Danny Lipford » Garden Tools & Supplies

Homemade Rain Barrel for Your Yard

Danny Lipford — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 13:00:28 +0000

Rain barrels are a great way to save and store water for use on your lawn or garden. While commercial models are available, you can also make your own rain barrel from a plastic garbage can. Watch our video on How to Make a Rain Barrel for Your Yard to find out how.

How to Make a Rain Barrel for Your Yard

Wireless Moisture Sensor for Your Lawn or Garden

Jodi Marks — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 13:00:45 +0000

It’s important to keep you lawn watered during dry weather, but timed sprinkler systems often cut on when watering isn’t needed. The Wireless Moisture Sensor from Vigoro uses a remote sensor to monitor moisture levels in the soil. It then relays the information to the timer to prevent it from cutting on unnecessarily. The Vigoro Moisture Sensor is available at The Home Depot.

(695) Room with a View, Part 2

Ryobi TouchStart String Trimmer

Jodi Marks — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 18:47:50 +0000

The TouchStart string trimmer from Ryobi features an easy to use 12-volt, battery powered, electric starting system that makes pulling cords a thing of the past. The powerful one horsepower, 30cc, 2-cycle gas engine is designed to produce lower emissions. The TouchStart trimmer is available at The Home Depot stores.

Fall Eco-Friendly String Trimmer Giveaway

Danny Lipford — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 15:05:58 +0000

We’re giving away two LEHR Propane Powered Eco Trimmers ($200 value) to help you cut down on pollution while sprucing up your yard.

Winner of the EPA Clean Air Excellence Award, the Eco Trimmer delivers the power and performance of a gasoline powered string trimmer without the negative environmental impact. Propane burns cleaner than gasoline, producing 96% less carcinogens and 97% fewer particulates.

Just twist on a camping style propane canister (not included) and you’re ready to go. Each canister provides two hours of running time.

For a chance to win, simply fill out the entry form from September 23 through October 31, 2009.

Water-Saving Gadgets for Your Lawn or Garden

Julie Day — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 21:06:41 +0000

Water is a precious resource during hot summers.

Summer is here, and along with it often comes a shortage of rainfall in many areas. Conserving water in the garden is actually not as difficult as you might think. With a little attention to timing, and some careful watering, you can have a healthy garden that doesn’t put a strain on the water supply. Consider investing in a few of these inexpensive gadgets from your local garden center to help you in your efforts.

Hose Extension Wand

Hose extension wands are a lifesaver in the garden! They allow you to apply water directly to the soil and roots, rather than wasting it (and damaging your plants) by spraying in the air or on the foliage. They also save both your back and planting beds by letting you water without having to bend over or step in your beds. They apply water very effectively, which means you won’t need to use as much.

Watering Tip

Choose an extension wand with either a trigger handle or an on/off switch. That way, you don’t waste water as you’re walking from place to place.

Water Breaker

Most extension handles come with a water breaker (also known as a soaker nozzle) on the end, but if it doesn’t, you’ll need to add one. A water breaker looks like a small shower head with a lot of little holes. It disperses the water into a gentle soaking shower, rather than the hard, soil-eroding blast of other hose nozzles. This not only protects soil and plants, but it allows you to water more slowly and gently, which increases absorption and reduces runoff.

Soaker Hose

Soaker hoses are easy to use and very effective at conserving water. They are simply garden hoses that are made out of a porous material and capped on the end. When the water is turned on and pressure builds inside the hose, the water is forced out of the pores in a slow, steady drip that can easily be absorbed by plants.

Lay soaker hoses throughout your garden, loop them around shrubs and trees, or line your vegetable garden beds for an instant water-wise irrigation system. Covering them with mulch makes them invisible and less likely to lose water to evaporation.

Watering Tip

If you cover your soaker hoses with mulch, be sure to remember to move them before you start digging!

Drip Irrigation

If you’re a little more adventurous, try installing a drip irrigation system. Drip irrigation targets water directly to a plant’s roots in a slow drip where it can be easily absorbed. Since there’s no runoff or wasted water, it provides maximum efficiency.

You can design a drip irrigation system to fit any garden – the emitters (small nozzles that drip the water) can be installed at intervals to suit your plantings and can be aimed directly where you need them.

Water Timer

No irrigation system is complete without a timer to allow you to apply water at the ideal time of day and for the right length of time, regardless of your schedule. Much water is wasted by busy gardeners who water during the heat of the day (when it’s convenient) or water for way too long (because they forgot the water was on).

Simple, programmable, battery-powered (or windup) timers are available that fit right onto your outdoor faucet. No special equipment is needed, just hook it up, program it, and let it do its thing. Be sure to cancel the timer cycle during periods of rainfall!

Watering Tip

Reduce water runoff by setting your timer to run in two intervals about 30-45 minutes apart, rather than one long watering cycle.

Rain Gauge

Any straight-sided container can be used as a rain gauge.

Whether you purchase a rain gauge or simply use a straight-sided recycled can or container, it’s very important to keep track of the rainfall in your area. If you use a sprinkler, it’s important to keep track of how much you’re watering, too.

Most gardens and lawns need about an inch of water per week, and with a little measuring, you can adjust timers and hand watering to provide exactly what is needed without wasting water.

Rain Barrel

Rain barrels are wonderful water-catching containers that can be installed directly under your gutter downspouts. By collecting the water that flows from your roof during a rainstorm, you can significantly reduce your water usage.

Most rain barrels have a spout for filling watering cans, and if your landscape slopes adequately you can even attach a hose for gravity-powered watering.

Slow-Release Gadgets

This glass globe is filled with water, which trickles into a potted plant.

There are many options available for slow-release watering systems, particularly for watering containers or small ornamentals. Watering spikes made of glass or clay have a reservoir that’s filled with water which seeps into the soil. They’re great for keeping your plants alive while you’re on vacation.

Slow-release systems that hold several gallons of water are available for larger plants. The donut-shaped bag is placed around the trunk of the plant and filled with water, making them great for newly-planted trees that aren’t easily reachable with a hose.

You can make your own slow-watering system using a plastic drink bottle or jug with a hole punched in the bottom.

Compost and Mulch

Lastly, be sure to set aside part of your gardening budget for the purchase of high-quality compost and mulch. A water-wise garden depends on the amount and quality of organic matter in (and on) your soil, so keeping a nice layer of compost of mulch will create a garden that needs less water.

Further Information

Check out more water-saving tips at the Irrigation and Watering section of Around the Yard.

Gardening by Mail Order

Julie Day — Thu, 22 Jan 2009 20:55:53 +0000

Come wintertime, we gardeners are pretty tired. We’ve pruned, planted, winterized, fertilized, mowed, and stowed. We’ve cleaned up and cleaned out, hauled this and composted that, brought plants in and thrown plants out, and while we’d never admit it, we’re kind of glad to see the garden tucked in for a nice winter’s nap. Truth be told, many of us enjoy the shift indoors for the winter – we finally get our fingernails clean and our backs straight, and a bit of time stretches out where there’s nothing to do but relax.

But then, sometime after the New Year, it happens. An undeniable itch begins to develop, and despite our welcome rest, we find ourselves looking forward to getting our hands dirty again.

Mail order catalogs have inspired farmers and gardeners for over 150 years.

Advantages of Shopping by Mail

This itch is the reason why January is National Mail Order Gardening Month. In January, the mail order catalogs begin to arrive in earnest, with promises of the biggest blooms, the rarest varieties, and the award-winningest pedigrees. If you’ve never checked out a gardening catalog, it’s well worth the time, and it can open you up to a whole world of possibilities. With a quick phone call or a few clicks of the mouse, you can place enough orders to keep you digging for the entire year.

Ordering plants through online or catalog sources can have some great advantages:

Searchable plant databases and detailed information allow you to find just the right plants for your needs.
Design help through award-winning plant collections and preplanned gardens.
The wisdom of experienced plant and seed growers, who kindly ship plants at the correct planting time for your region, complete with instructions.

Wayside Gardens specializes in unusual and rare varieties.

Preparing Your Order: The Designer’s Dream

Looking to plant a butterfly garden? How about daylilies named after your children? Or antique roses? Before you start, be sure to draw out a garden design, so that the plants you order will have a proper home. Spreading out the plant catalogs and drawing up a landscape design is one of winter’s gardening pleasures. Be sure to include the sun exposure, water and drainage conditions, soil type, and planting zones in your design. Make sure you understand the care requirements of each plant you order, and when possible, choose plants that are native or well adapted to your climate, especially if your region is prone to drought.

Choosing a Reputable Grower

There are countless mail order plant growers out there, and some are more reliable than others. Do a little research to make sure you’re ordering from a reputable company. Before you order, check out:

The Mailorder Gardening Association has a searchable database of garden catalogs, and they work hard to ensure that MGA members uphold high standards of quality and customer service.
Garden Watchdog offers user reviews and a vendor database.
Cyndi’s Catalog of Garden Catalogs has contact information and reviews of over 2,000 mail order catalogs.
A list of organic seed and plant sources by gardener Robert Dailey.
If you prefer printed information, check out Gardening by Mail: A Source Book by Barbara J. Barton, a regularly-updated index of plant and seed sources.

Although best known for roses, Jackson & Perkins is also a great source for perennials, shrubs, trees, and supplies.

Ordering Plants by Mail

Shrubs, trees, and vines may be shipped “bare root” (without soil) or in small containers. This depends on the type of plant, how it transplants best, and interstate shipping restrictions. Most will be dormant and will look quite bare or even have dead foliage – this is normal. Dormant plants are much more easily transplanted.
Perennials will likely be dormant also, and they may have no top growth whatsoever. Have faith that the roots are alive and well!
Bulbs will usually be dried and may or may not have packing material.
Seeds should be dried and packaged.
Green or growing plants are the most vulnerable to damage and shock and should be handled with extra care.

One of the oldest mail order companies, Spring Hill Nurseries has been going strong since 1849.

Mail Order Tips

Be prepared – Your plants will need to go in the ground as soon as possible after they arrive, so prepare the planting site in advance. Have mulch handy, as well as any amendments or fertilizers your might need.
Order everything you need – Save time and energy by ordering recommended fertilizers, stakes or supports, plant labels, or decorative containers along with your plants.
Read the fine print – Because most mail order plants are dormant, you won’t know if it’s healthy until the growing season begins. Make sure you understand the grower’s guarantee or return policy.
Open immediately – Never leave your shipped plants unopened in the package. Open them immediately for air circulation, and place in a protected and shady spot until you can plant them. Follow all enclosed instructions regarding temporary care, watering, soaking, and planting.
Practice patience – The photographs in catalogs highlight mature plants at peak bloom. Your plant may take up to 2-3 years to reach maturity, and most perennials will not bloom the first year.
Consider availability – Substitutions are common practice if a plant is sold out. If you don’t want a substitution, be sure to state it clearly on your order. Order early to ensure availability – your plant won’t be shipped until the proper planting time.

Consider mail order when you’re looking for something different for your yard.

Further Information

Protecting Stucco from a Lawn Trimmer or Edger

Julie Day — Thu, 23 Oct 2008 17:13:13 +0000

What is an inexpensive way to put a border around my house to avoid the damage to my stucco done by a lawn trimmer or edger? -Pat

Certainly, if you have stucco on your home’s exterior, you don’t want to use any kind of destructive lawn equipment on it that may damage the finish. Yet, if you do not have planting beds around your house, you also want the lawn to have a nice, neat edge where it meets the house. Your idea of a border is great, because it will create a buffer that keeps lawn equipment at a safe distance. Here are some budget-conscious ideas for a border:

Create an almost-invisible border about one foot wide, by removing the grass, putting down landscape fabric (you can buy a small roll and cut it lengthwise into one-foot strips), then applying gravel or stone that matches your stucco or foundation color. From a distance, it will barely be seen, but you’ll have a safe buffer between the lawn and the house. If you make sure the gravel is at ground level, you could mow right over the edge and not even need to use a trimmer or edger.

This type of narrow stone border, shown here separating grass and mulch, would also be attractive next to stucco.

For a more decorative border, consider creating larger mulch beds that follow the natural curves of your yard. You’ll be surprised how much this type of border will enhance the yard – even without planting any shrubs or flowers, it will give the appearance of pleasing lines and curves that will show off your lawn. If you use mulch, make sure to leave a few inches between the mulch and stucco, to prevent the stucco from wicking moisture into your house’s wooden structure.
Move the lawn edge away from the house a few inches, and treat the area between the edge and the house with an herbicide to kill the grass. Again, the few inches of bare ground will barely be visible, but you’ll probably have to reapply the herbicide every so often.
Install commercial lawn edging against your house, to protect the stucco surface. Lawn edging is available in metal, stone, plastic, and wood, with many economical choices available. Make sure you choose a product that is durable enough to withstand the lawn trimmer or edger.
Line your foundation with stone (or landscape timbers, though they will not last as long), or have a commercial edging company install a permanent concrete edge (which looks like a curb) around your house to protect the stucco. This is a more expensive, yet long-lasting, solution.

Multipurpose Gardening Tool

Danny Lipford — Sat, 20 Sep 2008 13:00:57 +0000

The Ames True Temper 7 in 1 Planter’s Buddy is a multipurpose tool with a stainless steel blade that’s designed to make fast work of your gardening jobs. The trowel has a serrated edge on one side, which is great for cutting open bags of fertilizer, and a sharpened straight edge on the other side for cutting sod. It also incorporates a twine cutter and notched trowel for prying up weeds.

The end of the handle is perfect for tamping down dirt or hammering in stakes. It’s also marked in 1” increments along its length for easy measuring. The Planter’s Buddy is available at The Home Depot.

Multipurpose Faucet and Sink Installation Tool

Spring Lawn and Garden Contest Winner

Danny Lipford — Thu, 22 May 2008 16:42:28 +0000

Go to our contest page for our current giveaway.

Our Spring ’Stravaganza Lawn and Garden Giveaway was a big hit with over 2,000 entries! The lucky winner of a cornucopia of lawn and garden gadgets was Angela Watson of North Richland Hills, Texas. Congratulations Angela!

This month we’re going all out by giving away a Cub Cadet Riding Mower worth $2,699. Enter by June 15th 2008. Who knows, you could be our next big winner!

How to Build a Portable Potting Bench / Garden Cart

Danny Lipford — Fri, 07 Dec 2007 20:51:52 +0000

If you spend a lot of time gardening, you know how handy a potting bench can be. Not only does it give you a convenient place to work with your plants, it also keeps the inevitable mess that goes with it confined to one spot.

Our potting bench has the added advantage of being portable. The wheels on the front and handles on the back allow you to move it outside when the weather is nice then store it out of the way in the garage when not in use.

For simplicity and durability, the bench was constructed entirely from 1” x 4” pressure treated pine. After cutting the sides of the top frame to length, a jigsaw was used to notch the end of the handles to make them easy to grip. The sides were then attached to the cross members with corrosion resistant screws to form a sturdy frame for the top.

A tray for gardening tools runs the width of the top while a five-gallon bucket mounted next to it can be used to store potting soil or fertilizer. A second frame was assembled to form the base, which also doubles as a storage area.

Once the two frames had been built, the legs were screwed to them. Boards were then screwed to the frames to form the top and storage rack, and a removable panel, held together from underneath by a brace, was installed in the top to cover the bucket.

After sanding off the rough edges and mounting the wheels to the base, our bench was ready for some serious gardening. You can build the potting bench from our plans (Top, Side, End).

Materials needed:

105 liner feet pressure treated 1” x 4” pine
2 – 8” wheels attached with axle or bolts
1 – 5 gallon plastic bucket
Assorted screws

Cutting List for Potting Bench

(All materials are 1”x4” pressure treated pine)

Top:
Top Frame Sides	2 – 59 ½”
Top Frame Cross Members	4 – 22 ½”
Top Frame End	1 – 24”
Tray Bottom	1 – 22 ½”
Top Slats (outer)	4 – 46”
Top Slats (middle, long)	2 – 33”
Top Slats (middle, bucket)	2 – 13”
Bucket Slat Brace	1 – 11”

Base:
Bottom Frame Side Rails	2 – 46”
Bottom Frame Cross Members	4 – 22 ½”
Bottom Tray Sides	2 – 44 ½”
Bottom Tray End	1 – 24”
Bottom Tray Slats	5 – 46”

Legs:
Legs (rear)	2 – 33 ¼”
Legs (front)	2 – 31 ¼”