Best Lawn Riding Mower | Lawn & Garden Tractor July 2020

Lawn Riding Mower and Zero-Turn Riding Mower Buying Guide

The Basics

The term “riding mower” has been used and abused to describe everything from any ride-on mower to a residential tractor. To differentiate, a riding mower is a rear-engine lawn mower on which the operator rides.

By comparison, a ride-on mower with the engine in front is a lawn tractor or, if it can do more than cut a lawn, a garden tractor. (Lawn and garden tractors are reviewed separately.)

Among rear-engine riding mowers there are two types: conventional riders and zero-turn riders. Conventional riders are nimble but can take 4 to 28 inches (depending on the model) to turn 180 degrees–wasted movement at the end of each directional cut.

A zero-turning-radius rider (ZTR) does just that: it turns around in its own track, wasting no movement. In addition, most zero-turn riders can move at up to twice the speed of a conventional rider.

The big operating difference between the two types of riders is in the steering system. Conventional riders have a steering wheel in front that allows the front wheels to turn within the radius dictated by the design.

ZTRs have two steering handles that separately control the two rear wheels. Move one forward and the other in reverse and you’ve rotated the mower in place.

So why should you select one type of riding mower over another? Budget is one consideration with most conventional riders priced between $1,600 and $3,000 (MSRP);

ZTRs start at about $2,600 and go up to $7,200 or more. That’s a lot of money for an hour’s use once a week.

Of course, there’s more of a fun-factor with ZTRs as most are enjoyable to drive, nimbly turning around trees.

They’re like bumper cars without the bumps. Another factor is speed: conventional riders have a top speed of about 4 mph while some ZTRs can cut as fast as 9 mph.

(The world’s fastest ZTR mower cuts at 15 mph and can mow a football field in less than 10 minutes!)

The truth is that the number of conventional riding mower models available is diminishing while the number of the zero-turn riding mowers is growing.

ZTRs are the hot “new” thing in residential lawn care equipment (though they’ve been around commercially for about 50 years.)

With increased competition, riding mower manufacturers are improving design features and polishing product descriptions to increase market share.

They want to sell more mowers, and they realize that consumers do more investigating before buying than previous generations have.

Warranties are standardized over most of the riding mower industry: two-year limited, meaning the warranty is limited to the parts and labor for defects in workmanship for that period.

A few mowers have a three-year limited warranty, and some even have two-year full warranties that include pick up and delivery.

Like most products, problems will occur during the first 90 days or, seemingly, just after the warranty expires.

If you have concerns about the warranty, opt to buy your riding mower from a lawn equipment dealer that has a service department rather than from a big-box retail store.

We’ve included important information about engine and transmission quality in our reviews to help guide your selection.

Five Key Questions

1. What’s your lawn like? You need to know how big the area to be mowed is in square feet and acreage (there are 43,580 square feet in an acre). Additionally, the terrain and number and size of obstacles in and around the lawn is important to a smart selection. Hilly lawns may require an all-wheel drive model. Flat and smooth lawns allow for higher-speed mowing. Trees, shrubs, and statuary within the lawn require a nimble mower to reduce wasteful turns. If your lawn is long and doesn’t have many obstacles, a conventional rider is an efficient choice. For lawns where lots of quick turns are required, a ZTR can cut mowing time in half over a conventional rider.
2. What do you want to do with the grass? All riding mowers have side-discharge chutes that send the cut grass out the right side of the mowing deck to be deposited on the lawn. Some homeowners prefer to bag the clippings in an optional bagger (side or side-to-rear) for further recycling (as compost) or for disposal. Others install an optional mulching kit that includes a plug to cover the side chute and one or more mulching blades. The grass clippings circulate in the mowing deck until they are cut to shreds and fall to the lawn to degrade and become mulch. Expert mowers don’t agree on which is best, but many say that side-discharge models with sharp blades are sufficient for most home lawns — and a lot easier to justify. Baggers can add up to 25 percent to the cost of your riding mower.
3. How much of a job do you want to make of mowing? Some folks like the exercise of mowing the lawn with a walk-behind mower, but two acres may be a bit much. Others need to get the job done and be at the golf course by 9 a.m. Some lawns require more frequent cutting than others, especially during the local growing season. Also, some homeowners don’t have a handy spot to park a big mower and really need one that doesn’t take up much space. You may want a narrower mower that can park in a shed and go through a standard fence gate. These are all considerations important to selecting the best value in a riding mower.
4. What else do you want it to do? Most riding mowers have one function: to cut grass. But you may have other jobs that can be helped by a powerful yard machine. Some mowers have a simple connection at the rear to pull a small utility trailer around. Others have a power take-off (PTO) connection that allows you to connect and power a small implement; nearly all PTOs on riders, like the mower blades, are belt-driven.
5. Last, but certainly not least: What is your mowing budget? Again, prices of conventional riders range between $1600 and $3000 with ZTRs starting at about $2600 and go up to $7200 or more. That’s the initial investment. The on-going price of two-cycle fuel/oil mixture is higher than regular gas for four-cycle engines. Maintenance costs should be included, especially on lower-priced mowers that need more care. Longevity also is important; some folks know they will move to a new (larger? smaller?) home in just a few years while others will have an estate-size lawn for the duration. If you’re thinking in decades rather than years, consider a better mower that won’t require replacement so fast.

How to Shop

Shopping for a large-ticket item can be daunting, given the large breadth of models to choose from.

If you know you probably want a zero-turn rider that will cut an acre of lawn in less than an hour, you don’t have to bother looking at all the other confusing choices.

Some features that may be important to you include seat comfort, whether the mowing deck has rollers to minimize scalping the grass on uneven terrain, and how easily it is to read the fuel tank.

Some tank levels are easy to read and others require guesswork. Placement of controls can also make a difference in your selection.

At the very least, sit in the driver’s seat and operate the primary controls before buying. Lawn equipment stores should let you get a demonstration and test ride the mower–especially for the price you’re going to pay.

Other features of riding mowers that may or may not be important to you include how easy it is to adjust the cutting height, how easy it is to mount and dismount the mower, how long it is expected to last, how noisy it is, how it gets rid of clipped grass, and the initial cost.

Features that are important to one consumer may not be to another. That’s why there are so many models from which to choose. Our reviews cover these and other features of popular riding mowers to make the decision easier.

Also important is where you shop. If you know what you want and don’t need a lot of service, consider the big chain stores with the lower prices.

However, if you’re concerned about service after the sale, a lawn equipment specialist may be a better seller for you–some can match or come close to the box-store prices.

As for when you should shop, the newest models and a few sales are available early in the lawn year where you live, though March-May is the national lawn equipment sales season.

For the best prices, considered uncrated or discontinued models very early or very late in the local season (just make sure you know whether it is a demonstrator or has been damaged in shipment).

Off-season buying can get you up to a 25 percent discount–or a better machine than you had budgeted for. Sometimes a conversation with the lawn equipment manager will gain you advance notice on upcoming sales on the model(s) you want. It’s worth a try.

Rear-engine riding lawn mowers make good sense for many homes with larger lawns. By taking some time to evaluate your own needs and the features of various models you can cut costs and mowing time as well as the grass.

Glossary

Deck Leveling

This feature, found on many riding mower, lawn tractor, and garden tractor mowing decks, lets you adjust the cutting blade(s) to cut parallel with the ground surface. Some are much easier to use than others–a topic worth discussing with your salesperson.

Hydrostatic Drive

This feature can be found on many riding mowers and tractors, as well as a few self-propelled walk-behind lawn mowers. It provides smooth, shiftless propulsion using hydraulic power.

A few new tractor models have quite satisfactory infinitely variable belt drives, which are somewhat less expensive.

Mulch Plug/Mulch Plate

Devices often used on convertible mulching/discharge mower decks to plug or cover the discharge outlet in the shroud while in the mulch and collection modes.

Overhead Valve (OHV)

This describes the design of engines with intake and exhaust valves located on top of the cylinder head. These engines are often considered to be more efficient than engines with side-located valves.

Power Takeoff (PTO)

This is the power output shaft(s) found on tractors and riding mowers. It drives the mower blade(s) (and sometimes optional attachments).

Mechanically engaged and disengaged clutches might be cheaper, but electric-clutch models are awfully nice.

Self-propelled

Describes walk-behind mowers propelled by either the front or rear wheels, which are driven by a combination of belts, gears/discs, or hydraulics.

Tool-free Adjustments

Refers to adjustments such as blade height, deck leveling, deck removal, or maintenance procedures that by product design do not require the use of tools.

Turning Radius

Turning radius is one-half the diameter of the uncut circle when mowing with the wheels turned the maximum amount. Zero-turning-radius riders can turn 180 degrees in their own length.

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Lawn and Garden Tractor Buying Guide

The Basics: Lawn and Garden Tractors

A lawn tractor is a front-engine gas-powered riding mower that spins two or three horizontal blades to cut the grass at a specified height. The blades are enclosed in the mower deck located between the front and rear axles.

On all lawn tractors, the engine is located at the front of the machine. (Riding mowers have the engine located in the rear.)

Lawn tractors use vertical-shaft engines of about 17 to 21 horsepower (hp). A long belt, often made of Kevlar or some other reinforced material, transfers the engine power to the rear wheels.

A second belt transfers power to the pulleys that turn the cutting blades. The mowing deck and the blades can be raised or lowered by the operator, typically in 1/2-inch increments between 1-1/2 and 4 inches above the ground.

All but the least expensive models have anti-scalping wheels or rollers on the mowing deck to keep it level on uneven ground. Mowing decks discharge cut grass out the side of the deck.

Most mowers have optional side chutes to deliver grass to a bagger at the rear of the tractor. Another popular option is a mulching kit that plugs the discharge chute to keep grass under the deck and replaces the blades with special mulching blades to shred grass.

Operating controls, such as the throttle, choke, transmission gears, cutting height and power takeoff (PTO), which engages and disengages the cutting blades, are located near the driver. Most lawn tractors have an 18-inch radius for 180-degree turns.

A garden tractor is a lawn tractor with more power, more clearance and more options. Residential garden tractors can pull a tiller, cultivator, thatcher or other ground-engaging tool behind it, but to do so they need more power than typical lawn tractors.

Garden tractors for residential use have gas engines rated between 22 and 28 hp; diesel models require about 20 percent less horsepower to do the same job.

In addition, garden tractors need more height at the rear for connections to ground-engaging attachments.

Rear tires on garden tractors are typically 23 inches high rather than 20 inches, which is the size found on most lawn tractors. Most garden tractors can turn around in a circle of 18 to 23 inches.

A yard tractor is classed in between a lawn and garden tractor. It may be a lawn tractor that can pull a large cart or a garden tractor with smaller wheels or a weaker engine.

Our reviews treat yard tractors as either lawn or garden tractors depending on their power and what tasks they can do.

Warranties are relatively standard across the mower industry, the average being two years for residential use (shorter for commercial use).

Some lawn and garden tractors come with three-year warranties for parts and service. If you decide to purchase any model that has a lower initial price than most models or a questionable service record, we recommend you purchase it from a dealer that offers on-site service.

Fortunately, most lawn and garden tractors with regular service will do the job well for a decade or more.

We strongly recommend that, regardless of which mower you purchase, you carefully read the owner’s manual. If your mower doesn’t have one, contact the manufacturer or their online website for a copy.

Lawn and garden mowers require more care than walk-behind mowers — especially lubrication and belt adjustments — that you can do yourself in order to keep your mower out of the shop. Most manuals also have troubleshooting charts to reduce unnecessary service calls.

Five Key Questions You Need Answered Before You Shop

1. What’s your lawn like? Lawn and garden tractors can handle a little rougher terrain than riding mowers and zero-turn riders. The larger wheels on tractors can handle shallow grades more easily. For special needs, some tractor mowers have four-wheel drive while others have traction devices that allow tires to rotate independently and minimize tire spin. Most lawn and garden tractors require a wide turning radius and don’t maneuver well around small objects, such as rose bushes.
2. What do you want to do with the grass? All lawn and garden mowers have side-discharge chutes that send the cut grass out the right side of the mowing deck to be deposited on the lawn. Some homeowners prefer to bag the clippings in an optional side-to-rear bagger for further recycling (as compost) or for disposal. Others install optional mulching kits that include a plug to cover the side chute and one or more mulching blades. Mulching allows the grass clippings to circulate under the mowing deck until they are cut to shreds and fall to the lawn to degrade and become fertilizer for the lawn. Most lawn experts agree that side-discharge models with sharp blades do a sufficient job of cutting most large home lawns.
3. How much of a job do you want to make of mowing? Walk-behind mowing is okay for the majority of smaller residential lawns, those up to about half of an acre (20,000 square feet). Beyond that the job becomes unwelcome work. Lawn and garden tractors are ideal mowers for large lawns of 1-1/2 to 3 acres (60,000 to 120,000 square feet) though they are also useful on smaller or larger lawns that are sloped or undulating.
4. What else besides mowing do you want your tractor mower to do? The answer to this question will tell you if you need a garden tractor over a lawn tractor. Both garden and most lawn tractors can pull a cart around the lawn or push leaf piles with a dozer blade. But garden tractors can also till or cultivate ground for a garden or flowerbed, and they can move bigger piles of leaves, snow or dirt. They can cut the grass that grows on uneven ground as well. They have more power and more options. Just make sure that the connection on your new tractor fits the attachments that you plan to buy. Simpler models offer one-point connections, such as a hitch, while advanced models offer more complex attachments that require a three-point connection, such as a backhoe.
5. What is your yard equipment budget? Lawn tractors typically range in retail price from $1100 to $4500 with the most popular models sitting between $1500 and $2500 (before sale prices). Garden tractors, obviously, are a little more expensive and range from $2100 to more than $9000 — most models are in the $2500 to $3500 price range. Remember to factor in the cost of options and attachments in your budget. A mulching kit can be purchased for many models for less than $100, a rear-bagger runs $300 or more, and ground implements can cost as much as $1000 depending on which one you buy.

How to Shop

The best place to start shopping for your lawn or garden tractor is within these reviews. Consider all of the models, even those above or below your budget.

Think how you will use this equipment and decide how much it is worth to you. Is there a required attachment for which you must spend more? If so, will the model you are considering accept such an attachment?

Consider as well how long you will have to spend on your tractor when mowing and whether optimal rider comfort is a vital feature for you.

Also think about how long you expect to own your tractor. Does it need to serve you for more than a decade? Perhaps even two decades? Are you planning to expand your lawn or garden? These are all things to consider that will help you decide what you need and want in your tractor mower.

Where should you shop for a lawn or garden tractor? If you know what you want and don’t need a lot of service, consider the big chain stores with the lower prices. However, if you’re concerned about service after the sale, a lawn equipment specialist may be a better place to buy. They can sometimes match or come close to matching the box-store prices. It’s worth asking.

The best time to shop for a lawn or garden tractor is early in the lawn year where you live, though March-May is the national lawn equipment sales season. Alternately, shopping late in the year just before retailers put their mowers in long-term storage can save you a few hundred dollars.

If you know what you want, contact a few retailers about their sale schedules. Clerks often don’t know when sales are coming, but department or store managers typically do.

If you know exactly what model you want, a store manager may be able to advise you on the best time to purchase. Smart shopping can save you 10 to 20 percent!

Lawn and garden tractors have come down in price and gone up in features over the past decade. With some smart shopping you can find the right model at an acceptable price — then you can go have some fun with your new toy.

Glossary

Deck Leveling

This feature, found on many riding mower, lawn tractor, and garden tractor mowing decks, lets you adjust the cutting blade(s) to cut parallel with the ground surface. Some are much easier to use than others–a topic worth discussing with your salesperson.

Hydrostatic Drive

This feature can be found on many riding mowers and tractors, as well as a few self-propelled walk-behind lawn mowers.

It provides smooth, shiftless propulsion using hydraulic power. A few new tractor models have quite satisfactory infinitely variable belt drives, which are somewhat less expensive.

Mulch Plug/Mulch Plate

Devices often used on convertible mulching/discharge mower decks to plug or cover the discharge outlet in the shroud while in the mulch and collection modes.

Overhead Valve (OHV)

This describes the design of engines with intake and exhaust valves located on top of the cylinder head. These engines are often considered to be more efficient than engines with side-located valves.

Power Takeoff (PTO)

This is the power output shaft(s) found on tractors and riding mowers. It drives the mower blade(s) (and sometimes optional attachments). Mechanically engaged and disengaged clutches might be cheaper, but electric-clutch models are awfully nice.

Self-propelled

Describes walk-behind mowers propelled by either the front or rear wheels, which are driven by a combination of belts, gears/discs, or hydraulics.

Tool-free Adjustments

Refers to adjustments such as blade height, deck leveling, deck removal, or maintenance procedures that by product design do not require the use of tools.

Turning Radius

Turning radius is one-half the diameter of the uncut circle when mowing with the wheels turned the maximum amount. Zero-turning-radius riders can turn 180 degrees in their own length.

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Do You Need a Green Lawn Mower?

Most people don’t consider the environment when pulling that old lawn mower out of the shed and performing weekly lawn mowing.

While you may only be using this mower for maybe an hour or two at the most, there are some things you should realize about that fuel chugging engine you’re using.

These things might change your mind on how you maintain your yard.

First, you should realize that, for the most part, no lawn mower engines have been tested for emissions like most cars.

Because of this, the manufacturers have been able to just make engines without trying to cut down the emissions from them.

The good thing is that more and more people are becoming aware of the need to clean up the pollution caused by fossil fuel engines.

Because of this, there are more and more mowers coming out with emission standards put into the manufacturing of their engines. But these mowers are only one or two years old. Older mowers still have no emission standards.

There are some conservative reports that say a regular gas powered lawn mower engine can produce as much pollution as 40 late model cars.

While this may seem a little farfetched, you have to look at the pollutants that are coming out of the engine.

Things like ozone, carbon monoxide and dioxide, and even polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons are being spewed out of the exhaust of the mower that you’re using every week.

Don’t forget about the gas and oil that you’ve spilled while refueling or routine maintenance, either.

One way to get around all of this is by using an electric mower. This is a great idea if you happen to have an electric company that’s registered as being an accredited Green Energy provider. Otherwise, it looks like you’ll be using the old style push mower without an engine.

These are actually really good if the grass is short, but if it’s too long, it usually wraps around the axle and you spend more time removing the long grass than mowing it down. You can use the push mower for the short stuff and the electric mower for the longer patches and be environmentally friendly with your lawn maintenance.

How to Sharpen your Own Mower Blades

If you’ve started to notice your lawn mower is tearing your grass rather than cutting it, it might be time to get the blades sharpened.

There are a couple ways you can do this, depending on how skilled you are with tools or how much money you want to spend on the job.

If you aren’t the Do It Yourself type, you’ll want to take your mower into a shop that sharpen blades. This will cost you some money but you won’t have to worry about messing up.

If you’re the kind of person that’s handy with tools, however, you might want to spend the time sharpening your blades yourself. It’s fairly easy to sharpen lawnmower blades, depending on the type of mower you have.

There are basically three types of mowers; the old style manual push mower, the motorized push mower, and the riding lawn mower. The manual push mowers are easy. You only need a file and a way to keep the blades straight to sharpen them.

The motorized push mower is a bit more difficult as you have to remove the blade to sharpen it. To do this, you need to prop the deck up and use either a wrench or socket to get the nut off to remove the blade.

Once off, you can place the blade in a vice, and either use a file or grinder to sharpen the blade. Try to sharpen the blade at a 45 degree angle and follow the guide on the blade where it was sharpened by the factory.

With a riding mower, you have to do the same thing to take the blade off as you did with the push mower.

You might have two, or even three, blades on a riding mower, however. You have to keep an eye on their balance while you’re sharpening the blades.

You can do this with a balancer that you can buy from a shop, or place a nail horizontally in the wall and place the blade on it with the nail coming through the shaft hole of the blade.

If it’s balanced well, you can place it on the mower again. Remember to always wear safety glasses when sharpening mower blades.

Lawn Mower Blade Care

One of the most common repairs for a lawn mower is with the blades. Every time you mow your yard, the blades on your mower get a little bit duller. This dullness increases if you accidentally run over small stones or sticks that might be hiding in your grass.

Because of this, your grass will be ripped apart rather than cut evenly, and this can create jagged looking growth and issues with the health of your lawn.

With dull blades comes a maintenance routine that you need to perform to keep your mower cutting at peak performance.

The first thing you need to do is determine just what kind of blades you have on your mower. Blades come in two kinds of material; tool steel and carbon steel.

Tool steel blades are much more expensive and require a heavy duty grinder in order to sharpen them again.

You will more than likely have to take them to a professional to get them sharpened. This will cost you a bit of money, but it’s worth it when you consider the overall health of your grass and the life of your lawn mower.

Carbon steel blades are much easier to maintain and you can usually sharpen them on your own if you have a mountable grinder or a file that you can use. While tool steel blades will stay sharper longer, the ease of being able to sharpen your own carbon steel blades makes the price difference something to consider when purchasing your lawn mower.

There are a few things that you have to remember when sharpening your blades. The first thing is safety. Sharpening a blade can cause small slivers of metal to fly around, so make sure you wear safety glasses at all times when working with metal.

Larger riding mowers have more than one blade on the deck. Because of this, you should either sharpen one at a time or number them so that you can put the same blade back on the same spindle mounting.

You should also make sure that the blades are sharpened evenly, as an out of balanced blade can cause damage to your mower and possibly injure you or others standing nearby without any warning.

Maintaining a Lawn Mower Battery

There are many reasons to maintain your power equipment. Not only will it provide you with long lasting life of the equipment, but it also saves you money in the long run.

Every lawn mower requires maintenance and mowers that have a battery in them require just a bit more than the traditional push mower.

Due to the wide variety of batteries that are available today, there’s a good chance that you‘ll have to at least check on your mower battery from time to time.

Every riding lawn mower with an electronic ignition system contains a battery. Even the newer electric push mowers have batteries,

Unless it’s the older type that requires a power cord be attached while using it. The batteries come in two distinct types for riding lawn mowers.

These are Ni-Cad (Nickel Cadmium) and Lead Acid. Ni-Cad batteries are self-contained and don’t require any maintenance other than making sure the batteries are fully drained before recharging to ensure the proper amount of battery life being maintained.

These are great batteries for rechargeable mowers but rarely found on standard riding mowers.

The standard riding mower has a Lead Acid battery in it, much like your car would have, only a lot smaller in size and power output.

Because these batteries require acid to cause an electrical charge as it etches into the lead fins in the battery there are a few things that you need to be aware of.

First, safety should always be the first point when dealing with these batteries. The Hydrochloric Acid that is inside the battery is highly corrosive and can cause severe acid burns to your skin if you’re not careful. If you get acid on your skin, flush it with water immediately.

To maintain a Lead Acid battery you need to make sure the vent hole is clear. This allows Hydrogen to escape from the battery casing.

Next, you need to make sure the lead fins are just covered with water. If you can clearly see the fins, you need to add Distilled Water so that the fins are just submerged.

Never use tap water as the minerals can have a chemical reaction with the acid, causing it to explode or boil over.

Maintenance tips for Winterizing Your Lawn Mower

Just because you have taken a few minutes to wash out or brush off the clippings and debris from your lawn mower and cutting deck, it doesn’t mean that you’re prepared for the harsh environmental change that comes around during winter.

There are several more steps that must be taken to make sure that your lawn mower makes it through its yearly hibernation.

You don’t want to go out in spring to mow your yard and find out that you mower has passed on to the happy mowing grounds in lawn mower heaven.

One of the first things you need to do to winterize your lawn mower is to drain all of the gas out of the tank and carburetor. Gasoline doesn’t handle cold temperatures very well and, as it sits in the cold weather, it will begin to gel.

This can cause major issues with your engine and your bank account as you’ll have to hire a shop to clean the engine out so it runs again. You can siphon the gas out and store it in an air tight plastic container, or you can use it in your vehicle if you use the same grade of gas.

Once the tank is drained, run the engine until it stops on its own. This runs the remaining gas out of the carburetor and hose lines to ensure it isn’t sitting in the engine.

With the engine still hot from running the gas out, drain all the oil out of the crank case and the gear box, if possible. Oil can turn into sludge sitting in cold temperatures. This causes severe engine issues.

Now, take the spark plug out and put lubricating oil directly into the engine head, pull the rope or carefully turn the flywheel to get the lubricant into the piston and oil rings.

Then clean out the bottom of the engine and deck, ensuring all moving parts are clean. Spray these with WD-40 to prevent rust.

Next, replace the air and oil filters and air up the tires for the winter. If you can, place the mower on blocks to keep pressure off the tires so they don’t rot or crack during the cold temperatures.

Moving from a Riding Mower to a Lawn Tractor

When it comes to those weekly home improvement aspects like mowing your yard, you might find that the riding mower you are currently using doesn’t meet up to the needs of your yard. This is especially true when it comes to larger yards that require a lot of maintenance.

This is why you should park that dinky riding mower and move up the latter to a lawn tractor. The larger lawn tractors are great for anyone that has a large lawn that needs to be mowed, but they are also great for improvements that you need to do like fertilizing all that grass.

A lawn tractor has the ability to pull a small trailer behind it and some of them even have attachments that you can utilize to help maintain your yard like a professional.

You might even find that you can purchase a lawn tractor that you can attach a snow plow to for those winters when you are hit hard by snow storms.

When you decide to trade up to a lawn tractor, you will have to consider a few things in regards to the size and power that these machines have to offer.

When purchasing a lawn tractor you should do your research and not buy the first one you see. Think of it as if you were buying a new car.

Take the time to see where the best deal is and purchase the tractor that is best suited to your needs. If you have a smaller yard, you aren’t going to want a huge lawn tractor.

The reverse is also true; small lawn tractors won’t make maintaining a large yard any easier. You will also need to be aware of the fact that accessories for your lawn tractor are going to be on the pricy side of things.

Only purchase the accessories to do the things you need to do. Never purchase anything that you aren’t going to use on a regular basis as that is more of a waste of money than anything else.

Do your research and read some reviews online before going out and buying a lawn tractor. Don’t forget to ask questions while you are looking for a lawn tractor, too, if you are unsure sometimes.

Moving from a Riding Mower to a Lawn Tractor

When it comes to those weekly home improvement aspects like mowing your yard, you might find that the riding mower you are currently using doesn’t meet up to the needs of your yard. This is especially true when it comes to larger yards that require a lot of maintenance.

This is why you should park that dinky riding mower and move up the latter to a lawn tractor. The larger lawn tractors are great for anyone that has a large lawn that needs to be mowed, but they are also great for improvements that you need to do like fertilizing all that grass.

A lawn tractor has the ability to pull a small trailer behind it and some of them even have attachments that you can utilize to help maintain your yard like a professional.

You might even find that you can purchase a lawn tractor that you can attach a snow plow to for those winters when you are hit hard by snow storms.

When you decide to trade up to a lawn tractor, you will have to consider a few things in regards to the size and power that these machines have to offer.

When purchasing a lawn tractor you should do your research and not buy the first one you see. Think of it as if you were buying a new car.

Take the time to see where the best deal is and purchase the tractor that is best suited to your needs. If you have a smaller yard, you aren’t going to want a huge lawn tractor.

The reverse is also true; small lawn tractors won’t make maintaining a large yard any easier. You will also need to be aware of the fact that accessories for your lawn tractor are going to be on the pricy side of things.

Only purchase the accessories to do the things you need to do. Never purchase anything that you aren’t going to use on a regular basis as that is more of a waste of money than anything else.

Do your research and read some reviews online before going out and buying a lawn tractor. Don’t forget to ask questions while you are looking for a lawn tractor, too, if you are unsure sometimes.

No Fuss Lawn Mower Maintenance

When spring comes around and it’s time to fire up your lawnmower, is it sluggish to start? If so, don’t go rushing off to repairman. There are some easy things you can do to save yourself some money.

The majority of the time if you just clean the spark plug, that will be the end of your problems. All you have to do is disconnect the wire that’s attached to the end of the spark plug.

Use a wrench or Ratchet/Socket to remove it. A spark plug that looks wet and black is the reason your lawnmower isn’t starting.

Next, use fine sandpaper to smooth the top of the spark plug until you see bare metal. Sand around the edges of the metal that’s located right above the electrode.

There should be a gap between this metal tab and the electrode. When the spark plug is completely dry and dust free, replace it in the cylinder and reconnect the wire back to the end. Try to start your mower.

Another simple thing to check is the amount of oil, if any, there is in the lawnmower. If there’s no oil or not enough of it, that’s most likely one of your problems. The same can be said for fuel. A lawnmower isn’t going to start if it’s got an empty gas tank. If there’s old gas in it, drain that first and replace it with new gas.

Test your fuel line. If you’ve tried all of the above with no success, be sure that there’s fuel reaching the carburetor. Disconnecting the fuel hose from the carburetor should make gas pour out. If this happens, replace the hose and try again. If not, check to see if the fuel line is clogged up.

A dirty air filter can also cause issues. If it’s oily and dirty, replace it with a new one.

A dirty carburetor may be the root of your problem. Cleaning it may be just what the repairman ordered. It’s not that difficult to do but if you’re not feeling confident, you may want a professional to do it for you.

Last of all, sharpen your blades. This ensures that your lawnmower will cut beautifully once it does get started.

Racing Your Lawnmower

There are many motor sports around the world that brings thousands of people together for entertainment and excitement. In the early 1970’s,

A group of boys in Sussex England decided to take motor sports in a whole new direction by creating the first ever lawn mower racing association.

Not too long after the advent of this association, another group started the Northwest Lawn Mower Racing Association, and it fast became a popular and entertaining past time for all involved.

It was introduced to the United States by a gasoline stabilizer manufacturer shortly after the England associations started and has now grown enormously in the years since.

The main aspect of lawnmower racing is to take a riding lawn mower, convert it by taking off the blades and, sometimes, the cutting deck and maintaining the original engine.

Some aspects have changes to the rules which allow you to modify your lawn mower engine to make it more powerful.

Much like the different aspects of drag racing, the lawn mower racing crowd has created an event for just about any modification or component you could think of.

As a hobby, there is no gambling aspect or professional tour with lawn mower racing, the participants work endlessly to try to have the fastest lawn mower on the circuit.

These circuits are usually from town to town in any given area and the racers are usually friends and family members that just want to enjoy a sunny day outside and have some fun.

You can join different associations that cover the area you live in. These associations allow you to establish rules and regulations, figure out racing dates and places, and maintain information about the lawn mower racing world in general.

While most people that enjoy racing have a basic need for going fast, the lawn mower racing aspect is more in having fun. Fun is the main aspect of lawn mower racing as the speeds never reach more than a few miles an hour at any given time.

Even on the super modified mowers you might only get up to around 18 mph. While this isn’t all that fast, doing that amount of speed on a lawn mower can be quite thrilling from the driver and all those involved in watching.

Rebuilding That Old Lawn Mower for Summer

It’s that time of year again, when the sun sits high in the sky and the grass in your yard starts to grow like a tiny forest.

Summer is the part of the year when you have to pull out that lawn mower and do your best to keep up with, or surpass, Mother Nature.

If your mower is starting to lose power, though, it won’t be doing a very good job at trimming your lawn. In addition, the amount of fuel you waste will hit you in the wallet every time.

While you could go out and purchase a new mower, if you have that kind of money to spend, you have to look at the prospect of what to do with your old mower. Trying to be environmentally friendly and tossing that old mower in the dump doesn’t seem to go hand in hand anymore.

This is where a good rebuild kit can come in handy. Not only will it save you money on the purchase of a new mower, but it means you won’t have to dispose of your old mower either.

These rebuild kits have everything you need to bring that old and worn out engine back up to specs with ease. Most of the kits even come with components that are green rated so that you are being more environmentally conscious than the mower was when you bought it.

Along with all of these parts, you will get easy to read and follow instructions that will make this rebuild project quicker than you had ever thought possible.

This will come in very handy if you don’t want to spend all that money buying a new mower or taking your old one into the shop to have someone else do it for you.

When summer comes around and it’s time to get that lawn mower out again, you need to feel confident that the engine is in peak condition.

If you take care of the engine and maintain it like you are supposed to, you won’t have to worry about using rebuild kits for a very long time. But even the best maintained engine can use a good tune up from time to time.

Replacing Lawn Mower Tires

While just about everyone can understand the hassle that comes with changing a flat car tire brings to your life, changing a tire on a lawn mower is simple and no hassle at all, depending on where the mower is when you have to change the tire.

Unlike a car, you aren’t carrying a spare tire around with you while you are mowing. This can be quite annoying if you have a large yard and you’re all the way in the back of it when the tire goes out.

When you have a flat tire on a lawn mower, before you get around to changing it, you need to make sure that safety is your highest priority.

While it’s not as dangerous as changing a flat on a vehicle sitting on the side of a roadway, there are a few things you need to do to ensure your safety.

The first thing should be to make sure that the mower is on a flat level surface. You can ease your mower to a spot in your yard or on your driveway to make the change much safer and easier.

Now that you have your mower in a safe place to work, you can begin with taking the tire off. First thing you do is clean around the tire to remove any dirt or debris that might be covering the lug nuts.

Now, you can loosen the lug nuts. Do this with the wheel still on the ground as it makes it easier. Once you have the jack under the mower and lifted, you can take the lug nuts off completely.

Don’t forget to block the rear wheels so the mower doesn’t start to roll backwards when you lift it with the jack.

Once you have the flat tire off the mower, set it aside. Now, you can take the tire to have it fixed, or purchase a new one if it’s too wrecked to repair.

When you have your inflated tire ready, put it on the mower and screw the lug nuts down finger tight. Let the jack down and tighten the nuts so that the wheel doesn’t come off when you use it, and you are off to mowing again.

Robotic Lawn Mowers, The Future Is Now

There was a time in the past when everyone wanted to see robots taking over the daily chores of people. While things may not be quite to that point yet, there are plenty of people pleased to see that they might never have to mow their lawn anymore.

The robotic lawn mower is the newest improvement in lawn mowing equipment that will have you spending more time arguing over who gets the best seat to watch the mower work, rather than actually going out and mowing yourself.

These wonderful lawn mowers remain in their docking stations until their programs tell them it’s time to mow. The only set up you have to do is putting the perimeter line up so the robotic mower will stay in the area it’s intended to mow.

The batteries in the mower can last up to an hour or more and gives the mower plenty of time to mow. When the mowing’s done, or the batteries start running low, the robot will head back to its docking station to recharge and wait for its time again.

Most of the newer robotic mowers on the market even come with the ability to tell when it’s raining. If it’s raining, the sensors on the robot pick up the rain and tell the robot to stay in its docking station until the next time it’s scheduled to mow.

They also have sensors that allow the mower to see obstacles in its path and work its way around them. This way, even your pets are safe from the mower. Technology has come a long way to be able to provide the robotic lawn mower.

These robotic mowers are quiet so you can set it to mow any time that’s convenient for you and your family. If you spend a lot of time in your backyard during the day, you can have your robotic mower come out later in the night and mow.

You won’t have to worry about your neighbors being disturbed as the electric motor is much quieter than a gas power engine. If you would prefer to relax on your weekends off, getting a robotic lawn mower would be the best way to accomplish that.

Storing Your Riding Mower in a Garden Shed

Most people dream of needing a mower they can ride around their garden to cut the grass, but for the people lucky enough to own sufficient land to purchase a mower you can ride on,

Having spent thousands of pounds rather than hundreds to secure the latest model, you need to make sure that you store the riding mower carefully and efficiently.

You will need sufficient garden storage to be able to easily move your larger mower in and out of the garden shed without damaging the shed and still providing you with sufficient access to anything else stored in the shed.

Storing Your Riding Mower in a Garden Shed

Protecting your investment

Having spent a high amount on your ride-on mower, you wouldn’t want to leave it out in the British weather and suffer poor maintenance and damage, just because you didn’t have sufficient garden storage. When you invest in your mower you should consider a specific garden shed as part of the overall investment.

When you look at all of the garden sheds available, at your local garden supercentres and your online options, you must choose garden storage that is not only suitable for the job, but has a big enough door to allow you to bed in your riding mower easily.

Therefore, you must buy a garden shed that is at least big enough for you to roll it in and out without disturbing everything else you need to keep as garden storage or home appliances you don’t use anymore, such as the old masticating juicer you never used.

You need to consider your other uses for the garden shed and how they will be affected by a riding mower sitting in the middle of the room.

If you need to work in the room as well, you don’t really want to have to remove your ride-on mower every time you want to attend to maintenance of other garden equipment or for your general building purposes.

Your garden storage requirements

Wherever you decide to house your ride-on mower, the building must be as dry as possible and without any rain water leaks.

It must be completely covered from the varying weather conditions of summer and winter and of sufficient size so you can complete any general maintenance on your mower in the confines of the shed when the weather is poor outside.

You could consider a cover for your riding mower, even when it’s placed in garden storage, so that any other work that occupies you in the garden shed, doesn’t reflect on or damage your ride-on mower.

If you intend to sand wood in your garden shed, you wouldn’t want small wood particles moving through the air and damaging the engine equipment of your ride-on mower.

Some people will require their garden storage to be large enough not only to place the mower in the shed, but to turn it as well so it is ready to face outwards when you want to push out for its next job. This will depend upon the size of your budget and the practicalities of the location of your garden storage.

If you have a need for a mower that you sit on, you probably have enough land space to place a suitably sized garden storage facility without losing too much of your garden space.

Tips for Buying a New Lawn Mower

There are so many options available for new lawn mowers that you might feel a bit light headed when you start looking.

With such variety in a piece of equipment meant to maintain your yard, you’re probably wondering how you could narrow that list of prospects down to a more reasonable number.

There are a few things you should consider when you decide to purchase a new lawn mower and some of them will knock out a lot of styles right off the bat.

The first thing you should do is find a budget that you’re willing to spend and stick with it. You would be surprised at the amount some of these lawn mowers can cost you.

While it is true that you get what you pay for, having some of them being the same price as a small car might not be the quality you are looking for at that moment.

Be reasonable with the amount of money you are willing to hand over and you should find a very good lawn mower for your needs.

Compare, compare, compare. It can’t be said enough that you need to do some research on the mowers that seem to catch your eye the most. There are so many different aspects of lawn mowers these days that you need to check into each one to see if it fits you.

If you have a small yard with lots of obstacles you should be looking for a smaller riding mower that has a small turn radius or low end zero turn mower. Features like this will make or break your decision to purchase a new lawn mower so keep them in mind.

You should also look into how long the manufacturer’s warranty lasts and what all is included in it. When purchasing a new lawn mower these days, you can actually get a very good warranty package if you are willing to put a few extra dollars into the initial purchasing price.

This will save you loads of money later on when you need to take the mower in for repairs, as long as the warranty hasn’t run out. Now, you can get that perfect mower you have always wanted.

The Elite Lawn Mower, Husqvarna

If you ask any one that does lawn care professionally which lawn mower they think is the best of the best, the brand they would recommend most often is Husqvarna. This company has been in existence longer than any other mowing company on the planet.

They were first manufacturers of muskets in the late 1600’s. This Swedish based company was founded in 1689 and insists on perfection in everything they manufacture from weed eaters to chainsaws, lawn mowers to trimmers.

They have quite a few styles of mowers that you can purchase; gas powered, diesel powered, robotic, and even solar powered. The thing to ask yourself is what kind of mower is the best for your situation. In order to figure this out, you have to determine how big your yard is.

You wouldn’t want to have a small push mower if you have 5 acres of land to mow, you might never finish it as you’d have to start over again by the time you finished.

Another aspect is how often you mow your yard. If you’re frequently mowing your yard, then your grass is kept fairly short and you have some more options on the type of mower to buy.

If you let your grass get nice and long before mowing, you’ll need to have something with a bit of power to make it through your ever growing jungle of grass.

You’ll also need to get a bagger on your mower to catch the clippings of longer grass so that it doesn’t sit out and kill off your grass.

You also need to consider what kind of transmission you want, if you’re purchasing a riding mower or even a few types of walk behind mowers that are powered.

There are both manual and automatic transmissions on the riding mowers. You might want to consider how hard it will be for you to get parts for your mower in case something should happen.

Chances are, if you buy it from a dealer, you’ll be able to find the parts for it fairly easily from the dealer. If you want the best of the best, though, even having a hard time getting parts shouldn’t stop you from buying a Husqvarna.

Tips for Buying a New Lawn Mower

There are so many options available for new lawn mowers that you might feel a bit light headed when you start looking.

With such variety in a piece of equipment meant to maintain your yard, you’re probably wondering how you could narrow that list of prospects down to a more reasonable number.

There are a few things you should consider when you decide to purchase a new lawn mower and some of them will knock out a lot of styles right off the bat.

The first thing you should do is find a budget that you’re willing to spend and stick with it. You would be surprised at the amount some of these lawn mowers can cost you.

While it is true that you get what you pay for, having some of them being the same price as a small car might not be the quality you are looking for at that moment.

Be reasonable with the amount of money you are willing to hand over and you should find a very good lawn mower for your needs.

Compare, compare, compare. It can’t be said enough that you need to do some research on the mowers that seem to catch your eye the most.

There are so many different aspects of lawn mowers these days that you need to check into each one to see if it fits you.

If you have a small yard with lots of obstacles you should be looking for a smaller riding mower that has a small turn radius or low end zero turn mower. Features like this will make or break your decision to purchase a new lawn mower so keep them in mind.

You should also look into how long the manufacturer’s warranty lasts and what all is included in it. When purchasing a new lawn mower these days, you can actually get a very good warranty package if you are willing to put a few extra dollars into the initial purchasing price.

This will save you loads of money later on when you need to take the mower in for repairs, as long as the warranty hasn’t run out. Now, you can get that perfect mower you have always wanted.

Tips to Choose the Perfect Lawn Mower

Once upon a time all you had to do to find the mower you needed was to walk into the home improvement store and find the mower that had the best deal. Now, it’s not so easy.

There are too many styles of lawn mowers to choose from and finding the best deal might not be the best mower for you. There are a couple of things to consider in getting the best for your yard and your money, no matter what.

The first thing you need to do is consider the size of the yard you have. If you have a small lot, you aren’t going to need a riding mower that has a cutting deck of 60 inches.

This is overkill. However, if you have a rather large lot, you aren’t going to want to spend hours and hours pushing a walk behind mower around.

Especially an electric mower that has you dragging a power cord around with you. This can cut out a lot of mowers that won’t fit your needs.

Next, you need to consider what you want to do with the grass clippings after you mow. If you don’t mind the raking and bagging up of the clippings when you’re done, then a normal side or rear discharge mower will work fine.

However, if you want to cut your work load down, then you can either get a mower with mulching capabilities or a catcher. You can then either use the mulching blades to fertilize the grass, or you can place the clippings from the catcher into your compost pile for later use.

The final aspect of purchasing a mower is how often you’re going to use it. If you live in a climate that doesn’t have a long summer to do yard work in, or if you just don’t enjoy doing yard work at all and you prefer to train to become a Reiki master, you might prefer to hire a service to take care of your yard instead of spending money to watch your mower sit out in the weather and rust.

If you don’t mind a little extra work and don’t want to pay for a service to come out, finding the right mower to fit your needs will be easy.

Use An Electric Lawn Mower To Beautify Your Lawn Without Polluting The Air

If you’re someone who likes to live on the cutting edge of things while protecting the environment, you may want to have a look at the electric lawn mower. This is one of the coolest ways to trim your lawn that’s come along in a long time.

It has two excellent traits going for it, too. You will end up with a beautifully manicured lawn without emitting fumes into the air.

Granted, if you happen to have a large yard, there most likely won’t be a long enough cord that allows you to mow the entire yard. But for a small to normal sized yard,

You can plug in the lawn mower and mow the whole yard without using any gas to clog up the atmosphere. The only energy you actually use is the little bit of electricity it takes to power the lawn mower.

Another great thing about these electric mowers is that they are very easy to maintain. They don’t need any tuning up and they don’t use oil and gasoline.

The only thing that you really need is to make sure there’s a convenient outlet so that you can plug your lawn mower in.

Beyond that, make sure that the blades stay sharp enough to closely crop your lawn so that it’s beautifully manicured. Nothing was ever more convenient.

Something else that many people love about electric lawn mowers is that they no longer have to tug and tug on a cord to get the mower started.

Instead, all you need to do is push a little starter button and the mower turns right on, all ready to get your lawn looking great. What could be easier?

Now, if you don’t like dragging that cord along behind you as you mow, and if you aren’t happy with the limitations that the electric version of this mower brings you, there’s good news for you. This lawn mower can be bought in a non-electric version and uses batteries.

A battery powered lawn mower will get rid of the need for the electric cord and having to deal with that. The only limitation you’ll have with those is keeping the battery charged.

Why a Riding Lawnmower Beats a Push Mower Every Time

Craftsman YT 3000 Gas Powered Riding Lawn Tractor

If you’re reading this, we can assume that you have a sizeable lawn that needs maintaining and you are sick of breaking your back and wasting your valuable time pushing around a traditional lawnmower every other week throughout the summer.

You might be considering taking the plunge and buying a riding lawnmower and if that’s the case, then let this blog be the thing that gives you that final push, because we’re about to tell you why a riding lawnmower will beat a push mower every time.

1. Thick or Stubborn Grass
   If you’re the owner of a lawn with grass that needs going over multiple times before it can be cut down to the desired length, a riding mower can eliminate that problem. A push mower relies on the power in the motor, but a lot of its strength comes from its user: a riding lawnmower comes with larger blades, more power and a lot less reliance on the gardener wielding it.

The other plus side is the riding mower will collect the clippings as it goes with little to no leftover grass, which can’t always be relied upon with a push mower.

2. Creating a Professionally-Mown Appearance
   If you like a lawn with beautiful, straight lines then unless you’re willing to pay attention to precision with a push mower you’re unlikely to ever be able to achieve this, especially once your arms get tired as the task time increases. Driving your riding lawn mower in straight line is as easy as pie and the best way to ensure you get lovely straight lines first time every time.
3. Wild Growth and Brush
   If your garden is prone to the odd bit of brush, weed patches, hedges or other bushes, a push lawnmower will be ill-equipped to deal with them. This tricky terrain is near impossible for a push lawnmower to survive, much less do anything with them, where a riding lawnmower can pass over them safely and with minimum damage to the mower (and its rider!).
4. Fun
   Using a push mower means back breaking work – using a riding lawnmower means a quick joyride on a powerful machine. Which would you prefer?

Why You Need a Snow Blower during the Winter

It is not always easy to properly maintain an area, especially in bad weather conditions. As we cannot alter the weather, which is unpredictable as always, things are not looking good. Luckily for us, we can use a snow thrower to defeat the hard and cold weather.

What can you do with a snow thrower?

A thick snow can considerably limit you and your available options. In most cases, you can’t have a normal life while the snow is there, casing you several problems.

Driveways are generally covered by snow, making almost impossible to get out with your car. In such cases, a snow thrower would be your best option.

The machine eliminates the snow, moving and throwing it away from your path in a certain direction or right into a truck.

Gas or electric snow thrower

As gas and electric snow throwers both have their own advantages and disadvantages, you need to choose one based on your individual needs.

An electric snow thrower is suitable for you if your area receives a smaller amount of snow. Electric snow throwers are light weighted and are not making a lot of noise.

However, electric snow throwers have a major disadvantage, as it has wires and will limit the area you can reach and clean with the machine.

Also, it is less efficient than a gas snow thrower and it is not suitable for areas with heavy snowfalls. Thus, the purchase of an electric snow thrower is not recommended if you have significant snow and a larger driveway.

On the other hand, a gas snow thrower might be noisier and larger, but it will easily handle even large amounts of snow.

Does it really worth to buy a snow thrower?

Well, without much snow, you can’t do much with a snow thrower. It makes no sense to spend a considerable amount of money on a snow thrower, if you can easily live a normal life without it in an average winter.

On the other hand, such a machine could be extremely useful if your driveway is often blocked by a lot of snow.

Additionally, the lawn area or even the landscape can be cleared from snow with the help of a snow thrower.

To avoid wasting your money, make sure you re choosing the most suitable snow thrower based on your personal needs. So, determine if you really need a snow thrower, consider all available options and pick the right one.

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Washing your Lawn Mower with a Pressure Washer

One way to get your lawn mower ready for spring is with a good wash. You may see grass, rust and dirt build-up before you get started; but cleaning your mower shouldn’t take a lot of time.

When you make use of your garden hose with a pressure washer, you can get the job done in minutes.

Just remember that there are parts built in a lawn mower that can be destroyed by a powerful jet of water. Let’s avoid that by washing your lawn mower the right way.

Remove Spark Plugs and Blades

Before we start cleaning, it’s important to remove two of the more sensitive pieces built into your lawn mower: spark plug and blades.

There’s a right way to clean your spark plug, and power hosing isn’t it; so make sure you remove the spark lead. Next, remove the lawn mower blades. With plastic,

You don’t have to worry about the plastic on your mower rusting, but your blades are another story.

It’s not recommended to wash your lawn mower with a hose (particularly high pressure) unless you remove these two objects.

Steps for Hosing The Body of your Lawn Mower

Prop your lawn mower up to spray under the deck. If your lawn mower hasn’t been washed in some time, first apply a cleaning solution. Let it sit for 5 minutes, and then hose the deck until the solution is washed away.

Take several steps away from the lawn mower and spray the tires. Lawn mower tires are too fragile for full pressure, so by taking three or more steps back, your tires won’t get punctured.

When the deck and the tires are clean, set your lawn mower on the ground and wash the body. You don’t need to apply any cleaning solution.

Just take the hose and do a quick wash until all of the grass clippings and minute debris is removed.

General Tips when Hosing a Lawn Mower

Be sure the engine is turned off and the lawn mower has cooled down.

Make sure the deck is able to fully dry to prevent rusting, and there are no wet grass clippings stuck underneath.

Using lube can assist with drying, such as 3 in 1 Oil, ATF cleaner or WD40.
Store the mower in a dry place.

How to Replace your Lawn Mower Spark Plug

To improve the performance of your lawn mower, remember that the tires aren’t the only part of your mower that need occasional replacing.

One way to prepare your lawn mower for spring is to replace the spark plug. The spark plug creates the spark to start the engine.

If you have difficulty starting your lawn mower, you may need a new one. If it isn’t in top condition, the lawn mower will fail to perform efficiently.

But this little maintenance task is simple if you follow the step-by-step process below.

To Clean or Replace the Spark Plug

First, figure out if your spark plug really needs to be replaced, or if it just needs a good cleaning. If the spark plug is dirty or has a light rust, it needs to be cleaned. Spray it with break solution, let it sit for 10 minutes, and then use a wire brush to remove the loosened debris or rust.

If the spark plug is old or rusted beyond repair, it won’t be able to provide the spark to ignite the gasoline. That’s when you should replace it.

Steps to Replace a Lawn Mower Spark Plug

With a spark socket, remove the spark plug wire and then remove the old plug.
When the old spark plug is removed, clean the hole of any dirt or debris that has accumulated over time.

Once the spark plug hole is cleaned out, twist the new plug in until the threads catch. With the socket, twist the new spark plug into the hole until it stops, then gently turn it another quarter turn.
Tips to Consider

You should use a spark socket that is specially designed for the body of spark plugs, because it won’t damage or break the casing.

Before you purchase a new spark plug, check the dimensions of the spark plug hole and of the new spark plug to make sure it will fit.

And when you twist in the new spark plug, be careful not to overturn and break the plug; or turn it too tightly so it’s impossible to remove when you have to replace it.

Washing your Lawn Mower with a Pressure Washer

One way to get your lawn mower ready for spring is with a good wash. You may see grass, rust and dirt build-up before you get started; but cleaning your mower shouldn’t take a lot of time.

When you make use of your garden hose with a pressure washer, you can get the job done in minutes.

Just remember that there are parts built in a lawn mower that can be destroyed by a powerful jet of water. Let’s avoid that by washing your lawn mower the right way.

Remove Spark Plugs and Blades

Before we start cleaning, it’s important to remove two of the more sensitive pieces built into your lawn mower: spark plug and blades.

There’s a right way to clean your spark plug, and power hosing isn’t it; so make sure you remove the spark lead. Next, remove the lawn mower blades. With plastic,

You don’t have to worry about the plastic on your mower rusting, but your blades are another story.

It’s not recommended to wash your lawn mower with a hose (particularly high pressure) unless you remove these two objects.

Steps for Hosing The Body of your Lawn Mower

Prop your lawn mower up to spray under the deck. If your lawn mower hasn’t been washed in some time, first apply a cleaning solution. Let it sit for 5 minutes, and then hose the deck until the solution is washed away.

Take several steps away from the lawn mower and spray the tires. Lawn mower tires are too fragile for full pressure, so by taking three or more steps back, your tires won’t get punctured.

When the deck and the tires are clean, set your lawn mower on the ground and wash the body. You don’t need to apply any cleaning solution. Just take the hose and do a quick wash until all of the grass clippings and minute debris is removed.

General Tips when Hosing a Lawn Mower

Be sure the engine is turned off and the lawn mower has cooled down.

Make sure the deck is able to fully dry to prevent rusting, and there are no wet grass clippings stuck underneath. Using lube can assist with drying, such as 3 in 1 Oil, ATF cleaner or WD40.
Store the mower in a dry place.

Steps to Prepare your Lawn Mower for Spring

During the winter months, you probably prepped your lawn mower to keep it safe for the winter months.

Now as the weather warms and the grass begins to grow, you want your lawn mower to work as well as it did last season. Here are a few steps to get it back in prime shape.

Clean the Lawn Mower

After months being tucked away in a shed, dirt and debris can start to accumulate. Clear away any leaves or other material caught in the blades.

The only equipment you need for this job is a pair of protected hands. No water, metal or sharp equipment is necessary. Always check that the lawn mower can’t start as you’re cleaning it.

Do a Gas Check

If the gas has been sitting in the tank all winter, you may have difficulties starting it up, even if the tank is full. For winter preparation, it’s always best to hibernate your lawn mower with an empty tank so your gas doesn’t waste. Fill the tank with fresh gas before firing her up.

Check the Spark Plugs

The spark plug makes it possible for the engine to start. If the spark plugs on your lawn mower are dirty or rusted, then you should clean or replace them.

You can clean them by first removing them from the lawn mower. Next, use a cleaner and let it soak for a few minutes. With a wire brush, clean the loosened residue.

If your spark plugs have rusted and it’s not possible to clean them, then you should replace them for optimal performance. Always replace with spark plugs that fit your lawn mower. You can figure this out by reading the model number on the old version.

Sharpen the Blades

If you feel that the blades are dull, you can remove the blades from the lawn mower and sharpen them yourself. If this is your first time, search Youtube for a huge selection of videos instructing you on how to sharpen lawn mower blades.

If you don’t think you can sharpen them yourself, you can take it to a specialist at a hardware store and pay a small fee.

Change the Oil

You will need to change the oil on a riding lawn mower after removing it from storage. This step is also important for some push mowers.

The engine should be warm before you do this; but you don’t want to run out of oil while you are running the mower.

Look at the dipstick and if there is no oil registering, add the type and amount that’s recommended by the manufacturer.

Washing your Lawn Mower with a Pressure Washer

One way to get your lawn mower ready for spring is with a good wash. You may see grass, rust and dirt build-up before you get started; but cleaning your mower shouldn’t take a lot of time.

When you make use of your garden hose with a pressure washer, you can get the job done in minutes.

Just remember that there are parts built in a lawn mower that can be destroyed by a powerful jet of water. Let’s avoid that by washing your lawn mower the right way.

Remove Spark Plugs and Blades

Before we start cleaning, it’s important to remove two of the more sensitive pieces built into your lawn mower: spark plug and blades.

There’s a right way to clean your spark plug, and power hosing isn’t it; so make sure you remove the spark lead. Next, remove the lawn mower blades.

With plastic, You don’t have to worry about the plastic on your mower rusting, but your blades are another story.

It’s not recommended to wash your lawn mower with a hose (particularly high pressure) unless you remove these two objects.

Steps for Hosing The Body of your Lawn Mower

Prop your lawn mower up to spray under the deck. If your lawn mower hasn’t been washed in some time, first apply a cleaning solution. Let it sit for 5 minutes, and then hose the deck until the solution is washed away.

Take several steps away from the lawn mower and spray the tires. Lawn mower tires are too fragile for full pressure, so by taking three or more steps back, your tires won’t get punctured.

When the deck and the tires are clean, set your lawn mower on the ground and wash the body. You don’t need to apply any cleaning solution.

Just take the hose and do a quick wash until all of the grass clippings and minute debris is removed.

General Tips when Hosing a Lawn Mower

Be sure the engine is turned off and the lawn mower has cooled down.

Make sure the deck is able to fully dry to prevent rusting, and there are no wet grass clippings stuck underneath.

Using lube can assist with drying, such as 3 in 1 Oil, ATF cleaner or WD40.
Store the mower in a dry place.

Some More Advantages of Riding Lawn Mower

Unless you have a thumbnail sized backyard, riding lawn mowers are right up your alley.

Wait, arent those for infinitesimally huge lawns that demand everyday mowing attention?

Not really. Riding mowers are ideal for anyone who has a medium to large sized lawn and hates pushing a mower over uneven terrain or hates accidentally running over the cord. It is easy to use and a one-time-investment that will pay off for years. There’s a whole range of models to choose from and the cutting deck sizes range from  26” to 66”.

Although they can be an expensive choice as compared to other types of mowers, they have many advantages that justify their high price tag.

Let us take the guess work out of it by selecting the best riding lawn mower 2020 in the market for you.

Let us have a look at some of the advantages of using a riding lawn mower

• You can accesorize them: You can add a variety of attachments to ease out ordinary  tasks. For example, to bag clippings or mulch, while there are many that come with a combination of both.
• Lawn tractors can integrate a wide variety of accessories, like trailers for feeding your livestock, plow for removing snow, and other accessories
• You no longer have to walk pushing your mower around the whole lawn. You can ride it. It is comfortable and covers a lot of ground requiring fewer passes.
• The large fuel capacity allows you to mow large lawns without refuelling or recharging batteries as compared to self-propelled push mowers.
• The adjustable cutting decks make them very easy to handle and cut grass of almost every type and size. Moreover, finding replacement parts for riding mowers is easier as compared to push mowers.
• Some tractor-type models also come with attachments that not only collects the leaves, but also grinds them and turns it into manure.
• If your mowing involves cutting large amounts of grass around shrubs and trees, you can upgrade to a zero turn riding mower for enhanced precision.

If you’re out in the market looking for the best riding lawn mower 2016, the choices available can be mind-boggling. As always, doing your research lets you make an informed decision. With so many features and styles to choose from, you first need to understand what your priorities are.

• What style of riding lawn mower should I choose?
• What deck size will be right for my lawn?
• What are the transmission choices?
• How big is your lawn?
• Does it have a lot of trees and obstacles that you’d want to avoid?
• How is the terrain?
• Will there be other tasks like roto-tilling or driveway levelling?
• An answer to all these questions will let you make the right decision.

Most home owners are just looking for something that can cut grass. And in such cases, rear engine riding mowers are the perfect choice. And if you want to go on notch higher, then think ZTR or Zero Turn Mowers.

#1 – TROY-Bilt 420CC OHV 30-Inch Riding Lawn Mower

With almost 95% positive reviews and more than thousands of units sold around the country, the Troy-Bilt 420cc OHV 30-Inch Premium Neighborhood Riding Lawn Mower is the #1 choice for smaller lawns looking for the comfort and power of a riding mower. It features a 30 inch 3-in-1 deck, 6 speed shift-on-the-go transmission and a bundle of other features that make mowing easier than ever.

The Design

This medium-size riding lawn mower is powered by a 420cc premium engine that offers a speed of up to 4.25 mph. The mower has a 6-speed transmission that allows you to adjust the speed on-the-go. It has a fuel capacity of 1.3 gallons and it also features a fuel display to eliminate the guesswork involved in knowing the amount of fuel left in the mower.

It has a 30-inch cutting deck with 5 different grass cutting heights from 1 ¼ inches to 3 ¾ inches. It’s 3-in-1 blade is made from aluminium and the mower also has a manual PTO system to enhance blade engagement. Its high-back end seat offers optimal comfort while riding, whereas its steering wheel and speed transmission placement ensures effortless mowing.

The Troy-Bilt 420cc OHV 30-Inch Premium Riding Lawn Mower has a 16 inch by 6.5 inch rear and 13 inch by 5 inch front pneumatic wheels to ensure easy navigation in the tightest of areas.

Mowing Experience

Mowing is as easy as it gets. It makes sharp turns, cuts even tall grass to perfection and the side discharge and mulching functions are equally good.

At a Glance

• Reliable 420cc 4-cycle Premium OHV engine for improved fuel economy and less vibrations
• 6-speed transmission
• Operator Control Reverse allows you to mow in reverse as well
• 30 inch cutting deck
• 1.3 gallon fuel tank
• High back seat for enhanced comfort
• Compact and light weight design

Our Verdict

The no brainer! You cannot go wrong with this one. It is the most basic riding lawn mower without too many bells and whistles. Has a solid engine, proven performance and a comfortable mowing experience. Priced at just under $1100, it cant get better than this.

#2 – Husqvarna YTH24V48 960430182 48 in. 24 HP Triple Blade Tractor

The YTH24V48 is a premium lawn tractor from Husqvarna that offers stellar performance in a pocket-sized body. Easy maneuvers , fender-mounted cutting height adjustment, adjustable seat and an ergonomic steering wheel make this a favorite with one and all. To allow a uniform cut every time, the mower features an air-induction technology that improves the air flow within the deck. Hydrostatic transmission allows easy variable speed in both forward and reverse motions.

The Design

The Husqvarna YTH24V48 is powered by a robust 21 BHP Briggs & Stratton engine. It features twin-blade electric clutches to ensure a smooth driving and cutting experience. The YTH24V48 from Husqvarna goes beyond the models from Poulan and MTD with its use of Hydrostatic transmission to offer speeds up to 7-7.5 mph.

The mower has a heavy-duty reinforced 48 inch cutting deck which translates into fewer passes and hence, reduced fuel costs. You can adjust the height of the mowing blade from 1.5 inches to 4 inches. It also features Briggs & Stratton’s ReadyStart Technology to provide you with a no-choke start every single time. The rear wheels of the mower measure 18 by 8.5 inches and front wheels measure 11 by 4 inches. The seat can be easily adjusted and the driving wheel is padded for enhanced comfort.

And if that aint enough, you can club it with a wide range of accessories like mulching kits and many more.

At a Glance

• Fast pedal-operated hydrostatic transmission for speeds of up to 7-7.5 mph
• Reinforced cutting deck with 10-year warranty
• 724cc Briggs & Stratton V-Twin engine
• Electric blade engagement
• Blades can be adjusted from 1.5 inches to 4 inches
• ReadyStart Technology for no-choke start
• Fuel capacity of 5 gallons

Our Verdict

The Versatile Choice! Its powerful, compact, can be manuevered easily around obstacles and has a bundle of other impressive features. If you have a medium sized lawn that demands frequent attention, then go for this.

#3 – Poulan Pro 960420182 Briggs 15.5 hp Automatic Hydrostatic Transmission Drive Riding Mower, 42″

Priced at just over $1500, the Poulan Pro 960420182 Briggs 15.5 hp Automatic Hydrostatic Transmission Drive Riding Mower boasts of impressive features like a 42” two bladed steel deck, a 6-speed gear drive transmission and mowing-in-reverse. Originally manufactured by Husqvarna, these mowers are designed for rugged outdoor performance. 

Its ability to reduce the overall mowing time comes from the higher level of maneuverability that it offers. It allows you to zip around obstacles, trees and houses, and allows you to change the directions easily.

The Design

The 42 inch wide stamped steel deck and the ergonomic seating (9 inch low back) make it a pleasure to ride this beautifully designed machine. Features like the Auto Hydrostatic Transmission allows one switch speed control. To increase or reduce speed, you do not have to stop the mower. Just move the Motion Lever forward and you are all set to rev it up.

Its not a ZTR mower. But offers extremely sharp turns thanks to its 6 in turning radius for level cutting. This reduces the time you’d normally spend in trimming near obstacles. There are 6 cutting heights to choose from (1.5 – 4 inch) and you can always choose to mulch or bag with the optional attachments that come with the mower.

The 155 HP Briggs & Stratton single cylinder Overhead Valve Engine is notably cleaner and quieter as compared to some of the earlier models. But the best part is that it provides you with enough brute force when you need it the most. So even if you have around 2 acres of really rough lawn, this baby will get the job done.

One of the caveats that we have noticed is that the steering is not as sturdily made as you’d imagine and some people have reported that the back rest of the seat is too slippery for their comfort, especially while mowing on slopes. We didnt notice the problem with the seat though.

At a Glance

155 HP Briggs & Stratton single cylinder Overhead Valve Engine
42 in Reinforced vented deck
Auto Hydrostatic Transmission
Motion Lever on the fender
Easy to service air filter Design
6 in turning radius
6 cutting speeds
Comfortable mowing with reverse-mowing

The Final Verdict

Value for money! The only reason why this rates behind the other two is the slightly higher price tag. Otherwise, it is as good as the #1 ranked mower in performance. The engine is powerful, mowing is easy and it has enough power to tackle lawns of all sizes and shapes.

#4 – CRAFTSMAN 42″ AUTO 17.5 HP BRIGGS & STRATTON RIDING MOWER

When its a Craftsman, mowing automatically gets easier. The Craftsman 42 in. 17.5 HP Briggs & Stratton Gold Series (TM) Engine auto transmission riding mower is one of their more popular riding mower models. With features like a pedal-controlled automatic transmission that makes mowing as simple as driving a car, this powerful mower can tackle all kinds of terrain including uneven or sloping lawns.

The Design

Out of the box, you are greeted by a fully-welded 14-gauge steel frame with intuitively placed controls like the gear selector and the push pedal transmission. The mower has a top speed of 5.5 mph and top reverse speed of 2.3 mph. The seat is extremely easy to adjust and provides the right support even when you are mowing on slopes.

With an 18 inch turning radius, it is not exactly the perfect choice for obstacle heavy lawns. But the smooth mowing and the potential to attach accessories for mulching and bagging makes this a versatile choice.

Mowing Performance

The 500cc, 17.5 HP Briggs & Stratton Gold Engine powers it over most types of uneven and rough terrain with ease. So be it weeds, grass or slopes, it can tackle it easily. If you are planning to mulch or bag, then you will have to buy the attachments separately. The mower comes with in-built hauling capabilities so you can easily add your rolling or aerating equipment to it.

At a Glance

Durable fully-welded 14-gauge steel frame
Pedal Controlled Automatic transmission
Top forward speed of up to 5.5 mph and reverse speed of up to 2.3 mph
Can mow in reverse
500cc, 17.5 HP Briggs & Stratton Gold Engine
Can be used for hauling
2-year limited warranty, plus a 5-year warranty on the frame and a 10-year warranty on the front axle

The Final Verdict

This is a lawn tractor. Not just a riding lawn mower and considering the additional features, it is a worthy addition to the list of best riding lawn mower 2016. The price is not the cheapest you’ll pay either. So if you are not looking for these features, then it will be an unwanted expense for you.

#5 – Weed Eater WE-ONE 26-Inch 190cc Briggs & Stratton 875 Series Gas Powered Riding Lawn Mower With Electric Start

With an unbeatable price, the Weed Eater WE-ONE is a powerful competitor in the best riding lawn mower 2016 list. Priced at under $1000, it is branded as the first personal riding lawn mower. Extremely compact in size, it packs enough features to impress both the casual lawn enthusiast as well as the seasoned professional.

The Design

Designed for convenient use from the ground up, the Weed Eater WE-ONE 26-Inch 190cc features a rugged 26-inch cutting deck made of durable 13 gauge steel and an attractively designed chassis. No longer pulling the cord as this is an electric start mower. The controls are extremely easy to locate and use. The height adjustment for example, is on the left side of the mower. A simple release of the foot puts the mower in cruise control mode for easy mowing. And there are three different drive speeds to choose from.

There is a single pedal to control the brake and clutch with one foot. All you have to do is press the pedal to brake and release it to engage the clutch.

At just  36 inches wide, it is one of the smallest ride-on mowers that allows you tight manuevers and sharp turns around obstacles.

The non-slip foot rests allow you to easily mount and dismount the mower without slipping. The mower also folds flat against the wall when not in use allowing you to store it easily.

Mowing Performance

The WEE ONE is powered by a 190CC (825 Series) Briggs & Stratton which gives it stellar mowing power. It may lack the brute force of some of the higher priced models. But it does a fair job of mowing even on slopes, uneven terrain and tall bermuda grass. The larger 30-inch to 40-Inch turning radius was not the best we’d experienced. But then if you have a lot of obstacles in your lawn, then you are better off paying a slightly higher amount and choosing our #1 rated riding lawn mower.

There are three different speed settings. Speed one is for edging, speed two for regular mowing, and three is when you want to rev it up.

At a glance

Electric Start
26-Inch Deck made of 13 gauge steel
190CC (825 Series) Briggs & Stratton Engine
30-inch to 40-Inch turning radius
13-inch rear tires and 10-Inch front tires
Three-speed transmission (3 forward and 1 reverse)
Intuitive Controls
Easy Mowing

What we disliked

Non CARB compliant

Final Verdict

Cheapest ride-on mower! This is a complete bundle. It is priced under $1000, is a ride on mower. It has enough features and it does a fine job at mowing. Cannot get better than this.

Raven MPV7100 Hybrid Riding Lawnmower Power Generator and Utility Vehicle

Raven’s hybrid utility vehicle is a grand new entrant into the market of mowers. Utilizing gas/electric hybrid technology, it allows you to seamlessly switch from Mower to Power generator to rugged utility vehicle. It has a 46 inch wide cutting deck, small turning radius, can generate up to 7100 Watts and haul just about anything that you’d like to.

That’s not all. This is one of the best looking riding lawn mowers we have seen in a while.

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Lawn Farming Tips :

How to Prune a Tomato Plant

Tomato plantThis time of the year, tomato plants are rich with the bounty of tomato fruits. It’s still a scorcher in many parts of the U.S.,

But with the inevitable cooling to approach in the next few months, many wonder if their tomato plants will survive the cold weather. So how do you keep your tomato plant thriving well into Fall? Start pruning.

Novice gardeners aren’t the only ones who don’t know how, when or where to prune their tomato plants. It’s among the most irritating aspects of growing tomatoes. But with every plant, pruning is vital for the success of the crop.

The Importance of Pruning

Before we go into how to prune a tomato plant, first find out the benefits of pruning. This way, when pruning your tomato plants causes you anxiety, you can think back on the benefits and pursue with fervor.

Pruning improves the growth rate, the quality of taste, and the plant’s life. Not all tomato plants require pruning, but many gardeners prune in order to encourage larger and jucier tomatos, create a manicured (more attractive-looking) plant, and to prevent disease. So there is a great importance in pruning your tomato plant.

How to Prune a tomato plant in 3 simple steps

Your goal when pruning your tomatoes is to have a single stem to allow the nutrients to easily get to the fruit. Your aim is to prune away the unnecessary parts of the plant that are stealing the fruit’s nutrients.

Tomato sucker

See that sucker in between the stalk and the branch?

1. Your average tomato plant has half a dozen or so stalks(more for cherry tomato plants). You want to remove all suckers from these stems (shoots that jut out at a 45 degree angle where the stalk meets the branch, just below the bottom leaf on the stem). These grow fast and produce an aundance of flowers, so grab the sucker and just snap it off with your finger. The image at right shows what you are looking for.
2. Remove all wilted leaves and yellowing leaves. Not only do they make your tomato plant unattractive, they make the plant more prone to disease. Also remove any leaves that are touching the soil to prevent diseases and pests.
3. As the season changes, remove the terminal bud, which is the uppermost stem on the plant. Do this one month before the weather grows cold so every nutrient goes straight to the tomatoes.

Herb Gardening for Beginners

herb gardenCilantro, fennel, parsley and basil: these are a few of my favorite herbs. But at the grocery store,

I shy away from buying herbs because a few stems are often stuffed in a plastic container and sold for $5 – a ridiculous price, even when these herbs are in season. I will never understand how these companies do their math, but I don’t like the end result.

Growing your own herbs is the cheaper, tastier alternative. Not to mention it’s pretty fun once you get the hang of it. The weather is beautiful, so now is the time for beginners to plant their very own herb garden.

How exactly do you grow an herb garden with great success?

Soil Condition

Pick a good site with the right soil condition. Two characteristics of good soil are:

Fertility

Drainage

Fertile soil is soil that’s full of nutrients and has a good water supply, so the herbs grow fruitfully. You can make the soil more fertile by using organic fertilizers. Moisture is essential in soil fertility, so use peat or compost for moisture retention.

What is drainage? If the soil has poor drainage, that leads to excess water. Herbs cannot grow in excessively wet soil.

If your soil has poor drainage, you can improve this by creating a hole that’s 15 inches deep, then adding hard material at the base. The soil that goes over this hard bed should be mixed with compost.

Herb Planting – Space

Herbs flourish with sunlight, water and space – a sizable amount of space. Some require more room to grow than others, such as mint versus cilantro. It all depends on the herb. Here’s a look at the spacing guidelines for a few popular herbs.

Cilantro, chives, dill and parsley only need roughly 1 foot of space in between for each herb to flourish.

Basil, thyme, and tarragon need roughly two feet of space.

Rosemary, sage, mints and oregano need roughly four feet of space. Note: some herbs, like mint, are invasive and will spread.

If you want to keep them contained to a small area, put them in pots.

If you intend on planting an herb that’s not on this list, then ask a worker for correct spacing guidelines when you buy seeds or a potted herb at the nursery.

Watering your Herbs/Herb Garden

How often do you water your house plants? Once or twice a week? They often flourish with this minimal watering. But for your outdoor herb garden, watering daily is vital. It’s a common mistake for beginners to water every so often, but this is easily avoided.

Can you water too much with a daily routine? Most certainly. Consistency is key, but in moderation. Keep the earlier drainage tip in mind; if you have good drainage ingredients at the bottom of your pot, such as rocks beneath the soil, it’s difficult to drown your herbs.

Just remember, water your herbs daily, especially during sunny days.

Pruning your Herbs

At the beginning, your herbs may lack richness, so you’re likely hesitant to pruning. Pruning, though, contributes to the success of your herb garden.

Once the leaves begin to flourish, don’t go pruning crazy. Instead, trim just above the leaves that are 3 inches above the soil. As the herb grows, cut it down to two inches. After a while, you’ll produce a solid plant to harvest from.

With almost every gardening post, I say, “When in doubt, turn to the experts.” There are a number of herb gardening books for beginners.

A popular starting point, and a personal favorite of mine is the book Herb Gardening for Beginners. While my above tips are perfect for a general push in the right direction, books like this will offer more more advice, and in greater detail.

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How To Make Your Spring Gardening Successful

Spring Gardening

Spring season has come . Gone are the blustery , bleak and cold and replace with warm and sunny days .

This means that it is the right time for gardening or more specific spring gardening but you have not yet started or prepared for it. What should you do and where to start.

It is a fund and relaxing activities for spring gardening and more so if it is done correctly. I would like to share with you some simple tips so that you can make the most out of it.

Go to the garage and look for all the required tools for gardening. Those tools such as shovels, hoes and pruning shears , get it sharpened to a fine edge.

As for the lawnmower that is kept in the garage needs to be sharpened , it make take time while you need to start as early as possible. Maybe you want to consider to buy a second, well-sharpened blade lawnmower , at least you has a spare at home. Mower blade must be sharp as dull blades can spoil your grass and allow disease to creep in and thus can cost you in the long run to correct it . Sharp mower blade can make your lawn beautiful.

Thinking to put in a new lawn or plant bed ? Make a soil testing first to determine whether the soil is suitable for the growing. Soil testing will tell you what type of fertilizers and soil conditioners are required so that your yard looks beautiful.

If you want to make your yard better more into shape, why not try engage landscaping professionals but you must get it early.. If you delay the call , chances are you will be putting on a waiting list.

Anything to be done with gardening has to be early. It is the same goes to buying sod if you plan to put in a new lawn. Choose only moist rolls. Anything with dry roots or yellow turf are not good. The early you search for sod, the better quality that you can get.

Keep and update any record of what you are doing for your gardening. With this you can know what is the success and what is the failure.

Further you can look back at all those small details on your gardening for next year as you cannot remember all the details of it.

An important step not to forget is to throw away any outdated chemicals. You can refer to the label attached to the chemical packs. If it is still valid , keep it far from the reach of children and pets.

Tiling the soil where you plan to start the gardening. This is important to ensure that there is no ice crystals . The soil must be easily crumble if you hold it in a handfuls.

Finally, you must not forget to prune your garden . For some plants , the flowers that will come up next year have set within 10 days of the end of a bloom , thus timing is very important.

Well, if you already know what to do and start early you will find that spring gardening is a relaxing and pleasure activity.

Rose Gardening In Spring – Its A Must

Gardening is one of the ‘a must activity’ when spring approaches and leaving the winter behind. This is the time where we take the opportunity to start gardening and complete it as soon as possible due to its weather not too cold and not too hot.

One of the popular flower gardening is the growing of roses. But when to start ? If you live in an area where spring appear in March , then you can start rose gardening early. But if there is still icy rain and snow, then you have to wait for your turn until the spring arrive.

Rose gardening is best started during early spring where you have enough time to see the beautiful buds sprouting almost every day.

Here, I have gathered for you some tips on what you need to do to grow your roses :-

If your roses has been covered with dirt or mulch, you have to remove those dirt or mulch gently to allow those bushes expose to the spring sun and rains that will come each days and nights.

Cut back those dead and damaged canes that does not survive during the winter and it should be done before you start your spring pruning activities. All those debris and residue, if any should be cleared from around the bushes too.

Add some organic compounds to the soil to nurture your plants . You have the alternative to it ,either get a pre-packed organics from any garden supplier or you can prepare it using your own recipe using composted manure or mushroom compost .

The soil may become too compacted during the winter and you can know this when there is standing water after watering your plant . Use a spade or hoe to loosen the soil. Roses require a well-drained soil to better growing. Once those soil preparation is completed, then you can plant any new additions at your garden if any.

It is time to start your fungicide spraying. You can start it immediately or you can wait an average 14 days after you complete your pruning.

It is recommended to rotate spraying with different fungicides throughout the year so that no fungi become immune to any one anti-fungi product.

Avoid using pesticides unless you can see any damages to the trees . Watch for aphids which normally appear during spring . Just hit them with a blast of water to remove them or apply insecticide in a mister to those affected areas.

Your roses need to be feed just like you feel hungry after few hours of sleeping. It need to be feed now and every other week throughout the remaining growing season after it long winter hibernation.

You can feed them with a balanced fertilizer comprised of Phosphates, Nitrogen and Potash. Nitrogen will stimulate the growth of leaves and canes and increasing the size of bushes. Phosphate help in the growing of roots, canes and stems and does expedite the flowering process. Potash support the production of top quality blooms and improving drought and disease resistance of the plant.

That it, your rose gardening is completed for spring and now you should start to think how to preserve it in this coming summer as it is not that far behind.

Help For Gardening That Anyone Can Use

If you’re looking to infuse your home with some lovely natural beauty, there’s no better way than to start your own home garden! Gardening is also a great way to relieve stress and make your life happier. Read on for some tips on how to get the most out of your home garden!

To save money on seeds, only use a small portion of the packet. In most cases, only a pinch of seeds are necessary, and seeds can easily be stored for the following year. You can also try splitting seed packets with your neighbors and friends. This is a great way to garden on a budget.

If you have a garden pond, grow water lilies. Many people are under the impression that water lilies are very hard to grow, but it’s the exact opposite! The roots of the plant embed themselves in the mud at the bottom of a pond. From these roots grows a thick root stock, which is topped with the leaves and flowers that you see on the surface of the pond.

You can also plant the water lily in a special pond basket. Simply line the basket with hessian to prevent the soil from falling through, and fill with ordinary garden soil. Rest the plant on top of the soil, and place in your pond. The only requirement for beautiful flowers is a sunny position.

Give your plants an appropriate amount of water to optimize growth and plant health. Different varieties of plants require varying amounts of water so you cannot water your entire garden at the same rate. Instead, determine how often each type of plant needs water and how much before planning your watering schedule.

A great tip to consider in regards to gardening is the fact that picking flowers off of your annuals can actually be beneficial to your plants. This is important to know because when you do this, it will actually train your annual plants to produce flowers on a greater frequency.

Make sure your garden will get sun before planting the seeds. Plants love the sun and will grow better when exposed to it. If it is not too much trouble, consider moving your garden to another area to get the maximum amount of sunshine. This way your plants will grow bigger.

Gardening, as you know from the introduction, is the best way to put your house in touch with the beauty and tranquility of nature. Try these tips for making your own garden and watch as your yard becomes a natural wonderland of tranquility and beauty. Start your garden today!

How To Make Your Kids Enjoy Home Gardening

kids Gardening

Almost every kids love being dirty and making home gardening as part of their activities will give them some fun. Let them pick whatever plant that they want to grow and for sure this will excite them.

Here are some tips on how you can make your kids become interested in home gardening :-

Choose the right plants

Those plants and flowers with bright colors are most likely to be choosed by them. Get more varity of plants and flowers for them to choose. Among the bright flowers are zinnias and cosmos as these will keep your kids fascinated. Always include the sunflowers . Make sure that your kids does not allergic to any of those plants.

Start seeding

Let your children do the seeding. Their tiny fingers are suitable for those seeds which are too small in nature.

Make a memoir for their home gardening

Kids can get bored easily but you can keep their enthusiasm until the plant grow by making a journal for their home gardening. With this journal , they will sketch what plants that they would imagine of and begin to write their gardening activities stages from when they place the seeds until when they witness the sprout pushing up.

The home gardening place must be visible to the kids

Pick a spot where the kids often play or walk by as they can easily observe how the plant grow each time they see and pass by their garden.

Get them to dirt playing

Our kids are fond to playing dirt or mud. They can help you in making ready the soil although it is just a stomp on the clumps. Provide them with kid-sized tools so that they can joint you with fun.

Make the garden belong to your kids

Make a picture of each of the plants so that your kids can foresee what the flowers are look like. Make a placard and put your child’s name on it so that everybody can see that it’s their garden and that will make them proud of what they are doing.

Playing with water !

Playing with dirt means playing with water too for home gardening. Give them a small watering can so that they can water their garden. Show them how to let the water go right to the roots of the plant. Don’t give hoses as it is too big for little hands to handle.

Have a sense of forgiving

We, adults are sometimes impatient and make mistake too. Let the kids have full control of the garden. They mess it up, let it be. It’s their own garden and let them get the pleasure from it. The only thing that you can involve is by telling them to clean up the mess.

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Do You Like To Have A Backyard Garden

It is the dream of every house-owner to have a portion of the house area as a garden. A garden is a place where we can relax , unwind and enjoy the nature. A garden with beautiful landscape , blooming flowers is what all of us want to own.

If you have enough money , you can ask the service of a landscape firm to setup the garden for you but be prepared to spent thousand of dollars . But for those with small budget you can also setup the garden that you desire.

In this topic I will write on some tips on how to set-up a backyard garden. Most of us prefer a backyard garden as we can have some privacy with our family and the environment is more greener.

There are things that we need to know before setting-up the garden. We must know how to choose the right type of plants, the most suitable garden space , getting the right techniques in taking care of the plants and much more. Pre-plan every stage of setting –up the garden and you will enjoy in doing it. Let see some of the guide in setting-up the backyard garden :-

Make a Research and Analysis

Identify the maintenance needs of your garden. Determine the space required at your backyard. Design your garden so that you can calculate the budget. Address the high maintenance issues and plan some ways to overcome it. Look at your existing backyard that you want to convert into a garden. If there is any plants , decide which one that you need to get rid of.

Avoid cluttered design and make it simple

The purpose of having a garden is for you to relax. As such , never design a cluttered garden such as overcrowding with plants . Having too many plants will invite mosquitoes and insects. Make a sketch of the garden layout to be built so that you can have the idea how to simply the place.

Choose the plants that are suitable

If you want your garden full of butterfly then you should planting some plants that can attract butterflies. Such plants are aster, dill, pansy etc.

Check the garden soil

The garden soil must be fine so that when you want to seeding it will be easy and the seeds can mixed well into the soil particles. Stay away from large lumps as the tiny hair root of the planting could not be able to penetrate through the soil properly.

Don’t rush into the gardening to avoid any downturn mood if the garden is not what you have expected when it is ready. Make more research and gather as much tips that you can from various resources.

Learning The Tricks Of The Gardening Trade

Gardening Trade

Whether you are green fingered or black thumbed, adding a garden to your home can add value to your property, when it comes time to resell. Not only that, the hobby of gardening can be a relaxing stress-buster when required. Below are some ideas on how to turn your back yard into a little green piece of paradise.

If you are looking to secure your garden from pests, you need to have some ladybugs around. The ladybugs will protect your garden from harmful pests and will not do any damage to any of your plants; it is a completely beneficial relationship for both you and the ladybug.

Building a compost pile for your garden is a real treat for the health of your plants. It is easy to build a compost pile and many different types of material can be used to build it, like concrete blocking, stones, bricks, wooden planks, lumber, or snow fencing. If you use wood as the material for the compost pile, be sure to use water resistant wood such as cedar and redwood.

Easily dry herbs using your car. Your car is the perfect place to dry herbs, providing a safe, dry, and warm location. Simply place some newspaper or other protection on a car seat, and arrange the herbs in a single, even layer. Make sure the windows are rolled up, and close up the car. Your herbs will be dry and ready to store. Length of time will depend on the temperature, but can be as little as an hour or two. As a bonus, your car will smell wonderful!

Grow crops that have a high value to you. Planting flowers that are attractive can be great. However, planting fruits and vegetables that you consume on a regular basis will save you money and allow you to eat healthier. It can be anything from tomatoes and carrots for your salads to herbs for seasoning.

You can use items in your fridge for a safe and organic way to adjust the pH of your water. You can use lemon juice or apple cider vinegar to lower your pH (a few drops at a time) or use baking soda to raise your pH (a pinch at a time checking after each adjustment).

These hints should have given you an idea on how to begin adding a garden to your property. Always remember that in order for the garden to always look its best, regular care and maintenance is required. However, with a little effort it is easy to produce an area that you can be truly proud of.

Basic Ideas On Gardening

If you ask me is there is any hobby that those who love nature could take up, I would say “YES” and it is gardening. Gardening is about making good of the land that we have, planting any greens that can grown-up into beautiful nature that could give us more oxygen for us to inhale.

If you feel like making gardening as your hobby and want to have a fruitful result, you must have the following characteristics :-

1.) As gardening requires laboring-like physical movement, you must has the will and determination in pursuing the hobby.

2.)You must be physically fit as the obstacles to gardening is laziness.

3.) Share your ideas and information with the people who share the same hobby. Listen to their ideas who has the passion for gardening.

4.) Deepen your knowledge on gardening . Gather more information of it from books, magazines and articles.

5.) Invest a small amount of money on gardening tools as those are the nerve of gardening.

Gardening has its wide scope and there is much to explore if you want it as your hobby. You can choose any of it wide scope be either indoor gardening, outdoor gardening, landscaping, growing bonsai , cultivate any plants and many more where the list is endless.

Before you start jumping into any of the niche, make a research as to which is the most suitable to your liking. Learn the technique of growing the plants, its growth and how to take care of it.

Allocate one day in a week to do the gardening and the best day is during the weekends. Make sure you are equipped with all the necessary gardening tools and accessories before you start to work. Get the rest of the family such as your spouse and kids to create the interest of gardening. The more the merrier.

After an enjoyable day of gardening, your tools must be cleaned and keep them in a proper place such as at the store. If all these tools are kept and maintained well , it can last long for few years which could help you in your budget.

Your garden will tell you whether you are a good gardener so put your green fingers for best use in making good of the soils. A rule of thumb, if you have really make every effort , your gardening will never go futile.

How To Save Your Money On Gardening

Every year , many of us spend money on creating and refurbish a beautiful garden. However , you can save money while making your yard remain beautiful

If you plant vegetables, plan what type of vegetable you are planting. Take a look what type of vegetable your nieghbour are planting. This will ensure that all of you can share the vegetables when they are ready for eating. There are many instances where the vegetables has many leftover because of its too many similar type and were ripe at the same time.

It is better to have prennials rather than annuals for your flowerbeds. Each time exchange with your neighbour so that all of you will have a beautiful and lovely gardens. This will save you some money if you have to purchase it each time you want to exchange it.

Always compost your kitchen scraps and coffee grounds. This is better than any potting soil that you can get at any nursery or hardware store. This is called recycling and definitely pay a better price for its quality.

Try using more pebbles or small rocks in covering your garden ground instead of mulch. You will save your money since there is no need to buy mulch every time in the spring and fall season.

Tools will last for few years and will save your dollars as there is no need to replace them every planting season. The same goes to buying gardening gloves , but the best quality so that it will last all season.

Enjoy your Gardening.

How to Have a Better Lawn and Garden

If your home are surrounded with a good topsoil base, then you are lucky that you will have a good lawn as this has helped you in keeping you lawn beautiful. Unfortunately, many of us do not have such privileges and if we have , we still have to work hard to keep our lawn and garden beautiful.

Here are some tips on how to make your lawn and garden beautiful.

When it is cool and dry, start to mow the lawn. The best period is after the morning dew dry off and before the afternoon heat takes on. Otherwise, later afternoon or early evening would be good too but that if there is watering in the morning.

Rather than a fence , use a hedge for better boundary divider. It can provide better privacy , keep pets and children from in and out of the home, attract birds to its shelter and accommodate good backdrop for plants and flowers.

Make the beauty of your garden alive. Plant hyacinths near the walkways and doors. This will bring a magnificient perfume which will swamp the spring air and you will feel the beauty of the garden deep in your heart.

Decorate your garden with non-garden item such as mail boxes and lamp-posts. Surrounding it, plant as many flowers of various type from the earliest to the latest flowerings. Decorate with white snowdrops, purple and gold corcus, blue hyacinths and various colored tulips. Add some rocks on the ground to make it more interesting.

How to control ? Simple. Always mow your lawn during spring. This will deter dandelions spreading by eliminating the yellow blossoms and preventing seed formation. It is best to mown your lawn during late spring and early summer. At this condition, grass blades can easily shade the ground and thus prevent crabgrass from sprouting.

Part of the source of pride and beauty is your lawn and garden apart from your beautiful house. It is not necessary to spend money on expensive fertilizers and herbicides or fancy lawn accessories. A simple and little common sense may make your lawn and garden look much better.

How To Make Your Container Gardening Successful

During summer you can create a beautiful hanging basket or container.

Firstly, use an artificial soil composed which is mostly of peat moss. Fafard or Pro-Mix use perlite , peat and other ingredients to produce similar to it are good soils which will not compact over the summer.

If you use real garden soil, it will compact over the summer and turn in concrete if you water it regularly. When this happen, the root of the plant will stop growing as it require lot of spaces to move into the soil to absorb as much nutrients as it can. With a hard compacted soils, plants will not grow well thus it is advisable not to use real soil in your containers.

Reuse your artifical potting over the years to years. Take the soil from the pot and chew it with shovel. Cut all the last year’s roots and the add about 10% of compost. This compost will increase air spaces and give the plant a boost of healthy nutrition.

Your plant must be feed weekly. Use nitrogen which is the engine for plant growing , is water soluble and as such when your watering your plant from the top, the nitrogen will dissolve until to the bottom of the base container. It is highly recommended that you use fish-emulsion liquid feed with seaweed as it can provide all the trace nutrients that your plant require. Any liquid plant food is recommended as long as it can help in plant growing. Compost tea is the best compost and if you make your own compost tea, your plant will respond with bigger and better blooms and further increase its vigour.

It doesn’t matter what size of the container that you use as long as the watering can be absorbed until to the bottom of the container base. Continue watering until you can see that the water flow at the bottom of the pot. When this happen it will ensure that the roots can reach all parts of the container and grow properly.

Happy gardening during summer.

Why Home Garden Become Popular

A home garden can be a wonderful addition to your yard. Gardening can be a wonderful activity for the whole family.

Home gardening is a wonderful pastime that the whole family can enjoy. In addition, gardening has become an increasingly popular hobby for people of all ages. Currently, studies show that in the United States, eight of ten households take part in some type of home gardening endeavor. Based on these statistics, gardening is one of the most popular outdoor recreational activities in the nation.

Typically, when people start planting their garden, they start with flowers. In addition, most people will pursue planting roses. The novice garden does not realize that roses usually take the most time and effort as compared to other flowers. With such an enormous array of flowers to choose from, it is best for the novice to start of with easy care plants and flowers.

Vegetable gardens have become quite popular too. A vegetable garden can bring a sense of pride and accomplishment when you place those fresh vegetables on your dinner table. The list of vegetable plants is endless, therefore when planning your vegetable garden choose the right vegetable for your growing climate. For instance, cool weather crops would be green beans, zucchini, and cucumbers.

Many gardeners will consider planting fruits as well. In a warm climate, you could plant watermelons, and trees such as apricots and peaches. A berry garden is also fun, planting strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries. These types of berry gardens are easy to care for and take less space than a traditional vegetable garden.

Herbs are another favorite for the home garden. If you have limited space, you can grow your herbs indoors in a sunny window. The most often used herbs for cooking are basil, thyme, oregano, parsley, and cilantro. These herbs are easy to grow too.

Landscaping your yard is another form of gardening. There are different types of grasses and shrubbery to decorate your yard. Decorative rocks, ponds, and statues are also included as a form of landscape gardening. Landscaping your yard is not limited to plant life. As with a garden, your lawn and shrubbery need upkeep.

As mentioned earlier, gardening can be fun and educational for the whole family. In addition, what a delight to see the flowers bloom and harvest the vegetables. However, as with anything else, to be a successful home gardener takes work. Plants need to be weeded and watered. Do not get discouraged if the flowers are not as brilliant as expected or the beans did not do so well. Research the plant in question and then try again next planting season, eventually you will have a wonderful garden.