Daily Thrifty Tips - June 20, 2008

For those of you worrying about the cost of your commute, there is a handy link that calculates how much you need to work to fill your tank. Please feel free to post your own tips for stretching each gas tank.

Thanks for reading,

Susan

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Crafting for Fun and Money!

If you are an avid crafter, capable writer and own a digital camera, you are eligible to participate. Submit your craft projects to ThriftyFun and we will pay $15 for any crafts that we publish.

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Bobbie (Golden Retriever)

Bobbie is an 8 year old Golden Retriever. One day we were just walking through the on post vet clinic where the strays are kept and as soon as we saw her we knew she was for us. So we adopted her in May 2002.

She loves going for a car ride and getting to stop by the gas station for a beef jerky. I would have to say is her all time favorite thing to do.

Just we were lucky to find her and have her in our lives.

By Jan from Fort Knox, KY

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Maple Seedling: So, This is How They Grow

I pulled this maple tree seedling from one of my outdoor potted plants this morning and thought it might be of interest to those who might want to share it with their children, as it illustrates perfectly how seeds become plants.

By Marie from West Dundee, IL

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Set Plants Together Before You Buy

The key to putting plants together is to go to a large greenhouse and look at all of the plants. Then find ones you like and put them in the "circle" you are going to plant them in. This will allow you to see if something is too dark, or not the right color to be in the clump of new flowers. You will want one large one for the middle (or centerpiece) and then fill in around it. Make sure to ask if the plants all like it wet, sunny, dry, or shady. You'll want to put like plants together.

I hope this helps someone out!

By Misty from Wooster, OH

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Tips For Making Bath Bombs

Bath bombs can be tricky little things to make, or more particularly, to get right! Here are a few common problems, issues, and tips if you're having problems attempting these creations.

Remember that bath bombs are basically baking soda, citric acid, and some sort of moisturizing oil. Scents and colors can be added as needed. Pretty shapes can be used, as shown by my heart and bean bath bomb mini-gift basket picture.

The exact recipe for the perfect bath bombs doesn't exist, since it all depends of what exact ingredients are being used, as well as the general humidity level of where you live! Getting a bath bomb right means finding that perfect balance between dry and wet enough to form and hold.

If you get the bomb too dry, it will crumble and fall apart, no matter how long you let it dry. If you get the bomb too oily, it will become a goop and never dry out, unless you bake it hard in the oven. If the bomb is too wet with anything containing water, it will fizz, growing like a monster out of its mold.

The best advice is to just try some of the many bath bomb recipes out there, and adjust the ones you like the most for great results. Remember that bath bombs can also contain cornstarch, oatmeal, scents, moisturizers, colors, dried flowers/herbs, and other fun extras.

Fizzing Bath Bombs?

If you're bath bombs are fizzing out of their mold, it means they're too wet. The food coloring or fragrance you used may have been water based, causing the citric acid to fizz out.

If the problem is minor, you can wait a few minutes for everything to fizz, then mix bomb batter again, and press into molds. If the problem is major, you may need to mix in more baking soda, or ditch the batch all together.

Where Do I Get Citric Acid?

Citric acid is often used for canning, or in pharmacies. Some people claim to find it at stores like Wal-Mart, but it is pretty rare. What most people find are fruit preserving powders that contain citric acid. Most pharmacies only have citric acid tablets, which are expensive and too compressed.

Look for loose citric acid at stores with canning supplies, emergency survival supplies, pharmaceutical supplies, health food groceries, or bath making supplies. The finer ground the citric acid, the better it will work.

How Do I Get The Best Results?

To get the best bath salts you need to know the exact recipe that works. After that, it has a lot to do with the steps. Always mix the dry ingredients, like baking soda and citric acid, together completely before adding anything moist.

Try to mix the moist ingredients together before adding them to the dry stuff. This means mixing the oil, coloring, and fragrance together in a little bowl. They will not blend, but rather break into tiny dots. This helps spread the water levels, making sure no one "pocket" of water hit's the citric acid, causing undue fizzing.

When you mix wet and dry ingredients, make sure to mix very, very, very well. You want everything nice and even, without any oil pools or dry clumps. When you press the batter into a mold, make sure to press it in evenly and firmly. This will make the bombs strong and solid, where just lightly pressing it in can leave bubbles of air.

By Aysha from Boise, Idaho

Editor's Note: Here is a recipe on ThrifyFun:

• Oatmeal Bath Bombs

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Craft: Kids Santa Ornament

You will need red or green puff paper (I get it at the dollar store), cotton balls, glue ,a small pic of the kid that is doing the ornament, black gel pen, silver gel pen and scissors.

Have the kids trace their hands and cut them out. Color in the shoes and belt with the black gel pen and the belt buckle with the silver gel pen. Glue the cotton for the hair, beard and trim on suit. Let dry, add kids pic in center. This is so cute. You can make sugar cookie dough, roll out, kids can trace their hands, cut them out and do turkeys. This is very cute too. Fun for you and the kids.

By Sheri from Stockton, CA

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Scenery: Rainbow Sunbeams

Have no idea how the lighting did this but I thought it was beautiful, like a rainbow.

By Wanda from Climax, NC

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Garden: Topsy Turvy Tomato Grower

Here is my homemade version of the topsy turvy tomato grower!

1. Find a bucket
2. Cut a hole in the bottom
3. Plant tomato plant in bucket (with the leaves facing out of the bucket and the roots inside the bucket)
4. Fill with potting soil
5. Hang in a sunny spot and keep watered

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Saving Money On Watch Upkeep

If you are like me, you probably LOVE watches and have more than one watch for each outfit! Here are a few tips to save money on watch upkeep:

1. Pull the stems out on the watches you are not wearing. Typically a person can only wear one watch at a time, so the other 20 watches in your jewelry box can sit there NOT ticking away.

2. Purchase a cheap eyeglass repair kit simply for the tiny screwdriver. This way you can put in your own watch batteries rather than having a jeweler put the battery in for you. It is very easy; simply pop the back off the watch, using the same tool, pop out the battery, put the new battery in, and watch the watch hands go!

As an example, if you do use a jeweler to put in watch battery it is possible to pay $4-5 per battery installation. Instead, buy the batteries in pairs (they are $4.33 at Wal-Mart).

If the stems are pulled out on the watch, the watch battery can last quite awhile in the watch.

It is also a good idea to keep a good jewelry cloth handy to keep the watch nice and clean.

By using these simple tips, you will extend the life of your watch. For some of us, a watch is an investment; not just a timepiece. By keeping your investment running well, you will save money in the long run.

By Cathy from Brooksville, FL

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Link: How Many Hours of Work to Fill Your Tank

This information came from our local news station~ KVBC in Las Vegas, NV.

Most of the country is now paying over $4.00 for a gallon of gas. According to AAA, the national average for a tank of gas reached $4.04 per gallon on Sunday. .

With the price of gas taking a much bigger chunk out of drivers' budgets, there is an easy way to figure our how many hours of work it takes to fill your tank.

The Regional Transportation Commission (RTC) of Southern Nevada has added a "Gas-Value Calculator" to their web site.

You just punch in your annual or hourly salary, the price for a gallon of gas, and the size of your tank. Press "calculate," and you'll discover how many hours you'll have to work to fill your tank.

If you'd like to check your own figures, you can do so online at the RTC website.

http://www.rtcsouthernnevada.com/

Source: This information came from our local news station~ KVBC channel 3 in Las Vegas, NV. - June 10, 2008

By Laurie from Nv.

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Swiffer Dusters are Washable

Swiffer disposable dusters are washable.Just throw in with a regular load of washing, hang to dry and get more uses out of them. You can also spray with a little 'endust' to help trap the dust.

Source: Washed one by accident and found it turned out good as new.

By Deanna from Saskatchewan, Canada

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Use PVC Caps To Cover Toilet Bolts

I had to replace my bathroom commode. Due to floor conditions from prior use, the installer used copper or brass bolts to install the commode. These were taller/longer than the ones that came with new commode. Covers for bolts could not be covered with original covers that came in the box with new commode. I went to big box store and bought some "replacement covers" and they were too short. I could not figure what I could use to cover the unsightly bolts standing up. I kept looking and thinking WHAT COULD I USE?

I walked down the aisles in bog box store and saw PVC caps in white (color I needed). I had measured the height and size for bottom needed, so I measured the caps diameter and depth inside the caps. I bought two and put them over the bolts and TADA, it fit and looks just like it was made for it. So I got Elmer's glue and glued in place. It now looks "finished" and complete.

Source: I did this myself. Never could find anything, anywhere to solve my problem. I looked everywhere.

By oredwine1933 from Neta

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Meat Tenderizer For Bug Bites And Stings

I had a nasty bug sting yesterday. The only remedy I could recall was to make a paste of meat tenderizer and water to cover the bite. Well, it actually worked. I'll be darned. The tenderizer was so old that I can't recall when I bought it. Just a note: the is was a pain stopper - not a swelling reducer.

By Holly from Richardson, TX

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Wipe Down Shower Door After Showering

My Mom taught me something invaluable that I wish to pass on to folks who have glass shower doors. After taking a shower, wipe down the inside of the shower door. This will prevent water spots, any kind of build-up, and the door will look like new forever. Also wipe down any chrome fixtures, as they get pitted from water stains over time.

By Hearts1 from San Diego, CA

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Welcome Bags for Babies in the NICU

Interested in helping make "welcome bags"?

Looking around on this site, and other crafting boards inspired me. Well from that inspiration, an idea was born.

So here is my idea; you see a lot of different people/organizations that make handcrafted items for preemies and full-term babies that have to stay in NICU, which don't get me wrong is a great thing. Well I got to thinking back to when I had both of my children who didn't need to be in the NICU, thank goodness, they were both healthy babies.

New moms usually get the basic plain diaper bag that let's face it most of us do not use. I got to thinking about the idea of making "welcome bags" for the new mommies and their newest addition(s) to their families. I thought about including a diaper bag, diaper/wipe holder, burp cloths, receiving blanket, etc in these "welcome bags". What's a better way to welcome these newest bundles of joy into the world but a handcrafted "welcome bag"? New moms with healthy babies are usually "forgotten" about, and some new moms do not have the means to do much of anything, if at all, special for their new babies.

My mom is passing down her sewing machine to me since she recently purchased a new one, so I thought I would put it to good use and try to get this idea of mine going. I am currently in the process of contacting different fabric retailers/distributors/companies to see if they would be willing to donate fabric to make these "welcome bags" a reality. So far I have gotten 1 yes from a company, and still waiting to hear back from a bunch more.

If you live in the Middle Tennessee area, or for that matter anywhere in Tennessee, and would like to help in this endeavor, please let me know. If you do not sew, and want to help in other ways, be it knitting, crocheting or even donating fabrics/other materials to make the "welcome bags", please feel free to contact me. I would love to see this idea really take off.

Thanks for listening

Nikki from Hohenwald, TN

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Use Epsom Salts on Your Tomatoes and Peppers

To help your tomatoes and peppers to set fruit, spray the blooms and plants with epsom salts water. Use 1 teaspoon of epsom salts in one quart of warm water and mix well. The magnesium in the epsom salts gives the plants and additional boost and helps them absorb nutrients from the soil.

By Doccat5 from Fredericksburg, VA

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Use Paint Stir Sticks for Plant Markers

If you garden, save any extra or leftover paint stir sticks. They make great markers for your plants in the garden. Just write the plant name on them in permanent magic marker.

By April from NW Missouri

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Grandma's Comfort Foods
By Debra Frick

Today I went through my mother's recipe file to try and find a recipe my brother was looking for. We had gone through the cookbooks that we had and tried the Internet but we could not find the recipe that we remembered. Now I know that a lot of you are thinking that comfort food, by the mere definition, are calorie laden. But you must remember that comfort foods were also made from scratch without a lot of preservatives and made with fresh ingredients. If you cook a double batch, you have two dinners for the time and effort of one. Plus if you look at the price of comfort foods in terms of freshness and whole food nutrition, they certainly are much better than the fast food chicken nuggets that we all buy.

There are a lot of good books out there on once a month cooking and how to freeze and store fresh foods but I believe there is a whole generation out there that has no idea of the recipes that our mothers use to cook. These are perfect for the "cook, freeze, re-heat" lifestyles that we all live nowadays. So I am going to pass on some of my mother's and my aunt's "secret recipes" that they used to make for us. All can be made and frozen then reheated. Most taste great the first night but are even better when reheated. Besides you can still have comfort food even when on a diet, it is all in the amount you eat, everything in moderation.

Stewed Tomatoes

• 6 ripe tomatoes
• 1 onion, cut into chunks
• 1 green bell pepper, cut into chunks
• 1 clove of garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Basil or oregano

Mom used to serve this with meatloaf or chicken. It is a great side dish by itself but it also can be frozen and used for the base of chili or spaghetti sauce.

Tuna Noodle Casserole

• 1 can of tuna, drained
• 1 can of mushroom soup
• Half a cup of milk
• A half a container of fresh sliced mushrooms
• Half a cup of chopped carrots
• 1 can of peas or a can of peas and carrots
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Half a package of wide egg noodles
• 2 cups of crushed potato chips

Mom's Fresh Spaghetti Sauce

• 1 recipe of stewed tomatoes, doubled
• 1 pound of lean hamburger or ground turkey
• 1 pound of ground mild or spicy pork Italian sausage or turkey Italian sausage
• 1 pound of fresh sliced mushrooms
• Half a tsp. of Italian seasonings
• Salt and pepper to taste

Mom and my aunt would also double this recipe and, while they were waiting for the sauce to cook, they would boil some lasagna noodles and mix this up this quick filling for it.

• 1 container of cottage cheese
• 2 eggs
• Half of a cup of parsley or fresh spinach chopped
• 1-cup mozzarella cheese

When the sauce was ready, they would layer noodles first the cheese filling the sauce in a foil pan until they had two complete layers. Top with more mozzarella cheese and Parmesan. Then they would freeze this so they would have another complete dinner waiting for them. All they had to do was pop it in the oven for about 30- 45 minutes until heated through.

Hamburger Goulash

• 1 lb. of hamburger
• 1 onion, diced
• 1 can of mushroom soup
• 1 can of stewed tomatoes
• 1/2 block of Velveeta Cheese
• Small can of mushrooms
• Two cups noodles
• Salt, pepper, and garlic powder

Homemade Mac and Cheese

• 2 cups of Milk mixed
• 3 Tbsp. flour
• 3 Tbsp. butter or margarine
• Half a block of Velveeta cheese
• Half of onion lightly sauteed
• Macaroni
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Ideas For Reusing Large Coffee Creamer Canisters

I hope all of you creative people can help me out.

I have many of the big plastic canisters that powdered coffee creamer comes in. We drink A LOT of coffee around here! I'm reusing one to store sugar in. It's great because it has the spout on it for pouring. Other than that, what else could I use these containers for? I'm at a loss, and I hate to throw these canisters out. There's got to be other ways of reusing these. Thanks. and I'm looking forward to all of the creative ideas you have.

Lynn from Colbert, GA

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Help with Print Shop 20 Crashing

I am using a Print Shop 20 software program that keeps crashing my computer. I have deleted and re-installed it it several times. I recovered my computer several weeks back, but it keeps opening in the last document I was working on and freezes up. The Broderbundt facility is in Ohio is flooded out, and I cannot reach anyone to help me. Anyone know what I can do? Do you know of another program that will do essentially the same things? Thanks!

Linda F. from Saratoga, AR

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Free Desktop Icons

Where can I find cute, free desk top icons?

Victoria

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Ice Maker Arm is Stuck

The feel arm of my ice maker is stuck "up" so no ice. Is there an easy solution?

A Sulock from Phila, PA

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Lawn Mower Blades Will Not Spin

Does anyone know what are some common cause of why my MTD Lawnmower's blades will not spin?

Chris

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Keeping Ants Out Your Pet's Bowl

What can I use to keep ants out of the cat food bowl in the house?

Darlene from Danbury, CT

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Seafood Bisque Recipe

Does anyone have a recipe for seafood bisque similar to that served at Cafe Nile in Kansas City? It was creamy with a pink color (paprika, I think) and some unusual middle-eastern spices and had chunks of seafood in it. It was heavenly and my family talks about it often, since the restaurant closed.

Nicki from Amarillo, Texas

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12 HP Craftsman Riding Mower Stalls

I have a 12 HP craftsman riding mower. When it gets hot it begins to miss a stumble. If I continue to use it I have to have it choked, if I keep going it then stalls. What do you think is causing this?

Teresa from Green Lane PA

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Alba 77 Shake Recipe

We love Alba 77 shakes, does anyone have a 'make your own' recipe?

Mari from Los Angeles, CA

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Good Seasons Italian Salad Dressing Recipe

I would like recipe for Good Seasons Italian salad dressing mix. I use it constantly and would like to duplicate it.

Mary from Fenton, MO

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Removing Odor From Shoes

How do I get rid of shoe odor? The commercialized sprays aren't cutting it at all. We're talking room-clearing nuclear clouds emanating from around my ankles every time I take a step. it's humiliating.

C A M from Roy, UT

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Red Ash Stains on Clothing

How do I remove red ash stains from white jeans?

Lisa

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Tips for Restless Legs at Night

I have one restless leg and it keeps me from falling asleep for hours at night. I have tried meds but didn't like the feeling it gave me. Does anyone know a way to stop the feeling of having to move my leg (one leg)? I would appreciate any help.

az2010 from Easthampton, MA

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Removing Butter Stain From Clothing

I spilled melted butter on a red shirt. I have treated this stain repeatedly and I can still see it. How can I remove it?

Faye

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Ideas For A 75th Birthday Skit

What would be a good skit for a 75th birthday party?

Debbie from Fitzgerald, GA

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Changing The Direction Of A Toilet

I am renovating a bathroom and want to turn the toilet around, have it facing the opposite way. How would I do this? Does the plumbing underneath need to be changed in any way?

neryce from Edmonton, AB

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Pantyliner Stuck To Clothes After Washing

My sister washed some underwear with a pantyliner still attached. It fell apart and stuck to all the other clothes and she can't remove it even after washing the clothes again. Any suggestions? Thanks.

Monica from Webster, NY

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Can't Get Seeds To Start Growing

I am trying to grow seeds and am having no luck. Any suggestions? I can't even get herb seeds to start in potting soil in egg cartons.
Thank you.

Hardiness Zone: 9a


MrsJim from Lakeland, Florida

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Sandless Hardwood Floor Refinishing

Looking for opinions on sandless hardwood floor refinishing?

Joyce from Foksville, PA

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Updating My Kitchen Cabinets

These are my kitchen cabinets. They are at least 30 years old and have sort of a grayish pickled-look veneer, which is cracked, bubbling, and chipped in some places. I'd love to add trim, paint, glaze or otherwise accent them, but I'm stuck on where to begin. I like Tuscan and French Country designs. What type of saw would I need to get to cut basic lattice trim to frame the edges? And what type paint would be best -- oil or latex? Thanks everyone.

Melody T. from Arkansas

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Are A Deaf Dog's Ear Canals Closed?

Are a deaf dog's ears closed entirely or is the canal open and they just can't hear?

Jessica

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Removing Wallpaper Adhesive

I have removed the wall paper border, but the adhesive remained on the wall. Does anyone have a solution for removal? I have tried to sand it off, but it is time consuming and dusty. Has anyone just painted over it? It is in a bathroom. Thank you.

Dorth from Madison, WI

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Making Lasagna For 175 People

I'm looking for an easy recipe for lasagna. I will be feeding about 175 people and I'm not sure how much to prepare.

Dana from Griffin, GA

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Cleaning Your Teeth At Home

I can't afford dental care and I'm wondering if anyone has used one of the devices that you purchase at the drug store that cleans the tarter from your teeth. It's an instrument with a sharp point. How easy is it to use?

Betty from Lubbock, TX

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Help Dealing With Bossy, Whiny Child

I have a 8 year old who thinks he is the boss of everyone!. Not only that, he has a bad temper when something is not going his way or if he is called out when he needs correction. I have tried everything I can think of to try to make him understand that he is the wrong when he is and that he is no one's boss. He ends up whining and making his voice known to the point of total aggravation to his father and I. What can I do to help us with this situation?

Tammy from Jackson, Mo

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Fixing A Tank Top That Droops

I have a striped square neck tank top with gray piping that needs a slight modification. The top chest area is 1/2 inch too wide. After an hour, the chest area stretches out and sags. Then it's a good inch too wide and droopy on top. Any suggestions?

Holly from Richardson, TX

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Aqua Globes Alternative

I have been seeing "Aqua Globes" on TV. They water when the air is released. Is there another way to get the same result?? I thought maybe we could come up with something that was cheaper.

Hardiness Zone: 8b

Thanks!
Tammy from fort Mccoy, FL

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Information About Terrier/Bichon Frise mix

We just got a Terrier/Bichon Frise mix and I would like to get some guidance from the people who have or had this kind of pet. Your input is very much appreciated! Thank you!

auraesther from Navarre, FL

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Pattern For Knitted Crossover Cardigan

I'm looking for a knitting pattern for a ballet crossover cardigan to fit a five year old. Any help gratefully received.

Stephanie from United Kingdom

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Fleas on a Cement Patio

I have read some awesome posts with great information on using Borax for Fleas....especially a post by "Betsy" on 5/27. I've started using the Borax in my apartment, I have mostly rugs. I'm doing one room at a time so my cat has somewhere to go.

My question is I sprinkled the Borax on the cement on my PATIO a few days ago. I just went outside to sweep it up and fleas were all over my ankles! What do I do to my Patio?

Thank you so much for your time. These fleas are making me nuts! I've already spent so much money because of one flea that lead to many more!

Helene from Florida

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Are There Hydrangeas That Are Naturally Blue?

A friend told me that no hydrangea is naturally blue. One has to be forced through one method or another to create that color. I find that hard to believe. My grandmother always said that one had to plant iron nails in the soil to create the color one wanted. I don't remember doing anything special to mine but it is a beautiful blue and has been for many years. Anyone know anything about this please? Thanks.

snoonie from Baltimore, MD

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Removing Clearasil Stains From Clothing

How to remove Clearasil stains from clothing?

Brett from Queensland, Australia

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Information About a Deaf Pitbull

about 4 months ago i adopted a white pitbull. Turns out that he is deaf. However, I was told that he would be able to hear after a few months. Something having to do with his jaw interfering with his ears. His ears are completely closed. Is that how all deaf dogs have their ears? Any info would be great.

Jessica from Texas

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Crafting for Fun and Money!

If you are an avid crafter, capable writer and own a digital camera, you are eligible to participate. Submit your craft projects to ThriftyFun and we will pay $15 for any crafts that we publish.

More Information:
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My Frugal Life: A House Full Of Love

Seven children, three in college, one pay check, and a house full of love is my motivation to be frugal. My competitive nature makes it a game that I must win.

Coupons are my friends, resale shops are my malls, and garage sales are my supply line. I dress, feed, and decorate our home on a hundred dollars a week. Designer labels, nutrition meals, and a beautiful home are my awards. Time with my family is more valuable than a second income, so I cherish it daily.

Successful, happy, well educated, and hard working children are my one and only goal. We celebrate our family each year with a garage sale of our out grown treasures, surplus of food, and resale shops finds. We average over $3,000 each year. Then off to the beach we go for a week of sun and fun on our profits. It is a tradition that holds many memories. Priceless!

momandmurray from Branson, Missouri

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Deer Deterrents

Question:

How do I keep deer from eating my tulips once they have bloomed?

Cher from Provo, UT

Answer:

Cher,

Tulips are a favorite treat of deer (along with hostas and roses). Although nothing exists that will keep deer away from your tulips 100% of the time (short of a 10 ft high electric fence), here are a few ideas that other gardeners have used successfully.

1. Predator's urine (especially wolf or coyote). This is usually easy to find at feed stores and garden centers.

2. Fragrant soap. Slip a bar of Irish Spring into some old panty hose and hang it from a tree or fence very close to your tulips. Some people have also had luck hanging bars of soap on 4' stakes at 15' intervals around the perimeter of their property. In either case, soap smells stronger when it is wet, so be prepared to periodically water your soap with a hand mister.

3. Human hair. It's really all about the smell of predators with deer. Local barbers should be more than happy to supply you with all of the bags of hair you need to spread around your tulip beds.

4. Egg repellant. Mist one egg per quart of water, and double or triple the recipe until you make as much spray as needed. Spray it where you want deer to stay away. The smell isn't the greatest (that's the point), and you'll have to reapply after a heavy rain. Variations on this recipe include adding Tabasco, cayenne pepper, blood meal, or garlic.

   Remember that no one approach will work for long, especially if deer populations are high and food scarce.

   Good luck!

   Ellen

   

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   The Well-Equipped Garden Shed: 10 Essential Tools
   By Ellen Brown

   Gardening tasks are a lot easier to accomplish when you are using the right tool for the job. However, with so many tools and gadgets on the market, it can be confusing to know which ones are really worth your hard earned cash Here are 10 tools every gardener with a garden shed should have.

   A Long-Handled Shovel

   To move dirt, lift plants, and dig holes for anything larger than seedlings, you need a good long-handled shovel. The best shovels have concave, round-pointed blades, with ample flat edges on either side of the top of the blade to rest your foot for on for leverage, and a D-shaped hand grip.

   A Spade

   Spades are similar to long-handled garden shovels, except their blades are squared off and flat. Spades are designed for cutting rather than lifting. They are excellent if you want to make clean edges around borders and beds, cut deep roots, or create straight-sided trenches. A good spade will have similar design features to a long-handled shovel-ample resting room for your feet on each side of the top of the blade, a comfortable handle, and a strong blade.

   A Hoe

   If you want to make quick work of shallow-rooted weeds, create a furrow for planting, or break up some compacted soil, a hoe is the right tool for the job. Hoes comes in several different style variations, each designed to excel at specific tasks. The most common types of hoes are the draw or garden hoe, (a large, rectangular flat blade) and the pointed hoe (a smaller, heart-shaped blade). Look for blades that are riveted onto their handles.

   A Trowel

   Can a gardener have too many trowels? Trowels are hand shovels. Useful tools for those "down on your hands and knees" digging and planting tasks that require a greater degree of precision than a shovel or spade. They come in handy for planting bulbs, transplanting seedlings, turning over soil, and weeding small areas between plants. Trowel blades come in several widths. Narrow blades work well for digging in hard-packed soil, while wide blades have the capacity to move more dirt quickly. A good trowel will have a solid steel blade and a handle with a comfortable grip.

   A Leaf Rake

   Leaf rakes are handy for raking leaves and for general cleaning-up of garden debris. Some are available with adjustable metal tines, which make clean up a breeze in-between plants and in narrow spaces. Look for an ergonomic handle and comfortable grip to reduce the stress on your back and hands.

   A Garden Fork

   These four-tined forks have shorter handles than pitchforks, and thick, rectangular-shaped tines. Garden forks are designed specifically for turning over and aerating garden soil. They work well in heavy, unbroken, or rocky soil, and can take the place of a garden spade. Look for heads made from a solid piece of forged steel.

   Pruning Shears

   Pruning shears are useful for deadheading and shaping plants. They are generally designed to cut stems and branches from 1/2 inch to 3/4 inch thick (larger branches require a lopping shears). When selecting a pruning shears, make sure the size and grip are comfortable by testing them in your hands. They should not be too hard to squeeze or two large or small to handle comfortably. Look for replaceable parts and sharp, heat-treated blades that are easy to remove and sharpen.

   A Wheel Barrow or Utility Cart

   Toting around dirt, plants, tools, and debris is much easier with a wheelbarrow or garden cart. The size and depth you will need depends largely on the size of your garden. Look for stability and maneuverability.

   A Garden Hose and Watering Can

   The cost and complexity of your irrigation equipment depends largely on the climate you live in. Most gardeners can get by with a hose and a fan-type sprinkler for irrigation. For areas where the hose cannot reach, you will need a watering can. When it comes to cost, you usually get what you pay for with hoses. Look for a hose that is rated for at least 50 lbs per square inch of pressure and reinforced with mesh to prevent puncturing. Non-kinking hoses are a bonus, and if you are ever able to find once that is absolutely un-kinkable, let me know!

   A Garden Hod Basket

   A traditional garden hod has a durable wooden frame and wire mesh basket. It is a handy device for carrying tools, flowers, and harvested produce to and from the garden. You don't need a traditional garden hod for these tasks. Any sturdy pail, basket, or plastic tote will do.

   

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