Author Archives: Graham Spell
Author Archives: Graham Spell
Despite the immense technological advancements of our age including the development of children’s computer games, physical play remains a vital component of any child’s life. It is not a luxury, so let them play freely. But what about their safety?
Well, this is not a question of the paranoid mums only, it rings in the mind of every parent. And they’re all right! While a playground is a perfect place for children to have fun on a summer afternoon, it poses a significant risk of injuries, especially from falls. A report by the Consumer Product Safety Commission shows that about 60% of injuries sustained by children in the playgrounds are a result of falls to the ground.
Covering a playground with mulch is therefore critical in protecting children against the impact of their inevitable falls as they play. After evaluating all the available options of surfacing materials, we bring you a guide on the best mulch for the playground and we’re sure it will be helpful.
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Are you still wondering whether it’s worth investing in a playground mulch? We got more than enough reasons to help you make a decisive move.
Safety
Generally, mulches unlike asphalt or concrete floors, provide a cushioning effect during any ground fall preventing or reducing the extent of injuries like concussions. Depending on the type of mulch, children are protected against the impact of falls from the height of 10-16 feet. Always remember to check out for the certified playground mulch to guarantee quality.
Environmental friendly
Playground mulches such as rubber mulch are usually generated from recycled materials which help reduce carbon footprint. Playground wood chips are by-products of the timber industry that are biodegradable and impose no harm on the environment.
Low-maintenance
The best rubber mulch for playground barely requires any maintenance and will serve you for years without losing its color or looks despite the weather conditions. As a result, you save money and time while giving your children a comfortable area for playing freely.
Aesthetics
Finally, playground mulch will complement the looks of your compound whether it is a residential or a commercial play area. From synthetic turf to shredded wood, you have the freedom to select the mulch that perfectly matches your preference and enhances the aesthetics of your home.
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As an IPEMA-certified product, Playsafer rubber mulch is by no means a mistake in this curated list of 5 top mulches for playgrounds. It guarantees a safe play area for children both in commercial and residential places. With this rubber mulch, a filling depth of just 3 inches is sufficient to offer the required impact attenuation in residential playgrounds.
[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https://backyardinsight.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/Playsafer-Rubber-Mulch.jpg” alt=” Best-Mulch-for-Playground” title_text=”Playsafer Rubber Mulch” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][/et_pb_image][et_pb_button button_url=”https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0849V9R8D?th=1&linkCode=ll1&tag=backyardinsights-20&linkId=95804453f5a699d90cbfd77cbac24230&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_tl” url_new_window=”on” button_text=”View on Amazon” button_alignment=”center” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” custom_button=”on” button_text_color=”#FFFFFF” button_bg_color=”#E02B20″ button_border_radius=”13px” button_rel=”off|on|on|off|off” custom_margin=”8px||||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][/et_pb_button][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]
All-weather friendly: Playsafer rubber mulch nuggets drain easily releasing excess water even after a heavy downpour. The surfacing material, therefore, dries quickly to ensure your children can resume playing as soon as possible. Even in extremely cold weather, the mulch does not freeze making it suitable for play at all times.
Easy Installation: Packed in 40-lb bags, the nuggets are made easier to apply with just one spread giving satisfactory results. Besides, the mulch does not harden or decompose and therefore does not require regular maintenance exercises of reapplication.
Durable and ecological: compared to the ordinary cheap mulch for playgrounds, the mulch nuggets will offer your children an extra six years of comfort and comfort without losing their original color. Its constituents are also made from recycled rubber with a metal content of less than 0.1 percent. The mulch is therefore totally eco-friendly.
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Clean Play Area: This rubber mulch provides a splinter-free surface, unlike wood chips that leave particles clinging to the children’s clothing as they play. This also reduces the risk of injuries that would be caused by splinters from shredded wood for instance.
Higher fall height rating: With a depth of 6 inches the mulch provides cushioning against the impact of a fall as high as 12 feet while a fall height of 5 feet is achieved by applying the mulch 3 inches deep. This is almost double the rating of other loose-fill surfacing materials.
Steel-free: Among the best mulch for a playground, Kidwise poses no threat to the environment as it is 99.9 percent free of steel. Its recycled content also makes it eco-friendlier since it helps reduce its carbon footprint.
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Long-lasting: The NuPlay rubber nuggets are heavy enough not to be blown away by either strong winds or leaf blowers. They will remain in place for years without requiring much maintenance. And the nuggets also come with a 12-year guarantee of color.
ASTM-certified: Tested and surpassed all the ASTM F3012 standards, this mulch is safe for kids, pets, and animals. It is also cold and heat-resistant retaining its features in some harsh conditions.
Eco-friendly: The mulch is made from entirely recycled old tires and is wire-free contributing to its safety to health and the environment. Also, the rubber nuggets repel bugs and do not support the growth of fungi or slime development.
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Primary Features
Sustainability: Like other rubber mulches, the product is also made from recycled waste tires that are non-toxic to the environment, people, and animals.
Durability and aesthetics: Once you install the mulch, you can forget about it for nearly a decade before you think of a replacement. Its vibrant colors, available in up to 5 different shades, will also not fade despite the conditions.
Easy to install: As a DIYer, you can apply the mulch without the help of any professional. One ton is enough to cover an area of a playground measuring 14 x 14 inches when spread at the depth of 4 inches.
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Premium material: The tiles are made from high-quality rubber that is quite durable and does not wear. It’s also elastic enough to provide comfort even to the feet of those using the mulch.
Unique design: Built with a pole-connecting design, the tiles have plastic pegs which allow installation without the use of use adhesives in rarely used areas. As the material is elastic, the tile can be expanded limitlessly to increase the area of coverage without significantly compromising the stability.
Micro-porous: The granular rubber material has tiny pores that make the tile permeable to water and breathable. Consequently, it becomes a good anti-skid surface even in the rain.
The RevTime outdoor rubber tiles do not require any unusual cleaning and should any tile be damaged, they can be easily replaced without altering the looks.
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A: Playground woodchips have been a popular surfacing material for decades. However, this material will soon harden and thin requiring regular maintenance to remain effective; which is all costly. Currently, rubber mulch coming in different textures and colors is the best mulch for the playground as it’s maintenance-free, IPEMA certified for safety, and greatly enhances looks.
A: Made from either rubber or woodchips, playground mulch is designed for use in play areas and other places like a dog run with the primary goal of providing safety. On the other hand, regular mulch is entirely organic and is meant for use in the garden or terraces. Prevention of water loss and growth of weeds are some of the reasons for installing regular.
A: Typically, playground mulches are made from inorganic materials and are resistant to bug infestation, unlike the regular mulch that attracts various insects.
A: The degree of impact attenuation not only varies from one playground mulch to another depending on the material but also on the depth of the mulch. Generally, mulch for playground should be between 3-6 inches deep.
Nonetheless, you can make it deeper to offer greater cushioning against falls especially if the play equipment is higher.
A: The lifespan of playground mulch is largely dependent on the type and the prevailing weather elements. Rubber for example, which is the best mulch for playgrounds, will last approximately a decade while playground woodchip although cheaper will last a maximum of 4 years as it is vulnerable to extreme weather effects.
Currently, rubber mulches are the preferred surfacing materials for enhancing the safety of playgrounds.
But the market is also saturated with different brands of mulch making it quite cumbersome for ordinary consumers to select the appropriate material for their play areas or sporting floors.
However, with this list, we are confident that you find the best mulch for your playgrounds.
[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]Fiddle leaf fig trees thrive best in well-draining soil blends of 5.5-7.0 pH. Some of the most common ingredients in these soils include coco coir, perlite, and Fiddle Leaf Fig food.
The formulations create a healthy growing environment for your fiddle leaf figs and many other indoor houseplants. And so, if you’ve noted some brown spots, root rot, bacterial infection, and sunburns in your plants, you’ll find this review helpful.
The review outlines all the best high-quality fiddle leaf fig soils paramount for the longevity of your fiddle leaf fig tree. It contains tested and trusted brands that will help you make a wise, informed purchase decision.
Read along!
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The Fiddle Leaf Fig Soil ranks highest because it is professionally mixed to improve the growth conditions of your Fiddle Leaf Fig Trees. The soil is an excellent blend of Sand, Pine Bark, Coconut Coir, Perlite, and Fiddle Leaf Fig food. Each ingredient plays a significant role in making the soil as nutritious as possible.
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Features and Benefits
Verdict
Go for this fiddle leaf fig soil if you’re looking for something to help in proper moisture retention, increased root strength, and improved soil conditions.
[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”34px|||||” global_colors_info=”{}”]Here’s our second proprietary formulation – the Premium Fiddle Leaf Fig Tree Potting Soil! This premium pick comes ready to deliver optimal nutrient retention and efficient drainage for your Fiddle Leaf Figs. It provides indoor plants a vibrant and healthy environment for optimal growth.
[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”16px|||||” global_colors_info=”{}”]Feature and Benefit
Verdict
Eliminate the guesswork of watering your fiddle leaf figs by purchasing the Premium Fiddle Leaf Fig Tree Potting Soil. It is a fast-draining, well-aerated soil designed to prevent dropping leaves, correct brown spots, and promote growth. Enjoy healthier, greener leaves!
[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”22px|||||” global_colors_info=”{}”]Get the perfect blend for perfect results from this Hand Blended Fiddle Leaf Fig Potting Soil! The mix is hand-blended with your tiny fiddle leaf figs in mind and includes perlite, lime, peat moss, fir bark, and horticulture charcoal. This best type of soil for fiddle leaf fig is the ultimate soil mixture!
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Verdict
This fiddle leaf fig soil lets you re-pot or plant your fiddle leaf fig trees with the assurance that they will thrive. Though costly, the formulation offers value for money and would be a perfect investment to any farmer.
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Some of the signs that you are using the wrong soil mix for your fiddle leaf fig include:
Our top 3 best soils for fiddle leaf fig were developed and validated from quality research and testing. They are the talk of many houseplant enthusiasts and experienced gardeners alike.
You can take advantage of this knowledge, choose your preferred formulation, and add to the beauties of the fiddle leaf figs in your home.
They are simple to use; get a large container, put the pre-blended mix while adding some water to moist it, fill your pots, and enjoy healthy planting.
When choosing the best type of soil for fiddle leaf fig, you’d want one that suits your needs, plant design, and budget. We’d highly recommend the Fiddle Leaf Fig Soil as it has excellent water-draining properties. But if you notice that your plants are not adapting to the mix, be sure to swap out the soil for a better formulation.
[/et_pb_text][et_pb_code _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][/et_pb_code][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]Tomatoes are among the most popular food stuffs grown in many of our backyards. And there are very many varieties that vary in terms of color, shapes, and sizes.
Many tomato seedlings are planted in gardens in spring when the weather becomes warm. While this nutritious fruit is a bit easy to grow, planting seedlings in high-quality soils enables the plants to become healthy, leading to abundant harvests.
Tomatoes can grow in many types of soils, except in heavy clay, because of its density, which hinders the development of roots. They do best in well-drained soils, which also have good water-retention capacity so that roots do not dry out.
In this guide, we've listed down the best soil for tomatoes after narrowing down your options and selecting the best in the market. So, without further ado, let's get started.
Preview | Products Name | Editor's Rating | Price |
---|---|---|---|
Organic Potting Mix | [usr 5] | ||
Black Gold 1302040 | [usr 4.9] | ||
Miracle-Gro Expand 'n Gro | [usr 4.7] | ||
FoxFarm Ocean Forest FX14000 | [usr 4.5] | ||
Espoma AP8 8-Quart | [usr 4] | ||
Miracle-Gro Raised Bed Soil | [usr 4] | ||
Fox Farm Happy | [usr 3.8] |
Before I selected the mixes of soil for this article, I researched extensively on various products, eliminating the ones that were not well-drained, the ones that drained excessively, and the ones that could not retain enough moisture.
Whenever topsoil from the backyard is used, you should ensure that it doesn’t have a lot of clay content which will make the soil compact and hinder root development.
If the topsoil has a lot of clay, you should reduce it and increase coco coir and perlite quantity and also break the clumps when mixing to loosen the soil.
I then narrowed this field to the products that could not compress after some time, a problem that is commonly experienced when containers are used for growing tomatoes since the soil becomes dry quickly.
Perfect Plants Organic Potting Mix is a natural nutrient-boosting blend with ingredients that enhance soil requirements for growing plants in containers. Therefore, this organic mix is suitable for both outdoor and indoor usage because of its good moisture management that makes it ideal for growing potted vegetable plants, fruits, and trees for bloomers or for home.
The soil water-absorption and moisture-retention capacity is maintained by the following main soil components: Coconut Coir, Peat Moss, and Perfect Plant Perlite. Professional growers in Perfect Plants came up with a mix that sufficiently manages moisture and enriches soil conditions for containerized plants. Its ingredients that boost nutrients include Worm Castings, Composted Pine Park, Mycorrhizae, and Lime to balance PH levels.
Tomato-growing farmers looking for good organic soil can go for Black Gold soil. It is OMRI certified, meaning that it is natural and has no harmful chemicals, and it's made using the right procedure that is not toxic.
The soil is a mixture of loam and peat moss with added pumice and perlite, making it the best compost for tomatoes. Pumice granules, which are made of volcanic rock, add some structural integrity that enables the tomato plants to anchor their roots. It also increases the water-draining capacity of the soil mix. In addition, the Black Gold soil mix contains earthworm casting, forest humus, and compost.
When this Miracle-Gro Expand 'n Gro Concentrated Planting Mix is used indoors, it significantly reduces pesky gnats. It has sixty to seventy percent peat moss, fertilizer, perlite, and coir for good water retention, drainage, and aeration balance for the growth of most indoor plants.
Compost and bark products, which may contain potentially harmful and bothersome fungus, are eliminated from the mix.
The fertilizer composition is made from ammonium phosphate, ammonium nitrate, potassium sulfate, and calcium phosphate for quick feeding. So, if you are looking for the best soil for growing tomatoes, then the Miracle-Gro Expand 'n Gro Concentrated Planting Mix shouldn’t miss on your list. The product comes in the form of 2 packs of six-quart bags.
This is the best manure for tomatoes from FoxFarm and is made up of a balanced mixture of forest humus (plant matter and composted bark), sandy loam, and peat moss to make a rich mix of the growth of tomatoes. Ocean Forest gives good water-retention capacity between watering optimal drainage and does not compress over some time.
This mix also has additional natural ingredients, which include: fish meal, bat guano, earthworm castings, and crab meal, to give tomato plants a natural boost for healthy growth at the early stages.
Ocean Forest has a PH value of between 6.8 and 6.3 and is well-PH adjusted; hence it is suitable for the growth of tomatoes. While this product is not completely organic, it is made up of some natural ingredients.
Growing tomatoes in containers in warm climates can be risky if watering is not done frequently. To reduce the risks in case proper watering is not done, you can use Espoma Organic Potting Mix. My-tone, which is the company’s mixture of mushroom-based ingredients (mycorrhizae), helps in the uptake of water in plant roots, hence reducing risks in case the soil becomes dry.
Espoma AP8 8-Quart Organic Potting Mix is one of the best soil for tomatoes as it enables tomato plants to have strong roots.
Plants in this soil mix require around thirty percent less moisture to grow healthy. It is composed of a mixture of perlite, humus, and peat moss. Apart from Myco-tone, the mix is enhanced with additional ingredients such as limestone and earthworm castings.
Do you wish to grow tomatoes in your backyard? Consider Miracle-Gro Raised Bed Soil for bigger and healthier plants. The raised soil provides a good foundation needed by plants to thrive. The organic formula does not require any mixing. You only need to add it to the raised bed soil to grow fruits, vegetables, herbs, and flowers with enough organic nutrients.
Potted plants need good organic potting soil. You need to provide enough nutrients for the plants since their roots cannot seek them out from the ground. For this reason, Happy Frog Organic Potting Soil Mix is made using ingredients that allow for roots development and uptake of nutrients. This makes it the best soil for tomatoes in a container.
It is designed specifically for growing plants in containers. Whether growing is done in a geranium, dining room, or on a tree, you should use Happy Frog Organic Potting Soil Mix in your containers.
The mix is ready for use right from the bag and is very rich in nutrients. Its PH is adjusted for maximum uptake of nutrients. This enables plants to have good vegetative growth, enhanced flower and fruit production, and strong structure.
Every summer, a very big competition is held across communities, with gardeners wishing to grow healthier, bigger, and better tomatoes than before. A guide on choosing the best type of soil for growing tomatoes is shown below:
1. Nutrients
Tomatoes do well in soil rich in the following micronutrients: calcium, potassium, potash, and phosphorous. Most fertilizers for tomatoes are rich in phosphorus, as shown by the potassium(K), phosphorus(P), and nitrogen(N) ratio.
2. pH Level
The optimal level of PH for growing tomatoes should be slightly acidic to neutral. The PH varies from zero to fourteen, with seven considered neutral. Below seven, numbers progressively become more acidic, whereas numbers above seven are progressively more alkaline.
3. Moisture Level
Tomatoes grow best on soil that allows the drainage of water yet remains with moisture. Growing them in pots that don’t drain water can cause root rot which makes the plants weak.
4. Versatility
Other plants such as cucumbers, okra, squash, and peppers also enjoy the well-drained soil that remains to retain some moisture. This means that the soil suitable for tomato growing is also important to other vegetables.
Q: Which is the best compost for tomatoes?
Natural composts of all types, including household compost, commercial compost, or composted wood chips, are suitable for raising soil nutrients. Composted manure is not suitable because it can burn tomato roots. Application instructions should be followed carefully.
Q: How do we lower or raise soil PH?
Acidic soil is amended through the addition of ground lime to raise PH, whereas alkaline soil is amended by adding peat moss or compost.
Q: Which is better between growing tomatoes in bags or in pots?
Both are about equal. For the best results, make sure the pot or bag will hold at least 10 gallons of soil to give the tomato roots room to develop.
Q: What is the most suitable size of bag for growing tomatoes?
The minimum recommended size of the bag is ten gallons. Larger bags are more suitable.
Growing tomatoes is easy when you understand their behavior, as far as soil condition, exposure to the sun, fertilizers, and watering schedule are concerned. If you protect them against threats and give them the correct nutrition, you will have an easy time when growing these plants.
If you don’t provide them with enough space, drainage and correct soil condition needed, it will be a challenge to grow tomatoes in pots. The type of soil in the pots determines the quality of fruits to be harvested. Hence, soil preparation is very crucial.
Among the list of quality potting soils, Winners Premium Potting Soil is the best soil for tomatoes in pots because of its fertilizer content. It also lacks harmful chemicals and gave good harvests for all the gardeners who used it. I hope this article will help you to identify the best soil for tomatoes.
Working on your garden or lawn is an excellent way to spend the time that also gives relaxation.
However, putting everything back when you are done is surely something you don’t like that much, especially talking about the garden hose. It makes the entire garden look like a mess, and also it’s a hassle when it comes to unwinding.
One of the useful tools for gardening is the hose reel. The best garden hose reel can maintain the hose very well while making it less of a hassle for you to store it. If you are interested in watering a garden or lawn in a more organized way, here are tops 10 hose reels to get your one from.
Best Overall
Strongway Perpendicular Wall-Mount
Best Heavy Duty Reel
Strongway Garden Hose Reel Cart
Budget Pick
Giraffe Hose Reel
Here are some key features that you must look in a garden hose reel.
Type : There are lots of different types of hose reel you will find on amazon. If mobility is your concern, look for a hose reel cart. If that’s not the case, a wall-mounted one will be enough for basic garden watering requirements.
Also, the hideaway reel keeps and protects the hose inside a casing. Some reels can automatically rewind the hose. Retractable reels suit best for long hose and large gardens.
Hose Length : Different hose reels have different hose holding capacity. If your garden size is small to medium, you will be good with a reel that offers medium hose length. However, if it’s for a large garden or property, go for the one with higher hose length.
Durability: Most durable hose reels have steel or aluminum construction. These are pretty much basic and ones that last for years. If you require a larger hose, getting a steel constructed reel is recommended.
However, other materials such as plastic last less; but, they come with lots of useful features for gardening. They do a decent job when it’s about watering a small to medium garden.
Product | Build Materials | Fitting/Leak Test | Price |
---|---|---|---|
Strongway Perpendicular | 5/5 | 5/5 | |
Strongway Garden Hose Reel Cart | 4/5 | 4.5/5 | |
Giraffe Hose Reel | 4.5/5 | 4/5 | |
Liberty Garden 704 | 4/5 | 3.5/5 | |
Ames Estate 4-Wheel | 3.5/5 | 4.5/5 | |
RL Flo-Master 65HR8 | 3/5 | 5/5 | |
Suncast Resin | 4/5 | 4.5/5 | |
Liberty Garden | 5/5 | 3/5 | |
Suncast 175 ft. Hosemobile | 4.5/5 | 3.5/5 | |
Suncast Powerwind | 3.5/5 | 4/5 |
There are hose reels available in the market of various types and forms. Each one provides many useful services. Depending on your preference, wisely select the right one for your garden.
The very first product on our list is well-known among professional gardeners for its superior durability and ease of use.
If you are looking for a simple, yet well-functioned and durable hose reel, this wall-mounted hose reel has many things to offer.
Let’s talk about its construction first. The reel is made of durable steel frame and it got an attractive bronze-colored die-cast, which is great. You can set the reel parallel or perpendicularly to any wall in both the right and left-hand operation for convenience.
Most other hoses of this type don’t last long. Also, its design is pretty much unmatched and very convenient to use. If you get this one, you probably don’t need to look for a replacement within a decade, unless you want to use a more advanced hose reel.
It has enough space to hold a hose up to 150 ft of 5/8-inches or 100 ft of ¾-inches, depending on the hose type and style. That means the reel will be enough if you are looking for one for your yard, farm, park, or shop. The reel will take much hassle off your shoulder when it’s about rolling the hose back together.
Luckily, the reel comes with a 6 ft long rubber inlet hose. And of course, you will get necessary mounting hardware as well as crush-proof brass fittings. Installing the reel is very easy. There is an installation guide inside the package, which will guide you to mount it to the wall near your garden or lawn.
Although it’s more of a basic hose reel, the service it offers with such a durable construction is truly unmatched comparing other products.
Say hello to the elder brother of the previously reviewed hose reel. Strongway kept the same design in this model but made some beneficial improvements that will surely make gardening and lawing easier and convenient. If durability and portability are your concern, it would be worth investing in such a reel.
It can hold up to 150 ft of 5/8-inches hose without putting much pressure. The brass swivel has got an upgrade as well. This one is even heavier and more durable.
The major upgrade is the new rugged frame and wheelbase. That means, there will be no limitation of moving; nothing will hold you back when you keep on walking holding the hose. The handles got a nice and comfortable grip on them so that your hands don’t hurt regardless of the weight.
It’s innovative braking system will not allow the reel to move and keep the entire reel stable and steady. You can elevate this thing to a comfortable position as per your requirement.
There will be no leak, rust, no issue with the break whatsoever even if you use it for 10 years. Its great portability adds even more value to this durable creation of Strongway. If your garden, yard, or farm is quite big, you will not face any issue regarding mobility.
This automatic hose reel provides you a complete watering solution that also includes convenient pull-out and rewind function. You can say good-bye to the tangled and kinked hose.
With its 84 ft of 6ft reinforced hose and top-grade brass thread end, your watering experience will go to the next level. The reel features a premium metal gun with 9 spraying function that comes really handy in various watering conditions, which I find the most exciting feature above all.
Its self-locking feature secures the hose at any length. Furthermore, the integrated carry handles make the reel very convenient to carry around the garden. You can get an additional bracket if you find it necessary.
And the reel system includes a 180-degree swivel wall bracket along with the necessary hardware set to install it. I find the durability of both the bracket and hardware is very much up to the mark.
If you are worried about UV rays, the casing is a UV-stabilized one. Also, the stainless steel hardware, sturdy nylon connectors, as well as top quality hose, make it a high quality and durable hose reel.
Whether you previously used any reel or it’s the very first time, the reel will take your gardening experience to a whole new level.
Constructed with non-rust cast aluminum with durable powder coat finish, this one is a very sturdy reel, I must say. The brass and plumbing fixtures are also made of aluminum cast. You don’t have to worry about the weather. No matter how harsh the weather gets, the reel will not lose its beauty.
The reel offers a hose capacity of 125ft, which is more than most standard reels within the price range. When you are done watering your garden, the hose comes fully assembled as soon as you rewind it for storage.
There is a dedicated shelf for keeping most frequently used gardening tools and items, which every gardener will find very convincing. You will get a 5 ft leader hose with the package.
By getting the hose reel, not only your gardening will become easier and fun, but also it will add more to the beautification of the garden and wall as well.
A 4-wheel steel wagon hose reel from Ames comes no 5th on our list. It has the capacity of holding 400 ft of 5/8 hose effortlessly, which is the longest one so far on the list. Also, the durability and portability are worth-mentioning features of this product.
No matter how long your garden hose is, you can rely on this reel for the hose management. By no means, it will let the garden look messy and make it hard for you to water.
One of the top features of this reel is, it comes with 4-wheels, which is even useful when it comes to walking around your property and watering the grass and lawn. This is a huge plus point as most conventional hose reels on amazon don’t offer such a level of portability.
As far as the durability is concerned, it’s not like the conventional ones. All-steel sturdy construction makes it one of the most durable reels on our list. You can use it without worrying about the durability for years, even more than your expectations.
There are four tube tires attached to the wheels, which makes mobility very easy. You don’t have to face any issue with its stability whatsoever.
The handles are also comfortable to hold for a long time. The reel offers great portability as well as durability with huge hose capacity and simple function.
If these three things meet your requirements, surely, it will be a good investment for nurturing your property.
This is another automatic hose reel on the list. RL Flomaster offers great features and benefits with a much lower price tag. For those who are looking for a budget automatic hose reel, this one might be the perfect one for you.
The reel offers a retractable spring-loaded hose with a stopper function. It works slowly for convenience as most of the retractable ones work in the same way.
You can easily pull off the hose and water your garden or lawn with much comfort. Its 8 spraying pattern nozzle makes watering even more convenient and effective in various conditions.
When you are done, and it’s time to retract the hose, the reel makes sure there is no overlapping whatsoever.
Also, the mounting brackets fit a 180-degree swivel. You will get all mounting hardware with the package.
It’s not weather-proof. But that doesn’t mean you should worry about getting it damaged or rusted. You can easily remove the entire unit from the bracket and carry it holding the handle when the weather isn’t favorable. So, even though this budget-friendly reel isn’t weather-proof, its removable feature makes up for it.
As most automatic reels, this one comes with a 65 ft of 5/8-inches hose. The manufacturer was kind enough to include a threaded brass with it.
It basically offers pretty much everything that an expensive automatic hose reel has. Considering the price and features, this can be a wise budget option to think about.
We introduce you to a different type of hose reel at #7. Actually, it’s not a reel; it’s a hose hideaway that keeps the hose inside its case. If showing off the tube isn’t your thing and you want a more organized way of doing that, this hideaway can be the right choice for you.
The construction of the hideaway feels quite durable. No matter how the weather is, its design ensures that the hose reel inside the case will last for years and outstand throughout the seasons. There are a variety of styles that you can choose from depending on how the design suits your space.
As the design conceals the hose, it also protects the hose from UV rays that causes damage in most cases.
When it comes to wind and unwind the hose, even many hose reel fails to do it properly. This is something that this hose hideaway will not allow to happen. Its convincing crank handle ensures a kink-free operation without much trouble. You don’t have to put any effort into sorting the issue.
Also, the hideaway features the Easylink system to provide you a water-tight connection between the hose and the reel itself.
There will not be any leak whatsoever. Furthermore, it also features a 360-degree swiveling base that allows multidirectional reeling. The base holds the hideaway much securely to the ground.
Talking about its concealing design, hose management, price, and how well it serves the garden water purpose, we recommend the product if your hose gets damaged more than usual.
This hose reel cart is from the well-known brand Liberty Garden. The reel cart is made quite heavier for commercial and professional gardening or landscaping works.
Reel carts are well-known for their huge capacity; it’s the same with this one as well. It can hold up to 300 ft of 5/8-inches hose effortlessly.
However, there is no hose included with the package. When it’s about any reel cart, mobility and comfortable handles are important concerns to most people.
Its 4-wheel with 8-inch pneumatic tires offer excellent mobility. The cart allows you to maneuver around your property without any trouble. And the handles are made of non-slippery material that ensures a good grip even when your hand sweats.
The frame is made of 13-gauge durable steel construction with a powder coat finish. It’s weather-resistant, so don’t be afraid of the weather.
The 90-degree brass swivel connector got galvanized fixtures on it, and it feels very sturdy as well. You will get a 5 ft leader hose with the product.
Liberty garden hose reel cart is a great product for maneuvering around the garden with even more hose capacity. Also, the durability is up to the mark considering the price.
This hose reel cart has a more attractive and innovative design than the rest of the reel carts on our list. Besides, its features, as well as functionality, might grab your attention. You can choose from two different color combinations.
Your garden will no longer look messy when you have this reel cart. With a capacity of 175 ft, your garden hose will be well organized. The cart is made of molded plastic. It can easily last for seasons outside without any rust or corrosion issue.
Also, it features two 6-inch wheels for convenient mobility. Steel constructed carts sometimes feel heavy to maneuver. But, with this plastic one, you will not face any trouble. The wheels will effortlessly accompany in your watering mission.
It feels irritating when the hose connector leaks. To prevent that, Suncast hose reel features the Easylink system that ensures a water-tight connection between the reel and hose.
The braking system is a must-have thing when it comes to a hose reel cart. Many top-quality reel carts don’t have this feature.
But, fortunately, Suncast made this cart while implementing a braking system as well. It will be more convincing for you to stop when you are around the garden for watering purposes.
And the reel cart provides great value for the money. Within this price range, it’s one of the best-designed hose reel carts you can get for your garden.
The major selling point of this hose reel is, it’s a motor-powered machine that rewinds the hose by itself when you just push the foot pedal.
You don’t need to struggle to put everything back to the reel hideaway. Whether it’s winding or rewinding, it makes the task more convenient and effortless.
There is a 12-volt rechargeable battery that powers the motor. The battery will last you up to 20 uses. You will get the charger along with the package, as well.
Even if the battery dies, you have nothing to worry about rewinding the hose. There is a manual crank that works as a back-up when the battery is dead.
Using this crank, you can rewind the hose, and the Smart Trak system will ensure the hose is guided correctly to prevent kinking.
This automatic hose reel also features a storage bin for keeping small gardening accessories and supplies. If you haven’t used anything like this before, you will find it very useful.
Consider the design, benefits, and features this reel has to offer, it will surely make any garden or lawn watering stuff much easy and hassle-free.
Here we have some of the most commonly asked queries regarding garden hose reels:
Wind the hose as you need and start watering your plants and grasses. Be sure to check whether the hose connector is tight or not; otherwise, it will leak water.
For a wall-mounted hose reel, you need first to wind the hose as you need. If you have a hose reel cart, bring it all the way close to the garden and then wind the hose to water the plants.
As far as rewinding is concerned, you need to crank to rewind the hose manually. Make sure there is no kinking. An electric one can do it all by itself when you push the pedal button.
At first, you need to wind the hose on the reel by rotating the reel handle. Grip the hose with one hand and rotate the handle with the other hand to prevent kinking. If it’s a retractable hose reel, all you need is to push the retraction button, and it will start winding. There shouldn’t be any cracks or kink on the feeder hose.
One end of your hozelock hose will be connected to the center of the reel, which is in the back. Slide the fitting into one end of the hose and connect it to the center of the reel. Push the hose firmly to ensure it fits properly, and bring the fitting to where the hose is connected and tighten it.
Now, slide another clamping nut to the other end of the hose. Be sure to remove the fitting from the nut.
Then, push the end of the hose into the fitting. Tighten the nut with your hands to secure properly. And finally, connect the top connector on the slot. Your hozelock hose is ready to connect to the tap.
You will find lots of garden hose reel reviews on the internet. But our reviews are a bit different if you are to compare. Unlike most other reviews, we don’t solely write reviews concerning all the features.
We did days of research, visited almost dozens of websites to get the right image of the product. Also, real user experience does matter a lot to us. We write based on how the real users had their experience with the products.
Apart from that, we also consider the experts’ opinions regarding the products, which filters out the major advantages and drawbacks of the products.
The best garden hose reel makes your garden or yard look neat. If you use a green-colored hose, don’t leave it on the ground for too long. As green color blends with grass easily, it might cause accidents.
The very first thing people notice about your residence is the outlook of it. If your lawn is out of order, then people will surely get much less impressed, even if the inside of your house is pristine.
This is why it is quite important to keep your lawn nice and trimmed, and the first step for doing that would be to know what tools to use.
Despite having a general idea about lawnmowers, the difference between lawn edgers and weed eaters is unclear to many. And our edger vs. weed eater guide is here to clear your confusion.
Now, WORX WG160 GT 2.0 and BLACK+DECKER are two great representatives of edgers and weed eaters.
So, let us take a look at the differences between these two tools in order to get one step closer to the lawn of your dreams!
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So what is an edger, and what is a weed eater? A lawn edger, as the name suggests, is a tool for creating clean edges. The edges usually separate the grass from the path to the house, driveway, or pavement.
This tool can cut through both the grass and the earth beneath, hence helping in forming straight lines between the grass and the pathway. There are two types of lawn edgers: manual and motorized.
Weed eaters are also known as string trimmers or weed whackers. They are named so as they are used to get rid of the weed, and also for trimming grass. These tools are particularly useful for removing grass where edgers can’t reach them.
Now, let us see how WORX WG160 GT 2.0 compares with BLACK+DECKER in order to better understand which one to get.
The products are in the same price range. And the WORX WG160 2.0 costs around $109.55, which is a bit more expensive than the BLACK+DECKER, and is sold for about $103. The greater price for the WORX, however, is justified by its 3-in-1 functions.
The WORX WG160 2.0 is motorized. This means that it contains blades that rotate to cut the lawn, and as it is battery-powered, it is quite easy to operate as it does not require much manpower. The 20V lithium battery it comes with, however, tends to run out of charge quite easily, and requires two full hours to charge completely.
Also, the BLACK+DECKER is motorized and provides adequate power, which can cut through lawn weeds and grass that is up to medium length. This product has a battery which can last for up to an hour with low to medium levels of power usage, and about 10-15 minutes at high power.
The WORX WG160 2.0 has 3-in-1 functionality. It can act as an edger, trimmer, and mini-mower! The amazing thing is, the height can also be adjusted within a few seconds, making it very user-friendly for people of different heights.
This product also contains wheels in two positions, making it very easy to edge, trim and mow with, and even easier on the back! Additionally, they also help in smooth trimming and mowing. The string, which is used for trimming, may also break off from time to time.
All-in-all, this is a great product that can be used for edging, trimming, and mowing all-in-one! The BLACK+DECKER 40V MAX String Trimmer/Edger is a 2-in-1 trimmer and edger. It provides adequate power that can cut through lawn weeds and grass that is up to medium length.
And it is a great unit for making cuts with precision, and hence can be excellent for usage around flowers, vegetable patches, and trees that are small. The lightness of the product makes it very convenient to use, and the availability of extra string spools for replacement adds to that factor as well, especially since they run out quite easily.
Moreover, this product is also quite convenient to convert from a trimmer to an edger just by turning the shaft. If you live in an urban or suburban area, then the BLACK+DECKER is a great choice.
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Edger | Weed Eater |
✔ 3-in-1 edger/trimmer/mini-mower | ✔ Lightweight, so easy to use |
✔ Easy to convert from one form to another | ✔ Better battery life |
✔ Lightweight | ✔ Easy to convert from edger to trimmer and vice versa |
✔ Can be comfortably used by people of different heights | ✔ Easily available string spools for replacement |
✔ Easy to use | ✔ Great for trimming around small areas |
Edger | Weed Eater |
✘ Battery life is not so great | ✘ String spools run out fast |
✘ Needs a long time to charge fully | ✘ Battery lasts only 10-15 minutes at high power |
✘ Trimming string may break off occasionally |
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Frequently Asked Questions
Here we have some of the most commonly asked queries regarding the debate between edger vs. weed eater:
Multi-purpose tools are great if you are looking for a convenient way to take care of your lawn in general. If you need a tool for a specific purpose only, such as a trimmer, then single-purpose tools are enough.
Yes, it is important to wear protective gloves while using the products, as they can get quite heated up due to the high power used.
Yes, these are great for people of any skill level as they are easy to use.
Yes, these can be used for tending to the grass and any other unwanted growth in gardening.
Yes, they can be replaced if necessary.
Charging should be done as required. Tending to a lawn requires different amounts of power for different purposes. For example, trimming and edging longer and thicker weeds will require more power, so it is advised to charge the battery fully before doing heavier tasks.
Even though both the products are very useful, it is important to understand your particular needs in order to decide which one to get.
The WORX WG160 GT 2.0 is the one to choose if you are looking for a tool that can get edging, trimming, and mini-mowing done.
If you only require edging and trimming, then you can save a few bucks by getting the BLACK+DECKER.
Whichever one you decide to get, you will not be disappointed!
And don’t forget to tell us how much you liked our edger vs. weed eater comparison!
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