Easy Lawn & Garden Tips for summer

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ARA - Having a beautiful lawn and garden doesn't mean the work has to be difficult or complicated. With a little planning and the right tools, you'll spend less time working and more time hosting cookouts, lounging in the sun and watching the kids play in the backyard.

"Selecting the best tools for your outdoor space can make all the difference if you're looking for simple, year-round maintenance," said Duane Utterback, marketing manager for Remington, a leading manufacturer of electric and power tools. "That's why when you're shopping for new equipment it's important to consider the size of your lawn and garden, how much power you'll need and who will be using it. It's also just as important for the tool itself to be comfortable and easy to use."

For example, a string trimmer is a useful handheld tool that can get into places that a lawn mower can't reach - but if you don't get the right one for your needs, it could make the job more difficult than it has to be. If you have a larger yard or tough brush to cut down, you should consider a higher-powered gas. But if your lawn is smaller or you prefer something lightweight, an electric may be exactly what you need.

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Beyond choosing the right tools, here are five more tips for easy lawn and garden care this spring:

1. Grow low-maintenance plants and flowers. When deciding what to grow in your garden, you'll want to consider the layout of your space, as well as the climate. To keep it easy, try undemanding perennials such as coneflowers, hostas, peonies and black-eyed Susans.

2. Cut your planting and weeding time in half. Using a garden cultivator speeds up the process of preparing soil for new plantings, quickly works in compost, manure and fertilizers, and can be used to eliminate weeds between garden rows.

3. Give your body a break. Many lawn and gardening activities such as trimming edges, planting or weeding require repetitive movements that can be stressful on muscles and joints. Take some of the work out of your work by selecting tools that feel comfortable and easy for you to use.

4. Try a container garden. If you want to change the look of your garden throughout the season in a matter of minutes without the hassle of digging up your plants, try a container garden. Glazed ceramic pots with holes in the bottom work best. Put newspaper at the bottom to keep the soil from escaping.

5. Go ahead, recycle your clippings. Not only does this save time and energy (versus bagging), but leaving the clippings on the lawn after you mow adds vital nutrients back into the soil as the clippings decompose. And, if you have the proper mowing height set, the clippings will quickly break down.

"By following simple tips and guidelines like these, you can create an outdoor space that you love, without spending the entire season working," said Utterback. "Start with a good plan, have some fun working outside and take the time to enjoy the fruits of your labor."