Washington County Weekend Post

4A • WASHINGTON COUNTY POST • SUNDAY, MAY 2, 2021 GMTODAY.COM G ne Gardening The right tool for the job is essential to working safely and efficiently. This is as true in the workplace as it is in the garden. Novice gardeners may not know where to begin in regards to which tools they need. The following are eight items that can serve as a solid foundation for begin- ning gardeners. 1. Gloves: Your hands will be working hard, so it pays to protect them from calluses, blisters, splinters, insects, and dirt. Look for water-resistant gloves that are also breathable. 2. Hand pruners: Hand pruners are essential for cutting branches, cleaning up shrubs, dead-heading flowers, and various other tasks. Choose ergonomic, no- slip handles that will make work easier. Rust-resistant, nonstick blades also are handy. 3. Wheelbarrow: A wheelbarrow can transport gear to garden beds or tote dirt, leaves, rocks, and other materials around the land- scape. A good wheelbarrow is strong but light enough to maneuver when full. 4. Loppers: Long-han- dled loppers will fit the bill for thick branches. The long handles provide lever- age to cut through branches an inch or more in diameter. 5. Hand trowel: A hand trowel is a handy tool that lets you dig holes or unearth weeds. While shopping for a trowel, consider getting a hand-held garden fork, which can aerate soil and cut through roots. 6. Hose/watering can: Keeping gardens hydrated is part of ensuring their health. That makes a hose and a watering can two invaluable tools to have around. Invest in a lightweight, expandable hose if storage space is at a premium. An adjustable nozzle will enable you to cus- tomize the water flow as needed. A watering can is an easy way to tote water to hard-to-reach pots and con- tainers. 7. Garden kneeler: Gar- deners often bend and kneel while working in the soil. That puts pressure on the back and knees. A comfort- able garden kneeler with memory foam or one made from shock-absorbing mate- rial can reduce aches and pains. 8. Garden hoe: Garden hoes till soil, remove weeds and perform many other tasks. A garden hoe can be used along with a full-sized shovel, trowel and garden rake. This list is just the tip of the garden tool iceberg. Visit a garden center and speak with a professional about other tools that can be added to the mix. 8 garden tools for beginners Spring is a season of reju- venation. As the cold days of winter drift away, spring blooms begin to sprout and grass regains its lush green look. Green is certainly a color that's synonymous with spring. Gardening enthusi- asts can find a way to make spring even more green by embracing several eco- friendly gardening practices as they bring their lawns and gardens back to life in the months to come. • Create a compost pile. Composting is an eco-friend- ly way to enrich lawns and gardens. Composting helps to conserve water because compost promotes moisture retention in soil, reducing homeowners' need to water their lawns and gardens while also helping them to save money on their water bills. Composting also helps homeowners avoid the need to use potentially harmful chemical fertilizers because compost is a natural, slow release fertilizer. In addition, according to Canada's Green Action Centre, compostable materials make up 40 percent of residential waste. So com- posting can dramatically reduce the amount of waste homeowners ultimately send to landfills. • Water at the right times of day. Homeowners who water their lawns and gardens at the right time of day can help the planet and reduce their energy bills. As spring gradually gives way to summer, temperatures typi- cally rise. Watering during the coolest times of the day means less water will be lost to evaporation, ensuring water-needy soil will get all it needs to help lawns and gar- dens thrive. Early morning watering before the sun reaches its midday peak and/or evening watering as the sun is setting are typical- ly great times to water lawns and gardens, rather than when temperatures are at their hottest. Spring gardening season provides a great opportunity for lawn and garden enthusi- asts to embrace a variety of eco-friendly practices that can save them money and protect the planet. Go green in your lawn and garden this spring

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