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Preparing Small Engines For Storage
Installing sparkplug with torque wrench

There are some simple steps you can take before storage to make your equipment easier to start when you need it again.

Broadcast Baits for Fire Ant Control
Fire Ant Control

A Southern IPM Center publication. When choosing a broadcast bait to control imported fire ants, consumers and professional pesticide applicators face a confusing array of brand names and active ingredients with varying product performances. This guide addresses common concerns about broadcast baits to help consumers and professionals choose products that best fit their needs and situations. (PDF Format Only)

Soil Fertility And Plant Growth In Soils From Pine Forests And Plantations: Effect Of Red Imported Fire Ants, Solenopsis Invicta (Buren)
Through nest building and foraging activities, ants alter physical properties and nutritional status of soils through structural modifications and nutrient accumulation. In turn, these alterations may enhance soil quality for plant growth. This study examined the effect of the invasive red imported fire ant, Solenopsis invicta Buren, on soil properties and plant growth.

Trimming And Edging Mechanically Compared With Herbicides
herbicide drift

There are two ways to trim and edge turfgrass around sidewalks, flower beds, trees, buildings, etc. You can trim the turfgrass mechanically with a string trimmer and/or an edger, or you can use a non-selective herbicide such as glyphosate (Roundup® and similar chemicals).

String Trimmer Safety And Maintenance
string trimmer
As with any power tool, string trimmers are capable of causing injury if not used in a safe manner. String trimmers will last much longer and give more trouble-free service if used and maintained properly.
Selecting And Using A String Trimmer
curved shaft string trimmer
A string trimmer is a useful addition to almost any gardener’s toolshed.
Self-Propelled Spreaders And Sprayers For Turfgrass
self-propelled spreader
A relatively new class of products in the commercial grounds maintenance industry is the self-propelled spreader and/or sprayer. This kind of equipment can potentially reduce the effort required to apply fertilizer or pesticides to lawns, but it comes at a substantial cost and will require some trade-offs in operating mode.
Selection And Use Of Hedge Trimmers
electric hedge trimmer
Hedge trimmers are perhaps not as popular now as a few years ago. Many people now realize that it is healthier for plants to be selectively pruned rather than sheared. Nevertheless, there are some situations where shearing plants to shape is appropriate. A hedge trimmer is usually the best tool for the job.
Turf Edgers
stick edger
Turfgrasses grow fast and aggressively in the South. If not edged back regularly, Southern turf will grow right over sidewalks, driveways, flower beds, etc.
Low Cost Zero Turning Radius Mowers for Home Lawns
low cost ZTR mower
ZTR mowers have taken over the commercial riding mower market. In the past, there were few low-cost models available to homeowners, but this has changed. Low-cost homeowner models are now available from several companies.
Use of a Rotary Garden Tiller
deep tillage with rotary tiller
Whether you buy, rent or borrow a tiller, you will find that it has a wide range of uses. It can be a general purpose garden tool.
Selecting a Rotary Garden Tiller
hand-held rotary tiller
The right rotary tiller can make the job of gardening much easier, but if you choose the wrong tiller for the job, it can make your job more difficult.
Ergonomics of Garden Tools and Equipment
Factors such as price, performance and durability are important considerations in choosing garden tools and power equipment, but if a tool or machine is uncomfortable or awkward to use, you will regret buying it. The interaction between you and the tool or machine is called ergonomics.
Loading Ramp Safety
aluminum loading ramp
Loading equipment onto a truck or trailer usually requires the use of loading ramps. There are some safety issues involved in using ramps.
2009 Get It Growing Calendar
Lawn and Garden Publications