Getting that gorgeous green retreat takes a lot of effort, and more and more homeowners are concerned about sustainable yard care without breaking the bank or their backs. Thankfully, there are several ways to make this possible. Let’s explore them.

The Latest Trends in Garden Tools and Systems

Before venturing into your local garden centre, why not brush up on the current gardening tools and systems trends to help accomplish your goals?

Some of the latest trends include the following:

• Water Conservation- optimizing water usage
• Sustainability - sustainably created tools, wildlife-friendly gardens, use of native plants
• Garden Technology- maintaining your yard at the touch of a button
• Urban/Small-space Planning - utilizing your space no matter the size
• Indoor Gardening - using hydroponics for fresh produce year-round

As more innovations hit the market, homeowners have more options to not only maintain their landscape, but spend more time enjoying the yard than working in it.

What to Consider Before Purchasing Yard Tools

To better understand what you should be on the lookout for while shopping, we spoke with Holden May of Gardena Canada. He stated there are three main priorities before committing to a purchase.

1. Quality and Durability

“Gardening tools are meant to get dirty and be well-used. High-quality and durable gardening tools are designed to withstand the rigours of regular use and are built to last. This longevity saves you from frequently replacing tools, thus providing long-term cost savings.

Choosing durable gardening tools aligns with sustainability principles. Investing in well-made, long-lasting tools minimizes waste and reduces the consumption of resources associated with manufacturing and disposal. Durable tools contribute to a more sustainable and environmentally friendly approach to gardening.”

2. Quality and Durability

“Assess the environmental impact of the product. Look for eco-friendly options that minimize the use of harmful chemicals, promote sustainable practices, or have certifications indicating their environmental responsibility. Opt for products that align with your values.”

3. Purpose

“Determine the specific purpose of the product. Clarify your needs and goals to ensure you choose the right product for the intended purpose. For example, when shopping for pruners, Gardena offers bypass and anvil options, which are meant for different types of cutting.”

A Beautiful Yard Without the Environmental Impact

A healthy yard or garden needs the perfect balance of moisture, sun, shade, and the gentle touch of a green thumb. Planning your yard space for different experiences and eco-friendly foliage will take a little research into your climate zone and which plants will be the most suitable.

Each yard is different and will have varying care requirements; however, here are the top tips about routine watering, fertilizing, and care that will keep it looking healthy and vibrant.

Regular Mowing

It is best to mow when “the grass reaches about one-third higher than the recommended height for your grass type. Don’t cut the grass too short; it can stress the plants and make them more susceptible to weeds and diseases,” according to Holden May.

Tip: a Robotic Lawn Mower will consistently maintain your grass, cutting only the tips, which serve as naturally-enriching fertilizer, shade, and as moisture-retention.

Pruning & Trimming

Your trees and shrubs do well with regular pruning and trimming according to their specific timing and techniques. It helps to maintain shape, but also promotes healthy growth.

Tip: use clean, sharp pruning tools to minimize damage to the branch and prevent the spreading of diseases.

Routine Maintenance

Keep your lawn and garden looking its best by removing debris, fallen leaves, “deadheading” spent flowers and plants, and keeping your pathways clear. It also helps prevent unwanted pests.

Tip: Using a Leaf & Lawn Collector is a back-friendly, easy-to-use, more sustainable tool than powered leaf blowers.

Weed Control

Weeds compete for nutrients and water with your plants in addition to being unsightly. Regularly inspecting your yard for weeds and removing them prevents overgrowth and the need for herbicides.

Tip: “Hand-pulling or garden tools are effective for small areas. Mulching with organic materials like wood chips or straw can help suppress weed growth. Then, only use herbicides sparingly and selectively by carefully following the instructions.”

Proper Watering

It isn’t about how often and how much you water your plants, but how effectively. “Water your plants deeply and less frequently to encourage root growth. Avoid shallow and frequent watering, which can lead to shallow roots and weak plants.”

Tip: “Water early in the morning to minimize evaporation and reduce the risk of fungal diseases. Using mulch around plants helps to retain valuable moisture in the soil.”

Turning to the Experts in Yard Care Tools & Systems

Gardena Canada is the leading expert in innovation in the lawn and garden industry, with over 50 years of experience. They were the first to introduce Bluetooth-enabled technology for watering computers and robotic lawnmowers, with many more Smart devices to come. Gardena’s German engineering stands for quality, reliability, and durability, providing the best sustainable tools and systems for your yard.

Learn more about Gardena Canada’s products at your local dealer and discover a new way to garden—with or without a green thumb!

Jenny Kennedy of Kennedy Literary Agency provides written copy and content for the design-build industry and is the author of “Launch Into Interior Design.”

Photo provided by Gardena Canada.