It could be that I have watched one re-run too many of Tim, the Toolman, Taylor. Maybe I've just reached that age when choosing between back-breaking manual labor and a power tool is a given for "more power!" Either way, the use of power tools around the yard and in the garden is certainly more attractive as I become older.
Theoretically, as one ages, one becomes more able to afford all the labor-saving devices necessitated by the advancing years. Little is written about Methuselah's tool shed, so much for theory.
Perhaps it is well that I can't afford to litter my yard with all the gardening toys that I so richly deserve. Lack of largess forces me to really think about what is rent-able, borrow-able, beg-able or otherwise available for hire. If I was to accessorize the estate, what would I invest in?
Over the years, I've owned a few rotary tillers. Nowadays, there must be close to two dozen manufacturers, each with several models. Judging by the price tags, some apparently come with a swimming pool. Most tillers are powered by engines in the five horse power range. Plenty of juice for gardens in the 1,000 to 2,000 square foot size.
The big brutes start around ten horse power and go up to fourteen snarling, snorting broncs, just raring to chew up soil in nearly three-foot swaths. Will you catch me dumping close to $8,000 on one of these beasts? Nope, not even if the pool had a diving board!
What I might buy, for somewhere in the $300 range, is one of those mini-tillers that are usually sold by direct mail. You've seen the ads with somebody's grandmother holding one of the critters at arm's length. The motor, rated in cubic centimeters rather than horse power, sounds like a thousand angry bees in an empty V-8 can. Be sure to order by midnight tonight and receive a free edger or lawn de-thatcher. The truth is you can use one of these mini-tillers every time you would cultivate, except you would actually like cultivating!
Everyone needs a lawn mower. The latest feature - you're gonna love this, Timmy - more horse power! The old 3, 3.5, and 4 horse mowers are now 5, 6, and 6.5 horse models. They are cleaner, quieter and you'll probably pull harder untying your shoes than you will starting it. I'll be looking for a high-wheel, self-propelled, rear-bag mulching model myself.
In case you're wondering, I'll never have enough lawn to require one of those monster 48-inch walk-behinds like you might see on the golf course. Same excuse for not owning a riding mower - the only lawn will be the walking paths that lead from garden plot to garden plot.
Often included in garden equipment discussions are chain saws. You want a chain saw, buy a chain saw. Just be sure it says Husqvarna or Stihl or some other major manufacturer's name on it. Of course, if you're growing something in your garden that requires a chain saw to harvest it¹we gotta talk.
Years ago, someone asked me which I would choose if I could only have one luxury garden tool, an eight horse tiller, or an eight horse chipper/shredder? Then and now, my choice without hesitation would be a chipper/shredder. My ideal weapon would be eight, maybe ten horse. It would comfortably handle three-inch branches, anything larger is what most people I know call fire wood. It would easily shred damp leaves, grass and garden waste into a finely ground material. Depending on where you live, prunings from apple, peach, alder, pecan, hickory, mesquite, or cherry could be chipped up for use in the bar-b-que/smoker. Have you priced wood chips lately?
One afternoon with your chipper and you'll have enough material for a lifetime of grillin' as well as plenty left over to take to the farmer's market. That chipper/shredder will be paid for in just a few weeks of selling chips to your neighbors. If you're still a bit short of cash, bag some of the compost that the shredder whips up. After you bury every weed in your garden, there will likely be enough compost to barter, trade, or sell!
In addition to being proprietor of the Hearth & Cricket Stove Shop in East Wallingford, Vt., Daryle Thomas is a certified Master Gardener. He writes regularly for our journal.
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