While it’s too cold to actually start gardening in winter, this is the perfect time to start planning for your spring garden. And of course you could simply buy seeds, soil, and other gardening supplies right before you decide it’s time to plant. However, planning for your spring garden in the winter will help you create the best garden you’ve ever had. You’ll be better prepared, better equipped, and more confident in your gardening abilities. So, check out some of these helpful tips for planning your spring garden in the middle of winter.
To get the most beautiful garden, you should start preparing yourself and your yard during the winter months. Start by assessing the weather you’ve had this past winter. Was it colder than normal? Did it snow more than it typically does in your area? Is it more mild than usual? All of these things may affect the longevity of your plants life and should be dealt with before you start gardening. If it’s especially cold this winter, you’ll need to take extra precautions to protect your plants from freezing temperatures.
Also be sure to assess the area you intend to plant your garden. Look for any damage to your yard that may need to be fixed before you start digging your gardening supplies into the ground.
Gathering all of your materials, such as seed catalogs and gardening supplies, will help get you excited about your future garden. Since it’s still too cold out to begin planting right away, having the tools you need before hand are a good way to start the process. Also keep in mind that seed catalogs provide a great advantage to gardeners. Using seed catalogs to find the plants you’ll use in your garden will usually ensure that you’re getting high-quality seeds. And don’t forget to stop by Louie’s ACE Home Center for all of your gardening tools! We have a great selection to choose from and our friendly staff is always happy to help our customers find the right tools for their projects.
Consider Using Cold FramesCold frames are very popular in areas, such as Reno, that experience severe cold weather. They’re transparent-roofed enclosures that are built low to the ground and help protect plants from excessive cold or wet weather. The transparent roof allows sunlight to enter while also effectively trapping in heat. The roofs can be taken on and off and are perfect for controlling temperatures and climate that your plant will have to endure. Essentially cold frames help the gardener extend their growing season.
A seed germination test will help you determine if the seeds you’re using for your garden will produce thriving, beautiful flowers and plants or not. To do this, start by taking a few seeds from the package and planting them in small pots. Next, place those pots in conditions that will most likely make your seeds germinate. Lastly, watch them as they grow to determine whether or not they grow healthy sprouts.
After all of the prep-work you’ve completed, you’re finally ready to start planning your garden and picking out your plants! This is easily the most fun part of the preparation process and will help to bring your garden to life - literally. Be sure to check the grow zone of the area you live in. This will help you determine which plants will do better in the type of living condition they’ll be in. This tool will help your garden thrive, and prevents you from having to buy more seeds and other gardening materials later on.
At Louie’s Home Center, we have a wide variety of gardening supplies available. From soil and fertilizer, to shovels and rakes, we have just about everything you need to get the garden of your dreams. Our knowledgeable staff is always willing to guide you in the right direction when you come into visit. Connect with us today!
With the spring season in full bloom, gardening is becoming a common past time. Even more so for those who are self-isolating at home and want a beautiful garden to enjoy while they wait out the lockdown. While gardening can be fun and relaxing, not having the proper tools and materials can make the process less pleasant and even difficult or frustrating. In order to have a successful, peaceful gardening experience, be sure to get proper hardware and garden supplies to help you out. Take a look below at some of the gardening products every gardener should own, and come get yours from Louie’s ACE Home Center!
One of the most essential gardening tools you’ll use over and over again is gloves. Proper gardening gloves are usually made from leather or synthetic material such as nitrile. These gloves are durable and thick, and are designed to prevent thorns or sharp stems from causing injuries to your hands. So, you can see just how important gloves are when it comes to gardening. And remember, the type of gardening you’re doing, such as pruning or planting, will help you determine which gloves will work best for your project. Fortunately, our friendly staff is always happy to help you make the best choice.
Another product that avid gardeners swear by are clog/waterproof shoes. Clogs are quite common because they are easy to slip on and off, and are quite smooth, making them easy to clean. However, any waterproof shoe will be beneficial to someone working away in the garden. Beware, as you’re gardening your shoes are going to get wet and dirty, regardless of how hard you try to avoid it. So, be sure to wear proper footwear to prevent ruining a good pair of shoes.
If you plan on gardening often and in rough terrain, then a garden seat or garden kneeler could save your body a lot of aches and pains. Kneeling on hard surfaces or in dirt or rocks can take a heavy toll on your knees and other parts of your body. And continuously exposing your body to this sort of pain can have serious consequences later in life. Luckily, garden seats and kneelers are there to prevent such problems. They provide an adequately cushioned spot for you to rest your knees or bottom on so that you don’t have to feel the repercussions later.
Gardening usually requires a delicate touch and careful hands. Remember, your plants are living things and they need to be handled with proper care. Unlike your typical shovels and rakes which are often too large to use in a garden, ACE hardware garden hand tools are made much smaller and with a more specific purpose in mind. Any gardener should be equipped with the following hand tools:
Some other gardening tools that you must have are a wheelbarrow for transferring dirt and other debris, and a gardening tool belt or supply cart. A supply cart helps keep all your gardening tools organized and out of the elements for better storage and easy clean-up.
Some planting accessories such as edging, mulch and markers are crucial to a successful garden. Edging helps keep mulch and plants in one secluded area and helps prevent overgrowth and weeds from penetrating your garden. Also, edging can help give your garden and your yard a clean, polished look. Mulch is used to cover the soil of your garden and acts as a protective layer that keeps soil cool, moist and unharmed by weeds and pests. Also, mulch can be used to make your garden look more appealing and some mulches even give vital nutrients to the soil underneath. Lastly, consider using markers in your garden to label all the different plants and to keep track of their growing habits and needs. The markers we’re talking about are stakes you put in the ground that have a sign on the top which you can use to write down your plant information on.
Gardening would be nothing without the plants, so be sure to stock up on seeds and any plants that you may want to plant into the ground! Often, seeds and plants are separated into two groups; annual and perennial. Annual plants need to be planted annually, meaning with each new season, you’re going to need to replant the same plants if you want them back in your garden. Perennials, however, only need to be planted once and the plants will regrow on their own in the next season. So, be sure you know the difference between annual and perennial plants, and get the ones that will work best for you!
And lastly, be sure to gather an adequate amount of watering and irrigation supplies. Plants need water in order to grow and live, but too much water can be problematic as well. Watering hoses and nozzles with different spray settings are always recommended, but be sure to give your plants the necessary irrigation required to keep them healthy and thriving.
If you’re getting ready to spruce up your garden but need some supplies to get you started, head on over to Louie’s ACE Home Center! As Fallon’s hardware store specialists, we’re confident in our products and our ability to guide you through your next DIY or home project. So, take a look at some of our garden supplies, or connect with us to get some advice or help with your next project!
For those on the fence, we put together a list of four of the best reasons to buy a swamp cooler this summer.
Let’s be honest, sometimes one of the best reasons to get a swamp cooler in Fallon is to save money. According to ConsumerEnergyCenter.org, swamp coolers use up to 75 percent less energy than air conditioning, saving on average about $150 a year. Use those savings for the next vacation with family and friends.
An air conditioner will generally take longer to cool the house and it may take a while to meet your level of comfort and satisfaction. Mobile swamp coolers eliminate that problem by targeting your area of recreation, cooling the air in a few minutes.
This benefit is for those choosing a mobile swamp cooling system.
For those considering a big swamp cooler to replace an air conditioning unit, you’ll find the savings to be worth it. According to the National Association of Home Builders, a big swamp cooler costs between $700 and $1,000, whereas central air conditioning units tend to cost several thousand dollars.
Simply put, swamp coolers use moisture to produce fresh, clean air. Nevada has always been a dry climate, but adding a little moisture to your room can benefit your skin’s complexion.
If you’re ready to join the swamp cooler revolution, come in to Louie’s ACE Home Center today and ask us how we can keep you cool this summer.
Imagine spring cookouts, breezy air, and a lush, green lawn to enjoy it all on. In Fallon, Nevada, keeping a nice lawn can take a lot of work. Unlike other climates, it takes the use of sprinklers and regular upkeep to keep your grass bright and vibrant. With that comes regular maintenance, especially after the winter season. Luckily, at Louie's Ace Hardware, we have all of the lawn care hardware rentals that you need to have the yard that you've been dreaming of.
After the long winter, thatch can build up and prevent your grass from looking its best. When the dead grass that gets stuck between living grass and the soil is not able to receive proper air, water, and nutrients, your lawn can look less than stellar. At Louie's Ace Hardware, we carry all the lawn care hardware rentals you need to remove thatch and restore your lawn to its prime.
It's that time of the year again! Time to aerate your lawn to allow air, water, and nutrients to get to get to the grass roots. If you're lawn is looking dead and colorless, this is a great way to alleviate soil compaction. In dryer climates like Nevada, aerating can save your lawn. Stop by our hardware rentals department for all the equipment you need to get your lawn looking in tip-top shape!
Weeding or digging a garden by hand can be tedious and time consuming. That's where a rototiller comes in hand. These handy tools can make gardening a breeze. We carry them as a rental item, so that you can have the added convenience without the pressure to store them throughout the year.
A lawn roller can be great for erasing damage caused to your lawn throughout the winter. You can flatten ant and mole hills quickly, and make your lawn look flawless.
There's nothing that says spring more than a lush lawn. So what are you waiting for? Stop by to check out our ACE hardware rentals you may need for your lawn and garden this season. We make lawn care and other hardware rentals easy and affordable, and our knowledgeable and friendly staff are ready to assist you. Want to inquire about our hardware rentals? Give us a call. We hope to see you soon!
A beautiful, verdant lawn is the focal point for many gardens. Images of lush expanses of cool grass often feature in gardening magazines. However, maintaining a lawn to be proud of is significantly harder to do in northern Nevada’s desert climate.
Never fear though, it is possible! We’ve put together a list of handy hints about how to keep your lawn looking lovely throughout the summer months. Louie's Home Center offers ace hardware rentals such as batchers, aerators, high-weed mowers, and weed whackers for lawn care.
Know The Best Time To Water
This handy leaflet recommends watering at night or during the cool morning hours to minimize evaporation. It’s best to avoid the peak water consumption hours of 4 - 9 p.m.
But how often should you water? This depends on the weather, the soil and the turf type. However, a good rule of thumb is not to water more than once every three days during the summer. This will encourage your lawn to develop a deep root system. A long soak two to three times a week is definitely better than a short, daily soak- that will just create a shallow root system.
To figure out how much to water, you can check out www.wateruseitwisely.com for a helpful guide.
2. Make Your Water Count
Water is a precious resource, and too often around Reno we see people’s sprinklers watering everything but their lawn! Invest in a decent adjustable sprinkler that suits your lawn shape and size. This will save you money and ensure that the water is being directed where it's needed.
3. Let Your Lawn Breathe
Did you know that lawns need oxygen as well as water? It’s important to keep them aerated, which lets air circulate and prevents roots from getting compacted. It also makes your lawn much more efficient at absorbing that precious water!
It’s best to aerate the day after you’ve watered, so the ground is a little softer. This page recommends pushing a garden fork into the ground at about six inch intervals. However if you’re lucky enough to have a large lawn, it’s probably best to hire an aeration machine.
4. Feed Your Hungry Lawn
Regular feeding with a good fertilizer is essential for proper growth and a good green color. However be careful- an over-fertilized lawn will require more water and more frequent mowing. More is not necessarily better, so be sure to carefully follow the packet instructions!
The Desert Lawn Care Guide recommends using slow release fertilizers, as they release nutrients more efficiently and can be applied less frequently. It’s best to fertilize in the early morning or evening, then water thoroughly.
5. Mow At The Right Height
Proper mowing is crucial to maintain a healthy lawn, but don’t overdo it! A lawn cut too short requires more water. We recommend raising the cutting height of your lawnmower during summer to keep your lawn looking its best. That way, the grass won’t dry out as quickly in the hot sun and the longer blades of grass will better protect the roots.
Of course, a top quality mower is really important too. The Craftsman 6.75 Torque Rear Bag Push Mower is a real deal at $239.99 instore. With five point height adjusters with 1.1″-3.4″ range, it’s the perfect option to ensure you’re mowing at the right height.
6. Accessorise Your Lawn
After you’ve gone to all that trouble of ensuring your lawn is healthy and beautiful, you’re going to want to show it off! The Catalina six piece resin wicker bar garden furniture set with umbrella will look beautiful in your garden, and will provide a lovely shady spot from where to admire all your hard work. What’s more, it’s currently on special at $299.99- that’s $100 off!
You could also create some beautifully ambient evening lighting for summer nights in the garden, by placing tea lights in Mason Jars. We have them available in packs of twelve for just $12.99.
So there you have it: our top tips for keeping your lawn looking lovely through the Nevada summer. Why not try taking before and after pictures of your lawn so you can compare the difference? And if you have any lawn tips of your own, we’d love to hear them. Be sure to check out Louie's Home Center for all of our lawn care ACE hardware rentals. Happy gardening!
