Wheelbarrow and Garden Cart

All gardeners, horse owners and builders need a wheelbarrow or garden cart. There are many occasions when you need to transport items in the garden, on a horse farm or on a construction site. Rather than carrying items by hand or making multiple trips, it is more convenient to use a wheelbarrow or garden cart.

What is the Difference Between Wheelbarrow and Garden Cart?

A wheelbarrow and garden cart are very similar in their functionality but each will have advantages and disadvantages dependent upon the task in hand.

-Garden Cart

A garden cart typically has vertical sides and a horizontal tray. Garden carts are usually fitted with four wheels and are designed to be pulled. Some garden carts can be attached to a lawn mower or small motorised tractor. Garden carts usually have large pneumatic wheels that are suitable for smooth surfaces and rougher ‘off-road’ surfaces. They can be more difficult to manoeuvre than wheelbarrows on uneven surfaces.

Large Garden Carts can have a greater load capacity than wheelbarrows but may need more than one person to pull them when fully loaded.

Garden Carts can have solid or mesh sides, sides can usually be lowered to facilitate loading and unloading. Some garden carts are supplied with an internal liner which is essential when transporting small items if the cart has mesh sides.

-Wheelbarrows

The wheelbarrow pans / trays / tubs (the name varies by manufacturer) are usually oblong in shape. The sides will slope to facilitate tipping. Wheelbarrows are pushed from behind and are easier to control and manoeuvre unless they are very heavily laden, or the centre of gravity of the load is too high.  A wheelbarrow usually has one wheel though some will have two. A two wheel barrow is not as nimble as a wheelbarrow with one wheel but may be more stable when tipping. Some barrows have a rounded nose which means they can be tipped at any angle whereas flat nosed barrows can only be tipped forwards.

The final choice of Garden Cart or Wheelbarrow will, most likely, be determined by the user. What to take into account before making your choice

1.Weight of load

Think about the weight of a typical load. Are you moving bricks which are dense and heavy? or are you moving garden waste which is bulky but light?

Space - will you be working in a limited space? or are there access limitations e.g a narrow doorway or gateway? Always make sure your barrow or cart will fit through your narrowest space.

2.Capability of user

If you have mobility issues it may be easier to pull a cart rather than push a wheelbarrow. To load items into a wheelbarrow they will have to be lifted higher than when using a garden cart.

Size –only chose a large heavy cart or barrow if you have the strength to move it. If you will be working in a large area you may be tempted to buy bigger than you can handle.

3.Construction

Metal is strong but will rust, galvanised metal will offer protection to the metal but ultimately you may need to paint the metal. Metal trays can be affected by toxic substances and if used in a stableyard are likely to be affected by animal waste

Plastic trays are lighter, and more weather proof, but are not as strong as metal trays.  Plastic is more resistant to some toxics, e.g. animal waste, that may eat into metal trays. 

What to look for when selecting a wheelbarrow

Metal trolleys are more suitable for heavy loads. A plastic wheelbarrow is slightly lighter than a metal wheelbarrow of the same volume, so you can choose a slightly larger (bulkier) plastic wheelbarrow and not have to push more weight than a smaller metal wheelbarrow.

A plastic wheelbarrow is better suited for use on a horse farm because it is primarily used to carry straw/shavings/hay, which are large and light enough not to be corroded by the horse's droppings.

Then consider what you are capable of carrying. It doesn't make sense to buy a large cart if you don't have the ability to push a fully loaded cart. A smaller or lighter wheelbarrow would make more sense.

Then consider how much space you have to store the wheelbarrow. Most trolleys can be stored outside, but metal trolleys will eventually rust if stored outside for long periods of time. Galvanized metal carts are less likely to rust than painted metal carts. If you plan to store your cattle carts in a shed, garage, etc. when not in use, determine how much space you need.

Then consider whether you want a single- or two-wheeled cart. A single-wheeled wheelbarrow is easier to maneuver than a two-wheeled wheelbarrow, but a two-wheeled wheelbarrow is more stable and easier to tip over than a single-wheeled wheelbarrow.

Gardening Gloves Uses – How To Protect Your Hands In The Garden

There may be many people who believe that gardening without gloves is perfectly safe. However, if you're dealing with thorny things, plants that cause irritation, or poisonous plants, gardening gloves are essential.

Here are a few important uses for gardening gloves, and reasons why you should consider wearing them when gardening.

Legionnaires’ Disease

Legionnaires' disease is a form of pneumonia caused by a bacterium in the soil called Legionella. This bacterium thrives in a moist environment. Therefore, if you live in an area where it rains a lot and the soil is mostly moist, you will need to wear gardening gloves.

In addition to touching, people can easily inhale Legionella bacteria through moisture in the soil or dust when using compost, soil or potting mix products.To prevent inhaling germs, it's also a good idea to wear a dust mask.

Open Cuts And Tetanus

Clostridium tetani is another very dangerous bacterium that is responsible for tetanus infections and is often found in soils that are rich in different types of organisms. Symptoms of tetanus include stiffness, cramping and weakness of the limbs, even leading to partial paralysis.

If you are not vaccinated and your skin is punctured, scraped or broken while gardening, the bacteria can easily pass through your skin and cause an infection. So, to be safe, if you have a cut on your hand, then remember to wear gardening gloves to keep it clean.

Creepy Crawlers

Did you know that there are far more bugs in your garden than you think? Despite the fact that there are many gardeners who have been gardening for over a decade, they still can't stand having bugs crawl on their hands while they work. Not to mention that some bugs are poisonous and can cause illness or injury.

In addition to insects, there can be snakes, spiders, etc. in the garden. When you want to never run into any of them while doing gardening work, gardening gloves are one of your best options. A good pair of gardening gloves will prevent bites and infections without the need for heavy use of those chemical insecticides.

Poisonous Plants

Many garden plants are poisonous or can cause skin irritation. Moreover, even an avid gardener may not be able to correctly identify every plant every time.

Therefore, if you encounter a plant in your garden that you are unfamiliar with, it's best to wear gloves just in case. You never know if a plant's leaves, flowers or sap are poisonous. Wear gardening gloves to protect yourself from rashes or allergic reactions.

Prickly Plants And Sharp Edges

Gardening often involves dealing with sharp tools to dig holes, transplant young plants and cut difficult root systems. In addition, gardeners often come into contact with thorny plants. Using gloves will keep all those thorny plants and the edges of your spade at bay. 

Pesticides & Pest Control

If you use any pesticides in your garden, make sure you pick up your gloves before spraying. Pesticides can contain chemicals that can irritate your skin and even cause severe allergic reactions. Even natural and organic pest control methods are best avoided with skin contact. Therefore, have a pair of gardening gloves ready before doing pest control.

Conclusion

After understanding the various roles of gardening gloves, we believe you understand the importance of gardening gloves for gardeners. There are many more factors to consider before choosing a good pair of gloves, such as the type of work, the purpose, the material and the benefits offered.

The ideal gloves should be strong and flexible enough and should provide protection against all hazards and thorns, chemicals, etc. They should have a good grip and can pick small objects and slippery branches with impunity. They should also have closed wrists and provide closure to prevent rocks, dirt and debris from entering the gloves while you work.

In addition, garden gloves will not only protect you from possible injuries, they will also add dexterity to make your job easier, faster, safer and more worry-free.

How To Water Your Herb Garden

Growing different herbs is not only good for the planet; it's also a fun and easy way to try your hand at gardening. Herbs are very low maintenance, so if you are a beginner, these are the best plants to get a taste of gardening.

Although easy to grow, herbs do have specific watering needs. To keep your herbs thriving, here are some watering tips to remember.

Watering Tips for Herbs

1. Don't water like a potted plant at home

Different plants have different watering needs. One thing to remember when growing herbs is to never think of them as houseplants. Although they have many similarities, herbs have their own sensitivities as far as watering is concerned. They hate standing water or wet soil. To make sure you water your herbs properly, only water when the soil is dry. Especially for herbs that are seeds or seedlings, watering must be strictly controlled to ensure they do not drown.

When it comes to watering tools, watering cans are a good choice. Or hand sprayers, they can keep the soil of herbs moist without overwatering.

2. Water herbs that like moisture more often

There are also herbs that like moisture, and they need lots and lots of water. If they are in garden soil, they need half a liter of water per square foot of soil per week. If in pots, water herbs once or twice a day, especially during the summer months. Always check for excess water in the soil before watering herbs.

3. Watering needs for indoor herbs

If grown indoors, most herbs must be watered every two to three days. This can be determined by the moisture content of the soil. Feel the surface of the soil with your hand and if it feels dry, then the herb needs to be watered. If the weather is hot or dry, you may need to water more frequently.

4. Watering in the early morning

Morning is the best time to water any plant grown outside, not just herbs. More precisely, it's around 6 to 6:30 a.m., when the sun is just rising. Don't wait until the sun is at its fullest, as the roots need to absorb as much water as possible before it evaporates from the heat.

5. Water around herbs, not all the way through

How you water your plants is as important as how often you water them. Always water around herbaceous plants, not on the leaves. If the leaves are always in contact with water, it increases the risk of mold growth. Leaves can also rot and can kill herbs.

6. Avoid waterlogged pots

Some pots have a built-in saucer or bucket that catches the water and keeps the plant roots hydrated for hours. But most herbs hate standing water and their roots should not be soaked for more than 15 minutes. So try to avoid using such pots or discard the water that accumulates in the saucer to reduce the risk of root rot and disease.

7. Mulching

Mulch is usually used to retain soil moisture, which also reduces the need for watering. If planted in the ground, you can use mulch to make your herb garden look good. However, not all mulching materials are safe for herbs. Natural ground cover materials are best for herbs, such as wood chips, cocoa bean shells or pine needles. Keep the mulch layer away from the canopy of your herbs so you don't end up smothering the plants.

Types of Garden Hoses - Everything You Need to Know

A garden hose is an important piece of equipment for homeowners who have a yard or lawn. They make the watering process easier and more convenient.

However, not every garden hose is designed the same. Although, there are several factors to distinguish them. One of them that we are going to explore is the aspect of different garden hose types.

1. Standard Garden Hose

These hoses are mostly made of plastic, sometimes with multiple layers or reinforcing webs. They are available in both light-duty and heavy-duty models.

The light duty garden hose can be used for basic home lawn care. It is ideal for watering plants and flowers. For smaller home gardens with the usual vegetables and plants, a standard garden hose would be a good choice.

Heavy-duty hoses can be used in many areas, including farms, workplaces and high-traffic areas. These hoses are made of kink-resistant materials that can support weight loads. These hoses tend to be more expensive.

2. Soaker Garden Hose

Garden irrigation is a common use for soaker hoses. These hoses are made of rubber and plastic and have porous walls. When the hose is opened, water seeps out of the thousands of small holes in the hose. This allows water to seep into the soil or ground.

Soaker hoses can be laid directly on the ground, preferably under a layer of mulch, or buried under the surface. This is usually done in large vegetable gardens. Soaker hoses are short and work best in relatively flat areas. Good water pressure will be required to ensure that water infiltrates along the length of the soaker hose.

3. Coiled Garden Hose

Coiled hoses are made into tight spirals, in order to save space. They are usually shorter than garden hoses and are suitable for hand watering in small areas, such as on a balcony or patio. Because of the coils, these hoses cannot be stretched to their full length. A 25-foot hose may only stretch 15 to 20 feet.

Storage can be tricky. Coiled hose cannot be stored on a reel. If placed in a large container or storage bin, it will soon become tangled. Standing and wall-mounted hangers are good choices for storing coiled hose.

4. Expandable Garden Hose

These hoses are light in weight and thinner in diameter, but they can expand up to three times when filled with water. Expandable hoses can deliver ample water flow comparable to regular hoses.

While they are easy to store and use, over time, expandable hoses become less able to shrink, making them difficult to store or coil. Expandable hoses can also burst if exposed to high water pressure, or if the hose is placed in direct sunlight. This is because the inner tube is very flexible and thin.

Many people like the lightweight nature of expandable hoses. These hoses should be kept out of direct sunlight and treated with care (most often they have plastic fittings that crack easily, but some hoses have brass fittings).

5. Flat Garden Hose

Flat garden hoses look similar to a fireman's hose. They are round when filled with water, but flatten out when empty. They are light and easy to roll up, but they will take up more space in use than traditional hoses because you have to unroll the entire hose before you can turn on the water.

Flat garden hoses are flexible and easy to bend. And because they are mostly made of plastic materials, they also have the problem of bursting easily.

Summary

Although it is a simple piece of equipment, garden hoses should be purchased with care. Therefore, the first factor to consider when purchasing a garden hose is the right type. We explore these options in depth in this article.

There are many different garden hoses that we have not mentioned. There is no single best choice among them. Each model has its advantages and disadvantages. We hope this article has shared some information to help you make an informed choice.

Grass Shears vs. Lawn Mowers: Which is Right for Your Garden?

 When it comes to maintaining a well-manicured lawn, choosing the right tools for the job can make all the difference. While both grass shears and lawn mowers have their advantages, it’s important to understand the differences between the two in order to make an informed decision. In this article, we will compare grass shears and lawn mowers, and discuss which is the best choice for your garden.

Grass Shears:

Grass shears are manual gardening tools that are used for trimming the edges of your lawn, as well as for shaping and maintaining small shrubs. They are perfect for small lawns, gardens with intricate designs, and areas that are difficult to reach with a lawn mower. They are also ideal for maintaining the edges of flower beds, around trees, and near walls and fences.

Advantages:

-Precision: With grass shears, you have complete control over the amount of grass or shrub that you want to cut. This is particularly useful for those who want a perfectly manicured lawn.

-Versatility: Grass shears are not just for lawns. They can also be used to trim small shrubs and plants, making them a versatile gardening tool.

-Ease of Use: Grass shears are simple in design and easy to use. They do not require much maintenance and can be operated by anyone.

-Cost-Effective: Grass shears are relatively inexpensive and can be purchased for a low price.

Lawn Mowers:

Lawn mowers are motorized machines that are used for mowing large lawns. They come in different sizes, from small electric models to large, commercial-grade mowers. Lawn mowers are ideal for large lawns that need to be mowed regularly.

Advantages:

-Efficiency: Lawn mowers are much faster than grass shears and can cover large areas quickly and efficiently.

-Convenience: Lawn mowers are convenient as they are self-propelled, which means you don’t have to exert much physical effort.

-Cost-Effective: While lawn mowers can be more expensive than grass shears, they are cost-effective in the long run, as they are designed to last for years and require less manual labor.

-Easy to Maintain: Lawn mowers require very little maintenance and can be cleaned and stored with ease.

So, which one is right for your garden?

The decision between using grass shears or a lawn mower for maintaining your garden depends on several key factors. Firstly, the size of your lawn plays a big role. If your lawn is small, a pair of grass shears may be more suitable, as they can easily handle the small and intricate areas that a lawn mower may miss. On the other hand, if you have a larger lawn, a lawn mower will likely be more efficient and save time.

Additionally, the type of grass in your garden also influences the choice. If you have a dense and thick type of grass, a lawn mower will be better equipped to handle it. However, if you have delicate or intricate grass arrangements, a pair of grass shears may be more appropriate to avoid damaging the delicate blades of grass.

Lastly, your personal preferences and comfort play a big role in the decision-making process. If you enjoy a hands-on approach to gardening, then grass shears may be more satisfying. If you are looking for a more convenient and time-saving option, a lawn mower may be the way to go.

In conclusion, the choice between grass shears and a lawn mower ultimately comes down to the size of your lawn, the type of grass you have, and your personal preferences. Both options have their own advantages and disadvantages, and the best option for you will depend on your specific needs and circumstances.

Everything to Know About Loppers

What is the use of loppers? As a pruning tool, loppers are used to cut through thicker stems and branches that are difficult to reach with regular pruning shears. If you are preparing tools for your own gardening work, please read on. We'll cover everything you need to know about loppers.

What are Loppers Used for? 

Hand pruners are a tool that almost every gardener will have. They are small enough to be used with one hand and are used to cut off thinner branches or stems. Then, what are loppers used for? You can think of a lopper as a super-sized hand pruner. They are used to cut off thick stems and branches that small shears can't handle, and are especially useful in large gardening projects.

Loppers have longer handles, which means gardeners have more leverage to trim heavier branches. They also have a greater working range, and gardeners can cut branches high up even when standing on the ground. 

How to Use Loppers 

Using loppers efficiently takes a little practice, but once you’ve got the hang of it, you’ll wonder how you managed without them. When you are learning how to use loppers, you want to think about both the ease and accuracy of a cut. To get the best results from using garden loppers, figure out exactly where you want the cut, then line up the blade itself with that location. Another good tip is to be sure to open the blade and get the branch deep inside it prior to cutting. If you let yourself snip with the loppers, like you might with scissors, your hands will get tired very quickly. Once you place the lopper blade correctly, it’s time to cut. Close the loppers around the branch in one smooth motion.

Types of Garden Loppers 

The most popular garden loppers are bypass loppers. Like bypass pruners, these have one blade that slices past a thick base as you close the tool. 

The second are called anvil loppers. The blade in a set of anvil loppers connects with the fat lower base at the end of the cut. This makes them easier to use but less precise than bypass loppers.

Ratchets, compound action, and gears are three different classifications of loppers based on the cutting mechanism. These types of mechanisms multiply the force and allow gardeners to cut through thick branches with less force.

-Ratcheting loppers. Their blades lock on the branch so that the gardener can release and squeeze the handle again, thus cutting large branches continuously with little force.

-Compound loppers. With multiple pivot points and moving parts, these shears need to be opened further to get the blade around the branch.

-Geared loppers. They have a gear mechanism at the fulcrum point that gives you more leverage as you cut.

One thing to keep in mind with all of these types of loppers is that they are usually heavier than other loppers and, with all the extra moving parts and more complex cutting mechanisms, there are more things that can go wrong.

The last type is the lopper with extending handles. This design allows the gardener to use a shorter, more controllable lopper most of the time, but still be able to cut higher or farther branches when needed. Be aware, however, that they are usually heavier than similarly sized non-retractable loppers.

The Home Gardener’s Guide To Shovels And Spades

Do you know what you’re digging with? Many people don’t know that shovels and spades are actually two different tools with different uses. There are so many garden tools out there that it can be overwhelming and hard to know which tools to use for which jobs, but if you know how to choose the right tools, your garden and landscaping projects will be significantly easier on your body and everything will go more smoothly.
This guide will teach you how to tell the difference between shovels and spades, how to properly use them, and which tool to pick for which job.

What’s the Difference?
So, what is the difference between a shovel and a spade? A spade is shorter and has a flat blade, while a shovel is longer, angled, and its blade is curved into more of a scoop.
Shovels are better for digging up, breaking apart, and lifting soil as well as for scooping and moving loose materials.
Spades are best for cutting into sod, edging, or digging trenches—anything that requires a sharp, straight edge.



Proper Use
When working with digging tools like this, be sure to wear appropriate footwear (no flip flops!). For both spades and shovels, the basic technique is to insert the blade into the ground, using one foot to push down on the ledge at the top of the blade, called the “step.”
Shovels should be inserted into the ground at an angle and pushed slightly forward, while spades should be pushed into the ground vertically to create a straight edge.
As with any outdoor work, use your common sense and be mindful of the heat, stay hydrated, stretch, and take breaks.

Parts of a Spade and Shovel
Shovels and spades are made of similar basic parts—the handle, step, and blade—but they have subtle variances which might not look like much at first, but make all the difference in what these tools can do.
Handle
Spade: shorter, straight handle with a D or T grip at the top to make it easy to hold.
Shovel: long, upward-angled handle, often no grip at the top since shovels are usually held by the handle at an angle, not by the very top. Shovels do frequently have some type of padding around the upper section of the handle to make holding it more comfortable.
Step
Spade: small ledge on top of the blade on either side of the handle, so that you can rest your foot on it and press down into the soil with the strength of your leg.
Shovel: smaller or no step ledge, as shovels are not intended for the type of work that requires as much extra force of a foot on the blade (such as edging) and a bulky step would get in the way when scooping and lifting material at an angle.
Blade
Spade: flat blade with a square-shaped end.
Shovel: curved, bowl-shaped blade, usually rounded or pointed at the end, but shovels with square-shaped blades are available as well.

Keep in mind that there are many different blade weights, which will dramatically change the experience of handling a shovel or spade. Professional-grade shovels can get very heavy, which means that they are great for heavy lifting but can also be difficult to use. Lighter shovels are less powerful, but are much more usable for many and are a good choice for those with limited abilities.
Try out the different weights and see what feels comfortable to you—I personally prefer a lighter shovel, while my partner prefers a heavier one.