Tag: how

How to prevent weeds from growing in your mulch

September 29, 2022February 3, 2023 Willy Green 1 Comment

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How to prevent weeds from growing in your mulch

Are you tired of dealing with those annoying weeds that are consistently growing in your mulch? Of course you are! At times, it really can feel like an endless battle and at times it is. You get everything cleared out and looking pristine and then the very next day, there is something sprouting up that you did not plant. Frustrating? Absolutely. So what do we need to do to finally put a stop to this never ending supply of weeds? Let’s dig a little deeper and see what solutions we can find. We have compiled a list of a few things that will hopefully help to keep all of your landscaping and garden areas free of those pesky weeds.

1. Prior to installing mulch, make sure you do a very thorough job of getting rid of all the weeds you can find. Really try to take your time here and make sure you have scoured the grounds well. Also, remember that if you are pulling weeds by hand, you really will want to be sure that you get the entire root of the weed. It’s very easy to pull the weed and have it break off where the roots start. This will not be good enough to get rid of the weeds. You have to get the root! IF you are going to use a chemical weed killer, this is the time to do it although you really should try to use natural methods as much as possible & stay away from using chemicals. Boiling hot water will have the same desired effect without the worry that comes with using chemicals.

2. This seems like an obvious one, but make sure you install and secure your landscape fabric prior to installing your mulch. Again, take your time and really make sure it’s laid down nicely and very secure in it’s position. Make sure you use some type of landscape fabric stakes. Don’t just assume that the weight of the mulch will be good enough because it definitely won’t be.

3. Make sure you buy a quality mulch. We have all heard the phrase, “you get what you pay for” and mulch is no exception. Don’t get the cheapest stuff. Yes, it does make a difference. You will want to look for shredded bark mulch, wood chips, cocoa hulls, or pebbles / stone.

4. Install your plants, but also try to use some ground cover as this will help to smother any potential weeds. If you are not sure exactly where you are going to plant everything, try drawing up a map so you can at least have a solid idea what it will look like when you are done and you will know exactly where to place everything so that it looks proportionate.

5. Install a brick border between your lawn and your landscaping. Not only is this going to look really nice, but it will also help to keep things where they are supposed to be.

6. Keep your lawn free of weeds as well. It’s much easier for your landscaping and garden to stay free of weeds if your lawn is free of weeds as well. Products like these will help you to keep your lawn pristine.

7. Try to only water specific plants. When you use a sprinkler that just gets everything wet, you are giving the weeds a chance to get established as well. This is not the easiest method to deal with, but it is something to consider.

Still having issues with the weeds growing in your mulch? or maybe you just don’t have the time nor energy to deal with it? Consider hiring a professional. They deal with these issues every day and will know exactly how to approach your specific situation. This will also free up some time for you to devote to things you truly enjoy!

How Much Land Does It Take To Feed One Person?

June 10, 2021August 19, 2023 Willy Green No Comments

How Much Land Does It Take To Feed One Person?

If you've decided to become more food-sufficient, I want to let you know that it's not an impossible journey. It's going to be tasking, but it's surely worth it. It's healthier, safer, and pretty exciting.

But even after you've made up your mind to tow this path, you'll still have several questions. And I'm sure one of them is -how much land does it take to feed one person? Just like you, many other homesteaders wonder if they'll need so much land to achieve their dreams.

Well, the amount of land you'll need would depend on several factors. I've mentioned these factors here. And in this post, you are going to figure out what size of land you'll need considering your diet.

You'll want to read through carefully to discover how you can achieve self-sufficiency. And the acres of land that would suffice your mission of food sufficiency. Let's get on with it!

First, what factors should be considered?

The size of the land you'll need to produce your own food will depend on vital factors like;

Quality of your land
The climate condition of your location
Amount of sunlight and rainfall

The crops you intend to grow
Your diet

If you want to feed off your land, you will want to grow crops that are friendly to your climate. Try to grow things that are local to your particular part of the world.

So how much land does it take to feed one person?

Generally speaking, a person would likely require 5 to 10 acres of land. This will generally be enough to produce food and live comfortably. But like I said, we'll need to consider those big factors!

But let's hear from various organizations and sources too! Some of the studies are based on certain areas. Let's get started:

The Food and Agricultural Organization says that a person would need at least 17 acres of land. They say this will be enough to be food self-sufficient in Western Europe or North America. Keep in mind that this figure doesn't take account of poor land quality.

For permaculture advocates, ¼ acre per person is sufficient for fruit trees, poultry, and possibly aquaponics.
Going with the book - The New Complete Guide to Self-Sufficiency by John Seymour. It says 5 acres of land is adequate. This would be enough for a person to be food sufficient in the high-rainfall areas of the UK.

How much land would I need considering my diet?

It would be directly impossible to ascribe particular acres of land that would be sufficient for every individual. Why so? Simply because of the individual dietary requirements. The space required to grow food for an individual would depend on if you're a vegetarian or meat-eater.

Vegetables

415 pounds of vegetables is often consumed yearly by an average American and 273 pounds of fruits. And so, 2300 calories of vegetables would be needed to feed an individual. This is quite considerable, due to the amount of energy asserted into daily farm work.

Based on the above stats, a 0.44 acre of land is pretty much enough for an individual to get their daily calories. This would consist of vegetables and fruits over the course of a year.

Therefore, 2 acres of land would be needed by a vegetarian to become food sufficient within a year. Of course with better climate conditions, to enable the growth of crops. This is very important since vegetables would be their main diet.

Eggs

An individual can only take in an average of 300 eggs per year. A hen can lay an average of 250 eggs yearly without the administration of any drugs. This might seem like enough for one person, but they will be needed for a constant supply of such eggs. And so, about 3 to 4 hens should be enough. 0.01 acre of land would likely be required for the rearing of hens.

Ducks are great alternatives - the white layer duck can lay an average of 300 eggs every year. And so, you'd need about 3 to 4 ducks also along with 0.01 acres of land.

Corn

1500 pounds of corn is consumed yearly by an average American - About 4 bounds being consumed daily. 1 acre of land should suffice for the production of 130 bushels of corn - 1 bushel would weigh 56 pounds. For the production of 27 bushels, 0.21 acre of land would be needed - that is about 1500 pounds of corn will be required. That should be enough corn needed by an individual within a year.

Meat

0.6 pounds of meat is consumed daily by an Average American - that is about 202 pounds of meat consumed yearly.

120 pounds of meat is. produced by a pig, therefore a total of 2 pigs is consumed by an average American annually.

0.04 acres of land will be required for the rearing of pigs - that is about 162/square meters for 1 pig. And so, 0.8 acres of land space would suffice for 2 pigs.

A 1000 pound steer cow can yield about 439 pounds of meat in a year - this is more than sufficient for an individual in a year. 1.8 acres of land would be required for the grazing and survival of one cow.

Lesser meats are produced by goats when compared to pigs and cows. 40 pounds of meat can be yielded by a goat, therefore an average of 5 goats would be required to feed an individual in a year. 1 acre of land would be sufficient for the grazing and survival of about 4 to 5 goats.

If you were to use chicken or duck as an alternative, then an average of 145 5 pound duck or chicken would suffice for a year - this is because they can yield an average of 1.4lbs of pure meats without bones. 0.29 additional acres of land space would be needed for the rearing and survival of duck or chicken for the production of meat.

Dairy

150 pounds of milk is consumed by an average American every year. And so, an average of 1800 pounds of milk can be produced by a Nubian goat - therefore, one goat should be sufficient for one individual in a year. 0.012 acres of land would be needed for the feeding and survival of one goat, which is about 50 Square meters.

If you want to use a cow as an alternative, an average of 1900 pounds of milk can be produced by a cow in a year. Therefore, one cow should suffice along with 1.8 acres of land for grazing and survival of the cow.

Wheat And Grains

The average person consumes about 180 pounds of wheat in a year. 60 pounds bushel of wheat can be grown for the yearly feeding of an average individual, and so about 3 bushels of wheat would be sufficient - that's about 0.75 acres of land would suffice for an individual in a year.

The use of these land spaces could overlap as they would likely cohabit close to themselves. The raw farm produce is food for the livestock which in turn produces fertilizers in form of dungs to the crops which are essential for their growth. And so waste is being eliminated naturally. For additional systems such as drains and storage, an average of 0.5 acres of land would be required.

In conclusion, the amount of land space that is required to feed an individual in a year is estimated at 5.5 acres. That includes the reading of 3 critters for meat and sufficiently 3 acres of land if only pigs are to be reared for meat.

What are the things to consider if one is after self food sufficiency?

There are things you'd have to take into consideration if you are seeking after self food sufficiency. This will likely reduce the stress and cost of always visiting the market to get your food. And above all, your own grown food is fresher as compared to getting from the market. So let see what you need to consider.

1. Vegetable Gardening

The fruit and vegetable market is currently valued at $104.7 billion, which clearly shows how important they are to how to diet.

Therefore, if you seek food self-sufficiency, then you have to want to consider owning your vegetable gardening.

While taking care of one might not be easy as you would have to protect the crops from disease and prevent pests from destroying them, it is well worth the effort at the end of the day.

2. Poultry Farming

Poultry farming is also important for the pursuit of food self-sufficiency. Raising chicken and duck are essential for the production of meat and eggs.

Raising birds is not quite an easy job, as they are prone to air-borne disease. Getting clean water for the birds can also be an issue. You will need to regularly vaccinate your birds, keep their home clean, and feed them properly.

That way, they'd survive and produce more eggs and meat for you.

3. Livestock farming

Livestock farming is also quite essential for you to achieve your goals. Livestock should be reared for the production of meat and milk. And just like other farming, you need to vaccinate them and get the best medical aid to keep them alive.

It can get hard dealing with diseases that affect these animals. But with medical help, you should be way off fine.

Conclusion

Growing your food can be fulfilling and satisfying. You are safe from the stress and cost of always visiting the market. Apart from that, there are a lot of benefits attributed to producing your food such as having a healthier and safer food option and a better environment.

However, this is certainly not an easy feat to achieve. You'd have to give a lot to achieve such type of goal. Nonetheless, it is very much possible to attain. The first few years might be hard for you but as more years come along, you should reach your goal of food self-sufficiency.

Now you know the acres of land that is needed. You can start producing your food as soon as possible.

Organic Pest Control

May 13, 2021February 3, 2023 Willy Green No Comments

Organic Pest Control

Have you been searching for an effective solution that’ll keep those annoying pests away from your precious vegetables? Are you tired of the regular chemical pesticides and you want something more natural for your garden? Organic pest control has proven to be not just cheaper, but safer and better than many other pest control procedures.

Organic sprays can be made with simple products that can be found right in your kitchen. It’s so easy to make and yet very effective. In recent years, many gardeners have embraced a healthier garden experience with organic pest control. I’m sure you want to be part of this!

And I’m willing to help you as well. Right here, you’ll be learning how to create organic pest control sprays for a vegetable garden. I’ve also included 3 powerful tips that’ll keep you a step ahead of these unpleasant pests.

Which Is Better? Organic Vs Non-Organic Pest Controls

If you’ve been searching for ways to control pests and reduce health and environmental risks to your family and pets, organic pest control is for you. These days a lot of gardeners are fast switching to the organic lifestyle to prevent allergies, grow healthier vegetables, and to protect their younger children and pets.

Generally, organic pest control methods can be more efficient than regular pesticides. In fact, most pest control companies are now using organic methods in their professional services. In the long run, organic pest control will save you a lot more money unlike the quick fix chemical pesticides will give you.

Although both organic pest control methods and regular pesticides are effective at keeping pests away from your garden, they actually work quite differently. While chemical pest control methods may seem to work a lot faster, they may be harmful in the long run. On the other hand, organic pesticides work effectively if given the time and efforts required to take effect. That’s why you may need to apply them several times before you start seeing results.

But here’s the catch, if you’ve finally decided to stop buying vegetables sold in the markets, and grow them yourself for you and your family, wouldn’t it be great to grow them naturally? Won’t it be nice to live that healthier life you deserve? Won’t it make more sense to avoid harmful pesticides?

If you’ve finally realized that a safer and healthier life is completely worth your time and effort, then let me welcome you to the club! You can decide to get some of these organic pesticides in the market or simply make them yourself. It’s not a hard task at all. Here’s how you can do it faster.

A Step By Step Guide on How to Create Organic Pest Control for your Vegetable Garden

There are several organic and natural remedies for different pests in your garden. The key is to find out which pests are bothering your vegetables and make an organic pesticide that’ll deal with them accordingly. Sounds good right?

There are numerous organic pesticides currently available. But here, I’ll be leaving you with a recipe that has got a lot of organic ingredients that’ll work for tons of pests.

We’ll be using household ingredients like onions, mint, and cayenne that repel these pests far away from your garden. You’ll be amazed how these disruptive pests can easily be killed by simple and safe ingredients that you already have laying around your home.

Organic all-in-one bug spray

Garlic, onion, and peppermint oil are very powerful ingredients that pests hate. You can use them to create an organic pest control that’ll effectively drive away garden pests such as beetles, leafhoppers, and spittlebugs.

What you’ll need

2 cups of Water
1 medium-sized onion

4 cloves of garlic
Peppermint essential oil
2 tablespoons of cayenne pepper

2 tablespoons of natural liquid soap (Avoid liquid soaps that contain bleach or any harmful chemical)

Procedures

Step 1

Peel your garlic and onion, then puree them with the cayenne and peppermint oil.

Step 2

Now, strain the mixture and allow it to stand for a few hours, some gardeners will leave the solution to soak overnight.

Step 3

Simply pour the mixture into a container and then add in the two tablespoons of soap and 2 cups of water. Then, mix the solution very thoroughly.

Step 4

Now, pour this mixture into a spray bottle. Your organic pesticide is ready for use! Spray it on the affected areas 1-2 times a week to keep bugs away. You can even preserve the remaining mixture in the fridge. Just make sure to mark it clearly as this isn’t something you want to ingest.

Organic oil spray

This oil spray would be great to ward off pests like spider mites, aphids, and whiteflies that’ll give anything to suck the saps of your plant. This amazing mixture would make a perfect homemade oil spray that’ll keep your garden pest-free.

What you’ll need

Water
Vegetable oil

Natural liquid soap (Avoid liquid soaps that contain bleach or any harmful chemical)
Baking soda

Procedures

Step 1

Making this oil spray doesn’t require much. Simply mix all of the ingredients together properly. Mix 1 cup of vegetable oil, 1 tablespoon of baking soda, and 1 teaspoon of liquid dish soap. After mixing the ingredients, add 8 ounces of water and mix thoroughly.

Step 2

You don’t need to bother letting the mixture sit for some time as you can instantly pour the mixture into a spray bottle and start using it right away. You should use this spray once or twice a week to keep those nasty pests away.

What you need to know about organic pest control

Before applying organic sprays in your garden, be sure it’s something you want to do and make sure the damage the pests are causing is really a problem. Just like chemical pesticides, organic pest control would get rid of all bugs, this includes other helpful insects like ladybugs and bees that help out in the garden.

Make sure to try out your organic spray on a small portion of your plant first, it could be just a single leaf. Find out if there are any negative results. If there’s no damage then you can now fully use it on the entire plant the next day.

At the time you make your organic spray, if you’re not ready to use it, keep it in a dry and cool place.

I generally prefer to spray my plants before the sun comes out in the morning. You should do this to prevent burning or damaging your plants. The combination of the intense heat of the sun and the oils in the sprays are not good for your plants.

Also be careful not to apply too much of these sprays to your vegetables. You don’t want to end up with a slightly different flavor. Only use this for the portion of your plant that is mostly affected.

Tips For Keeping Pests Out Of Your Garden

While garden pests are almost unavoidable, there are a few tips that can help you keep them in check. You want to avoid creating a pleasant environment for them by taking the 3 powerful steps I’ll be discussing with you here.

Give your plants the best growing conditions possible

Water your plants and do it consistently in the morning. This way, you make your plants less prone to pests. Watering your plants in the morning time keeps them healthier and prevents them from being damp in the evening when pests love to strike.

I’ve found out that these pests mostly attack weak plants. Consistent watering will prevent your plants from wilting and will help them to get larger yields. Take your time to remove all of the dead and or diseased leaves. If they are not removed promptly, then they’ll become an attractive site to pests. Do you know what else could be attractive to these disturbing pests?

Weeds! yes, these unwanted plants can provide a convenient spot for pests in your garden. So you should take weeds off as soon as you see them. Not to mention that weeds will steal nutrients and water before the plant can use them.

Feed your plants according to their feeding schedule. Keeping your plants properly nourished will also help to keep your plants healthy and resistant to disease and pests.

Space your plants properly

I used to have a small garden in a previous home. I love to grow my fruits and vegetables organically so I always ended up trying to squeeze too many vegetables into a small amount of garden space. I thought I’d get bigger yields that would last longer for me. But guess what happened? I actually caused my yields to be smaller and I attracted those annoying pests.

If you’ve been doing this same type of thing and you’re still struggling with pests, then consider spacing your plants better. It really will do your garden good! Trust me, your vegetables will get more airflow and you will easily notice any pests before they can cause much damage. It will also help you to see those weeds popping up sooner so that you can get rid of them right away.

Use plants!

Several plants can deal with your pest problem for you. Aromatic herbs like citronella, lemongrass, and basil will ward off annoying critters and also attract their predators. If you ask me, this is a really good strategy. Find a good spot in your garden where you can plant these herb. They will save you a lot of stress and you will end up with a few more options to use in your kitchen.

FAQ

What is the best organic pesticide for vegetables?

There really is no perfect pesticide. What is important is choosing a pesticide that’ll effectively drive out the pests you have while doing little to no damage to your plants. However, Neem oil is one powerful organic pesticide that seems to work for most pests that you will face in your garden.

You may want to give it a try. It acts against a good number of garden pests by disrupting their life cycle and preventing them from feeding on your vegetables. You can find this active pesticide in garden stores, make sure to follow the instructions on the container and effectively spray the affected areas.

What are organic pesticides?

Organic pesticides are mixtures that are made from natural substances or natural ingredients. They are mixtures that are made from simple and natural soaps or ethanol.

Conclusion

I’m sure you are pretty surprised at just how simple it is to create your own organic pest control for a vegetable garden. And I’m happy I’m able to put you up to speed with some organic pest control options and solutions. If you are going through all of the work that it takes to set up, maintain, and harvest your garden, then isn’t it worth it to do the little things that will bring you success? Pay attention to the small details as they will turn into bigger details if you ignore them.

I wish you a healthier and better gardening experience this year and in the years to come. You can purchase already-made organic sprays if you don’t think you have the time to produce one yourself, although it really isn’t difficult to produce at home. Thank you for reading How To Make Your Own Organic Pest Control For A Vegetable Garden

Have you been using organic pest control methods? Share your experience! Did you find this step-by-step guide helpful? Share with your family and friends!

How Often Should You Mow Your Lawn

It’s a question we often ask ourselves when looking out at the garden – just how often should you mow the lawn? Do I need to mow it today, or can I let it go a few more days? Will the grass grow better if I let it grow a bit longer, or is it better to mow it short and often?

To get the perfect looking lawn there are some important rules that should be followed if you want to make your neighbors envious of your lush green garden.

How frequently you mow the grass is the main factor in creating a perfect lawn. There are, of course, other factors that will help, but mowing is way up at the top of the list.

But before we rush out and power up the mower let’s look at some important preparations that need to be done first.

BEFORE YOU MOW

Mower blades need to be sharp. Using dull, rusty blades will tear and rip out the grass. This will damage or even remove the roots and leave the lawn thin and bare in patches. Get the blades professionally sharpened or have a go yourself, but get them nice and sharp. You can use a blade sharpener like this if you don’t already have one. This set is currently available for $9.99.

This will help get a cleaner cut, chopping off the top of the grass and allowing it to thicken up at the bottom. It will grow outwards across the dirt and create a thicker, lusher lawn.

Blade height is also important. The grass looks best at a height between 1 and 2 inches. The height you choose is up to you. If you like to practice your golf putting you will want it really short, but if you like the feel of cool grass on your bare feet then leave it a bit longer.

All mowers have a blade height adjustment, usually on both the front and back wheels. Test the height on a bit of lawn to get the right setting, and don’t forget to make sure the back setting is the same as the front, and that both sides of the mower are the same level. This is easy to miss and will lead to an uneven cut.

The Best Gardening Gloves

How Short To Cut Grass Before Winter?

HOW OFTEN SHOULD WE MOW?

So now we are all set and ready to mow, let’s get to the important bit – how often should we get out there and cut the grass?

Well, despite what some people will tell you, there is no fixed rule. We are dealing with a natural, living plant and it will grow very differently in Portland than it will in Vegas. When you think about it, it’s obvious, it all depends on how quickly your grass grows!

The aim is to cut a third of the height off the grass each time you mow. This will keep enough green on the plant to stay healthy and encourage root growth. If the grass cannot grow up, it will grow outwards, making it thicker and helping cover the ground.

Work out how long you like your grass to be, and how quickly your grass grows, this will determine how often you mow.

A very general rule would be about once a week. This fits in well with those who work during the week and only get into the yard at the weekends and it works well with most people’s lawns. This could stretch out to once every two weeks if your grass grows slowly, or increase to twice a week if you get plenty of sun and rain and like a well-kept garden.

If you are trying to tame an overgrown jungle of a lawn do not be tempted to set the mower onto the lowest setting and get it all cut down at once. You should stick to the ‘one third’ rule. Set the blade height to cut one third and mow. Allow the grass to recover for a week and then mow another third off. Continue until you have the desired height. This method will not ‘shock’ the grass and allows it to get used to its new, reduced size in between mowing.

Regular mowing of a third at a time will make the grass grow your lawn will thank you for your patience!

If you get a hot, dry period, leave the grass to grow a little longer than usual to allow it to retain more moisture, it will look greener this way and will help prevent browning or yellowing of the grass.

In arid areas or dry periods, it is a good idea to leave the mowing scattered on the lawn rather than collected in the box. It may not look so good but the mowing will act as a mulch and help keep moisture in the earth. The clippings will soon decompose and disappear.

Try to avoid mowing when the grass is very wet. The cut grass will stick to the blades making them blunt, the wet grass will rip out the ground easier so you will lose some roots, and the wet grass sticks to the underneath of the mower and makes it a real chore to clean.

Most of us will find a balance between our desire for an amazing lawn, and the time and energy we are actually prepared to put into working on it. There is no doubt that your lawn is a perfect example of the saying ‘the more you put into it, the more you get out of it’. If you water, fertilize, do some spot weed control and mow regularly, you will be rewarded with a lush, green blanket of grass that will be the envy of the neighborhood.

CONCLUSION

So, what have we learned? How often you mow your lawn will depend on a number of factors: how quickly your grass grows, how frequently you can get out to mow it, and whether you are taming a jungle or encouraging growth from a dry, brown, patchy area that should be a lawn!

Just remember to mow regularly using the ‘one third at a time’ rule, water the lawn in dry periods and feed it with nutrients if you need to. Try to avoid mowing when wet, and keep your mower blades as sharp as possible.

This approach should reward you with a beautiful lawn worthy of the White House itself!

Gardening How to, Lawn Care, Lawn Care Basics, Lawn Grass, Lawn Tools

Best Hand Saws

November 30, 2019June 11, 2023 Willy Green No Comments

Best Hand Saws

If you like to do work around the house, then you might need a hand saw. This nifty little tool is a must-have for any basic tool-set and is a staple for woodwork. Chances are, you are looking for one.

While the options for a chainsaw are there, the charm of a good old hand saw never dies. That’s because they can be more reliable. They are more portable and easier to operate with. These devices are also pretty easy to use. So, I’m going to present to you a list for the best hand saws.

Why Get A Hand Saw?

Despite talking about the more obvious advantages that a hand saw has; I’d like to elaborate why a hand saw can often be the better choice for you compared to chainsaws. For those not convinced, here are the reasons why you should get a hand saw.

1. Lightweight

This one should go without saying. You need both hands and a bit of strength to wield a chainsaw. Hand saws, on the other hand, are much lighter and you could just swing it around with one hand easily.

2. Not Expensive

Tell me this, why would you spend over a hundred dollars to get a chainsaw when you can get a hand saw that does the same thing while costing under fifty bucks. That’s right, they are that cheap.

3. Portable

Again, this is another more obvious point. A chainsaw needs a constant power source, while a hand saw needs only the force of your hand. So, you can carry it around with no problem.

4. Versatile

A hand saw can also be versatile. If you are looking for finer cuts you can get alternative teeth with certain models. You can use it to cut through bones if that’s your requirement.

5. Less Maintenance

If something happens to a chainsaw, it is a trip to the hardware store, and even if you’re lucky, it will still cost you a good deal of money. With a handsaw, you could tinker with it yourself and often get it fixed.

Even if you need to replace teeth, they usually are cheap. In case you snap the blade off, it can still be patched up at home.

Top 5 Best Hand Saws Review

Now you might be confused about which one to get. After all, there are so many options. Don’t worry! I’ve put together a list for you to choose from.

1. EverSaw Folding Hand Saw All-Purpose

This robust model is excellent in both endurance and quality. It is durable enough for you to go rough on it. Something that many handsaws struggle with is cutting things that are too big. This handsaw, however, is nothing like that. It is very strong and can cut pieces of wood or bone up to six inches wide.

Since it is a very durable and strong saw, you’d expect it to be very heavy, huge, or somewhat unwieldy. But no, not at all. It comes with a folding handle. This can let you put the thing away once you’re done. And the saw itself is small enough to fit in your pocket. This can prove to be invaluable especially if you’re traveling.

One technical issue to keep in mind, however, is that it does have a mild curve. Being a Japanese saw, it has a one-sided blade. And thus, it cuts on the pull. On the push, it slides over the material. This can be confusing to some. You apply pressure on the pull. On the push, you are to relax the pressure to get the best results.

Don’t underestimate its one-sided blade though, it can cut almost anything except metal. You could use it to clear branches out with ease. Small trees can be chopped down with this too! And, it is pretty versatile. It’s good for gutting animals and can slide through bone seamlessly.

There is one drawback though. The handle is a little too heavy compared to the blade. This can result in imbalance, which could cause inconvenience to many. It can prevent you from getting a good grip, and that can even lead to accidents. Be careful about this if you’re really considering this saw for purchase.

Pros

Cuts up to six inches

Small size; portable
Very sharp
Versatile

Cons

Handle too heavy compared to the blade

2. BLACK+DECKER PHS550B Handsaw

The only electric saw on this list is the model by Black & Decker which boasts a lot of firepower. It is only one here that can cut metal. So, say goodbye to your hacksaw. We don’t need that anymore. It can cut wood clean off with no issue whatsoever.

There is almost no dust either. Metal, although a little tougher, can be cut with this almost seamlessly as well.

Since it is electric, cutting wood is easy. While it can cut metal, it is very useful in cutting wood. Clearing out branches is a cakewalk. And even thicker branches and trees can be cleared with this one with no problem at all. Bear in mind that it is not a chainsaw. You still have to move it back and forth. However, it is a lot easier.

Operation of this is easy. Just push the button. That will do the job. And since it is electrical, it works wonders for people who don’t seem to have the strength to forcefully operate a regular handsaw. No physical effort is needed. You don’t have to push much. Just a mild press should send it cutting through most materials.

However, while the operation is easy, the setup has left lots of people with their heads scratching. Yes, the saw does require setting up and it’s a little complicated. Fitting the blade has proven to be the most challenging. The locking pin, which sets the saw blade in place, is a bit difficult to secure. This can be time-consuming.

Owing to its electric build it can cut through almost anything and if the blades wear down, you can get easy replacements for just a couple of bucks. And, replacements do not necessarily have to be of the same kind.

That’s right, you can get teeth of any size you want. This will allow you to customize this machine however you want it.

Pros

Cuts metal
Easy to operate
Clean cut

Various types of teeth can be fitted

Cons

Difficult to set up
Not portable as it needs electricity

3. Silky GomBoy Curve Professional Folding Saw

By the virtue of being a Japanese style saw, it only cuts along one side. On the “push” part of the stroke, the saw simply slides along the material that is cut. You should pay attention to the “pull” part of the stroke because that’s when it actually cuts through. You should apply pressure on the pull, and it’ll cut smoothly.

Unfortunately, not everyone can do this properly. The backstroke or the pull stroke has to be correctly executed for the blade to advance into the material. Many simply can’t do it on the first try and just assume that it is a low-quality saw. Try it with a good backstroke. There are lots of tutorial videos for this on the web.

The extent of cut on the thing is pretty impressive too. While metal is off limits, it can easily stride through the wood. Even branches as thick as seven inches are a piece of cake for this heavy-duty unit. Need to chop up bones? Fear not. This can easily serve that purpose. Tough meat is no problem either.

Owing to its versatile nature, you can take this out for your travels as well. You could use it in the backyard for some vegetation control, or you could pack this to go camping. And when you are setting up camp, it can be useful in various ways.

It’s a very good option for clearing up vegetation. If you want to clear some land really quickly, then this is your tool. It can cut trees and is on par with a chainsaw for that matter. Although it is not very fast and effortless, it still can get the same job done.

Pros

Cuts up to six-inch bones and wood

Can cut down trees

Cons

Learning to use is difficult

4. Tarvol Heavy Duty Pruning Saw

This model, although it is a Japanese style and uses premium quality Japanese steel, cuts along smoothly with both the “push” and the “pull” stroke of the blade. For people who have issues with the one-way blade, this can be a good alternative. The double ended blade means that the cutting is done faster.

In this product the blade itself is sturdy. This is because it was made to be thick. You can ram it in there with no fear of it bending or something.

Thin blades are often the weak point of many hand saws. They can bend if you plunge it in and can flat out snap if you push it too hard. The thick blade on this will endure all of that and perform well.

Sturdiness aside, the blade of the saw is curved. This unique design was made to balance the weight between the blade and the handle. In an effort to reduce weight the blades are often thinned to the point where the handle becomes too heavy in many saws.

To avoid that and for a better grip, this model is made to be well balanced.

Something that is often a complaint with many hand saws is the absence of a sheath. The sheath is basically there to protect you from the sharpness. It is unsafe to carry it around openly. And the exposure can also eat away at the sharpness of your handsaw. This one includes a fully operational scabbard.

The teeth on this are fine and precise. This means little dust. Dust can make for a hazard and more dust usually implies an imprecise cut. It is very sharp and that means you can use it to cut softer materials such as meat or skin. This makes it a good choice for gutting animals.

Overall this is one of the best hand saws I’ve tried

Pros

Good cut
Two-way teeth

Good balance between handle and blade
Sheath included
Clean cut

Cons

The sheath is difficult to equip

5. Silky 270-33 Zubat PROFESSIONAL Series Curved Blade Hand Saw

This is another ultra-sharp tool. It cuts past wood, up to six inches thick with ease. Hence, you could use it to clear up medium-sized trees and branches. This can also cut through thick bone. So, this proves useful in hunting and camping as well.

The teeth on the saw are extremely sharp! So much so that just a little press, and you can cut a fairly thick wood clean off. This is particularly useful if you are an elderly person or if you just simply don’t have too much strength to spare. Besides, pressing it too hard can bend the saw or lead to accidents.

Since you don’t need too much pressure to operate the thing, you hack away pretty fast at the saw. In fact, this is one of the fastest tree hand saws right now in the market. You could be done with a tree in under ten minutes. This speed can really boost your efficiency around the house. It rivals the speed of a chainsaw.

There is no “proper” way of grabbing it. And there is no specific angle to hold it in; it is just your average table saw. Many saws have a certain technique to them which can pose a problem. This model is basic and very easy to use. It is also lightweight, and that can reduce the stress on you too.

Scabbards, sheaths themselves are a rare inclusion in hand saws. And on top of that, the sheaths can be difficult to use. This model fixed that problem with a simple locking pin. This lets you put on the sheath when not using it and open it quickly as well.

Pros

Can cut up to six inches of wood

Good sheath system
Fast cuts
Less force needed to cut

Cons

Unable to cut metal

Definitive Guide to Buying the Best One Possible

There are many factors to consider before you buy. They are listed below.

Sharpness

While this might seem obvious, there are some things to talk about here. Sharpness essentially means how easily the material you are cutting will yield. So, if you don’t fancy dragging the blade along the material, look for sharpness in your table saw.

Ultra-sharp teeth might be a tad pricey though and it can be uneconomical if you are just going to use it to cut some trees.

Tip-top sharpness is offered on many hand saws but the best application for that is usually in woodworking where you need to make precise cuts. So, if you’re just looking for a rough cutting tool, you don’t need to mind that.

Thickness of Blade

Thickness matters a lot. And it’s not what you think. It not as simple as “the thicker, the better”. The thicker your blade, the more you can roughly handle it. You can really hack it in without worrying about precision. However, the thickness comes with added weight. And beyond a certain point, it’s just not viable.

On the other hand, thinner blades are light and much easier to wield. However, they suffer from fragility. Go too hard and your blade will snap. You should know the type of materials you will be cutting and pick a hand saw that has a blade which is balanced.

Length of Blade

Again, for this, it is not as simple. You might think a long blade is the best but there are things to consider before you go for a three-feet-long blade. Length is good, especially if you’re going to use it to cut down trees.

However, the longer it gets, the more susceptible it is to bending or even snapping. The excess length might just make it wobbly.

Then again, getting something too short is an equally bad idea. You need a saw to stretch across the width or diameter of the material to cut it properly. Otherwise, it’s going to just be extremely tedious. I suggest going for a medium length.

Durability

Now, the durability I’m going to talk about is of two types. The first one is of immediate durability. That refers to whether it can take some rough handling and still retain its performance. That is a key requirement. You’re going to be using this regularly. If it was to be treated like fragile goods, it won’t be fun for anyone.

Now let’s talk about long-term durability. You can afford a little bit of leeway here. But the thing should last a reasonable length of time. The teeth shouldn’t dull for at least a few months. Yes, over time it can wear out, but you should get something that gives peak performance for at least a year or so.

Design

While the design has a large subjective element to it, there are some objective aspects. I’ll talk about the functional execution of the design. In regard to the blade, you have the curved and straight designs. Tree trunks are cylindrical and as such, curved blades may be useful here. The straight blade is more for general usage.

Many users prefer a harder handle with little cushioning to get a good grip on the saw. On the other hand, many like the softer feel of a padded handle. The issue of including a scabbard also falls in the design category.

Some saws have a folding system to keep the cutting edge out of the way. Others use a separate scabbard or sheath.

Versatility

This is arguably the most important aspect of a hand saw as it is one of the biggest advantages over a chainsaw. Look for the size and ease of usage. It should be smaller and using it should be very simple. You might want to look into its other uses too if you’re looking for a general-purpose saw.

Many saws double as a bone cutting tool. So, if you are looking to go hunting look for those details. You should also look into the size of the tool, whether or not it can be put away easily. Finally, check if extra teeth sets are provided with your saw.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Do I get a curved blade saw or straight blade saw?

It depends on what you prefer. Since trees are usually more cylindrical, a curved blade can be used on them to cut faster. However, this leaves them mismatched if the branch or trunk is of irregular shapes and thus, can take longer. A straight edge is more general-purpose and cuts a little slower on all surfaces.

2. Can the blade be sharpened?

Yes, you can use a sharpening stone to sharpen the teeth if they dull. In fact, it is a good idea to do so for maintenance. However, if they are too worn, you might want to opt for a set of new teeth.

3. Do I need a sheath?

That depends on the type of saw. Many tree hand saws circumvent the need for a sheath by using a folding handle. If you don’t have that on your saw, look for a sheath. That can provide some extra safety.

4. How do I maintain the saw?

Just keep it clean. Avoid storing the handsaw in damp areas. Even a smidge of rust can quickly spread and dull your entire blade. You can also maintain the sharpness of the teeth with a sharpening stone.

5. What are one-sided teeth?

This is something people get confused over and end up thinking that their saw is bad. One-sided teeth are those that cut on the “pull” stroke and simply glide over on the “push” stroke. They usually last longer and are easier to operate with.

Conclusion

These are some suggestions and tips towards getting the best hand saws. Hopefully, you’ll get the right one as per your preference. Thank you for reading Best Hand Saws. Hope you have a great time hunting down your saw of choice! Good luck!

How to prevent weeds from growing in your mulch

3. Make sure you buy a quality mulch. We have all heard the phrase, “you get what you pay for” and mulch is no exception. Don’t get the cheapest stuff. Yes, it does make a difference. You will want to look for shredded bark mulch, wood chips, cocoa hulls, or pebbles / stone.

5. Install a brick border between your lawn and your landscaping. Not only is this going to look really nice, but it will also help to keep things where they are supposed to be.

6. Keep your lawn free of weeds as well. It’s much easier for your landscaping and garden to stay free of weeds if your lawn is free of weeds as well. Products like these will help you to keep your lawn pristine.

7. Try to only water specific plants. When you use a sprinkler that just gets everything wet, you are giving the weeds a chance to get established as well. This is not the easiest method to deal with, but it is something to consider.

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How Much Land Does It Take To Feed One Person?

If you've decided to become more food-sufficient, I want to let you know that it's not an impossible journey. It's going to be tasking, but it's surely worth it. It's healthier, safer, and pretty exciting.

But even after you've made up your mind to tow this path, you'll still have several questions. And I'm sure one of them is -how much land does it take to feed one person? Just like you, many other homesteaders wonder if they'll need so much land to achieve their dreams.

Well, the amount of land you'll need would depend on several factors. I've mentioned these factors here. And in this post, you are going to figure out what size of land you'll need considering your diet.

You'll want to read through carefully to discover how you can achieve self-sufficiency. And the acres of land that would suffice your mission of food sufficiency. Let's get on with it!

First, what factors should be considered?

The size of the land you'll need to produce your own food will depend on vital factors like;

Quality of your land

The climate condition of your location

Amount of sunlight and rainfall

The crops you intend to grow

Your diet

If you want to feed off your land, you will want to grow crops that are friendly to your climate. Try to grow things that are local to your particular part of the world.

So how much land does it take to feed one person?

Generally speaking, a person would likely require 5 to 10 acres of land. This will generally be enough to produce food and live comfortably. But like I said, we'll need to consider those big factors!

But let's hear from various organizations and sources too! Some of the studies are based on certain areas. Let's get started:

The Food and Agricultural Organization says that a person would need at least 17 acres of land. They say this will be enough to be food self-sufficient in Western Europe or North America. Keep in mind that this figure doesn't take account of poor land quality.

For permaculture advocates, ¼ acre per person is sufficient for fruit trees, poultry, and possibly aquaponics.

Going with the book - The New Complete Guide to Self-Sufficiency by John Seymour. It says 5 acres of land is adequate. This would be enough for a person to be food sufficient in the high-rainfall areas of the UK.

How much land would I need considering my diet?

It would be directly impossible to ascribe particular acres of land that would be sufficient for every individual. Why so? Simply because of the individual dietary requirements. The space required to grow food for an individual would depend on if you're a vegetarian or meat-eater.

Vegetables

415 pounds of vegetables is often consumed yearly by an average American and 273 pounds of fruits. And so, 2300 calories of vegetables would be needed to feed an individual. This is quite considerable, due to the amount of energy asserted into daily farm work.

Based on the above stats, a 0.44 acre of land is pretty much enough for an individual to get their daily calories. This would consist of vegetables and fruits over the course of a year.

Therefore, 2 acres of land would be needed by a vegetarian to become food sufficient within a year. Of course with better climate conditions, to enable the growth of crops. This is very important since vegetables would be their main diet.

Eggs

Ducks are great alternatives - the white layer duck can lay an average of 300 eggs every year. And so, you'd need about 3 to 4 ducks also along with 0.01 acres of land.

Corn

Meat

0.6 pounds of meat is consumed daily by an Average American - that is about 202 pounds of meat consumed yearly.

120 pounds of meat is. produced by a pig, therefore a total of 2 pigs is consumed by an average American annually.

0.04 acres of land will be required for the rearing of pigs - that is about 162/square meters for 1 pig. And so, 0.8 acres of land space would suffice for 2 pigs.

A 1000 pound steer cow can yield about 439 pounds of meat in a year - this is more than sufficient for an individual in a year. 1.8 acres of land would be required for the grazing and survival of one cow.

Lesser meats are produced by goats when compared to pigs and cows. 40 pounds of meat can be yielded by a goat, therefore an average of 5 goats would be required to feed an individual in a year. 1 acre of land would be sufficient for the grazing and survival of about 4 to 5 goats.

Dairy

If you want to use a cow as an alternative, an average of 1900 pounds of milk can be produced by a cow in a year. Therefore, one cow should suffice along with 1.8 acres of land for grazing and survival of the cow.

Wheat And Grains

The average person consumes about 180 pounds of wheat in a year. 60 pounds bushel of wheat can be grown for the yearly feeding of an average individual, and so about 3 bushels of wheat would be sufficient - that's about 0.75 acres of land would suffice for an individual in a year.

In conclusion, the amount of land space that is required to feed an individual in a year is estimated at 5.5 acres. That includes the reading of 3 critters for meat and sufficiently 3 acres of land if only pigs are to be reared for meat.

What are the things to consider if one is after self food sufficiency?

1. Vegetable Gardening

The fruit and vegetable market is currently valued at $104.7 billion, which clearly shows how important they are to how to diet.

Therefore, if you seek food self-sufficiency, then you have to want to consider owning your vegetable gardening.

While taking care of one might not be easy as you would have to protect the crops from disease and prevent pests from destroying them, it is well worth the effort at the end of the day.

2. Poultry Farming

Poultry farming is also important for the pursuit of food self-sufficiency. Raising chicken and duck are essential for the production of meat and eggs.

Raising birds is not quite an easy job, as they are prone to air-borne disease. Getting clean water for the birds can also be an issue. You will need to regularly vaccinate your birds, keep their home clean, and feed them properly.

That way, they'd survive and produce more eggs and meat for you.

3. Livestock farming

Livestock farming is also quite essential for you to achieve your goals. Livestock should be reared for the production of meat and milk. And just like other farming, you need to vaccinate them and get the best medical aid to keep them alive.

It can get hard dealing with diseases that affect these animals. But with medical help, you should be way off fine.

Conclusion

Growing your food can be fulfilling and satisfying. You are safe from the stress and cost of always visiting the market. Apart from that, there are a lot of benefits attributed to producing your food such as having a healthier and safer food option and a better environment.

However, this is certainly not an easy feat to achieve. You'd have to give a lot to achieve such type of goal. Nonetheless, it is very much possible to attain. The first few years might be hard for you but as more years come along, you should reach your goal of food self-sufficiency.

Now you know the acres of land that is needed. You can start producing your food as soon as possible.

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Organic Pest Control

Organic sprays can be made with simple products that can be found right in your kitchen. It’s so easy to make and yet very effective. In recent years, many gardeners have embraced a healthier garden experience with organic pest control. I’m sure you want to be part of this!

And I’m willing to help you as well. Right here, you’ll be learning how to create organic pest control sprays for a vegetable garden. I’ve also included 3 powerful tips that’ll keep you a step ahead of these unpleasant pests.

Which Is Better? Organic Vs Non-Organic Pest Controls

A Step By Step Guide on How to Create Organic Pest Control for your Vegetable Garden

There are several organic and natural remedies for different pests in your garden. The key is to find out which pests are bothering your vegetables and make an organic pesticide that’ll deal with them accordingly. Sounds good right?

There are numerous organic pesticides currently available. But here, I’ll be leaving you with a recipe that has got a lot of organic ingredients that’ll work for tons of pests.

We’ll be using household ingredients like onions, mint, and cayenne that repel these pests far away from your garden. You’ll be amazed how these disruptive pests can easily be killed by simple and safe ingredients that you already have laying around your home.

Organic all-in-one bug spray

Garlic, onion, and peppermint oil are very powerful ingredients that pests hate. You can use them to create an organic pest control that’ll effectively drive away garden pests such as beetles, leafhoppers, and spittlebugs.

What you’ll need

2 cups of Water

1 medium-sized onion

4 cloves of garlic

Peppermint essential oil

2 tablespoons of cayenne pepper

2 tablespoons of natural liquid soap (Avoid liquid soaps that contain bleach or any harmful chemical)

Procedures