If you want the range of a cordless trimmer, yet need enough power to whack tall grass and weeds, reviewers praise the Craftsman 79197 gas trimmer. This four-stroke model runs more quietly and is less polluting thantwo-stroke models, and it doesn't require the mixing of gas and oil. Instead of bump feed, this Craftsman trimmer uses lengths of precut line; owners say it's very easy to start and line refills are quick. The split shaft enables the use of optional attachments. However, the Craftsman trimmer weighs 20 pounds (without the gas), so you'll probably need a shoulder harness. A less polluting solution at a similar price can be found in the propane-fueled Lehr Eco Trimmer

The top-rated gas-powered Craftsman 79197 is powerful enough to whack tough weeds and tall grass, and you're not tethered to an electrical cord. Furthermore, the four-stroke engine is more efficient, more durable and quieter than cheaper two-stroke engines, and you don't need to mix oil with the gas. Reviews say line refills are easy, and the split shaft allows you to use attachments (purchased separately). The downside? The 20-pound weight makes it cumbersome to use for more than a few minutes, so you'll probably need a shoulder strap or harness. If you don't mind dealing with a cord, the less expensive Stihl FSE60 (*Est. $130) is nearly as powerful, yet weighs less than half as much.

We found a detailed and current review of the Craftsman 79197 gas string trimmer at ConsumerGuide.com. Owners review this model at Sears.com, and it's briefly discussed in a professional landscaper's forum, LawnSite.com. ConsumerReports.org has not tested the Craftsman 79197 so far.

String Trimmers Runners Up:
Echo GT-200R *Est. $170
3 picks including: HomeDepot.com…
Black & Decker GH1000 *Est. $70
2 picks including: Amazon.com, Lowes.com…
Black & Decker NST2036 *Est. $150
2 picks by top review sites.
Worx WG150 *Est. $100
2 picks by top review sites.
Weed Eater Featherlite SST25 *Est. $105
2 picks including: Amazon.com…
Shindaiwa T2510 *Est. $400
2 picks including: LawnSite.com…
Honda HHT25SLTAT *Est. $350
2 picks including: Abby'sGuide.com, GardenWeb.com…

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Craftsman 25cc Propane Line Trimmer Lehr Powered

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If you mainly need to trim edges of a lawn (and not tall grass or weeds), experts and owners top-rate the 7-pound, cordless Black & Decker NST2018. This trimmer runs quietly and can last about 25 minutes per charge; two batteries are included, extending runtime to about an hour. Owners say this model works well on maintained lawns, but it's not powerful or durable enough to handle tall grass or weeds. For that, you'll need a corded electric, gas or propane-powered string trimmer.

Reviewers give the Black & Decker Grass Hog NST2018 top ranking among cordless string trimmers, but recommend it only for trimming well-kept lawns. Its quiet performance and light 7-pound weight are big advantages, and it's easier and less expensive to use than a heavier gas trimmer. The main drawback lies with the nickel-cadmium (NiCad) batteries, which provide less power to the trimmer as their charge fades and have very limited run time even on a fresh charge. If you don't mind dealing with an extension cord, the Stihl FSE60 (*Est. $130) is much more powerful and can handle tall grass and weeds. It's also highly rated in reviews.

We found the best review of the Black & Decker NST2018 cordless string trimmer at ConsumerReports.org, where editors rate and rank it in comparison with 43 other models, though they include only two other cordless trimmers. For more detail and a longer-term perspective, owner reviews at several retailer sites prove useful.

String Trimmers Runners Up:
Echo GT-200R *Est. $170
3 picks
Black & Decker GH1000 *Est. $70
2 picks including: Amazon.com, Lowes.com…
Black & Decker NST2036 *Est. $150
2 picks by top review sites.
Worx WG150 *Est. $100
2 picks by top review sites.
Weed Eater Featherlite SST25 *Est. $105
2 picks including: Amazon.com…
Shindaiwa T2510 *Est. $400
2 picks including: LawnSite.com…
Honda HHT25SLTAT *Est. $350
2 picks including: Abby'sGuide.com,

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Black Decker 18 Volt Cordless String Trimmer NST2018R

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17d 6h 43m

WG150 2SU WORX GT CORDLESS TRIMMER LIGHTLY TESTED 2 Bat

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WORX WG150 CORDLESS STRING TRIMMER EDGER 18v Battery

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WG150 1SU WORX GT CORDLESS TRIMMER EDGER LIGHTLY TESTED

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US $59.99

15h 28m

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First, before you spend all that money on garden gloves and funky hats, it's important to realize that although gardening is one of the biggest pastimes amongst the population, it is more than just a hobby - it is a passion. Most hobbies are for relaxation, requiring minimal effort, but this is a hobby that can require a lot of investment - not only of time and money, but labor. This is a hobby that will have you on your hands and knees and could give you an aching back after an afternoon of pulling weeds. However, the tradeoff is not only being able to commune with nature and develop a personal relationship with the earth, it's seeing the beautiful results you've created with time and effort that is all your very own.

So, if that sounds as good to you as it does to the millions of others who enjoy spending their time unwinding amongst the gladiolas, and you're undaunted by the idea of tending a garden even after a long day at work, then begin with the following:

Locate a good nursery or join a local garden club.

This is where you'll head for ideas, tips and advice. Books are a good idea, too, but talking to someone who has local knowledge will likely work better for you. Then you can get advice in all areas, from what kind of plants, pests and weeds are native to your area to picking out good tools.

Lay your garden out on paper.

You no doubt already have an idea in your mind of what you want to plant, but if you lay your garden out on paper and take it to your local nursery, a professional will be able to make life easier by helping to determine such things as choosing the right location for your garden and the proper amounts of sun and water that will be needed. An expert might also see something that may prove difficult and cause you major headaches in the long run, such as picking out plants that don't go well together or plants that don't grow well in certain soils or at certain times of the year.

Start small.

Going hand in hand with laying out your garden on paper is to start small. This will minimize maintenance and keep you from getting overwhelmed while you learn the basics. You don't want the garden to eat up too much of your time - this is the thing that frustrates most first time gardeners and prompts them to give up. When you've mastered how to handle weeds, watering and pests, then expand your garden's boundaries as you see fit.

Pick out good tools.

Do try to stay away from overpriced tools and gadgets. Since you're starting small - a definition that varies from person to person - you may need all or only a few of these tools: shovel, garden fork, trowels of different sizes, a hoe, pruners, a rake, wheelbarrow/cart, a water can and/or a good hose. Look for tools with steel blades and handles that offer comfort. You will also need to learn to care for your tools. Tools need to be cleaned after each use and certain tools will eventually need sharpening or blades replaced. Tools stored for the winter require a protective coating of oil or wax before being put away.

Spend a little time in your garden everyday.

A few minutes here and there during the week is better than waiting for the weekend to tidy things up. We all know how life has a habit of getting in the way sometimes, making it difficult to keep up with anything - let alone a garden! Spend a few moments to snag a few weeds, water and keep an eye on your garden's progress.

As you and your garden get in tune with one another, here are some tips from the pros to keep the harmony:

Spend time watering your plants and encouraging your garden's roots to grow deeply by soaking the soil. Too short a watering time will keep roots near the soil surface.

Avoid clumps. Don't work soil that is wet. Overworking soil into a fine powder is also a no-no. Soil is supposed to have particles of different shape and sizes.

Try not to walk around in your garden too much. Creating rows in which to safely work keeps the soil around the plants from getting compacted and restricting growth.

Learn about compost. It keeps the soil healthy. If you can't make your own, there's always compost in a bag.

Use fertilizers sparingly, but use the right ones. Take a sample of your soil to your favorite nursery for testing to see which type of fertilizer you will (or won't) be needing.

Try not to go crazy with the pruners. True, fertilizers and pruning produce a more luscious and tender growth, but that's something bugs are extremely attracted to. The last thing you want is to have to spend time fighting battles with pests. This can turn your garden into a chore.

Gardening is a wonderful and peaceful pastime, if not addictive. Many will find the time to work in their gardens despite the whirlwind of activity going on in their lives because it brings them calm and order. Perhaps you are seeking that calm for yourself. Perhaps you feel the need to give back to the earth. Perhaps you are seeking that special relationship with nature that comes from having your hands covered in earth. Or it could be you just wanted an excuse to wear silly hats outside. Whatever the reason, happy gardening!