When it comes to lawn mowers, there are a surprisingly large number of options available. Mowing the lawn can be a pain, so when it comes to choosing your tool it is important to choose the one that can help you tackle your yard the best.
Electric and gas mowers each have their own benefits that largely depend upon the type of yard you have, your personal choices, costs, and the level of maintenance you’re willing to take on.
When you think of lawn mowers, it’s likely that a gas mower is what first comes to mind. These mowers provide the power needed to easily tackle tough grass and mow larger areas without troublesome cords or having to re-charge a battery. A little gas can go a long way! Gas mowers also can be more durable and long lasting in comparison to some electric models.
If you’re looking to be environmentally friendly, a gas powered mower is not the top option as it emits carbon monoxide and dioxide into the atmosphere. They also tend to be much noisier than electric mowers. Due to the additional mechanisms and pieces, gas mowers tend to be heavier as well.
A popular alternative to gas lawn mowers, electric mowers a great option for those looking to avoid some of the downsides to using a gas powered tool. Not only are electric mowers quieter, you also avoid the frustrating pull-to-start process of turning on a gas mower. Electric mowers also don’t require sparkplugs or fuel filters eliminating the additional accessories needed with gas powered mowers. While they can be pricey up-front, electric mowers also can become cost effective over time.
Despite these benefits, electric mowers are not the best option if you have a large area to cover because they either come with cords or rechargeable batteries that last for only about an hour. They also can be dangerous when used in wet conditions as the electrical components can cause electrocution if they come into contact with water. An electric lawnmower isn’t the best choice for lawns with tough grasses or for someone who may wait for their lawn to look like a jungle before taking out the mower.
Looking to upgrade your mower? Keep an eye out for Louie’s ACE Home Center’s “cash for clunkers” program this September! If you need other lawn care equipment for a short period of time, check out our ACE hardware rentals.
Canning has been a long tradition for families and has seen a resurgence in popularity alongside the growing admiration for mason jars. Food that has been canned can last for years, extending the life of your food and preventing waste, and now even more so than ever, there are great ways to add personal touches to your canned food making them great gifts for friends and family.
Methods of CanningThere are two methods of canning, each corresponding to the type of food you are looking to can. It is important that you choose the correct method for what you want to can. This can be crucial in ensuring your food isn’t susceptible to bacteria.
Water Bath Canning: This method is used for foods and vegetables with acidic content. This is what you use for jams and jellies as well as for pickles. The process of water bath canning is fairly easy, and is a great starting point for beginner canners.
Pressure Canning: Using the pressure canning method is for foods with low acidic content including vegetables, meats and poultry, and seafood. This particular method requires a lot of attention because if the process is done incorrectly, this food can spoil very easily.
While there are two different methods depending on what you’re planning to can, there are things to keep in mind with both methods that are important to making sure your food is properly canned, thus making sure your food is optimally protected.
For both methods, be sure to select your favorite recipe and follow those instructions carefully. It is important to reduce the entry points for bacteria before the food is placed within the jars. When done correctly, food is edible for one to five years depending on what you’ve canned.
With the Mason jar trend at a peak, there are more options than ever to add a personal touch to your canned foods. Lots of DIY elements including chalkboard paint on the lids or die-cut labels are great ways to add a personal touch, especially when gifting things such as jams to friends and family.
One thing we have here at our ACE Hardware store is that we love the purple heritage jars; they resemble desert glass and are special edition, which means as soon as they sell out, they’re gone. Visit Louie’s ACE today to see all of our food canning supplies!
