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In Search of the Best Gardening Tools
from:By Deb St. George, on Best Gardening Tools in your Gardening Guide From Spiritravels.com
Different kinds of gardens require different kinds of garden tools. Hardware stores mostly cater for a wide range of tools, but there are shops that specialize in the more expensive kind of garden tool that shouts quality. Wherever you decide to shop, here are a few pointers to advise you.
Do you have small garden or a large one? A small garden will not require the same large equipment that would be of use in an extensive one. A ride-on mower is unnecessary if you only have a small strip of lawn. Another point to consider is who does most of the gardening? Some tools are too heavy for use by women.
When you buy secateurs make sure the blade always stays sharp to avoid damaging the plant. Look for models that have blades that can be sharpened or replaced, models with tension control and with sizes that best fit your hands. Secateurs usually cost around $50 - $130.
Hedge trimmers or shears are handy - but only if you have a hedge, or plan on growing one. Some hedge trimmers have curved blades to stop branches from sliding out when cut.
Forks are used for turning and aerating compost and breaking up lumps of soil. The cheaper ones are often not strong enough for heavy soil, so go for sturdiness instead of price. Forks usually cost around $30 - $100.
A shovel has a scoop blade and is best used to move around dirt and garden soil. A spade has a flat blade great for cutting edges, digging and dividing plants. The edge of a spade should be kept sharpened for clean and efficient cutting will cause the least amount of damage to plants. These are a basic garden necessity and usually cost from $30 - $50.
A pruning saw is used for pruning trees and larger shrubs, while secateurs are for plants like roses. Pruning saws have a narrow curved blade that fits between stems or branches and easily and cuts them as you pull the saw backwards. They are approximately $27- $55.
A chipping hoe is a handy tool for getting rid of small weeds. The Dutch or push-hoe is slightly more user-friendly as the action required to use it does not jar the neck and shoulder quite so much.
A rake is also a basic requirement for the garden. The strong rake with the flat head and sharp metal prongs is used for smoothing a garden bed and getting out the last of the bumps and weeds. The plastic rake is used to gather leaves and grass clippings only.
Gardening tools don't have to be expensive. Flea markets and garage sales can be excellent places to pick up great tool bargain.
Tropical Gardening News
Weather: Tropical storm Alberto forms
Alberto, the first named storm of the season formed this weekend of the southeast coast. This storm, will give some rain and a bit of wind to portions of South Carolina but is a non-event as tropical systems go. Around our area, fine May weather continues with warm afternoon temperatures and plenty of sunshine through some high clouds. A few showers will cross the area later Monday into Tuesday ...
Read more...Disturbance upgraded: Weather service predicts more wind, rain
Tropical Storm 3 is expected to pass close to Guam at 10 a.m. today, with maximum sustained winds of up to 40 mph, according to the Joint Typhoon Warning Center.
Read more...Officials track tropical disturbance
The following are some tips to help ensure your family is ready to weather a storm. •Appliances: Use surge protectors on major appliances and phone lines to avoid power spikes.
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Marin• A Friends of the Falkirk and Marin Master Gardeners plant sale is from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. May 19 and from 10 a.
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Read more...Design Experts, Together with Hines Growers, Share the Three P’s of Decorating for an Instant Garden Makeover
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