New and Unread Tree-Mails
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 amksparky Mar 28, 2018 5:27 PM CST |
| Hey everyone, I am exploring new designs for tools and gardening practices for a project to help bring ease to the everyday gardener, especially for those who are either elderly or have some kind of physical limitation. Any feedback is incredibly appreciated, and may be used to create a new product that could change the way we garden! In terms of yard maintenance, what is your most common practice? (weeding, raking leaves, attending garden, etc) What do you find is the most common tool or method you use to accomplish yard tasks? Are there any aspects of lawncare that you find difficult to accomplish? Are there any limitations that keep you from gardening/make gardening difficult? Is there some aspect to gardening or lawncare that you get frustrated with? Are there any tools or practices you wish were different? If so, what ways do you imagine these can be improved? There is no need to answer all or any of these questions, at the very least use the questions to spark some thoughts for problem areas and maybe potential areas for innovation. Much thanks! I believe this could potentially give many of us insights to how we can improve our practices!! |
Wisconsin (Zone 5a) skits Apr 4, 2018 1:25 PM CST |
| Our yard care consists of a rider gathering clippings for my garden. I'm old, so bending down is hard. I usually find a beer or soda carton and sit on that. Although sometimes I stretch a bit and may look like I've expired in my garden. My "girl" shovel (smaller than a normal spade) is my best friend. A present to myself a few years ago. As far as frustrations, only my neighbors spraying their lawn every spring. But I love my dandelions, so his work is futile. |
Name: greene Savannah, GA (Sunset 28) (Zone 8b) Dreams don't work unless you do.              greene Apr 6, 2018 8:41 AM CST |
Tell us more about this project, please. Is it for school? Or for a publication of some type?  Sunset Zone 28, AHS Heat Zone 9, USDA zone 8b~"Leaf of Faith" |
springfield MO area (Zone 6a)  Frillylily Apr 7, 2018 12:59 PM CST |
| I have a shovel that has a large step area for your foot, I will not use anything else now. I wish they made more tools with that step on them. |
Name: stone near Macon Georgia (USA) (Zone 8a)   stone Apr 9, 2018 4:05 PM CST |
| I had a shovel with a nice large "step", it broke off... ended up with a sharp edge that digs gouges out of the bottoms of my boots... sorry now that I didn't stay with rolled steel. |
springfield MO area (Zone 6a) Frillylily Apr 10, 2018 3:04 AM CST |
| hmm, that is odd, I have had 3 over the years, I break the handles off (my own fault), I think I accidentally ran over one and busted it. I love mine, saves my feet! Plus the step is textured so I can get a good grip on it. I did have one that I took in on warranty and they honored it, replaced it for nothing. I had used it for 3 years but it has a lifetime warranty. This is a kobalt from Lowes. depending on what brand or where you got it, you may be able to get it replaced. |
Name: stone near Macon Georgia (USA) (Zone 8a) stone Apr 10, 2018 3:26 PM CST |
Frillylily said:This is a kobalt from Lowes. yup... |
Tracy, CA 9a   MindiHammerstone Apr 10, 2018 4:12 PM CST |
| My garden spade and my clippers are my best friends. Especially the spade. What keeps me out of the garden is that I have chronic pain. So if I push it too hard, constantly bending and squatting, sometimes I'll have to skip some garden time, but I water everyday. The wind dries out the soil more than the sun does. 😉 good luck!! Mindi |
springfield MO area (Zone 6a) Frillylily Apr 10, 2018 8:25 PM CST |
Frillylily said:hmm, that is odd, I have had 3 over the years, I break the handles off (my own fault), I think I accidentally ran over one and busted it. they have a lifetime warranty, all I did was bring mine in and they gave me a new one, no questions. I paid nothing. She told me that for as long as I own the shovel they will replace it if something happens to it. I didn't even need a receipt, Kobalt brand is only sold at Lowes and they will replace it at any Lowes store. |
Name: Cheryl Kingwood, Texas (Zone 9a)          ShadyGreenThumb Apr 10, 2018 10:16 PM CST |
| In terms of yard maintenance, what is your most common practice? (weeding, raking leaves, attending garden, etc) ***********Lawn maintenance, blowing leaves and debris, watering fertilizing. What do you find is the most common tool or method you use to accomplish yard tasks? ***********:Common as in what everyone else uses? That would be a lawnmower. Mine is key/electric-start. But my favorite most useful tool is the Echo backpack blower, a good fireman-style hose sprayer, and a gas powered weedwacker. I also love the Whizz, battery powered fertilizer etc., small hand spreader and a good fertilizer hose end sprayer that has ergonomic trigger. Are there any aspects of lawncare that you find difficult to accomplish? ************I absolutely HATE twisting parts on and off hoses and spigots! The heat makes my lawn care job difficult sometimes. Are there any limitations that keep you from gardening/make gardening difficult? ************The weather holds me back sometimes. I think my hands are arthritic. Never got a formal diagnosis. But both my hands always hurt after a day in the yard. Is there some aspect to gardening or lawncare that you get frustrated with? *************Again, twisting anything on to a hose end or spigot. Are there any tools or practices you wish were different? *************Why do all gas-powered items have to be pull start? I am a small-ish woman. Pull-starting gas machines is not always easy and getting more difficult as the years go on! If so, what ways do you imagine these can be improved? *************Making everything ergonomic to prevent hand fatigue. Even the handle to hold on my blower hose could use a padded handle. (tried padding it but it slips off. Going to try a bike handle next) Electric and battery-powered items have improved so much but are expensive. Replacement batteries run around $200. But a simple small battery starting system for all gas-powered small engines would be amazing!! Life is short, Break the rules, Forgive quickly, Kiss slowly, Love Truly, Laugh uncontrollably, And never regret anything that made you Smile. |
Name: stone near Macon Georgia (USA) (Zone 8a) stone Apr 11, 2018 7:36 AM CST |
Frillylily said: I don't have the nerve.... I'd have to bring it back every month... I've already put an ironwood handle in the shovel head after breaking the old one out... Much improved... Did you ever see the shovel I posted last year (or whenever) with the metal fatigue? They don't make tools that can handle the work I put them through. |
Name: greene Savannah, GA (Sunset 28) (Zone 8b) Dreams don't work unless you do. greene Apr 11, 2018 8:41 AM CST |
| The OP has not been back to comment or to thank anyone for their input. Sunset Zone 28, AHS Heat Zone 9, USDA zone 8b~"Leaf of Faith" |
Tracy, CA 9a MindiHammerstone Apr 11, 2018 10:54 AM CST |
| Or to answer your questions...??? |
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