Rick's Picks Blog: Lawn & Garden Tips

There is always the "easy way" to start a fire, the "hard way", the right way and of course the wrong way to start a fire. ( A picture of Homer Simpson, a book of matches some 2X4’s and a can of gasoline come to mind).    The problem with the "Wrong Way" is that it can also be the Dangerous way  as well.  Let's  look at some options.....

Many of you may ask the question "Why would you want too????"  Answer: Because I can and I like the winter fires in my fireplace!  Depending on where you live, your methods of collecting firewood may vary or you may choose just to have your firewood delivered to you.  This sort of defeats the point of collecting the firewood and you are not saving any money either!  Perhaps it is just a guy thing, but  having firewood delivered can be expensive unless the company offering delivery is doing it for FREE!!!  Free is good.  Of course, getting the firewood for free is even better!!

From overgrown hedge  to sticks and back again, Mother Nature just keeps on giving back as long as we take care of

Her.....

Where did all the Strawberry fields go ???

Does weed mat prevent the benefits of the organinc material from bio-degrading into the soil?

Actual tilling of your flowerbed is an advantageous activity.  Tilling not only helps to remove unwanted weeds but it turns the soil over which helps put oxygen down into the  soil and helps to move nutrients down to the root system.  In some areas, this valuable activity is done only during the spring, summer and part of the fall.  On the West Coast and in other similar climates,  you can till your flowerbed or garden all year long.  Did I mention the weeding part??  On the West Coast, weeding is done 12 months out of the year.  Isn't that fun???  But wait, there is more to come!

This is a question not often asked, but it is a question that needs an answer to get the best results from your lawn.  Let me guide you through the process and the reason for using a Pre-Emergent on your lawn. Go get your goggles and your gloves and lets get started!

We have all done it, either through lack of time or phyisical limitations, there has been a trimming project in our yard that we just couldn't seem to get to. Now, there it stands as a testiment to our inactivity or lack of time, growing totally out of control, the dreaded hedge.  You really meant to get to it. In truth, it was on your "tuit list", you know the one you do when you get "around tuit "!  But nonetheless, your day has come to attack at least one thing on that perloined to do list, the dreaded "Out of Control Hedge". AAAAHHHHHHaaaaaa!!

Trimming those bushes and disposing of the debris can be a daunting task.  Let me show you an easier way to, not only get rid of that bulky pile of debris and have some valuable mulch to use in your garden, flowerbed or compost pile as well.  Enter,..... "The Chipper/Shredder".

Still have leaves in your yard and Flower bed?  I have a great solution for you!  Out here on the West Coast, we can get a jump start on  some of our spring preparation. We still have the leaves falling to the ground!!!   Let me tell you about the Toro ULtra Blower Vac 51599!! Ready to turn that pile of leaves into something worth while, like mulch??? Well, just don't stand there, read on!

Depending on your location, the nursery at your local Home Depot will have bare root roses, fruit trees and other bare root plants available for planting. Are you ready to start? Let’s GOOOOOOOOO!!!!!

You have done this I know, bought a new garden hose and taken it home.  When you want to unravel it, the hose seemed to be curling everywhere and then, there are those awful kinks in the hose.  What to do??

Fertilizers come in different types and amounts.  The most common type is the crystalline that dissolves in water readily and can be used to fertilize your house plants, your outdoor plants and even your yard.  But what is the difference between a crystalline fertilizer and a granular fertilizer?  Is one better than the other one?  That is what we are going to find out.

What can make an annual turn into a perennial? It all depends on where you live.

You have seen junipers trimmed into a into neat looking structures and have often wondered "How did they do that ?"  It is not hard but the timing must be right or the bush will be doomed!

The fruit is dropping off my fruit tree  what do I do???  It is a simple solution but many people just get it , do I dare say it again, wrong!!!  Don't worry, we are here to help.

What is aerating and why is it important?  That is what we are going to cover.  See why this is important not only for your fruit tree  but for your lawn as well.

Sharp tools are just easier to work with whether it is a chain saw, a lopper or a digging spade that you are using to cut roots in your flower bed. Sharp is just better than dull!!

You have no time and the city wants you to have a green lawn now or you will receive a notice of violation from the city.  What do you do??

Why is Ironite such a great product to put into your lawn , garden or flowerbed??  Read on, I have some great information for you!

OK, you have prepared your soil and you are ready to put in your plants.  Before you do that, it would be a good idea to lay down some weed mat before you put in your plants to get a jump on the battle with the weeds.

You have diligently sifted your soil to get all that weed debris out and you even put weed mat down, but there it is, a WEED!!!!   What happened?? 

You have been looking at it for the past several months and you have even put it on your " To Do" list, several times, moving it up and down  as its importance rises and then fades.  OK, it is time to get with it and get it done!  Lets tackle it together!!

You have prepped your lawn with good soil and you have faithfully put fertilizer on it every two months, but there are still areas that seem to be turning yellow. Why is that??

Dull tools make the work twice as hard.  Clean and sharp tools can be easier and actually safer to use! 

You have this nice green lawn and then, your best little fury buddy goes out to do his best to help you water the lawn but ends up leaving a brown spot behind.  What next? 

A rusty shovel, a tilling tool full of dirt, a lopper left out in the rain and rusted, it is just a tool right??? Hmmm, beware, the tool will rebel!!!

 All of the grass is starting to get nice and green, except for that one area right by the driveway!  Let's work together and get that area nice and green again.

Tired of always pulling those nasty weeds, over and over again.  Let  me show you how to simplify your weeding projects for spring or any other time of the year.

Fruit dropping off oranges sour and your lawn is in need of help, we've got you covered here at The Home Depot.