Here is an assortment of perfect gifts for gardeners and homeowners on your holiday shopping list. Let's face it. The colder months of the holiday season do not lend themselves to gardening in most climates. But that doesn't mean gardening is completely out of mind. Avid gardeners and homeowners who must keep their yards neat and tidy appreciate garden-related gifts during "the most wonderful time of the year." It is actually quite easy to find great gifts for gardeners and homeowners. These folks always need something to satisfy their green thumbs, finish a DIY project, or add one more personal touch to the property. That's why the editors of Home, Garden and Homestead have put together their annual list of the best gifts for gardeners this holiday season. Heck, you might even want to give some of these gifts to yourself. Gifts for Gardeners: Tools The Ultimate Weeding Tools The CobraHead Weeder gets its name from the shape of the tempered steel blade, which … [Read more...] about Gifts for Gardeners this Holiday Season
How to Choose and Care for a Living Christmas Tree
A living Christmas tree can make this year's holiday season special for many, many years. Selecting the family Christmas tree is an exciting holiday tradition. But instead of buying a cut tree this year, why not choose a living Christmas tree? A decorated living Christmas tree celebrates the holiday season—and then becomes a growing part of your landscape for years to come. According to the National Christmas Tree Association, the average retail price of a farm-grown holiday tree is approaching $100. Sure, a freshly cut holiday brings the delightful scent of a pine forest into your home. But for a few dollars more, you can buy a living Christmas tree. A living, container-grown tree can be purchased at local garden centers and some “big box” stores. If strong north winds are a problem in your yard, now is a good time to start planting the first of that hedgerow of evergreens to break the wind. This is the fun way to get the job done. Each living Christmas tree will have its … [Read more...] about How to Choose and Care for a Living Christmas Tree
Create a Gratitude Tree for Thanksgiving
November is the perfect time to create a Gratitude Tree for your family. After all, November is the month for giving thanks. Making a Gratitude Tree gives you a tangible way to count your blessings, and this project is a fun activity to do with your kids or grandkids. A Gratitude Tree (also known as a Thankful Tree) provides a way for you and your family to think about and write down the blessings in your lives. Why? Because we’ve all got lots to be thankful for, but sometimes we forget to take time out of our busy days to simply say “thank you” for all of the good things we are blessed to experience. Did you know Amazon had an outlet store? Check out what's on sale at the Amazon Outlet! What is a Gratitude Tree? Your gratitude tree can be as simple as a drawing of tree branches upon which you attach leaves. I prefer to use an actual tree branch or a few branches put into a vase for the “tree.” (You can even buy a Gratitude Tree kit online. But … [Read more...] about Create a Gratitude Tree for Thanksgiving
Best Home Weather Stations
The best home weather stations help you monitor temperature changes, rainfall, wind velocity, and more. A weather station for your home or homestead helps you plan your outdoor activities and events including picnics, backyard parties and outdoor chores. Monitoring the changes in weather can be a source of enjoyment and entertainment. Watching the changes in the weather is a hobby enjoyed by people all over the world. Knowing the exact weather conditions right now, and knowing what tomorrow’s weather will be, can also provide peace of mind for you and your family. Best Home Weather Stations for Gardeners and Homesteaders Farmers know the value of monitoring the weather. They know the current weather conditions. They also check the weather forecast to see what tomorrow’s weather will bring. Doing so helps to avoid crop losses caused by freezing, excessive heat, or excessive rain. Gardeners and homesteaders can also reap the rewards of accurate weather prediction. It is very … [Read more...] about Best Home Weather Stations
Great Tools Make Fall Yard Cleanup Easier
Fall yard cleanup season is here! The blazing heat of summer is over, and the cooler days of autumn have arrived. And, right on schedule, the leaves are falling from the trees. Now is the traditional time for fall yard cleanup. It’s time to harvest the remaining fruits and vegetables from the garden, rake the leaves, and generally clean up the yard and garden to get ready for winter. Fortunately, there is a full arsenal of labor-saving tools to make fall yardwork easier. For pruning, we've got heavy-duty loppers. For controlling fallen leaves, we're got a powerful cordless electric leaf blower. Plus, there's always room in the shed for a quality pair of gloves. Here are some of the best tools that make fall yard cleanup easier and faster. Fall Yard Cleanup: Loppers Make Quick Work of Pruning A great pair of loppers is a handy tool when it’s time to prune a tree or trim a shrub. You can even cut off dead canes from a favorite climbing rose. The Extendable … [Read more...] about Great Tools Make Fall Yard Cleanup Easier