Maintaining Garden Equipment and Replacing It

Gardening equipment is undoubtedly an expense.  But, no gardener can properly maintain a garden with garden equipment.  As a result, we have a few gardening tips on maintaining garden equipment to share with you today.  Without the proper equipment, maintaining your garden can feel like a chore.  Most equipment is designed to last many years without the need for replacement.   Here’s a few basic gardening essentials that you will need: 

 

 

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  • Lawnmower –  An essential, really.  There’s no way a garden can look good if the grass is overgrown.  Furthermore, this tends to be the most expensive piece of garden equipment that people own.  The average lifespan of a mower is 10 years – though this can vary.  If you’re considering making a purchase, consult Lawn Mower Lane. They have reviews on Hand Reels, Riding Mowers and Tractors, Robotic Mowers and Walk Behinds.
  • Rake –  Those leaves aren’t going to jump into the pile.  Your kids need something to play into this fall. A leaf rake will be called into use!
  • Hoe –  Using a hoe is the easiest way to weed. Hoes are generally inexpensive and can take quite a bit of use.
  • Hand fork/trowel –  These are essentials for planting seedlings and getting rid of weeds that have taken up residence deeper in the soil.
  • Wheelbarrow –  There’s more uses for a wheelbarrow than you can count.  A few are moving grass cuttings to helping transport newly potted plants to their desired location.

 


 

Of course, this is not an exhaustive list, but it is a basic one.  If you have owned any of the above items for over five years, it might be worth checking them out for issues.  Maintaining garden equipment before you dive into the new gardening season is a must. Poor equipment can equal a poor finish on any work that you do.  Here’s a few signs of what to look out for:

Rust

If there’s rust on any parts of any of these tools, then you have two options. You can try rust removal.  The success removing the rust can vary.  Or you can simply replace the tools. Rust isn’t inherently dangerous – it’s just a chemical reaction after all – but it can make results unpredictable.

Mechanical Problems

Obviously this is specifically for lawnmowers. Don’t assume that just because the mower does its job that it’s in good condition.  There could be hidden issues. Take it for a tune up at a repair shop. While you’re there, have it checked for other issues that may not be obvious and other safety concerns.

Weakness

Specifically for rakes and hoes.  After years of use, tools can begin to weaken.  Handles can crack or pieces fall off.  Given these items are generally inexpensive, it might be more efficient to just purchase new one.

We hope that you have found our tips on maintaining garden equipment helpful.  Be sure to check your equipment each gardening season.

Tips For a Healthy Garden

Gardening can be tremendously therapeutic and good for the soul.  However, it is natural that problems will arise. You could be putting in love, time, and money, but still end up seeing your beloved plants suffer.  Today, I have gardening tips that will get your garden healthy and happy.  After all, every gardener can use tips for a healthy garden

 

 

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Here are a few signs that your garden might be suffering and solutions:

The birds aren’t coming

Many of us enjoy casual birdwatching.  So, it can be troubling when the birds don’t come. One of the most common causes of birds refusing to come to your garden is that they don’t feel safe.  Do you have a cat or dog?  Or does your neighbor?  Try to place your feeder higher from the ground and out of reach of any ground-dwelling animals.  You should soon see them start to come to your backyard feeders. 

 

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The bees aren’t coming

If your garden plants are flowering, but the fruit never seems to materialize, it probably means the bees aren’t coming. We need bees to move from flower to flower.  When they do, they are taking the pollen with them.  As a result, the plants can repopulate.  If doesn’t happen then the plant doesn’t fruit. The best way to counteract this problem is by adding more flowers. The more flowers you have, the most bees will be attracted to your garden, it’s as simple as that!

The trees don’t look right

Trees, just like humans, are susceptible to diseases.  Some are easily treated with fungicides, but others will need more professional intervention by people such as http://www.treeservicefortworth.org/tree-disease. They will be able to diagnose the problem and suggest treatment. Tell-tale signs include spots on the leaves, swellings and knots in the bark, changes in the rate of growth, and unseasonal color changes. If you have any concerns, it’s always best to speak to a professional for advice.

 


 

The moss is taking over

Moss can be a great addition to a garden for covering unattractive sections, and making it feel more natural and wild. But if moss seems to be taking over in areas where you don’t want it, it could be due to the soil.  Your soil could be too acidic. This is an easy one to solve. All you need to do is include some wood ash into the soil.  It will balance its pH, making it less hospitable for moss

The plants are struggling

In actual fact, the pH of the soil can have serious effects on all the plants.  So, it’s a good idea before you start doing any serious yard work to use one of the home testing kits to check the pH of your soil. This will allow you to neutralize it effectively, without harming your plants. When soil is too acidic or too alkaline, your plants will struggle to grow and could even die.

Gardens are open to the elements, so it’s easy to see why problems arise. As long as you keep your eye out for changes and react to them effectively, you should have a healthy and beautiful garden.  We hope you enjoyed our tips for a healthy garden.

Haus & Garten Titanium Garden Shears Review

Note: This website contains endorsements for products and services, which means when you click on a link that we recommend, we may receive a commission to help pay for the maintenance of this blog.  However, not every link is an affiliate link.  I am a member of the Amazon Affiliate program.  However, there will be additional expense to my readers.

I was given the opportunity to review the Titanium Pruning Shears by Haus & Garten. In return I was given a pair of the garden shears to use in my backyard vegetable garden.  However, all opinions are my own.  When you’re a gardener, having a quality pair of garden shears is imperative.

 

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I used them in my shrubbery beds, my vegetable garden, and trimming flowers on my deck.  First, I pruned a Nadina in my shrubbery bed, and it was like slicing butter.  Afterwards, I trimmed a few overhanding branches from my Dogwood Tree, and it was easy as 123.  Effortless would be the word I would use.

I headed around back to my deck and trimmed a few of my geraniums.  The job was quick and easy.  The cut on the plant was perfect.  These shears were going to be my go to for cutting back plants and removing vegetables in the garden.

Unfortunately, my vegetable garden wasn’t producing vegetable yet, but I was able to remove lower branches from tomato and pepper plants.  I have no doubt that the shears will easily remove my peppers, squash, zucchini and tomatoes from the plants without issues.

Quality material is evident in the shears.  They are heavy, but not a distraction. I have carpal tunnel, so the design and comfort of the shears is important to me. Ergonomically designed shears are a must for any gardener really.  These shears are definitely a pro, and the feel great in your hands.  The blades are thick and strong.  So, you will be able to perform most gardening tasks with these shears. They are easy to grasp and position on plants, flowers and small limbs. Little effort is needed to complete the task.

 

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It is my opinion that these shears will withstand many gardening seasons. Compared to other shears that I own, these are superior. They are actually shameful in comparison. I’m looking forward to using them this fall when I cut back my woody shrubs hard.

I recommend these shears for the home gardener.  They will also make a great gift for the gardener in your life.  Click on the link and head over and check them out.