Gardens, Tips and Tricks - Welcome to our comprehensive guide on the essential devices and tools that will empower you to effectively combat plant enemies and promote optimal plant growth. Whether you're a seasoned gardener or just starting out, understanding the different types of implements available can make a significant difference in the health and productivity of your garden.
In this article, we will explore two main categories of garden tools: those designed for mechanical protection of plants and those used for applying insecticides and fungicides.
Fighting Plant Enemies
There are two types of devices used for combating plant enemies:
(1) Those employed to provide mechanical protection for the plants.
(2) Those used to apply insecticides and fungicides.
The most valuable device for mechanical protection is the covered frame. Typically, it is a wooden box measuring around eighteen inches to two feet square and about eight inches high. It is covered with glass, protective cloth, mosquito netting, or mosquito wire.
The first two coverings offer the additional advantage of retaining heat and protecting against cold, enabling early planting. They are extensively used to achieve an early and safe start with vine vegetables like cucumbers and melons.
Simpler devices such as stiff tin, cardboard, or tar paper collars are used to protect newly-set plants like tomatoes or cabbage from cutworms. These collars are a few inches high and wide enough to encircle the stem, penetrating an inch or so into the soil.
For the application of poison powders, a powder gun is recommended for home gardeners. However, if only one implement is to be chosen, a hand-power, compressed-air sprayer is the best option.
These sprayers are used for applying wet sprays and should be equipped with a non-cloggable automatic nozzle for producing a fine mist. For larger tasks, a barrel pump mounted on wheels is desirable, although the hand-power sprayer mentioned earlier can accomplish a significant amount of work in a short time.
Extension rods can be obtained for spraying trees and vines. While a good hand-syringe may be suitable for very small-scale operations, it is generally advisable to invest a little more money in a small tank sprayer. This type of sprayer provides a continuous stream or spray and can hold a larger volume of the spraying solution. It is recommended to choose a brass machine as it will outlast those made of cheaper metals, which quickly corrode when exposed to strong poisons and chemicals.
In terms of harvesting implements, apart from the spade, prong-hoe, and spading-fork, very few are used in small gardens. Most of the additional implements require long rows and horse-power to be economically viable.
However, the onion harvester attachment for the double wheel hoe can be advantageous for loosening onions, beets, turnips, and cutting spinach. Running a hand-plow on either side of deep-growing vegetables like carrots and parsnips can help in their extraction.
While a wire-fingered fruit-picker attached to a long handle can be useful for picking fruit from tall trees, it is not necessary with the modern method of using low-headed trees.
Pruning implements are used for pruning tasks, but if proper attention is given from the beginning, a sharp jack-knife and a pair of pruning shears are sufficient for all pruning work.
Another category of garden implements is used for supporting plants, including stakes, trellises, and wires. These tools often receive insufficient attention, but with proper care and storage over winter, they can last for years and greatly enhance the convenience and aesthetic appeal of the garden.
Conclusion
In conclusion, for prospective buyers of garden tools, it is advised to thoroughly research the available options. When making a purchase, remember that a good tool or well-made machine will continue to provide satisfactory use long after the price is forgotten, whereas a poor-quality tool will be a constant source of discomfort.
Acquire good tools and maintain them properly. By spending a few dollars each year on carefully selected tools, you will soon have a comprehensive set that enhances both the profitability and enjoyment of your garden.