Electric-powered garden tools are less expensive, clean, powerful and nearly maintenance-free
 |  | | Many common garden tools are available as electric and battery powered options. This electric chainsaw matched performance nicely with my gas-powered chainsaw. (Don Goode photo) |
I grew up at a time when lawn and garden tools and equipment all ran off gasoline engines. I don’t remember string trimmers being available as a teenager and edging was done with a shovel or straight bladed edging tool. Electric tools were not available or were considered not as powerful or convenient. Let’s look at some factors to reconsider with electric and battery powered garden tools.
In today’s economy there are more people living in situations where they need a lawn or garden tool or two but it is not permitted or considered safe to store the gasoline. Landlord policies or concern over fire hazards may come into play. Electric tools eliminate the need for gasoline and avoid this fire concern.
Some people do not like the smell of gasoline powered equipment. You may be storing your tools in the garage and every time you open the door you get a whiff of fumes. Electric tools do not generate gasoline smells, exhaust fumes or smoke.
Saturday, August 21, 2010
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| Some things about bulbs and bugs and butterflies seem to defy gardening logic |
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There are exceptions to everything just like there are opinions for everything. Let’s take a look at some things that at first seem contradictory and may be confusing for a new gardener. Us old timers might learn a thing or two as well.
1) Some plants should be dug up, then put back in the ground. This may sound like a lot of work. Flowers that propagate from bulbs, including Narcissus (Paperwhites), can become crowded and need to be spread out to stay healthy and attractive.
Other bulbs, such as tulips, do not receive enough cold weather to help them make strong blooms the next year. You can dig them up and put them in the refrigerator for a couple of months of “artificial winter” to help them bloom better the next year. Other plants commonly grown here are not winter hardy and would do well if dug up and placed indoors or in a greenhouse for the winter.
Saturday, August 14, 2010
| | | Showcase centerpiece plants and garden borders with accent plants that compliment the colors and textures |
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We use plants in a number of ways in the landscape. Some add color, others lend interesting textures. Let’s look at some ways plants can be used to accent our flower beds and landscaped areas.
In some parts of our landscapes it looks nice to use border plants to help make the transition between the turf area and taller shrubbery and trees. These plants also add definition and outline to flower beds, walkways, landscape islands and accent areas. They can be used to soften the hard visual lines of driveways, sidewalks, and fence lines. Border plants also serve as part of the erosion control arsenal.
There are several types of grasses and other plants that are commonly used as borders in our North Florida area. Many have attractive flowers in their season.
Sunday, August 08, 2010
| | | When North Florida weather turns hot and dry, some landscapes thrive with little water |
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I certainly have a hard time not “wilting” in this heat! Imagine what it does to your yard and garden. Summertime has several challenges for gardeners. Let’s take a look at some tips to help with this season.
First, what are the signs of a plant in distress from the heat? The most noticeable is the typical drooping caused by wilting. Wilting is normal during the middle of the day and not necessarily a cause for concern. If your plant is still wilted in the morning this can lead to a permanent wilt condition. Be sure to water it right away.
Leaf scorch is another symptom of too much heat or too much direct sunlight. Some plants can tolerate the heat better than others. Be careful when reworking your houseplants for example not to leave them in the direct sun.
Saturday, July 31, 2010
| | | A Florida annual may be a perennial in other places, but they are valued for their vivid colors |
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I have a lot of people ask me for recommendations on perennial plants for their landscape. They are looking for a long-term return on their investment. This has a lot of merit and there are several perennials that grow nicely in our area. Don’t forget, however that growing annual plants can be an excellent way to add seasonal color to the plant beds without costing a great deal.
Let’s distinguish between annuals and perennials first to clarify this sometimes confusing comparison. Perennial plants live for more than one year when grown in favorable conditions. Trees and shrubs are perennials. So are most vines and flower bulbs. The top portion of some perennials will freeze in the winter but new growth will emerge from underground the next season. If you take a perennial plant out of its natural climate it may not survive extremes of heat or cold but can potentially be grown as an annual in those areas. Tulips, for example, do not come back well in our warm winter climate. You can buy fresh bulbs each year from more northern nurseries if you want to grow them as annuals.
Saturday, July 24, 2010
| | | Real Estate sales improving and prices appear to be stabilizing in the Lake City-Live Oak area | “I think the real estate market here is making a comeback,” said Lake City Realtor Stan Batten, of Stan Batten Real Estate. “I’ve noticed more sales, more phones ringing, better qualified customers. I think it’s improving. I don’t think it is healthy yet.”
A report by the Lake City Board of Realtors shows there were 44 homes sold in June in the Lake City-Live Oak area, up 38 percent from a year earlier. That is the second large increase in three months, after two years of declines. The increase was 42 percent in April. Median prices for the sales were $119,555, down just 3 percent from June 2009.
That contrasts with the Fort Pierce-Port St. Lucie area where the median price in June was $75,500, down 31 percent from a year ago.
Median prices for homes in Punta Gorda were $106,600, down 27 percent from last June. Because of the low prices, sales in Punta Gorda were 311, up 44 percent from 216 last June.
Saturday, July 24, 2010
| | | In the heat of summer, it's time to think cool thoughts and begin planning your fall garden |
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Don’t limit your gardening notions to the spring and summer. The fall (and even into the winter here in Florida) is an excellent time for certain flowers and vegetables. With the shorter days and cooler temperatures there are fewer weeds to deal with. The cooler temperatures are certainly more comfortable for the gardener! Now is a great time to get ready for the fall gardening season.
As with any gardening adventure you will need to start by preparing the soil. A simple soil analysis is helpful to determine if you need to add lime and any particular fertilizers for your plants. Too much lime can actually be harmful to your plants so do the test first. You can get soil testing services for a small fee through the County Extension Service. You can also find a do-it-yourself test kit at many garden centers and hardware stores.
Saturday, July 17, 2010
| | | Recipes to match potting soil to specific plants begin with compost and a few familiar amenities |
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What thoughts go through your mind when you are shopping for a bag of potting soil? Perhaps you are wondering if garden soil would be just as good – or at least cheaper! Maybe you are concerned that the ingredients are being harvested from sensitive ecosystems. You may wonder if the ingredients are safe, organic, pest free, weed free, etc.
Store-bought, commercial potting soil is free from nematodes, soil borne pests, and plant diseases that are typically found in native soils. This makes potting soil ideal for starting small seedlings and growing plants that would be susceptible to these problems.
Commercial potting soil also provides good aeration and drainage for the plant’s roots and is considerably lighter than soil. Some potting soils are able to conserve moisture and extend the time between waterings. Match your potting soil characteristics to the plant your are growing (cactus needs excellent drainage, violets need more moisture, etc.)
Saturday, July 10, 2010
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