New owner of a SFH with medium/smallish size front/back yard. What tools do I need?
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Anonymous
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We just moved into our first SFH in January and now that spring is here I need to take care of the yard. I have some people right now doing a "spring cleaning," mowing, trimming, weeding, seeding, mulching. But that is a one time service. I have NOTHNG related to yard clean up and maintenance, and I don't know anything either.
What basic tools do I need? It is all a little bit overwhelming to me as it is, so a little guidance would go a long way and I appreciate any help in that department. Also, I will me the one mowing the lawn but I have no ida what kind of lawn mower to get. The front yard is flat, medium size. The back yard has some grass on a small hill. A relative suggested electric mower because they are lighter - any experiences? Tia! |
Anonymous
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Lots of variables. What are you doing? Just grass? Mower and a string trimmer (get a good one. The cheap ones won't last).
Trees? Flowers? Vegetable garden? What else are you planning. |
Anonymous
Well, for now I just want to keep up with what we already have. There a few trees, shrubs, roses and plants I don't know the name (I don't think I have to do anything with them for now). There is one herbs box with what I think is mint, lavender, rosemary. The mint is coming out - do I need to re-plant the others? I will also in the near future want to plant basil, cilantro, chives and tomatoes. I will also want to pant some flowers to bring a bit of color because as it stands, everything is too green in the front. One of the shrubs has little white flowers coming, and in the backyard there is one yellow shrub. I would love to plant some sunflowers and hydrangeas, but I will have to research how to plant these. When you say a "good string trimmer" do you have any brand/model to recommend? If not, what price range should I look into (you said no to the "cheap ones")? What about lawn mower? |
Anonymous
| Some tools you'll need: shovel (large if you buy a hydrangea and a small hand one for planting herbs), a rake for fall (large one and small narrow one if leaves fall between bushes), pruning shears (small hand ones and if you have thicker branches you'll need to prune then large ones), and garden gloves. I can't really advise you on the larger items like a mower (but electric sounds good to me) or weed wacker. You might want a tarp if you will be hauling your leaves off somewhere. Sometimes a wheelbarrow, bucket, or large round lightweight hamper sort of shaped thing comes in handy for collecting sticks or leaves, and some large garden hands to help scoop up leaves. You might want a leaf blower but they are noisy and pollute the air. Or you might just want to hire someone in the fall to deal with the leaves if you get a lot. I think I would start small and just buy tools as you need them. Figure out how much sun you get in certain areas of your yard before you buy plants. I try to plant perennials so they come back every year. |
Anonymous
| I love my electric mower - ego from Home Depot. It folds in half and has a lot of power for a smaller yard. Our yard is a quarter acre with a 2100 Sq ft slab on it and I can do the lawn with only one recharge or battery swap. |
Anonymous
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Sunflowers are easy annuals. Just drop some seeds in a sunny spot.
For the perennials and vegetables take some time to figure out where you want things to go, and the sun and shade patterns in your yard. |
Anonymous
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Hand tools: fiskars
Power tools: stihl |
Anonymous
| I would probably go a full year before doing anything so you have a chance to see what is already there. |
Anonymous
Don't grow sunflowers. They will look ridiculous in a suburban yard. Basil, grape tomatoes, rosemary, and lavender are all fairly easy to grow. |
Anonymous
Who appointed you judge of what is ridiculous? Have you even seen the many varieties of sunflowers available today? |
Anonymous
Thanks everyone! We went to home depot today and got some basic tools. We also looked into the electric mowers and were torn between the ego and the black and deck… I came home to look at the reviews and have decided for the Ego, even though is more expensive. PP, we also have to buy a trimmer and I am torn between the Ryobi http://www.homedepot.com/p/Ryobi-40-Volt-X-Lithium-ion-Attachment-Capable-Cordless-String-Trimmer-RY40220/204589659 and the Ego http://www.homedepot.com/p/EGO-15-in-56-Volt-Lithium-Ion-Cordless-Brushless-String-Trimmer-ST1501-S/205678261 . The first one is $40.00 cheaper and apparently you can buy attachments to it. The second one is more expensive, you can't use any attachments but the battery would be interchangeable with the mower… Also, the second one is a 56V battery as opposed to the Ryobi's 40V… Do you have any experience with either? |
Anonymous
I am planning on planting it on the backyard, but I would like to know why you think it would look ridiculous. Besides, it is just a flower and if I don't like I can always take it out… I am still curious though. |
Anonymous
OK - let's see some that would work in a suburban garden. On the farm, sure. They would definitely work there. But in a typical suburb... But, it's your yard, do what you want. Grow corn too if you'd like. 
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Anonymous
Plant whatever you want, wherever you want. Unless you have a HOA in which case you follow their rules. Life's too short to listen to everyone's opinions. Then again I have roses, irises, Daylilies, bulbs, hostas, okra, peppers and gasp! sunflowers in the front yard
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Anonymous
they are out of proportion and out of place in this area - a little too rustic. it's your yard though - do what you want. especially if it's in the backyard! 
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