Gardening in Winter: Tools and Tips
Just because winter is here doesn’t mean gardening has to stop. If you’re in a snowy region, there’s always time to prepare for spring. On the other hand, in warmer areas, weekly garden maintenance is still necessary. Here’s a roundup of useful tools, like a lightweight chainsaw and a snow blower, that can make your work easier.
Original price: $199
Winter is actually a great time to trim those low-hanging branches. With the trees bare, it’s easier to get to them. A small, one-handed work chainsaw can simplify this task. It’s fully battery-operated, so no need to fuss with cords. Just be sure to use handguards for safety!
For a boost in cutting power, consider a cobalt battery chainsaw. It’s designed for small backyards, with a battery that lasts around two and a half hours. It’s easy to maintain as it self-lubricates.
If you’re up against thicker branches or tree trunks, gas-powered options tend to pack more punch. The Craftsman gas chainsaw features a lightweight, low-kickback bar that makes cutting through tough wood efficient. Plus, it has a simple pull-start mechanism that minimizes strain on your shoulders and comes with automatic lubrication for maintenance.
Read more about autumn cleaning tools that will be handy this winter.
Original price: $999
For anyone dealing with heavy snow, a snow blower is essential. Not only will it clear your driveway, but it will also help create paths for pets, saving you from hours of shoveling. When choosing one, think about your yard size and how much maintenance you’re prepared for.
A battery-powered option, like this one from Westinghouse, is super straightforward to use. Just ensure the battery is charged, and you can push start it without worrying about gas or cords. It can create an 18-inch wide path and throw snow over 20 feet, although it only runs for about 15 minutes on a full charge, which is ideal for smaller yards. More powerful choices, like the gas-powered Craftsman snow blower, require more maintenance, such as changing oil, but they can handle larger areas and feature self-propelled options with multiple speeds.
Another way to keep snow at bay is with ergonomic shovels. While shoveling can be tough on grass, it can be less cumbersome with tools like the Snow Joe shovel. It has an extra handle that works nicely for heavy snow, designed to lessen the strain during use. The Suncast shovel allows for easy pushing and throwing, which is a huge plus.
For those who prefer electric options, the Wild Badger electric shovel moves snow efficiently, handling up to 10 inches deep, while also achieving impressive throwing heights.
Original price: $35.77
Preparing for spring should start long before the weather warms up. Using a winter lawn fertilizer will keep your grass healthy under the snow and promote growth in the spring. The GreenThumb cold protection agent can nourish your lawn for up to 16 weeks, helping it withstand stress during winter. It covers about 5,000 square feet.
Another option is the Scotts Turf Builder Winter Guard, which combines herbicide and fertilizer properties, targeting weeds like clover and dandelions in the spring. Each bag will cover about 4,000 square feet.
When salt and sand from melted snow start damaging your lawn, consider using a natural alternative. Scotts offers a pet-friendly ice melter made from corn and other natural ingredients, safe for your pets and plants. Similarly, Snow Joe‘s environmentally friendly options combine slow-release fertilizer to help keep things clean and safe around your home during winter.
Read more about essential garden tools.
As spring approaches, upgrading to a lighter mower can streamline your gardening routine. For instance, the EGO POWER battery-powered lawn mower offers up to 50 minutes of quiet, efficient runtime, helping you adapt to the task without too much fuss.
For smaller gardens, the cobalt battery-powered lawn mower is compact and straightforward to use, great for teenagers looking to help out or for older users. It runs for about 48 minutes before needing a charge.
If you prefer traditional gas models for heavier tasks, the Craftsman 21 inch lawn mower provides a versatile three-in-one functionality, allowing for mulching, bagging, or side discharge. This mower’s height adjustments make it easy to achieve the desired grass length.
You can tackle weeds and tall grass efficiently using a reliable string trimmer. Popular options like the Craftsman string trimmer offers a lightweight, battery-operated system for easy handling and weed removal. It operates for about 25 minutes with a full charge and comes with two speed settings.
For tougher jobs, the Wild Badger gas trimmer features dual functionality, acting as both a trimmer and brush cutter. It can handle dense vegetation with ease while a comfortable harness helps reduce back strain during use.
