Category: Home & Garden

As I was listening to Astrud Gilberto this week, I discovered that she passed away earlier this year:

BRASILIA, June 6 (Reuters) – Brazilian singer Astrud Gilberto, the voice of Bossa Nova whose soft and dreamy version of “The Girl from Ipanema” was an international success in the 1960s, has died at the age of 83, her family said.

Gilberto died on Monday at her home in Philadelphia, her granddaughter Sofia Gilberto said on social media.

“Life is beautiful, as the song says, but I bring the sad news that my grandmother became a star today and is next to my grandfather Joao Gilberto,” the granddaughter wrote.

Guitarist Joao Gilberto, who died in 2019, was Astrud’s former husband and the pioneer composer and songwriter of Bossa Nova, which mixed Brazilian samba music with “cool jazz” in the late 1950s.

He collaborated with U.S. saxophonist Stan Getz in 1963 on the album “Getz/Gilberto” that popularized the new Brazilian sound worldwide.

Astrud performed the vocals in English, including the duet “The Girl from Ipanema” which became the album’s major hit. “Getz/Gilberto” won three Grammy Awards including Album of the Year, the first time a jazz album received the accolade.

“The Girl from Ipanema” was the first song the 22-year-old Astrud recorded and launched her career almost by accident. In later interviews, she said she was in the New York studio where Getz and her then-husband were recording and he suggested she do the song as he did not sing in English.

She later moved to the United States, where she toured with Getz, singing Bossa Nova and American jazz standards.

I’ve listened to her for years and loved her very real voice and low-key style.

Fame is fleeting, and death comes to us all. Rest in peace, Astrud.

Image at top via Getty Images

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This is Julie Prince (Julie’s Georgia Garden), with a few pictures from the late summer and fall garden. The pool garden was started in the summer of 2020. The front-drive garden was started in 2021. Both are still “works in progress”! Things are changing constantly as I try to give the garden more height and winter interest.

Lots of yellow is provided by giant coneflowers (Rudbeckia laciniata, Zones 3–9) and black-eyed Susans (Rudbeckia fulgida, Zones 4–9).

We look forward to seeing and smelling moonflower (Ipomoea alba, Zones 10–11 or as an annual) each evening.

Pink canna lilies (Canna hybrid, Zones 8–11 or as tender bulbs)

Our property is in the heart of our farm. The calves began dropping in September. There are about 60 calves on the ground now. We love taking an afternoon ride through the pastures to see the newborns and what is blooming as we go. The wildflowers have been beautiful this year despite the very dry weather that we are having.

As you can see from this picture, lots of “critters” visit our garden. I was fascinated with this spider that had snagged a wasp for dinner.

‘Iceberg’ rose bloom

White lantana (Lantana camara, Zones 8–11 or as an annual) with blue plumbago (Plumbago auriculata, Zones 9–11 or as an annual)

Oyster plant (Tradescantia spathacea, Zones 9–11), black and blue salvia (Salvia guaranitica ‘Black and Blue’, Zones 7–11 or as an annual), red salvia (Salvia coccinea, Zones 9–10 or as an annual) and sweet basil (Ocimum basilicum, Zones 10–11 or as an annual)

Carolina sapphire cypress (Hesperocyparis arizonica, Zones 7–11) makes a great backdrop for cannas and red salvia.

Pineapple sage (Salvia elegans, Zones 8–11 or as an annual) is popular with the many hummingbirds who visit the garden.

I found the native ageratum (Conoclinium coelestinum, Zones 6–10) and transplanted some into my garden last fall. It has bloomed prolifically. I am hoping this wasn’t a mistake!

 

Have a garden you’d like to share?

Have photos to share? We’d love to see your garden, a particular collection of plants you love, or a wonderful garden you had the chance to visit!

To submit, send 5-10 photos to [email protected] along with some information about the plants in the pictures and where you took the photos. We’d love to hear where you are located, how long you’ve been gardening, successes you are proud of, failures you learned from, hopes for the future, favorite plants, or funny stories from your garden.

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1. Echo PB-2620

If you need a gas handheld blower to clear leaves and debris from a large yard, you should consider the Echo PB-2620, available from Home Depot.

This durable, professional-grade model has a 25.4 cubic centimeter two-stroke engine that produces 172 miles per hour maximum air speed, with an airflow of 456 cubic feet per minute. It’s noisy to the tune of 70 decibels.

Echo PB-2620

With variable speed, and a “cruise control” that allows you to lock it at your desired speed, it’s able to move heavy wet leaves and a variety of other yard debris.

The air inlet at the side of the unit features a double grid design to prevent it from clogging or getting caught up in your clothes as you work. The two-stage air filter allows you to work in dusty conditions without damage to the engine.

Two nozzles are supplied: a round and a flared-end tube so it’s versatile and can be used for a variety of cleanup operations.

This unit weighs just over nine pounds without gas. The translucent gas tank has a capacity of 20 fluid ounces, which gives you plenty of “gas in the tank” to get your yard chores done.

In addition to the comfortable top handle, it has a secondary handle at the bottom of the unit for easy maneuverability and two-handed use.

This model requires a 50:1 ratio of gas to oil or you can consider buying a premixed product for ease of use.

The manufacturer recommends the use of fresh 89 octane gas (or higher) and a professional grade oil, such as Echo Power Blend, available at Amazon.

The Echo PB2620 comes with a five-year consumer warranty (or a two-year commercial warranty) for your peace of mind.

See customer reviews and check prices now on Home Depot.

2. Echo PB-580T

If you need the additional power and comfort of a backpack model, you will not go wrong with the Echo PB-580T Backpack Blower, available via Amazon.

The Echo PB-580T features a 58.2 cubic centimeter two stroke engine that blows air at 215 miles per hour with a whopping 510 cubic feet per minute.

Echo PB 580T Backpack

The padded, vented backrest and shoulder straps spread the additional weight of this powerful, 22-pound (without gas) model.

The unique design of the backrest allows air to circulate, keeping you cool while you work, and it features a four-point vibration reduction system for added comfort.

With a gas tank capacity of 62 fluid ounces, you’ll be able to clear up large areas for many hours before the unit needs refueling.

The noise rating is 70 decibels, which is reasonable for the amount of power output this model provides.

This unit has a tube-mounted throttle with variable speed cruise control. The air filter is pleated – like the one in your car – for superior performance and durability.

With a backpack model, you don’t have to worry about your clothes being tangled in the air intake vents. The Echo PB-580T has a leaf guard to prevent leaves, dust, or debris blocking the intake and overheating the engine.

If you have a large lot, with numerous trees, this backpack unit will take the load off your arms and allow you to stay out longer for bigger cleanup efforts.

A long, flexible tube allows you to maneuver around and under objects and the end of the nozzle has a metal ring around it to prevent breakage.

The manufacturer recommends a 50:1 ratio of 89 octane (or higher) gas to oil.

Alternatively, you can purchase a premixed product from TrueFuel via Amazon that’s ready to use. The 50:1 ratio ships in a 32-ounce steel container and stays fresh for up to two years after opening.

The Echo PB580T ships with a five-year consumer (two-year commercial) warranty.

Check prices now at Amazon.

3. EGO Power+ LB5804

The EGO Power+ LB5804, available via Amazon, is one of the most powerful battery powered leaf blowers available.

EGO Power + LB5804

Delivering 580 cubic feet per meter and 168 miles per hour, the Ego Power+ tackles wet and dry leaves, and a variety of garden debris.

The included five-amp, 56-volt lithium ion battery lasts for approximately 35 minutes and takes 90 minutes to recharge.

This unit weighs just under 10 pounds with the battery attached. The air intake – located at the back of the unit – is shielded by the battery which prevents your clothes getting caught.

A “turbo” setting allows you to crank up the power for short bursts and a cruise control lets you choose your ideal air speed.

The softgrip handle is comfortable and features a speed dial for quick and easy adjustment with your thumb. If I had one quibble with this unit, it’s that the balance of the handle makes the nozzle tend to point downwards a little too much, which won’t be a problem for taller folks.

For added comfort, you can purchase a shoulder strap also available on Amazon.

This model delivers 68 decibels of neighborly noise.

EGO provides a five-year warranty on the tool and a three-year warranty on the battery charger.

Check prices and read customer reviews on Amazon now.

4. Greenworks 24252

If your cleanup needs aren’t too expansive, and you like the idea of a battery-powered unit, consider the Greenworks 24252, available via Amazon.

Greenworks 24252

This lightweight machine weighs just seven pounds with the battery installed, and a two-piece extension tube increases your reach.

A 40-volt lithium ion battery enables the motor to deliver a maximum air speed of 150 miles per hour and airflow of 135 cubic feet per minute. This model has a noise rating of 62 decibels.

The relatively low CFM rating on this model makes it suitable for cleaning pathways and decks, and dry leaves from your lawn, but it will not handle large amounts of debris or wet leaves.

With a battery life of 15 to 25 minutes, this unit is ideal for small-scale yard cleanup but it doesn’t pack the serious punch of some of the more powerful models.

It features a flat-ended nozzle to focus the airflow and offers six speeds that can be selected from a dial on the comfortable handle.

Greenworks offers a four-year warranty for your peace of mind.

This unit is not the most powerful on our list by quite a long way, but it’s perfect for light cleanup of your deck, driveway, and yard. If you don’t require heavy-duty power, this model will get the job done.

Read customer reviews and check prices now at Amazon.

5. Makita XBU02PT1

If your tool shed already includes some Makita power tools, then you’ll want to give this leaf blower, available on Amazon, serious consideration.

Makita XBU02PT1

The lithium ion battery is interchangeable with all other Makita cordless tools and provides a respectable 473 cubic feet per minute and 120 miles per hour.

With a noise rating of 61 decibels, it won’t drive the neighbors completely crazy.

The main downside to this model is the relatively short battery life. The two five-amp batteries last an average of 20 to 25 minutes on medium power, and even less on full power.

This unit weighs just under ten pounds with two batteries installed. It ships with four batteries and they take about an hour to recharge.

The handle features a dial that’s easy to reach and six power settings. The air intake on the back of the unit can snag loose clothing unless you keep it to one side.

An extension attachment for the blower tube and a flat-end nozzle for those hard to reach places are available separately, also on Amazon.

The manufacturer offers a one year warranty.

This model is ideal for a small backyard, it’s powerful enough to make short work of your fall cleanup duties, and is especially useful for those users who already have a selection of Makita tools.

Check prices now at Amazon.

6. Ryobi RY42102

The Ryobi RY42102 is a budget-friendly handheld corded electric blower available at Amazon.

This basic model delivers a respectable 135 miles per hour and 440 cubic feet per minute. The eight-amp jet fan technology has two speeds so is not as highly adjustable as the Worx or the Toro models described below.

Ryobi RY42102

When it’s set on “low,” the blower pushes out 350 cubic feet per minute at 100 miles per hour. On the high setting, it delivers 440 cubic feet at 135 miles per hour. At just 65 decibels of racket, this is one of the quieter models.

It will tackle wet and dry leaves, as well as lightweight garden debris. The comfortable softgrip handle allows for easy maneuverability of the seven-pound unit.

You’ll need to supply your own outdoor-rated extension cord. The air intake is at the back of the unit, so be sure to keep clothing out of the way.

Ryobi offers a three year warranty for your peace of mind.

If you need a durable, lightweight, affordable model for general yard cleanup, the Ryobi is an ideal choice.

See customer reviews and check prices now at Amazon.

7. Toro PowerJet F700

The Toro PowerJet is a handheld corded electric model, available from Home Depot.

It delivers 725 cubic feet per minute and a speed of 140 miles per hour, which makes it only slightly less powerful than the Worx model, described below.

Toro PowerJet F700

Suitable for wet and dry leaves, and general yard debris, the Toro PowerJet F700 is an economical choice.

The air intake is situated at the back of the unit, so you’ll need to hold it to one side to prevent your clothes from getting caught up. The long softgrip handle features a cord lock and an additional front handle for easy maneuverability and two-handed use.

This 12-amp model features an adjustable speed dial that’s easy to reach with your thumb and a cruise control lock function.

Weighing in at just under seven pounds, this is a lightweight unit that packs a lot of power. For the average suburban backyard, you’ll have your fall cleanup done in no time.

It delivers 70 decibels of racket, which is about average for this type of unit.

The wide nozzle is a little on the short side, which may require the user to bend down to tackle thick, wet leaf debris – but it’s perfect if you’re of a slightly shorter stature (as I am!).

This model does not ship with an extension cord, so you’ll need to purchase one separately. It’s important to use an outdoor-rated cord, such as this one, available at Home Depot.

With a two-year warranty, the Toro PowerJet F700 is a lightweight but durable, powerful unit that won’t break the bank.

Check it out now on Home Depot.

8. Worx WG520

The Worx WG520, available at Amazon, is a handheld, corded electric model pumping out 600 cubic feet per minute with a maximum speed of 115 miles per hour.

Worx WG520

Weighing in at just over six pounds, this handheld blower features a variable speed control from 320 to 600 CFM, and a hyper-stream air nozzle attachment for focused airflow to help you move stubborn debris or compacted, wet leaves.

The turbine fan technology and powerful 12-amp motor will make short work of your fall yard cleanup. And with a 50 decibel noise rating, it won’t drive your neighbors too crazy.

It ships with or without a 100-feet-long electrical cord, and the handy cord retainer prevents you from tripping over it while you work. You can increase your reach with an outdoor-rated 12 or 14 gauge extension cord, if desired.

The air inlet is on the back of the unit, so you’ll need to hold it to the side and keep loose clothing out of the way. The softgrip handle feels comfortable in the hand.

You can remove the nozzle to make the unit more compact for storage.

This model ships with a three year warranty.

For a lightweight, handheld, corded electric model with impressive power that won’t break the bank, consider the Worx WG520 600.

Check price and learn more at Amazon.

9. Yardmax YF1565

When it’s time to bring out the big guns, you might want to look at the Yardmax YF1565 wheeled leaf blower, available via Walmart.

This walk-behind model is ideal for when you need a lot of power to clear away leaves, garbage, and other yard debris. It will tackle large areas and heavy cleanup jobs with ease. And best of all, you don’t have to carry it!

Yardmax YF1565

This wheeled machine features a 209 cubic centimeter overhead valve engine that produces an air volume of a whopping 1200 cubic feet per minute at up to 150 miles per hour.

Its 12-inch rear wheels and eight-inch swivel front wheel make it easy to maneuver over rough or uneven terrain. It produces 76 decibels of racket – enough to wake up your neighbors on a Sunday morning.

Weighing in at 88 pounds, this is a professional-grade unit most suitable for large expanses of yard – not those that have a lot of beds and borders with fragile plantings.

The adjustable side handle allows you to control the direction of airflow for added versatility.

With a four-stroke, fuel-efficient engine, you simply fill up the two-and-a-half-quart fuel tank with regular 89 octane (or higher) gas. There’s no finicky oil and gas ratios to worry about.

With such a lot of power, you’ll need to ensure that people and pets are out of the way when you operate this machine, as flying debris can cause injury.

The Yardmax YF1565 comes with a two-year limited warranty.

Check prices and see reviews at Walmart.

How to Choose a Leaf Blower

First, how do you decide whether you want a gas, corded, or cordless model?

Each has its pros and cons, and while there are some specific advantages and disadvantages of each type, it comes down to your own preferences and needs.

Instagram emerges as a verdant patch where garden enthusiasts sow seeds of creativity and nurture a community rooted in shared horticultural passions. A recent report revealed that gardening has become one of the most popular hobbies in America, with a remarkable 55% of American households partaking in it.

Image source

Documenting the metamorphosis of a seed into a blooming marvel not only fosters a digital chronicle but also cultivates a fellowship of green-thumbed individuals. Here’s how you can leaf through your garden’s narrative on Instagram, nurturing a digital Eden that flourishes in tandem with your earthly one.

Sprouting a Narrative

Every garden burgeons from a tale steeped in aspirations, love for nature, or perhaps a legacy. Whether your garden sprawls across acres or perches in small pots on a balcony, its journey is distinct and full of narratives waiting to be unearthed. Delve into the essence of your gardening venture: is it a homage to a loved one, a step toward sustainability, or a sanctuary of tranquility?

Unveiling the backstories, the aspirations, and the hurdles encountered embroider a rich tapestry that resonates with others. Instagram’s Story and Highlights features can be a cozy nook where you share fleeting moments, reflections, and the daily whispers of your garden.

However, before you start posting, you have to ensure that your channel is growing and heading in the right direction. Consider working with organic growth services to boost your presence and ensure organic growth.

For instance, you can start your Instagram growth journey with PathSocial, an agency dedicated to boosting Instagram accounts organically and ensuring that all of your posts will be viewed and interacted with by your target audience, helping you build a strong community.

Through the Lens: Capturing Verdant Vistas

The heart of your Instagram garden dwells in the imagery you craft. Each photograph is a window into your garden’s soul, showcasing the tender buds yearning for the sun, the dance of leaves in the breeze, and the myriad hues painting your garden. Here are a few pointers to encapsulate the essence:

• Quality over quantity: High-resolution images laden with clarity and detail invite viewers into the serene beauty of your garden.
• Play with perspectives: Explore various angles, from the embracing canopy of foliage from below to the bird’s-eye view from above, each perspective unfolds a new facet of your garden.
• Natural illumination: The soft glow of dawn or the golden embrace of dusk, natural light unveils the true palette of your garden.
• Narrating challenges: Gardening is a journey punctuated with trials. Be it a pest invasion or a plant wilting, sharing the hurdles renders your narrative genuine and relatable.

Time-Lapse: The Dance of Growth

Gardening is all about patience. Time-lapse videos can encapsulate this beautiful transition, offering a mesmerizing view of your garden’s dance from dawn to dusk and seed to bloom. These dynamic snippets can be the cornerstone of your Instagram garden, offering a unique blend of education and enchantment.

Blooming Interaction: Engaging With the Green Community

Instagram is a thriving ecosystem of garden enthusiasts. By engaging with your community, you not only enrich your own gardening saga but also contribute to a collective reservoir of horticultural wisdom. 

Here’s how:

• Hashtags: Employ relevant hashtags to weave your posts into the larger garden narrative on Instagram. This not only amplifies your visibility but entwines your story with others.
• Comments and collaborations: Engage in discussions, share your insights, and collaborate with fellow gardeners. These interactions can sprout friendships and open avenues for learning and inspiration.
• Sharing and caring: Re-share intriguing posts, shout out commendable gardening accounts, and partake in challenges or themed posts. Your active participation seeds a camaraderie that transcends digital boundaries.

Cultivating Knowledge: A Platform for Learning and Teaching

Your Instagram garden can be a fertile ground for the exchange of knowledge. Each post can be a seed of wisdom, be it about a rare plant species you are nurturing, a successful composting technique, or an invitation for solutions to a gardening quandary you are facing. 

By forging a balance between seeking advice and sharing insights, you create a symbiotic space where learning blossoms.

Growing Together: Your Garden’s Digital Journey

Sharing your garden’s journey on Instagram is a simple yet impactful way to connect with other garden lovers around the world. As you post pictures and stories of your garden, from the first sprout to the full bloom, you’re not just showing off your green thumb but also inviting people to join a community where they can learn and grow together.

Your garden’s story could start with a single seed, but as it grows, so does your digital diary. Each post is a chapter of your garden’s life, showcasing both the sunny days and the stormy nights. It’s real, it’s engaging, and it’s a story only you can tell.

And the beauty of it? You’re not alone on this journey. Instagram is a place where garden enthusiasts come together to share tips, celebrate victories, and offer a helping hand during tough times. 

The hashtags you use, the comments you leave, and the posts you share create connections, sparking conversations and friendships with others who share your love for gardening.

This year our sugarcane yields were much worse than they should have been.

They put on some good growth early in the year, but the drought that has lasted since July really put a damper on their growth.

The pile of sugarcane we harvested should have easily been three times as big.

Many of the canes are also less thick than they should have been. We rely on the rain for most of our cane and we just didn’t get enough.

Yet there is another limiting factor of which I’ve only recently become aware.

Calcium. More specifically, lime.

As UF notes:

“Calcium deficiencies in Florida sugarcane are unlikely because this element is abundant in the soil-water environments where sugarcane is traditionally grown. Nevertheless, Ca is a macronutrient that is vitally important for plant growth. An acute shortage of Ca will lead to rapid deterioration and plant death. Most of the organic soils in Florida overlay limestone bedrock, and Ca is moved into the surface soil profile by diffusion and mass flow with soil water.

DEFICIENCY SYMPTOMSCalcium deficiency is not a concern for sugarcane production in Florida. A Ca-deficient plant, however, is characterized by limited top and root growth and slender stalks. Older leaves acquire a “rusty” appearance and show signs of mottling and chlorosis. The spindle leaf turns brown and dies, and young leaves can become distorted. If the deficiency is severe, the terminal bud and plant may die. Calcium is considered an immobile plant element.”

Our soils here are acidic and often need liming. Two different sugarcane growers in our area told me that liming was important to their yields.

We fed our cane with manure in the “wagon wheels” we planted (Danny at Deep South Homestead gave us the idea) by adding manure around the canes when we planted.

Normally sugarcane is a very easy crop to grow, yet our yields this year were poor. Part of it was obviously the drought, yet I think we also need to add more nutrients as well, starting with lime.

Also, UF has a list of other nutrients sugarcane needs to grow properly, which interestingly, includes silicon:

“For any crop to grow and remain healthy, certain elements (nutrients) must be made available to the plants from the soil and/or air. The “essential” elements include C, H, O, N, P, K, Ca, Mg, S, B, Cl, Cu, Fe, Mn, Mo, Zn, and Ni. In Florida and some other areas of the world, application of Si may markedly enhance sugarcane production. This element qualifies as a “functional” or “beneficial” nutrient because, in the absence of Si, the plant can still complete its life cycle; however, production and general vigor may be reduced. In the Florida sugarcane industry, elements that are of nutritional concern include N, P, K, Mg, Si, B, Cu, Fe, Mn, and Zn. Deficiency or excess of one or more of the above elements may limit yields. An excess of one element may cause a deficiency of another. Growers striving to produce high crop yields should pursue management strategies that deliver a balanced supply of nutrients to the plant.”

It’s time to plant more cane so we’ll add more nutrients this year and hope for better rain as well.

It’s going to be very hard to plant them this fall since the ground is hard as a rock. We’ll probably have to let the hose run over an area first just to soften up the soil enough to be workable. What a weird year!

We didn’t get enough yield to make syrup, but we did manage to get enough cane for expanding our planting area as well as giving us lots of cuttings we can propagate in our plant nursery to well in the fall. We’ve already potted up 100 plants and have some more to do, including a rarer green hybrid from Louisiana we got from our friends James and Holly.

Maybe 2024 will be our big yield year! Try, try again.

We will add lime, compost, kelp meal and whatever else we can find, then see what happens in spring.

Today’s music:

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We’re in Westminster, Maryland, today to see how fall is treating Mary Spencer’s garden. Last time we visited Mary it was in the spring (Spring in Mary’s Garden), so it is fun to see how different the garden looks at the other end of the growing season.

A beautiful combination of fall leaf colors from the trees and shrubs contrasts with flowers from impatiens (Impatiens walleriana, Zones 10–11 or as an annual) that haven’t been hit by frost yet and so are still flowering away.

A spot to sit and soak up the autumnal beauty

It pays to slow down and look at the details. In the background is a cloud of incredible fall leaves, and in the foreground a tree trunk looks as if it has a pair of eyes.

A fall planter features rudbeckia (Rudbeckia hirta, Zones 3–7, but short lived and usually grown as an annual), ornamental pepper (Capsicum annuum, Zones 9–11 or as an annual), and ornamental cabbage (Brassica oleracea, Zones 6–10, biennial).

A pumpkin, some pink mums (Chrysanthemum hybrid, hardiness varies by cultivar), and a purple flamingo bring pops of color to the changing foliage of perennials, including Japanese forest grass (Hakonechloa macra, Zones 5–9).

Beautyberry (Callicarpa japonica, Zones 6–8) has intense purple berries that look great over a long stretch of later summer into winter, but they may never look better than when the foliage is turning color, making a purple-and-yellow display that is just beautiful.

Perennials usually don’t have quite the intense fall color of trees and shrubs, but they still make a layer of gold along the ground, with promises of returning in the spring with bright new leaves and flowers.

Pots of flowers, pumpkins, and a Japanese maple (Acer palmatum, Zones 5–9) make a seasonally perfect display in front of the garage.

 

Have a garden you’d like to share?

Have photos to share? We’d love to see your garden, a particular collection of plants you love, or a wonderful garden you had the chance to visit!

To submit, send 5-10 photos to [email protected] along with some information about the plants in the pictures and where you took the photos. We’d love to hear where you are located, how long you’ve been gardening, successes you are proud of, failures you learned from, hopes for the future, favorite plants, or funny stories from your garden.

Have a mobile phone? Tag your photos on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter with #FineGardening!

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1. Top Pick Up Front: SnowPlow Snow Pusher

The 24-inch SnowPlow Snow Pusher, available from Walmart, features a 24-inch-wide, self-sharpening polyethylene blade, patented Tuffbrace handle/brace connector, and replaceable parts.

SnowPlow manufactures this product in Clarion, Iowa, using sustainable practices.

SnowPlow Snow Pusher

This sturdy model is a favorite of professionals, because its quarter-inch-thick Ultra High Molecular Weight (UHMW) poly blade withstands impact, and resists friction and abrasion.

This is because the resin it is made of is used in dust form, as opposed to the typical pebbles or shavings generally found in plastics.

The blade is unique in that it has curved corners, instead of traditional sharp-angled ones. This makes it super durable, as it doesn’t catch in cracks that might damage a straight-edged model.

Additionally, while this means a narrow swath of snow may sometimes be left behind, it is considered by the manufacturer to be a small price to pay for strength and durability.

This product is shipped with a blunt-edged blade. Do not attempt to sharpen it. Instead, let it self-sharpen with use. After use, it must be stored in a cool shed or garage, to avoid temperature changes that could warp the blade.

Poly blades sometimes warp with use. If this happens, bring the shovel indoors and allow it to warm up. Then you may bend the blade manually to return it to the desired shape.

The manufacturer states that you may have to overbend it at first to get it to stay where you want it. This is fine, and won’t break the shovel.

The fiberglass handle features a reinforced core and a D-style grip for easy maneuverability.

This is a robust product, weighing in at seven pounds. Commercial contractors may expect to get two to four years, and homeowners may enjoy 10 or more years of use from a SnowPlow Snow Pusher product.

This model may be used for chopping as well as snow clearing. And, with interchangeable parts, a user may replace a worn-out blade with one of the same, or a different size.

The SnowPlow Snow Pusher is covered by a limited/situational warranty, and the manufacturer asserts that “replacement parts are available but are rarely sold or needed.”

Assembly required. Made in the USA.

Pros

• All parts are replaceable
• Blades are interchangeable
• Bolted construction
• Easy locknut assembly
• Nearly indestructible blade
• Rust-proof

Cons

We’ve selected the this model in the 24-inch blade width. However, you may prefer the 30-inch or the 36-inch, available via Amazon.

Check prices at Walmart now.

2. Bargain Pick: Suncast SN1000 18-Inch

This very popular 18-inch Suncast SN1000, available via Amazon, is a traditional style product with a navy blue angled, rib patterned, 18- by 13-inch poly-coated plastic blade.

Suncast 18-Inch Snow Shovel

It has a durable and wide-ribbed Steel Core® D-grip attached to a black poly-coated handle. From top to bottom, it measures 48 inches.

Suncast categorizes this product as being suitable for “a little” snow. Made in the USA.

While it is extremely light, weighing just two and a half pounds, it is effective at dealing with a light covering of snow. It’s ideal for decks and patios as it doesn’t scratch surfaces.

Suitable for seniors and children, it has become a favorite for light-duty removal.

Pros

• Lightweight
• Light duty
• Won’t rust

Cons

• Poly blade may crack under heavy weight
• Shallow scoop
• Lacks a steel wear strip
• Short, straight handle
• Not for heavy, wet precipitation or ice

On the negative side, taller folks may find the handle too short, the scoop is somewhat shallow, and the plastic flimsy.

This budget-friendly tool is best suited to light clearance of small areas.

Read customer reviews and check prices now on Amazon.

3. AAA Aluminum Sport Utility Shovel

Made of high quality aluminum, the sport utility emergency-use shovel from AAA, available via Amazon, is great for digging out a snowbound vehicle.

Sturdy and portable, this aluminum model is ideal to carry in your car, truck, recreational vehicle – or even your backpack! It weighs a shade under one and half pounds.

Simply disassemble it into three compact pieces and travel on.

Aluminum Sport Utility Shovel

Designed to dig you out of a frozen spot, this product makes a great addition to your emergency road kit. It’s also useful for digging in soil and sand.

The telescoping handle expands from 21 to 32 inches long, with a T-grip on the end. It is comfortable to use for short periods, and the bright color makes it hard to lose. It is available in red, blue, and gold.

The blade is nine inches wide, so it’s unsuitable for clearing large areas.

The manufacturer offers a one-year warranty. Assembly required.

Pros

• Lightweight and portable
• Aluminum blade
• Expandable handle
• Doesn’t flex or bend with intended use
• Multi-purpose

Cons

• Too small for general use
• Short handle

We love this product for digging around tires to free vehicles from snow. The blade’s metal edge is sharp enough to loosen ice, and it makes good vertical cuts.

On the negative side, even fully extended, use requires bending for most people. This may cause back strain with extensive use.

Heavy-duty jobs may result in damage to the product. Look for a more sturdy model for heavy snow removal.

Check prices and read reviews now on Amazon.

4. Snow Joe 18-Inch Snow Shovel

The 18-inch Snow Joe Snow Shovel, available via Home Depot, boasts a “virtually indestructible” black blade constructed of shatter-resistant polycarbonate, with a non-abrasive aluminum wear strip, for use on all surfaces.

Snow Joe 18-Inch Shovel

A unique feature is the four-piece construction, which may be broken down for convenient storage.

It makes a great car emergency tool for this reason, and at 41 inches long, its handle is more than twice the length of other auto shovels.

In addition, there is an oversized D-grip handle that easily accommodates a thick glove, and a reinforced poly blade strip for added strength and durability. This model weighs in at just under four pounds.

Snow Joe has offices in Carlstadt, New Jersey. The company strives to offer products that reduce emissions in the environment. When I emailed customer service with a question, I received a reply within minutes.

This product has a two-year warranty. Assembly required.

Pros

• Lightweight
• Portable, can be broken down into four pieces

Cons

• Poly blades may warp with heavy use

Read customer reviews and check prices on Home Depot.

5. Snow Joe Shovelution Strain-Reducing Snow Shovel

The Snow Joe Shovelution 18-inch Strain-Reducing Snow Shovel with Spring-Assisted Handle, available from Gardener’s Supply Company looks like your standard tool, but with a healthy twist.

It’s operated with two hands on two handles to reduce the stress and strain of shoveling large quantities of the white stuff.

Snow Joe Shovelution

This ergonomic model optimizes leverage by creating a fulcrum at the point where the handles join.

The second handle is spring-loaded, to turn your lower hand into a powerhouse of upper body strength, lifting and tossing medium to heavy snow in a fluid motion.

The 18-inch blade is constructed from blue polycarbonate with an aluminum wear strip. In addition to shoveling snow, it can be used for other gardening chores like lifting mulch and compost.

Snow Joe offers a two-year full warranty.

This product has an overall length of 50 inches and weighs just under four pounds. It requires home assembly.

Pros

• Ergonomic two-handle construction designed to reduce back strain
• Lightweight

Cons

• Poly blades may crack or warp

The two-handled design can take a bit of practice before it feels comfortable to use, and in the case of taller people, it may require some bending.

Check out the Snow Joe Shovelution at Gardener’s Supply Store.

6. Suncast 18-Inch Snow Shovel/Pusher Combo

This model boasts Suncast’s trademark ribbed Steel Core® handle in an ergonomic bent handle, designed to reduce back strain during use. It’s available via Walmart.

Suncast 18-Inch Snow Shovel/Pusher Combo

It features an 18-inch-wide green resin blade reinforced with a galvanized steel wear strip, measures 52 1/2 inches in length, and weighs just over four pounds.

This model gives you the best of both worlds: Its narrow blade lets you clear manageable sized swaths, and its slightly scooped shape permits lifting without strain.

This model is not covered by Suncast’s warranties. It has a point-of-purchase warranty only. Made in the USA.

Pros

• Ergonomic concept
• Solid construction

Cons

• Poly blade may crack or warp under heavy weight
• Steel wear strip may catch
• Steel handle may transfer cold to hand

The ergonomic design suits some folks but not others – it’s really a matter of personal preference. People under five-foot-six inches and above six-foot-two may find it awkward to use.

Find out more and check price now at Walmart.

7. True Temper SnoBoss 26-Inch Ergonomic Poly Combo

This unique reversible-blade tool from True Temper, available at Tractor Supply, is ergonomic and integrated without extraneous nuts and bolts to impede optimal performance.

True Temper SnoBoss 26-Inch Ergonomic Poly Combo Snow Shovel

A shovel and pusher in one, it boasts a 26-inch poly blade with a steel wear strip that can switch functions with ease.

Maintain firm control with two ergonomically-designed aluminum handles that offer multiple grip locations for proper posture, particularly when lifting. A foot step provides additional leverage.

The Ames True Temper company offers a 90-day warranty on this product. Made in the USA. Some components may be imported.

The riveted steel wear strip is durable, but may have a tendency to catch on irregular pavements when used as a forward plow.

Pros

• Ergonomic concept
• Versatile use

Cons

• Steel wear strip may catch on irregular pavement, causing it to become damaged

This unique product is 56 inches long from blade edge to the top of the handle, and weighs just five and a half pounds.

It makes short work of heavy snow on the driveway and the unique design allows you to clear steps and stairs with ease.

Check prices and learn more on Tractor Supply.

It’s easy to feel helpless in the face of unprecedented drought, water restrictions, and soaring temperatures—but we gardeners are not powerless. With careful planning we can create beautiful, drought-resilient gardens that thrive no matter what the weather may bring. And by applying water-conservation techniques in our backyards, we not only lessen our dependency on supplemental water but also help to preserve and protect natural waterways downstream. 

In this online course, you will learn how to make the most of rainfall by implementing strategies that keep rainwater on-site. You will discover ways to minimize the need for supplemental irrigation while building drought resiliency in the landscape. The lessons learned will give you the confidence to create sustainable spaces in your yard, whether you are landscaping a newly built house or renovating an older garden. 

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Topics covered include: 

• Understanding and managing your soil type 
• Making the most of rainfall 
• Planning efficient irrigation 
• Dealing with watering restrictions 
• Finding drought-resistant plants 
• Choosing alternatives to water-hungry lawns 

About Your Instructor

Kimberly Toscano is an accomplished horticulturist with an eye on design. Formally trained in horticulture, environmental science, and entomology, she is interested in all things edible as well as garden design and landscaping for wildlife. Kim takes a holistic approach to gardening and landscaping, working in harmony with the natural environment. This includes organic and sustainable gardening practices, careful management of water, and enhancing biodiversity in the landscape. 

Before establishing a career in garden writing and consultation, Kim served as writer and host for Oklahoma Gardening, a weekly PBS television program produced by the Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service. In this role, she shared her expertise through more than 1,000 video segments covering all aspects of gardening, environmental stewardship, and sustainable living. To support her programming, Kim designed over a dozen gardens that were installed at The Botanic Garden at Oklahoma State University, including a formal terrace, an organic vegetable garden, and themed ornamental plantings. 

Mark Bailey has some good advice:

Have you ever wondered why weeds grow so well, while your garden crops struggle? If you want your crops to grow like weeds, then look to weeds for inspiration. First, let’s go over what a weed is and touch on common weed characteristics. A weed can be thought of as any plant that you don’t want growing in a particular space for a period of time. Does a weed need to be watered regularly, fertilized and carefully tended to? Of course they don’t because they tend to be extremely well adapted to the specific conditions in which they emerge. The better adapted a plant is, the more likely it is to survive and outcompete other plants, such as in a garden, for resources like sunlight, water and nutrients. If you want the most amount of food from the garden for the least amount of work, consider crops that can grow like a weed. 

Let’s dig a little deeper about what makes a plant weedy so we can choose the right crop for our situation. Weeds tend to emerge as soon as conditions are suitable for rapid growth. Weeds are usually supported by deep and extensive root systems that allow them to readily access limited water and nutrients. Take time to learn about each potential crop’s needs and match a crop to the local conditions and time of year. Additionally, planting into a weed-free garden bed, and using drip tape and timed irrigation can give your crops additional advantages over weeds before they appear.

What warm-season crops have weed-like characteristics? …

(Click here to keep reading)

I have been blessed to meet Mark in person and count him as a friend. He is a very intelligent guy (especially considering he works for the government). He has spoken at the last two SCRUBFEST events and has shared some very good information in his columns.

The “grow like a weed” advice is exactly how I patterned my book Totally Crazy Easy Florida Gardening.

Throw a range of seeds and plants at the ground and see what happens. Replant the survivors and base the next year’s garden on them. Add different things each year and keep letting the weak die.

Eventually, you’ll have amazing success.

We did this with our North Florida garden and can now tell you /exactly/ what will thrive in the state.

More food, less work.

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