Yardsurfer

Composting and Mulch Creation Basic Mixing Techniques

Thu, 29 Jul 2010 09:44:38 +0000

If you have a look at a well tended garden around a home patio, you can assume a lot of mulch has made the garden that healthy. Any experienced gardener will tell you that compost and mulch are the keys to good gardens.

This isn’t “gardening mythology”. It’s quite right.

The reason is that composting breaks down materials into a chemical state which is easily accessible to the plants. Topsoil is basically a mix of sand and chemically broken down plant materials. In nature, fungi, bacteria heat and water are the main agents of the initial breakdown of materials.

All of these agents are naturally present, and the process of composting is based on them. Earthworms, if present, further refine the broken down materials, which is also a good way of spreading the nutrients for the plants efficiently.

Many formulas exist for compost, including various levels of added nutrients. These are often excellent mixes, but in practice, good compost is a balanced mix of natural materials which is good enough for any gardening purpose. The basic requirements for most plants are nitrogen, potassium and phosphorous, which are common to all plants and released by composting.

There are levels of composting which determine the nutrient values of compost. The rule is that the more composting, the stronger the mix becomes as nutrient value in the garden. The extra composting does reduce the volume of the materials, however, so if you’re intending to mulch a large area, the basic composting approach is usually the simplest and most effective approach.
Basic composting

Basic garden compost is comprised of green material, mixed with fine chopped fiber. The fibers act to help bind the soil, and also release nutrients as they decay. You can also use vegetable scraps, weeds (remove any seeds) and prunings. Lawn clippings are OK, provided they’re well mixed in with bulk materials. They produce very little actual compost, but add valuable water to the mix.

Do not use any animal waste materials, particularly meats. Manure may be used, but only in small ratios, well mixed in.

Home gardeners usually use containers like turning bins, which are efficient for aerating the mix and promoting the growth of biological agents like fungi and bacteria. This is a chemical, rather than a heat-based process, although you’ll notice the compost does get warm, which is a result of the chemical activities. The greenery also provides moisture, which further promotes dissolution of the materials and encourages fungi and bacteria.

The basic compost is a soft, fibrous brown or blackish humus-like mulch. This material, when added to the soil, is further broken down by soil bacteria and fungi, and acts as a sort of slow release fertilizer, providing nutrients steadily.
This type of compost also acts as good top dressing and a general soil and environment improver. The compost effectively provides a layer of extra soil as it’s assimilated into the garden. It even acts as a temporary weed mat, preventing weeds from sprouting.

Your plants will appreciate the pampering.

Plastic Folding Chairs

Thu, 29 Jul 2010 04:33:50 +0000

Plastic folding chairs provide a convenient way to keep large quantities of seating options on hand without taking up a great deal of space. Plastic seat and back sections combined with a lightweight metal frame result in an easy-to-manage seat which can be stacked next to other chairs. Plastic chairs have a distinct advantage over all-metal ones in that they are lighter in weight and easy to clean. Many of these folding chairs have pads which add comfort and style. The metal surfaces are coated with protective paint as a way to prevent rust and stick with a set color scheme. A set of joints at the base of the seat allow the chairs to fold up or down in mere seconds. They have uses in both commercial and consumer realms.

Lightweight Plastic Design

Folding plastic chairs typically have a metal tubular frame for support. Unfortunately plastic is not strong enough to maintain a thin profile with folding joints. Metal and plastic are coupled together to produce an all around lightweight and comfortable product. High density plastic is used on the seat and backrest and is usually curved for ergonomic comfort. Hollow steel tubes make up the light jointed frame. Some models have a handle hole at the top of the seat back which allows for easy carrying.

Ability To Fold

At the base of the seat are joints which allow the frame to fold up to within a couple of inches thick. These chairs are designed to lean up against each other for compact storage. Bars running between the legs ensure rigidity even when supporting the weight of a full sized adult. The joints need no maintenance other than an occasional oiling. At the tip of each foot is a rubber pad which has the dual purpose of preventing floor scratches and stabilizing the plastic folding chair.

Easy To Clean

Plastic folding chairs are easy to clean because all of the surfaces are non-porous. This means that liquids, syrup, dirt and other materials cannot penetrate the surface and cause stains. A warm wet rag can make quick work of most types of stains. This makes these chairs perfect for use outside and in restaurants.

Seat Pads

Seat pads are built into many models which take stress off of pressure points while sitting. Fabric or artificial leather is pulled over a foam pad and glued to the back. If pads are not present, aftermarket pads can be added to the seat after purchase. Pads not only offer comfort but allow users to customize their chairs with designs and patterns of their choice.

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Garden Tool Rack

Thu, 29 Jul 2010 01:44:13 +0000

Experienced gardeners keep a wide range of tools on hand and store them in a garden tool rack. Without a proper means of storing these tools, they can quickly build up and become cluttered. A garden shed can store all of these tools safely, but shelved storage can obscure items and make them difficult to find. Garden tool racks keep every tool out in the open where they can be seen and found quickly. The larger racks stand freely up against a wall or in a corner. Long handled tools are slid into various slots with their working ends in the air. Other racks mount to the wall with a set of screws. Although smaller, wall mounted racks can make use of space that would otherwise not be used.

Floor Garden Tool Rack

Floor racks are the ultimate storage solution for garden tools. These models sit on the floor, usually in a corner or up against a wall. Most models use two levels of molded plastic connected with metal or plastic poles. Long handles tools can be slid through the top holes to keep them in place. The working ends of the tools stick up in the air so users can quickly find the tool they need. Smaller items can be hung on small notches on the edges of the top shelf. Things like extension cords and gloves can be set on the bottom or top shelf. Corner units have sides which come together at 90 degrees, allowing them to slide right into a corner to maximize storage space. Using these racks in areas like basements or garages will extend their lifespan, but the plastic is durable enough to remain outdoors without cracking, rottign or chipping.

Some garden tool racks, such as the 5E28 model from Rubbermaid, feature wheel casters on the bottom which give them the ability to roll around on smooth surfaces. Users can roll them out of the garage or storage shed during use and roll them back in for safe storage afterward.

Wall Racks

A wall mounted garden tool storage rack can make use of previously unused space. These racks use features like S-hooks, spring loaded clamps and wire racks baskets to organize and store many kinds of tools. Even big tools like rakes and brooms can be hung on many of these models. Others are designed to hold small items like gloves, water spray heads and bottles of weed killer. Small hooks can accommodate hand tools with hanger rings.

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Electric Barbecue Grill

Sun, 25 Jul 2010 03:02:37 +0000

When the warm spring and summer months roll around, people start breaking out their electric barbecue grills. Both amateurs and grill masters alike start cooking up great eats for family and friends. Everyone seems to have their own “secret” method for cooing the best tasting meats and grilled veggies. The sweet and spicy smell of barbecue sauce on chicken and beef is an experience that can’t be beat. More people are leaning towards electric grilling as a way to eat healthier and eliminate the hassle involved with gas and charcoal grills. The concept of an electric barbecue grill is rather new, but is becoming more popular every season.

Advantages of Electric Heat

Unlike coal grills which take 15-20 minutes to heat up, electric grills heat up in just a minute or two. All these grills need is a reliable wall outlet for power. Users can extend the reach by employing an extension cord. Using a dial on the front, heat can be controlled with precision. In coal grills, heat can only be controlled by pushing the coals around and/or moving the food. Heat is evenly distributed over the cooking surface thanks to a heating element embedded within. These bbq grills pack the power to sear meats yet can be gentle enough to warm foods until dinner. These grills leave the classic grill lines on the food just like conventional ones.

A domed lid allows heat to flow around inside, cooking the top and bottom of the food at the same time. This convection action cooks food faster and more evenly.

Healthier Food

Electric barbecue grills intended solely for barbecuing usually have a flat grilling surface with slats. Multi use electric grills often have a slanted cooking surface which allows excess fats and juices to slide down into a collection bin. This leaves enough fat inside the meats to make it taste good, but takes excess fat out of your diet. The fat can be disposed of after cooking so it doesn’t enter your system.

Indoor/Outdoor Use

A mid range electric barbecue grill usually has a tall stand which allows it to be placed outdoors off the ground. Many times this stand can be removed, converting the grill to be used on a kitchen counter. Yes, these grills can be safely used indoors to cook up tasty food in the cold seasons. The higher end models are typically designed to be used solely outdoors. Some models get built into outdoor kitchens permanently.

Taste Difference

Because electric grills lack smoke emitted from burning coals, the taste of the food does not have such a prominent smoky flavor. However, grilling the meats on the hot surface will still generate a degree of smoky taste. If you want to ramp up the flavor even more, liquid smoke can be used. (Use sparingly, as this liquid is highly concentrated.)

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Plastic Stackable Chairs

Sun, 25 Jul 2010 01:18:37 +0000

Plastic stackable chairs are lightweight and easy to store being that each chair can be stacked above the next. This allows many chairs to be kept on hand without taking up excessive space. Several chairs in the stacked position only take up the floor space of a single chair. Unlike wood chairs which can fade and crack, plastic chairs never need maintenance or painting. A set of these chairs can last for many years with only occasional cleaning. Most of these chairs have ergonomic curves on the seat and back sections, conforming to the body for comfort. Adding soft pads to these chairs is as easy as strapping them on. Chairs made of recycled plastic are available for earth-conscience consumers.

Stackable Functionality

Outdoor plastic stackable chairs can usually be stacked 3-5 chairs high safely. To stack, one must first select a location and set down a chair. This location could be against a wall or inside a shed. Chairs are then stacked one by one on the first chair until all are stored. These chairs are designed in such a way that each chair conforms in shape to the next. To ensure that you do not stack too high, test the stack by shaking it a bit with your hand. If it feels like it wants to topple, remove some chairs and create another stack next to the original one.

Plastic Materials

Plastic is the ideal material for use in outdoor chairs because it is lightweight and will not rot or chip. Even in extreme temperatures, dense plastic will not warp or fade like wood. Plastic does not need any type of sealer or paint which can cost money and time. Cleaning these chairs is as simple as spraying them off with a hose and letting them dry. Many sets have vents in the back which allow air to flow across the body, reducing heat. During the manufacturing process, plastic is injected into a single mold and let to dry. The result is a one-piece chair which is rigid and durable. One-piece chairs are lightweight and require no assembly after purchase.

Covers

Despite its strength, a plastic stackable chair can still degrade over time. Plastic is vulnerable to UV light generated by the sun, and can result in fading and weakening. To prevent this, one can purchase a stackable chair cover to protect them. Only one cover is needed because these covers are long and can slip over all of the chairs once stacked. Plastic lined fabric covers are both decorative and waterproof. If high winds are anticipated, a cover with velcro straps should be used to prevent it from blowing away.

Plastic stackable chairs are an ideal seating solution for outdoor environments such as backyards. They are cleanly enough to be used indoors as well.

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Pressure Washer Hose

Sat, 24 Jul 2010 01:06:18 +0000

One of the most important parts of a pressure washer is the hose. These hoses are designed to function under extreme pressures and should never be compared with a standard garden hose. Composed of several layers, a pressure washer hose has a network of threads running through its length to make it extremely strong. These hoses should be replaced at any sign of damage, including cracks, bulges an leaks from the connectors. Replacing a hose is actually quite easy one you know what thread you need. This also gives you the opportunity to buy a longer hose to expand your operating range. Immediate replacement of a damaged hose is very important in preventing injury caused by high powered spray.

Replacing a Hose

There are several things to look for in pressure washer hoses to determine damage. Water spraying out the sides of the tube, bulges in the plastic, cracks and leaks from the hardware are some of the things to keep in mind each and every time you turn the machine on. During replacement, refer to your user’s guide to determine the diameter and threading of your current hose. Finding a replacement then becomes easy.

Hose Care and Selection

Always select a new hose which can work in the operating temperature of your machine. An under rated hose can become brittle when exposed to water that is too hot.
Never drag a hose over materials that are too hot. Protecting the exterior of the hose is just as important as protecting the inside. Laying the hose outside in the hot sun or next to a heater is not recommended.
Chemical injection cleaning can only be done on a hose which is rated for chemical resistance.
Keep in mind that the pressure washer hose will be subjected to pulse shortening while under pressure. You need to accommodate for this change in length when selecting the right length of hose.
When connecting more than one hose together, consider installing spring guards to ease the strain at these joints.
Never use a garden hose or any hose that is intended for a use other than pressure washing.
Drain the hose after every use and flush them thoroughly after a chemical cleaning.
Always use a hose reel or rack to store your hose- never a peg or nail.
Bring your hose inside when the temperatures get below freezing. This prevents cracking caused by brittle material.

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Duraworx Plastic Dump Cart

Sat, 24 Jul 2010 00:13:25 +0000

Gardeners have their work cut out for them. Many gardeners transport heavy loads of soil, rocks and plat materials around the garden on a daily basis. Moving this material with a shovel and bucket can be quite a demanding task. Wheelbarrows might seem like a good tool for the job, but they have a tendency to tilt over and be difficult to keep level. A Duraworx plastic dump cart can change all that with its four sturdy wheels for stability and durable plastic material bucket. A full load of material can easily be dumped out onto the ground by tilting the cart upward using the handle. Both carts in the Duraworx line have large air-filled tires, ensuring a smooth ride across uneven terrain.

Duraworx Dumping Garden Cart

Featured in a soft green color ideal for garden environments, Duraworx’s garden cart is the smaller of the two models. However, it packs a remarkable 600 pounds of weight capacity. Fill it up to the brim with rocks, soil or anything else you need transported with ease. The plastic bucket can take a beating, too. Only dense, crack resistant plastic is used in the construction of these buckets.

Unlike wheelbarrows, Duramax carts have four wheels for maximum stability. The wheels take all of the weight, eliminating strain on the body. Each wheel is pneumatic, meaning that they are filled with air. They form a soft cushion between the ground and the cart, minimizing vibration which could jostle the load onto the ground. At 10 inches in diameter, the wheels are large enough to traverse over uneven ground without much trouble.

Duramax makes it easy to dump a full load with the hinged bucket mechanism. At the base of the bucket near the handle is a small bar which users pull up on to tilt the bucket. The plastic bucket sits on a hinge which allows it to tilt over. The Duraworx garden cart is easy to clean between loads, only requiring a quick hose down to remove dirt from the plastic. The metal components are coated with paint to protect them from rust.

Deluxe Duraworx Plastic Dump Cart

With a generous weight capacity of 1200 pounds, this deluxe cart can handle any job you can throw at it. The pneumatic wheels have been upgraded to 13 inches in diameter to keep transport smooth. Duraworx has has replaced the standard handle with a “D-handle” which can be converted to a tractor pulling bar if desired. This cart features the same type of easy-to-use dumping mechanism as its smaller companion.

Moving large amounts of heavy materials has never been so easy. These carts get excellent reviews and are apparently here to stay.

Battery Operated Weed Eater

Fri, 23 Jul 2010 09:12:20 +0000

A battery operated weed eater can make trimming weeds and grass more comfortable and efficient. Instead of dragging around a cord which gets caught on everything, users can walk freely using these battery powered units. A powerful and long lasting battery pack turns an electric motor which spins the cutting blades. Grass and other plant materials are trimmed down to size in an instant. The power is controlled by a single speed handle trigger. Unlike gas string trimmers which are loud and difficult to manage, battery powered models are lightweight and easy to carry. Most of these tools serve the dual purpose of trimming and edging, tipping the tool over to achieve a crisp lawn edge.

Features

Battery operated weed eaters have a range of features which a new buyer should consider. Additional features like a telescoping handle and edge guard can cost a bit more, but can improve the quality of the finished work and increase comfort.

The voltage of the trimmer largely determines the power of the tool. If you have a large lawn which can get out of hand quickly, a high voltage (36v) tool is recommended. An extra battery pack is always a good idea if you anticipate working for extended periods of time. Chargers are included which can charge up a pack in a few hours. These NiCd batteries are reliable and long lasting.

A telescoping handle is important for people both short and tall. Dialing in the length of the handle to match your height makes all the difference in comfort.

The cutting width of any battery operated weed eater can be easily determined by looking at the diameter of the blades. This number is given in inches, and is usually around 10-12. A larger cutting surface means that more grass can be cut in any given time. If you will be using the trimmer to trim your entire lawn, a large cutting surface is recommended.

An auto feed spool is a great feature which can save you the hassle of tapping the spring mechanism ever time you need more line. Auto feeding uses centrifugal force to pull out new string automatically.

Portability

Cordless string trimmers are ideal for people who can’t stomach the smell, sound and maintenance of a gas powered tool. The lightweight and simple nature of these tools makes them safe for people of all backgrounds to use. Users can can the confidence that they are reducing their environmental impact by not spewing fumes into the air.

Beautify the Garden with a Decorative Trellis

Fri, 23 Jul 2010 08:29:07 +0000

The tools a gardener uses to care for their plants are usually decorative, blending in with the surroundings flawlessly. When vine plants need a sturdy place to climb, a decorative trellis is the perfect tool for the job. Not only do these trellises provide a sturdy mount for vine plants, they look great too. The ones made of metal have beautiful arching curves with garden themed accents like stamped leaves and birds. Wooden ones are less elaborate but show off the beauty of natural wood in the garden. Many styles are available, including flat, semi round and fan shaped. They are easy to install by simply pressing them into the ground near the plant.

Shapes

A decorative trellis can come in one of many shapes. All are effective at holding up vines, so selecting a shape depends on personal preference. The classical flat shape is a popular one because it can fit up against flat walls without taking up much space. Vines can be lined up against the wall and receive full coverage along its length.

For lone plants, a full circle trellis may be better. These free standing trellises can be placed basically anywhere because they do not need a wall for support. Vines grow in the center of the circle and fill up the interior. A semi-round decorative garden trellis consists of only half a circle, giving them the ability to sit against a wall on their flat side.

Three-panel trellises are free standing structures which consist of three panels connected at hinges. The panels can be turned and rotated as needed to get just the right shape. These three-dimensional trellises add depth and dimension to any garden.

Also popular is the tree/ odd shaped decorative trellis which don’t really have any defined shape. Often in the form of a tree or plant, these trellises have “twigs” jutting out in random directions.

Decorative Metal Trellis

Metal trellises have a decorative appeal because the metal wire used in their construction can be twisted and turned in decorative patterns. Unlike trellises made of wood, curves and circular patterns can be created in metal trellises. Metal can be stamped into various shaped like birds and leaves which are welded onto the frame. The metal is coated with protective paint, often in the color black, which keeps the trellis from rusting. Users press the legs into the ground for firm placement.

Decorative Wooden Trellis

While wood cannot be bent or twisted into decorative shapes, it is still a beautiful and natural material which makes for a great trellis. Wood trellises stick with simple grid patterns which provide a good gripping surface for plants. Various species of woods can be selected and stained to a chosen color. The wood will slowly degrade outdoors and may need an occasional re-sanding and staining. Sealer can be applied for maximum longevity.

Garden Tool Storage Organizers

Thu, 22 Jul 2010 06:32:16 +0000

When avid gardeners acquire a large amount of tools, they use a garden tool storage organizer to keep them in place. There are many types of garden storage products on the market, each of which is suites to a different need. For example, garden totes keep a small surplus of hand selected tools in a lightweight bag which can be carried around the garden. Tool racks and carts are rolling organizers which have wheels on the bottom for easy transport. These handy devices keep all of your tools organized and ready for action. Portable organizers like totes and trolleys can stay at your side for the duration of the job, preventing frequent trips to and from the garden shed.

Garden Trolleys and Carts

Gardening carts are built to hold and organize a large amount of garden tools while still remaining portable. Large diameter wheels with rubber tread allow for smooth rolling over even the roughest terrain. The two-wheeled models often feature a large front-loading bucket which can be filled and dumped just like a wheel barrow. These models have less room for tool storage, but leave a few slots near the handle bars at the front.

Four-wheeled carts are more suited for large amounts of tool storage. Both long and short handles tools can be placed within the various garden tool storage slots. Interchangeable shelves are often incorporated onto these models to hold large items like unfilled pots and bags of soil. Some carts have a working surface on the top with a soil sifting bin to remove large clumps of soil before use.

Smaller carts, often called trolleys, sit lower to the ground and are designed for sitting. Users sit on the top of the trolley while they work close to the ground, adding comfort to the experience. Tools and other accessories are kept in the compartment under the seat. Some models have a slot where a 5 gallon bucket can be attached, acting as a garden tools storage bin.

Aprons

Garden aprons are for both women and men, and can hold a small amount of gardening tools on the built in pouches. Heavy duty fabric is used to create these aprons which are work around the front of the body. The smaller pockets are used to slide small hand tools inside, while the larger pockets can hold things like sunglasses and work gloves. Gardening aprons are ideal for people who like to move around the garden without obstruction.

Tool Caddy

A tool caddy is simply a small bag with various tool slots and a large central pocket. Users slide their hand tools into the slots on the exterior. Larger items are placed into the central pocket which functions just like a purse. Dual handles allow for easy transport around the garden.