to paint it. The metal parts of the tool may be painted, with a primer coat, and two coats of exterior paint. However, any metal part which goes into the ground should not be painted.
Aside from preservation by paint, the tools are easier to find when their handles are of a color which makes them conspicuous if left lying on the grass: The color, therefore, should not be green or brown, but a bright contrast to the grass such as red. yellow, blue, or white. The metal edges of shovels, hoes, rakes or other garden tools may become nicked. These may be smoothed with a metal file. Any rough surfaces should be gone over with steel wool or other abrasive which is good for metal. Dents may be straightened out by hammering with a mallet. A wheelbarrow break, in the wood or metal parts, should be repaired at once. Painting the wheelbarrow helps preserve the wood. The moving parts need occasional oiling, to run smoothly. For winter storage, keep tools in a dry spot as dampness could be harmful. Wipe all tools clean of any dirt or grass before being stored. The metal parts should be coated with a mixture of petroleum jelly and light oil, to prevent rust.
Caring for your garden tools will help them last year after year!
Splinters in wooden handles of rakes, hoes, and shovels can be cured by sanding the surface until it becomes smooth again; this not only protects your hands, but keeps the cracks from spreading and causing the handle to break. A good way to preserve a wood handle is to apply several coats of quality varnish or to paint it. The metal parts of the tool may be painted, with a primer coat, and two coats of exterior paint. However, any metal part which goes into the ground should not be painted.
Aside from preservation by paint, the tools are easier to find when their handles are of a color which makes them conspicuous if left lying on the grass: The color, therefore, should not be green or brown, but a bright contrast to the grass such as red. yellow, blue, or white. The metal edges of shovels, hoes, rakes or other garden tools may become nicked. These may be smoothed with a metal file. Any rough surfaces should be gone over with steel wool or other abrasive which is good for metal. Dents may be straightened out by hammering with a mallet. A wheelbarrow break, in the wood or metal parts, should be repaired at once. Painting the wheelbarrow helps preserve the wood. The moving parts need occasional oiling, to run smoothly. For winter storage, keep tools in a dry spot as dampness could be harmful. Wipe all tools clean of any dirt or grass before being stored. The metal parts should be coated with a mixture of petroleum jelly and light oil, to prevent rust.
Caring for your garden tools will help them last year after year!
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