season-after-season-header

Understanding and Using Grey Water

Posted by Chris Sabbarese on Tue, Oct, 13, 2015 @ 16:10 PM

grey_water_on_Corona_tools_landscapechat.jpegIn an average US home, the shower is generally the third largest water usage.  The average shower uses 17.2 gallons (65.1 liters) and lasts for 8.2 minutes at average flow rate of 2.1 gallons per minute. That’s water that essentially runs over your body, mixes with a bit a soap and goes down the drain. But some folks are saving that water and water from clothes washers and using it to water plants in the landscape. Known as “grey water”, many have jumped on board in this growing trend, while others avoid it, likely due to the plethora of misinformation available.  Understanding and using grey water is our topic on this week’s landscapechat!

You're Invited to Tweet 

Join @CoronaTools and partner Jain Irrigation with VP Richard Restuccia @JainsUSA , along with the Real Gardener, Cristina da Silva tweeting as @CristinaGardens on #Landscapechat to discuss Using and Understanding Grey Water! Tweet with us on Wednesday, October 14, 2015 at 11AM PST/ 2PM EST. This is the Twitter chat where we come together with green industry experts and fellow landscape tweeps, each week to discuss all things related to landscape, since 2011.

Discussion Overview

Key Takeaways Include:  

  1. What is grey water?
  2. What types of grey water can be used to water plants? 
  3. Understanding grey water systems
  4. Grey water isn't the same for all plants  
  5. The how-to's and regulations for using grey water
Join the Conversation

Corona Tools Landscapechat

Don’t miss out on this exciting topic and join the conversation via Twitter. Just sign into #landscapechat with your Twitter ID and you can follow the conversation and share with the community. Be sure to add the hashtag to all your tweets or join us in the landscapechat room on Tweetchat. They will automatically add it for you and it's easy to watch the conversation as it happens!

If you do miss the live event, you can still access the Storify recap, accessible 24/7 that will be posted following the live chat. The transcript includes all the information and links shared during the discussion. 

About Landscapechat

Connect and share with the green industry leaders live on Twitter and 24/7 to learn and share about hot topics in the green industry. Now landscapechat is part of the Green Industry Leaders Network (GILN) presented by Corona and its partners.  We are an alliance of professional organizations who are advancing the horticulture, tree care, and landscaping industries!

Topics: #Landscapechat, landscape, watering

Tips for Making Your Landscape Water Efficient

Posted by Chris Sabbarese on Tue, May, 27, 2014 @ 20:05 PM

Corona Tools LandscapechatSummer is upon us which means for many of us, hot and dry is in our landscape's forecast. Over the next several months, folks will start adding more time to their watering systems and adding more in bills to their local water agency.  So this year, make your landscape more water efficient, using less water while still enjoying the all the beauty and tranquility that landscapes provide.  It's our Water Wednesday topic on #Landscapechat and the we have tips from the experts who can help.

You're Invited to Tweet 

Join @CoronaTools and #landscapechat partner @EwingIrrigation Laura Ory, Social Media + Digital Strategist for Ewing Irrigation for this week's topic: Water Efficient Landscapes. The live chat begins Wednesday, May 28, 2014 at 11 a.m. PDT / 2 p.m. EDT, where we come together with green industry experts and fellow landscaping peeps each week to discuss all things related to landscape, since 2011.  

Discussion Overview

Plant Selection - Learn why choosing the right plants for your landscape can have a big impact on your water usage. 

Know the Zone - Understand why it's important to group plants together with the same water needs as those around them.

Cutting Back - Discover how pruning back your plants can help save you water in your landscape during the Summer heat. 

Summer Lawn Care - Hear some great tips about Summer lawn care that can help reduce your watering needs in the landscape.

Lawn Alternatives - Discuss some alternatives to lawn that could have some lasting benefits to your landscape (and your wallet) all year long. 

Join the Conversation

Corona Tools Landscapechat

Join us for this information-rich topic live on Twitter! Just sign in, search for #landscapechat and tweet using the hashtag. You're tweets will appear in the live tweet stream and you will be part of the conversation.

If you do miss the live chat, you can still access the complete Storify transcript, available 24/7 following the live chat.  It includes include all the information and links shared during the discussion.

Maximizing the effciency in your landscape isn't just for areas that are in hot an dry locations.  These water efficient practices are fundamentals that should be applied to any landscape and can help reduce our water needs and water supplies.  If you have an outdoor garden or landscape, then this Water Wednesday's #Landscapechat will be an hour of information and tips that you won't want to miss! Come and join us!

Topics: #Landscapechat, Ewing Irrigation, pruning, Summer, watering, Lawn Care

Irrigation: How Make Every Drop Count

Posted by Chris Sabbarese on Tue, Apr, 29, 2014 @ 17:04 PM

All About SprinklersAll About Sprinklers is the topic of Water on Wednesday April 30, 2014 on #Landscapechat. The objective of sprinkler irrigation is the efficient delivery of water to targeted plants in order to maintain plant health. We'll chat about how to avoid over-watering and make every drop count. 

There are several different types of sprinklers, including spray heads, rotors and rotary nozzles/rotators, providing great variation for all types of soils and landscape plantings of different heights.  

You're Invited to Tweet 

Join @CoronaTools and #landscapechat partner @EwingIrrigation Laura Ory, Social Media + Digital Strategist for Ewing Irrigation for this week's topic: All About Sprinklers. The live chat begins Wednesday, April 30, 2014 at 11 a.m. PDT / 2 p.m. EDT, where we come together with green industry experts and fellow landscaping peeps each week to discuss all things related to landscape, since 2011.  

Discussion Overview

Too Much Is Never a Good Thing - Understanding the application rate of each irrigation zone ensures the proper amount of water. 

Be Flexible - Learn why it's important to provide flexible timing, both daily and seasonally

Efficiency Saves Plants and Water - Discuss why it's important to keep sprinklers working efficiently 

Hydrozoning - Hear why you should group plants with the same water needs together to make every drop count

Join the Conversation

Corona Tools LandscapechatThe April 30, 2014  #Landscapechat topic is All About Sprinklers with Ewing Irrigation. Sprinkler Spruce Up, water-efficient nozzles, rotors vs. sprays and other features that will help you to be water efficient in your landscape. 

Join us for this information-rich topic live on Twitter! Just sign in, search for #landscapechat and tweet using the hashtag. You're tweets will appear in the live tweet stream and you will be part of the conversation.

If you do miss the live chat, you can still access the complete Storify transcript, available 24/7 following the live chat.  It includes include all the information and links shared during the discussion.

If you'd like to learn more about sprinklers and proper irrigation irrigation techniques in your landscape, then this Water Wednesday's #Landscapechat will be an hour of information and tips that you won't want to miss! Come and join us!

Topics: Corona Tools, #Landscapechat, Ewing Irrigation, watering, Sprinklers

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

Treecare - Are You Helping or Hurting Your Tree on #Treechat

Posted by Chris Sabbarese on Fri, Mar, 01, 2013 @ 10:03 AM

59250551317894162 hEaxjebi bSometimes we have the best intentions for our trees and shrubs, but often we are misinformed about exactly how to help them.  Coming up on the 3/5 #treechat, the Twitteriffic team at TCIA will review some tips on how to help your tree, not hurt it.

The live chat begins at 3/5/13 at 11AM PST with this week's guest hosts, Amy Tetreault @Voiceoftreecare and Tchukki Andersen @TCIA_Arborist of TCIA. Join @Coronatools and other industry experts each week at 11AM PST via Twitter for #treechat. Discussing all things related to trees and tree care since 2010!

Topic highlights covered during this week's chat includes;

  • Planting – proper planting methods to help your tree flourish

  • Watering – tips on proper watering techniques

  • Fertilizing - fertilizing can be harming your tree if not done properly 

  • Pruning – tips that tree owners should know

  • Maintaining – learn how maintaining a tree properly will benefit your tree and you

If you care about your trees, Amy and Tchukki have lots of great information and resources to share on this chat so you won't want to miss it. And if you have questions related to the topic that you would like them to cover during the chat, please leave it in the comments below or tweet it to @Voiceoftreecare before the live chat.

If you do miss the chat, don't worry, you can still access the #treechat Storify 24/7 that will be posted following the chat. The transcript includes all the information and links we shared during the discussion.

Come share with us on this great topic and see you on the live chat!

Topics: #treechat, pruning, planting, watering

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

Recent Posts

Posts by Topic

see all