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Smart Irrigation Saving You Water and Money in the Garden

Posted by Chris Sabbarese on Tue, Jul, 30, 2019 @ 13:07 PM

Smart Irrigation Month of Corona ToolsIn case you missed it, July is Smart Irrigation Month which promotes using water efficiently and making every drop count. I made an effort to be more sustainable in my garden this year by installing a drip irrigation system. My goal was to maintain a vegetable garden in our hot and dry zone 9B, while saving water and keeping the plants well hydrated. To do this, I retrofitted my wasteful spray sprinklers with a Jain Irrigation drip kit. Not only are my raised planters thriving, converting to drip has actually reduced my monthly water usage. It couldn't have been easier to do, and it should pay for itself by the end of the 2021 growing season. Sustainable and smart irrigation at its best! Want to know how I did it? Keep reading for all the details and ideas to introduce smart irrigation in your garden.

Making the Switch to Drip

Converting my garden to a drip system is something I've wanted to do for quite a few years. What always prevented me from getting the job done was figuring out all the parts I needed. How much of this and how many of those...I just never had time to map it all out and make a list. Then one afternoon I was recording a podcast on drip irrigation and Michael Derewenko of Jain Irrigation, who was sharing the details about their drip irrigation kits. It sounded like everything I needed in one easy solution.

A Look at Irrigation Drip Kits

The kits are designed to connect to the regular hose bib, but I since I already had an irrigation system in place, I decided to remove the sprinkler heads and add riser to connect the drip irrigation line. That enabled me to use the smart controller to schedule the watering times and days to water. I'd call that even smarter irrigation! It did require a trip to the hardware store for a couple adapter pieces but those were easy to find and install.

Jain Drip Kit on Corona Tools

I capped off all but two of the sprinkler heads and retrofitted those with a 1/2 in - 3/4 adapter, then added a 3/4 in riser. This is what I attached the pressure regulator to. It's an important piece for any drip irrigation system so your fittings and emitters don't go flying when the water flow is turned on! If you don't have sprinkler lines to retrofit, the kit comes with everything you need to hook it up to a standard garden hose bib.

Sprinkler retrofit on Corona Tools

From there, attach the main drip line to the connector, then to the pressure regulator. At this point, you can start running the main drip line to reach the center of your raised beds. There are many different configuration options you can use for maximum efficiency. One major bonus that there are no tools required except something to cut the drip line to the correct length. Corona snips to the rescue! Then connect the tubing to the elbow or T connectors and screw to tighten. Super easy, fast, and no leaks. It's a genius connector system!

Corona Tools Snips

A couple things to note on installing these lines. The tubing is fairly rigid and wants to coil up to its original state. The kits include stakes to hold the line in place but if you have loose, friable soil, the tubing tends to want to coil up and pulls out the stakes. I found if you let the main line sit in the warm sun before installing, it will be more pliable and the stakes were able to hold it in place.

One of the other surprises about the kits were the clips that closed off the water flow at the end of the line. They basically hold a kink at the end of the line which I was sure would leak if I tried to use them. But to my surprise, no leaks, no wasted water. Simple yet effective (and smart) irrigation!

Drip line end fitting on Corona Tools

After getting the main lines installed, the next step was to run the emitter lines or drip tubing off the main and around the plants. There are a couple of different types of tubing provided in the kit. A drip line with an emitter or a reinforced line with evenly spaced holes that allows the water to drip out slowly around the plant roots. This is a more efficient way to deliver water, slowly and directly to the roots. It's also important to note, if you put a line in a spot and decide to move it later, the kit is complete with goof plugs to plug up any holes in the main drip line! Especially helpful when your just getting the hang of things.

I initially used the emitters that deliver a controlled spray of water to a larger section of the planter. I chose this method as I had planted seeds in rows, and wasn't exactly certain where the rows were. It kept the soil moist, and once the plants started coming up, I could go back, put in the drip lines with the holes near the roots. Then cover them with some organic mulch to keep the soil moist, even on hot days.

Installed drip lines on Corona Tools

How Much Water Does it Take?

After getting the drip lines in place, I needed to set the smart controller water them. I started with 2 days a week, Wednesdays and Sundays. On those days each station waters 3 times in 5 minute intervals, with 30 minutes in between. I set the timer to begin watering at 5AM, giving the water time to seep, deep into the soil before the heat of the day. It seemed to be sufficient during the cooler spring weather, however when the summer temperatures hit, the plants were wilting in the heat.

Having plants in full sun with days in 100F+ the soil was drying out, so I decided to give set the controller to come on the other 5 days at 5AM for just 2 minutes. Even in these hot, dry conditions, the plants are thriving and producing plenty of fresh food. The best part is, everything is automatic and has still decreased my water usage. As the weather gets cooler, I can start cutting back on these extra watering days.

Raised beds in Corona Tools

Everything You Need and Then Some

What a great way to celebrate Smart Irrigation month, with a garden that is more water efficient and can survive in hot weather like Corona, CA! These drip kits were just what I needed to finally have a nice garden that can take the heat, without driving up my water bill. I also appreciated that there was leftover of tubing and extra emitters that came with the kit.

I was able to install drip lines in all my potted containers that are difficult to keep hydrated. I gave my lemon tree some citrus fertilizer and a fresh layer of mulch. Since then it's put on tons of new growth and fruit. I'll also be retrofitting a rose bed on the other side of the house with drip irrigation and much of what I need is leftover from the drip kit.

lemon tree drip line on Corona Tools

Investing in a drip irrigation kit was a great way to stop procrastinating, giving me everything I needed and then some. While being more sustainable in the garden and landscape. Add in controlled watering times and not only is it smart irrigation, you don't have to spend time watering. However you celebrate Smart Irrigation Month, just remember that every drop you save helps the environment and your wallet!

 

Topics: gardening, Landscaping, tools, Jains Irrigation, Drip Irrigation, Smart Irrigation Month

5 Essential Garden Tools for the New Homeowner

Posted by Chris Sabbarese on Fri, Jun, 28, 2019 @ 14:06 PM

Sold HomeWe recently had a young couple move in next door to us. They moved from a one bedroom apartment, into a home with an established front and back yard they need to maintain. Of course, me being the tool geek I am, I started talking to them about what tools they need to take care of their property. Having trees, shrubs, lawn and flowers, I came up with a list of essential tools that would help them maintain their new property. Top of my list for our new neighbors; a pair of loppers, hand pruners, folding saw, rake and shovel. Why these tools? Keep reading to find out and share you suggestions in the comments.

Maintaining the Established Yard

So you buy a home with a landscaped front and back yard. With some nice trees, a lawn, plenty of shrubs and flowers that eventually will need pruning and maintenance. With my new neighbor just getting started with a new home and a new baby on the way, buying power tools can be expensive.  Also noisy tools can startle a baby or wake them up from their nap. And let's face it, no one ever wants to make that mistake! I'd also highly recommend saving the power lawn mower for a time when mom takes the baby out for a walk or runs to the store.

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The Essential Tools

With my young neighbors in mind I put together this list of helpful hand tools that can get the job done for them. They are admittedly new to the caring for the yard, and it's not something they necessarily find joy in doing. So the tools I selected, were designed to help make the tasks easier and getting the job done quickly.

DualLINK™ Bypass Lopper - these loppers provide assistance with making cuts. It has a compound lever that amplifies the amount of force, requiring less effort to get through a cut. Think of a lifting a heavy weight tied to a with a series of pulleys. One pulley puts 100% of the weight on you. Add more pulleys and the task becomes much easier. That's what DualLINK provides. They also have ComfortGEL® grips and a ShockGaurd™ bumper system so you won't feel sore the next day.

SL 4264-in use_

FlexDIAL® Bypass Pruner - I chose this hand pruner for a couple reasons. The adjustable dial allows them to both use the tool and get a custom fit for their hand size. He can use them on the widest setting to prune back branches and stems up to 3/4 in. And she can use them with a lower setting to go out, and cut some roses to bring in the house. When the baby gets older and wants to go help in the garden, setting FlexDIAL to 1 can be a great tool they can use too. Supervised of course!

BP 4214-In Use_2

RazorTOOTH Saw® - 8 in Folding Saw - This is one of the most helpful tools for any household. It makes quick work of larger limbs and branches, with a well-designed blade, that helps keep the cutting channel free of saw dust and pulp. Just a few pull strokes is all it takes to complete a cut. They also come in handy for going camping, out on the trails and for cutting off the bottom of the Christmas tree before you bring it inside.

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Spring Brace Rake - Since my neighbor will be cutting his own lawn, a rake is essential to help rake up the grass clippings that don't make it in the catcher. The magnolia leaves that fall in the summer here can also clutter the lawn quickly in between mowings so this will help keep things tidy.

Corona Spring Brace Rake


#2 Round Point Shovel - Inevitably, once you're in a new home for a while, you're going to want to make some personal changes to make your landscape reflect your personality and tastes. That's when you start looking at the shrub that was planted long before you moved in and think it's time to be replaced with something else. Having a shovel to dig up, plant or remove a plant, is work most every new homeowner will want to do.

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What More Could You Use?

So far my neighbor has appreciated my suggestion and I've seen them out using some of their new tools already. I told him that if he ever has a need for something else, I know a guy who might have the right tool for the job. For those who have recently moved into a new home, tell us in the comments what you found to be your essential tools for maintaining your landscape and garden!

 

 

Topics: gardening, Landscaping, plants, tools, shrubs

Feeling #CoronaProud With My Corona Garden Tools

Posted by Chris Sabbarese on Fri, May, 08, 2015 @ 16:05 PM

CoronaProudThere's something incredible that happens after spending the day in the garden.  Whether its the feeling of a great workout, enjoying a digital detox and planting flowers, or feeling accomplished after taming the wall of vines.

When you think about it, there is one thing in common with all those great moments.  The garden tools you use to make it all happen.  That's right, gardeners know, tools are an important part of making what they do more enjoyable and satisfying.

A Crowning (Corona) Acheivement 

Among the many things I take pride in my garden are my roses.  I have collection of hybrid teas and I have the luxury of enjoying year round beauty in my backyard. Last Mother's Day, one of my wife's favorite rose, Marilyn Monroe (pictured right) was in full bloom.  I cut an impressive bouquet and gave them to her. Besides having such beautiful fresh flowers which bring her great joy, it made me proud to be able to grow them for her.

I Am #CoronaProud.  Are You?

It started me thinking that without the proper tools, I wouldn't have been able to plant those roses in the first place.  Or prune them to encourage new growth and blooms.  Or scoop and spread mulch to help retain moisture and prevent weeds.  I was proud of what I accomplished and appreciated my Corona's for helping me to do it.  Yes, I am #coronaproud of what I can accomplish with them.

How have Corona Tools helped you become #CoronaProud in the garden? What's your story how Corona tools have helped you be proud of what you've accomplished?  Did that Dual Cut Lopper empower you to prune back that tree?  Does your ComfortGEL Trowel help you to plant your favorite vegetable? Share your story with us on your favorite social networks and you could win a $100 shopping spree on CoronaToolsUSA

Share Your Story and Win

coronaproud2Throughout May, you can share your story with us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Vine, G+ or in comments below. Be sure to use #coronaproud hashtag in any post or posts. Hit us with pictures of what you planted with your Corona tools. Show us how much pruning you accomplished last weekend with your Forged Aluminum Bypass Pruners.  Tell us how your Mother's old Corona tools make you feel like she's there in your garden with you. What ever it is that makes you #CoronaProud, we want to hear from you.

Submit as many as you would like since you probably have more than one thing your are proud of.  As the winner, your story will be featured in the Season After Season monthly newsletter. Not to mention a $100 shopping spree on our website for new Corona tools.  Not getting Season After Season?  Sign up now!

Sign Up Now

See Your Story on #CoronaProud

Stories are more fun when you can share them with others.  We set up a #coronaproud Tagboard where you can see posts across all the social networks too.  See who else is #coronaproud and interact with others who share in your passion for what they can accomplish with great tools. What makes you #coronaproud?

 

 

 

 

 

Topics: Corona Tools, gardening, tools, #CoronaProud, garden tools, tool, Corona

Fans Wish List for Garden and Landscape Tools

Posted by Chris Sabbarese on Sun, Nov, 30, 2014 @ 17:11 PM

With over 700 tools in the Corona catalog, it’s hard to pick just one favorite.  So we asked the folks who like Corona Tools on Facebook and Twitter to help us out.  We were impressed with the many choices made by our garden and landscape friends.  So we’ve put together a list of the top tools on this year’s wish list based on their selections.  If you or someone on your shopping list is in need of garden and landscape tools, these are the most sought after Corona tools for 2014!  And starting 12/1-12/5 you can shop on the Corona website and save big for the holidays.  Check out the tools that top this year’s fan favorites and get your special discount codes that will have you singing joy to the world!

corona tools catalog

All-Steel Shovels

Our ad says it best; Corona all-steel shovels are tougher than the hell you put them through. They are made from aerospace-grade steel and built for heavy duty digging and prying. Weighing in at 6 to 9 pounds, these sharpened shovel heads can penetrate the soil, cut through roots and give you extra leverage strength with a shovel handle that won’t break. For someone like Wayne J., who digs in hard packed areas with clay and gravel, Corona all-steel will last, season after season! ($80-$120)

 

all steel on Corona Tools

Hand Pruners

When it comes to Corona hand pruners, our friends had many different needs. Pat C. wants the Forged Dual Cut Bypass pruners while Kate H loves Corona’s Forged Aluminum Bypass Pruners. And ComfortGEL hand pruners and snips are some of the most comfortable and well-loved tools for folks with arthritis or carpal tunnel syndrome. ($14-$52)

 forged aluminium pruners on corona

Loppers

Corona loppers come in quite a wide range of sizes, cutting capacities, handle type and blade technology. Debra K. is looking for Dual Cut bypass loppers (SL 7180) with its specially designed hook and blade that helps make cutting limbs up to 2” in diameter much easier. Valerie-Jean B. wants the ComfortGEL+ Extendable handle loppers for extra reach and comfort while pruning. With over 50 types of loppers to choose from there is sure to be one that is just right for your gardener or landscaper. ($26-$182)

 Bypass lopper on Corona Tools

Hedge Shears

For gardeners like Pricilla N., it’s about keeping vines and hedges trimmed. Corona hedge shears always up to the task with a wide variety of blade lengths, handle styles and grips to choose from. Like the ComfortGEL+ extendable handle shears that help maintain privacy hedges and shrubs. Reach the higher limbs and vines by extending the handles to the length you need. For maximum sharpness and durability, our forged blades, like Dual Cut Hedge Shears, blades are a great choice  that are ready to go to work for you when you need them, season after season! ($22-$78) 

 Extendable Handle Hedge Shears on Corona Tools

Pruning Saws

If you are gardeners like Daniel G. and Kelle B., a Corona Razor Tooth saw earns the top spot on their Corona tool wish list! Hand saws like the Corona Quick Saw, are a must for professional aborists but you can bet that when you are working in the garden and landscape, a pruning saw will come in handy on larger limbs. Corona’s special tooth pattern is designed to keep the cutting channel free from saw dust debris. That means you can power through cuts in seconds saving you time and wear and tear on your body. And many Corona saws have a replaceable blade option so your saw is sharp and ready to go, season after season. ($27-$65)

 Razor Tooth saw on Corona Tools
Tree Pruners

One of the most expensive aspects of maintaining your garden and landscape is caring for your trees. While larger trees are typically best maintained by certified arborists, smaller ornamental and fruit trees can be managed by knowledgeable DIY homeowners. Mia M., and Davie E., have their sights on Corona tree pruners with an extendable pole and saw blade attachment. Tree pruners make the job safer by keeping both feet on the ground. And a healthy, well pruned tree offers many benefits to every homeowner and neighbor. ($61-$340)

 TP 6870 Tree pruner of Corona Tools
BONUS - Stocking Stuffers

Still don’t know what to get for your favorite gardener or landscaper. How about some incredible tools that are inexpensive and make great stocking stuffers? Barbara K. and Dana P., both love extendable handle garden tools ($12) for their versatility and convenience. Lisa S., and Debra G., would love to see ComfortGEL hand tools ($10-12) like the transplanter or weeder with comfortable grips and stainless steel tool heads. Other fan favorites include; Stainless Steel Snips ($11) great for harvesting herbs and deadheading flowers, Corona Tool Sharpener ($10) to keep pruner and lopper blades at maximum sharpness, and these great scissors and snips that are ideal for indoor plants and small container gardens.

 Corona Garden Hand Tools

hydroponic snips on corona tools

That is this year’s short list of Corona Tools’ Fan Favorites! Do you have a favorite on your wish list? Tell us in the comments below.

 

 

Limited Time Discounts on Your Favorite Corona Tools 

Whether you have a gardener or landscaper on your list this year or you just want to stock up on Corona tools for the 2015, now is the time! Between 12/1-12/5, you can shop on our website and save 20%* on the listed prices and get free shipping on orders of $50 or more. Use code WISHLIST14 to receive your 20% discount and 50FREESHIP on orders subtotals of $50 or more

 

 Discount code:

WISHLIST14

Free Shipping code:

50FREESHIP

* 20% and free shipping is not valid on Corona wheelbarrows due to size and special shipping requirements. Orders containing a Corona wheelbarrow will be subject to full shipping charges to all US address.

Topics: Corona Tools, gardening, Landscaping, tools

Future of Arboriculture in the Green Age on #treechat

Posted by Chris Sabbarese on Thu, Aug, 01, 2013 @ 16:08 PM

solartreedesign 1Have you ever noticed when you see those artist renderings of the future, everything is pretty and green, the sky is blue and it just gives the feeling of Utopia? Well, as you look outside your window, reality often paints a different picture off smog filled skies, drought-sticken vegitation, weird weather patterns and climatic changes.  Humans still generate more carbon than the atmoshere can handle.

For tree care professionals, there is a balance between planting and caring for trees that help the environment while still being green in the process.  This week on #treechat, Nicholas Crawford aka @BullMeister, studied and practicing arborist, will be painting the picture of what arboritculture may look like in the future.  Everything from tools, pest management to recycling debris, he'll open his chystal ball and share his views on this relevant topic.

The live chat begins 8/6/13 at 11AM PST via Twitter, where we come together each week with industry experts and fellow tree tweeps to discuss all things related to trees and tree care, since 2010!

Topic Discussion Overview

Some of the main discussion points that will be covered during the live chat include;

Future of Arborist Tools - Discover what Nicholas sees as the arborist tools of the future to help "green" the industry and environment

Controlling Pest - Chemicals and organic solutions, learn what pest management may look like in the future

Debris Disposal - Discuss ways of recycling tree debris in the green environment

Bring your questions, thoughts and ideas and join Nicholas for his introspective look at the future of arboriculture in the green era!

Participating on Treechat

Joining treechat is easy for anyone on Twitter to join!  Just follow the conversation over and tweet from our new Twubs #treechat.

Come share with us on this great topic and we look forward to sharing with you on the live chat! If you miss the live chat, you can still access the transscript on Corona Tools' Storify. It will be posted following the chat and includes all the information, links and resources shared during the discussion so you don't miss a thing!

Already have an opinion about the topic? Tell us what you think in the comments below then join us for the live chat!

Topics: #treechat, tree care, tools tree care, tools

5 Easy Garden Projects for Memorial Day Weekend

Posted by Chris Sabbarese on Thu, May, 23, 2013 @ 10:05 AM

Memorial Day weekend is time to raise the stars and stripes and to honor the American service men and women who gave their lives while defending our freedom. It’s also the first long holiday weekend in Spring and a time when many Americans take advantage of the extra day off to get projects done. We’ve put together a list of 5 garden and landscape projects that are easy to start and finish over the weekend.

Set Up a Compost Pile

Corona Tools composterOne of the best things you can do for your garden is to save your brown and green wastes and make nutrient-rich and organic soil right in your backyard. Whether you use a readymade composter or put together a basic cage, your plants and vegetables will love it. It so simple to do and it’s always a good time to get started. Check out the Organic Gardening website for some great composting tips.

Check Sprinklers for Leaks

corona tools leakWhile you’re out in the yard this weekend, do a quick check for any leaking sprinkler heads. A leaky sprinkler is easy to spot, whether a gusher or that slow and steady leak that keeps the sidewalk wet, it’s an easy weekend fix. Sprinkler heads can wear out over time so it good to check them periodically and replace them when you detect a leak. It will save you some green on your monthly water bill and help to conserve water.

Mulching Planters

corona tool wheelbarrowAs summer months get hotter and drier plants need to maintain proper hydration. Many people think that means add longer watering cycles, however, spreading a layer of mulch is a much better option. Mulch will help keep moisture in the soil and prevents weed growth which means more moisture for your plants and less watering. Just think of what you can do with the time saved weeding and money saved watering!

Organizing Your Garden Tools

corona tools organizeHow many times have you headed out to the garden and realized you’ve misplaced the tool you need? You spend 30 minutes looking for it, give up and have to run to your local garden center to find a replacement. The long weekend is a great time to organize your tool shed to maximize your space, make it easy to find and store your tools, and easy to spot when something is missing which helps remind you to replace your tools when finished. There are many racks available in local hardware stores, a simple peg board and hooks or come up a creative way to organize them. And next time you head outside you will be so glad you did!


Green Up the Yard

corona tools epaDuring the long weekend it’s a great time to assess how efficient your garden and landscape is. If you are putting new plants in this season, look for native species that require less water. Ensure that your lawn mower is adjusted to its highest setting which helps to reduce the amount of water needed to keep it green. Or add a smart controller to your irrigation system to automatically turn off the system during rainy days. You’ll spend less in water while conserving this precious resource. And for more great ideas to green up your yard, spend some time this weekend on the EPA WaterSense website to learn how to make your landscape greener.

There you have it…Corona Tools' 5 easy projects to get your yard and tool shed into shape this weekend! All things that you can complete in a weekend, cost you a little time or a few pennies, and guaranteed to reward you all season long. These are just a few ideas, what kinds of garden projects are on your list?

Topics: landscape, gardening, sustainability, planting, tools, watering

12 Days of Christmas Giveaways at Corona Tools

Posted by Chris Sabbarese on Wed, Dec, 12, 2012 @ 07:12 AM

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Tis' the season to be jolly and do a little gift giving too! This year Corona is playing Santa to 12 of our lucky Facebook fans and giving out some awesome gifts for their gardens and landscapes.  Beginning 12/12/12 through 12/23/12, visit Corona Tools on Facebook to see what the daily gift is announced in the 12 Days of Christmas Giveaway!  Each day we will post a picture of the day’s giveaway on our page, which in total will be worth over $750 in giveaways!  To be entered to win, all you need to do is LIKE the Corona Tools page and LIKE the gift of the day.

At 10AM PST each day, we will take all the likes on that gift and generate an instant winner using Random.org.  Since this is a giveaway for people who like Corona Tools on Facebook, don’t forget to like the page then like the gift of the day.  Remember you need to do both since SOMEONE WILL WIN EVERYDAY, so why shouldn’t it be you?  It doesn’t get much easier than that…! 

How to enter Corona's 12 Days of Christmas Giveaway:

  • LIKE Corona Tools on Facebook.
  • LIKE the daily giveaway that’s posted at 10AM PST (you can leave a comment too but it’s the LIKE that get’s counted)
  • You will have 24 hours to LIKE each day’s gift (until 9:59AM PST the following day) if you want the chance to win it.
  • At 10AM PST, we’ll randomly select the winner from all the LIKES on the daily gift and announce the winner.
Enter the Giveaway

 

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The Rules:

  • Gifts can be shipped to residents in the continental US only.
  • Winners will be posted on Facebook so be sure check back daily to see if you’ve won.  You’ll have 24 hours to contact us with your name and contact info to receive your gift.
  • If we don’t hear back from the winner within the specified time, we’ll select a new winner.
  • All eligible fans may LIKE each daily gift and can win a maximum of three (3) gifts throughout the giveaway.
  • Giveaways run from 12/12/12 through 12/23/12 and all gifts will be shipped standard ground shipping

That’s it…! Simple, fun and so many great gifts to be had in the season of giving! Good luck to all and to all a great garden, season after season.

Topics: Corona Tools, landscape, gardening, tools

What a 2nd Grader Can Teach Us About Sustainable Gardening

Posted by Chris Sabbarese on Wed, Jun, 27, 2012 @ 11:06 AM
Just before the school year ended, my daughter received a fun project from her 2nd Grade teacher.  The assignment was aimed at teaching kids about recycling and how they can be stewards of the environment.  Each student was asked to build a robot made of recycled materials and write a story about their “recyclobot”.Corona Tools Growbot

Meet Tom the Grobot

We stated putting aside all of our bottles, cans and anything else that could have been used to make a recyclobot.  Once we had plenty of items to choose from, I helped my daughter put some of the items together as outlined in the assignment.  It was at that point, my daughter’s 8 year old imagination kicked into overdrive.  She decided she wanted her recyclobot to be a “grobot”.  Okay to be fair, she had just watched the movie Wall-e, but she decided she wanted her recyclobot to be able to grow something inside of it and further challenge her dad! But I liked that she was giving 200% to her assignment so I went with it.

She developed and wrote her story about Tom the Grobot, and I helped put him together.  I thought why not push the envelope and teach her a little bit about sustainability in the garden while I was at it? I thought I would utilize some of the knowledge I impart from our weekly #landscapechat and introduce her to the concept of collecting rain water and proper irrigation techniques.  Tom was not only made of 95% recycled materials (the other 5% were some HotWheels borrowed from my son) but he was designed to harvest rain water and to water the tomato plants he was nurturing.

Corona Tools Growbot Story 2Corona Tools Growbot Story1

The Grobot Story

My daughter came up with an amazing story about Tom the Grobot and Doug the Dumpster.  And when she presented it to her class, both her story and Tom got the biggest round of applause from the classroom.  What impressed me the most was at 8 years old she understands the importance of; recycling, its impact to our landfills, a broad concept of sustainability and turning trash into something that gives back fresh grown food.

I loved what she came up with so much that I decided it would make a great blog post and awesome project to work on with kids this summer.  So start saving those bottles and cans share your creativity with us on Corona Tools Facebook!


Topics: Corona Tools, gardening, sustainability, Summer, tools, recycling, Kids

Dads, Kids, Gardening and Corona Tools

Posted by Chris Sabbarese on Thu, May, 31, 2012 @ 13:05 PM

Corona Tools GrowumsAs a father, one of my favorite things to do is teach my two young kids about gardening.  It’s always a challenge to make it fun and interesting for them but one Monday night I was on Brenda Haas’ #gardenchat with her host, @Growums.  And by the luck of the draw, I won a complete Growums kit, designed to get kids introduced to gardening.

Growums with Corona TrowelI love that it comes with everything you need to grow a complete meal (ours was a pizza kit) and it’s made just for kids.  Both my kids got into the great characters and videos they have when you register it on the Growums website.  The kit tells you how to get your seeds started, watering, planting and fertilizing in a way that kids relate to.  The planter box is easy to put together and it even tells you when it needs water. Best of all, my kids still go outside, check it out, check the water and are excited to watch them grow. Well done Growums!

As a parent, we all want our kids to live long, healthy lives and anything that gets children interesting in growing fresh food (and hopefully eating them) makes me feel like I’m getting them off to a good start.

How Does Your Father Inspire Your Gardening Giveaway

So with Father’s Day just around the corner, we want to hear your story of how your father, or even your grandfather, helps inspire others to grow fresh healthy foods.  Starting today, you can send us your story and picture of Dad and share how he influences your passion for gardening.  Doesn’t need to be a novel, just a thank you for what he teaches you, words of wisdom he imparts, a memory from your childhood that stuck with you over the years…etc.  You get the idea…! 

Corona Hand ToolsOn 6/13, Corona will select 3 posts and celebrate them on our Facebook page.  Corona Tools fans will comment or like them to cast their vote for the post they think celebrates a father’s inspiration to gardening.  Then on Father’s Day, we’ll award the post with the most comments and likes with $100 shopping spree on coronatoolsusa.com.  And of course, since he’s inspired you, we’ll give you a matching gift.  The other 2 shares selected, will each get a set of or new ComfortGEL snips and pruners or our e-Grip Garden Hand Tools with Corona tote.

Share your dad’s story with us and we’ll help you both celebrate this very special Father’s Day!   And for those dads who garden with us in spirit, it certainly doesn’t diminish the contributions they've made in our lives.  Keep the tools and think of him when you use them or share them with someone you know who may be new to gardening.  Happy Father's Day and happy story telling everyone!

Topics: gardening, Landscaping, planting, tools, watering, Kids

When Tree Care Goes Wrong

Posted by Chris Sabbarese on Thu, May, 17, 2012 @ 19:05 PM

Crimes Against Treemanity

corona treechatYou know you’ve seen it…a thriving healthy tree one day, then a trunk with no branches the next.  Or that tree that someone planted year ago, whose owner forgot, IT WILL GROW…!  Sometimes it’s poor planning, poor maintenance, limited knowledge of what trees need, and in some cases, a blatant disregard for a tree's health.  What we’re talking about are crimes against treemanity!

This week on #treechat, we discussed and had a photo share about some of the awful things homeowners and some landscape “professionals” do to trees.  Many homeowners think a tree just gets planted and their done.  While the un-professional contractor, who knows little about tree care, takes out their chainsaw and just starts butchering trees.

Our goal is to bring awareness to the many crimes against treemanity we see throughout our neighborhoods and cities and to help others learn what they can to prevent these mistakes in their landscapes.  Our arborist community, who participates weekly on #treechat, shared some great tips on how to help prevent these horrible crimes against nature;

corona treechatRemove bracing cables and poles – after the first 2-3 years a tree is established and no longer needs the added support.

Plan before you plant – when planting your trees, think about the space and will it accommodate your tree when mature.  Is it next to the house or will it grow into the electrical lines…?

Resist volcano mulching – more is not always better, especially not piled up around the base of the trunk which can lead to diseases or tree loss.

Proper pruning – the operative word, PROPER!  It invigorates a tree's health, maintains it shape and balance between a trees canopies and roots.

And #1 takeaway...

Hire a certified arborist – not only do they care about a tree’s health but they will properly maintain it.  It’s easy to locate one from organizations such as TCIA, located in your area.  Just ask yourself, would you prefer a plumber or a physician to provide you with your personal health services?   You get the idea...

You can check out all the great tips and photo shares on our Storify “Crimes Against Treemanity

Corona Wants to Help

Corona is doing its part to help stamp out the bad things that happen to trees every day.  We’re giving one lucky treehugger a set of Corona tools Including a professional pair of loppers, hand pruners, and folding saw valued at approx $150 the most shared photo.

Throughout the month of May (5/31), you can share your Crimes Against Treemanity pictures on any of the #treechat networks;

On Twitter: mention @Coronatools & use the #treechat, post your photo on our Facebook or Google+ page, or pin it on the Crimes Against Treemanity photo board on Pinterest!

Share your post and picture with family and friends and let people know why it’s a “crime” and we'll award the Corona pruning tools to the share that generates the most buzz and awareness.  We’ll announce the winner on 6/1/2012 and along the way, create greater awareness so others will take the time and provide proper care to their trees!

Topics: #treechat, tree care, landscape, planting, tools

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