Tips For Cultivating A Green Thumb (NAPSA)—It may besurprising 5 ae to some sports enthusiasts out there, but gardening is one of the most popular outdoor activities. Eight out of ten U.S. households— or 84 million homes—participated in one or more types of do-it-yourself indoor and outdoor lawn and garden activities in the last year, spending $38.4 billion. While some dedicated gardeners spend a lot of time and money on their gardens, with the right know-how anyone can grow a green thumb. Here are a few tips to help you reap the most from your garden. When planting perennials and annuals, fertilize them and water at least once a day for the first week. Make the most of watering by doing it in the early morning or in the evening to reduce evaporation. Weeds can divert nourishment from the plants that need it, so weedregularly to keep them at bay. * Deadhead, or remove, old blossoms from perennials to stimulate growth. A wheelbarrow can be a big help when it comes to hauling plants and hedge trimmings. The new Stow N Go Wheelbarrow from UnionTools makes gardening a snap, because it can be assembled and disassembled without tools, making it easy to store when notin use. Mulch plants and trees to help keep moisture in. Around trees, the layer should be no deeper than four inches. Leave a couple of inches of space between the mulch layer and the bark of the tree. The latest rakes can be used in both wet and dry weather. Having the right rake means gardeners no longer need to wait for dry weather to rake leaves and clean debris from the yard. The new Wet N Dry Rake from UnionTools has an adjustable bracket that allows gardeners to effectively gather wet leaves and heavy debris, remove thatch and collect freshly cut grass clippings. It also allows for easy removal of dry leaves and hedge clippings to keep a well-groomed lawn. Check your tools at the beginning and end of the gardening season. After the first frost in the spring, make sure gardening tools are sharp and in good working order. With a bit of elbow grease, a little know-how and the right tools, a beautiful yard and garden are within easy reach. For more tips on gardening, including planting and a frost guide, as well as the latest information on tools, visit www.uniontools.com.
