We Tried the New North Face Base Camp Gear Box, and It’s Coming on Every Adventure

There are two types of people before a camping trip: those who get all bright-eyed and bushy-tailed at the thought of packing and those who wait until the last minute to haphazardly toss an assortment of gear and clothes into a duffle bag. I happen to fall into the former camp, and I love any piece of gear that helps me better organize other gear. Yes, gear for gear! So when I heard about The North Face Base Camp gear box, I jumped on the opportunity to try it myself. It’s collapsible, stackable, water-resistant and roomy—I figured, what’s not to love?

I had a couple of diving and snorkeling excursions coming up at some Central Florida springs and in the Florida Keys, so I decided to take the box along with me as often as it made sense. (Spoiler: I ended up liking the box so much I even take it out for a simple beach day now.)

In my in-depth North Face Base Camp review, I cover all of the pros, cons and need-to-know information about this popular gear box.

What is The North Face Base Camp gear box?

The North Face gear box is exactly what it sounds like: a box that holds gear. But this isn’t your average plastic, snap-lid storage box you can pick up on a whim at The Home Depot. This box was built with purpose.

It’s clear that the Base Camp box was thoughtfully crafted with outdoorsy people in mind. For starters, the box is constructed of The North Face’s Base Camp material, a well-known and well-loved textile among outdoor enthusiasts. This material is 300-denier polyester with a durable, water-resistant thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) coating that resists abrasion and tearing and is ultra-easy to clean.

Additionally, the Base Camp box proves that The North Face knows its customers, thanks to its collapsible and stackable properties. When not in use, the box folds down and flattens out to be no thicker than a good book. This is a big bonus for those of us who live in camper vans or RVs (or, like me, tiny studio apartments to make it easier to fund an adventurous lifestyle).

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The North Face Base Camp Gear Box Features

You might be thinking, “OK, so? A box is a box.” As an avid outdoors person who is constantly packing, unpacking and storing things, I’m here to tell you that isn’t true! Let’s take a more in-depth look at the features of the Base Camp box and how it makes outdoor adventures easier.

Sturdy Frame

The Base Camp gear box sports a lightweight, yet durable, metal frame consisting of two fold-in arms. When the box is in its collapsed position, you simply push each metal arm downward and outward to pop the frame into place.

Collapsible

As mentioned above, the frame collapses so the box compresses and lies flat when you’re not using it. This makes it fantastic for people living in small spaces—I can easily slide the collapsed box under my bed or couch when I don’t need it. To collapse the frame, all you have to do is pull the nylon tab on each metal arm. (When I first got the box, I didn’t notice the tabs, and it was difficult to pop the arms out of place. But with the tabs, it couldn’t be easier, so make sure to look for them.)

Stackable

In addition to being collapsible, The North Face Base Camp box is stackable whether it’s collapsed or filled with gear. The top of the box is broad, flat and smooth, making it easy to place another box on top (or really anything, for that matter).

Lightweight

The medium-sized box weighs just 4 pounds, 1.8 ounces, and the large-sized box weighs slightly more at 5 pounds, 8.2 ounces. For reference, this plastic gear box with a lid that can hold the same amount as the medium box (about 15 gallons or 58 liters) weighs 5 pounds, 2 ounces, so not only is it heavier, but it’s also more difficult to carry due to the hard plastic and handle design.

Dual Handles

Speaking of being difficult to carry, the Base Camp box won’t be: It features tote handles and fabric side handles, so you have multiple comfortable grip options for transportation. In my experience, it’s easier to use the tote handles when you’re alone and the side handles if you have another person to help. That said, I was able to use the side handles on my own, too.

Durable

Perhaps the biggest draw to The North Face Base Camp gear box is its 300-denier polyester and TPU construction. This combination of textiles is ultra durable and abrasion-resistant, so you don’t have to worry about scuffing, ripping or tearing the fabric.

One thing I will call out about the fabric is that it can hold onto smells. I left some damp beach towels in this box for about 24 hours (oops) and after removing them, I noticed that the interior of the box continued to smell mildewy until I wiped it clean with antimicrobial cleaner. So it seems to be an easy fix, but it’s something to be aware of.

Weather-Resistant

The Base Camp material is also resistant to water; I know this because I got caught in a torrential downpour at the beach (#MiamiThings). Thanks to the TPU construction, my beach towels, phone, wallet and, most importantly, snacks, were safe and sound.

That said, because this box features a zippered closure and a canvas bottom (though lined), I wouldn’t recommend leaving it full of items in a weather-exposed area. While the fabric is water-resistant, the box isn’t entirely waterproof, and extended exposure to precipitation could result in your gear being compromised.

100% Recycled Fabric

According to the The North Face website, these gear boxes are made of 100% recycled material. As someone who loves the outdoors and strives to protect it, this is a really important component.

Interior Storage Pockets

The Base Camp gear box features multiple interior storage pockets to better organize your gear, no matter the adventure. There are four mesh drop-in pockets along the sidewalls, plus a fifth zippered mesh pocket on the interior of the lid. There’s even a Velcro pocket on the interior of the bottom of the box. I haven’t found a use for that bottom pocket yet, but I’m sure it’ll come in handy at some point—maybe for dirty hiking clothes?

Outer Storage

What’s more is that the box has additional outer storage. Just beneath the zipper on the exterior, you’ll find wraparound daisy-chain storage links made of woven nylon. You can clip carabiners to these for easy access to things like a headlamp, flashlight, car keys, dog collar or first aid kit. And on one side of the box (the left, if The North Face logo is facing you), there’s a drop-in pocket with a flap closure. I’ve found this side pocket to be useful for doggy bags, sunglasses, snacks and my wallet.

Gear View Window

You can see what’s in your box without unzipping it, which is helpful when you have multiple boxes stacked, thanks to the view window on the front of the box. I will say it’s still a little tough to see through the panel, but if you look hard enough, you can do it.

Outer ID Label

On the front exterior, The North Face added an ID label, where you can slip in an ID card just like you’d put in a luggage tag on your suitcase.

Two Size Options

The Base Camp gear box is available in a medium size (holding about 58 liters) and a large size (holding about 86 liters).

Zippered Closure

When you’ve got everything packed up and it’s time to hit the road, secure your gear with the box’s durable zipper. The North Face included zipper grips for ultimate ease.

How We Tested It

At the time of writing, I’ve been using and testing The North Face Base Camp gear box for several weeks. I used it to pack my gear for several outdoor adventures, including free diving and swimming excursions in Central Florida, a 10.5-mile river kayaking trip, and a snorkeling trip in the Florida Keys. I also used the box in place of a tote bag for beach days at my favorite local spots. I also tested the box in my home with various camping gear, packing and unpacking with various items to see how much (and what types of gear) it could conveniently and easily fit.

During my testing, I made sure to take note of several factors, including:

• Ease of use
• Comfort while toting the box
• Capacity
• Weather-resistance and durability
• Convenience
• Storage of the box itself when not in use

Ultimately, I’d recommend this gear box as a general storage item, but not necessarily something to take with you on active excursions. For instance, the Base Camp box was perfect for neatly transporting my gear to the drop-in for my kayaking trip, but it’s too bulky to actually bring on a kayak. It also proved to be the ideal fit for beach days, and while I haven’t been able to take it car camping yet (it’s too hot and buggy in South Florida), this gives me an inkling that it’s the optimal fit for that, too.

Pros

• Stackable and collapsible
• Abrasion-resistant, durable fabric
• Holds 58 or 86 liters, depending on size
• Water-resistant
• Easy to wipe down
• Durable, easy-to-close zipper
• Multiple interior storage pockets
• Exterior storage pockets
• Exterior daisy-chain storage
• Gear view window
• ID card slot
• Dual handles (tote and side)
• Lighter in weight than standard hard plastic storage box

Cons

• Expensive
• Fabric can hold onto icky smells (but seems easy to get rid of)
• Bottom of the box is a canvas/woven material, which is not water-resistant (but the interior is protected by liners)

FAQ

What do I use my gear box for?

Use your Base Camp gear box to transport gear, clothing and food for any purpose. You can also use it for storage of items in your home or garage.

Is The North Face gear box worth it?

If you are looking for a durable, water-resistant, convenient gear box to make packing easy, yes, The North Face gear box is worth it.

What’s special about The North Face Base Camp box?

This gear box is designed to hold a lot of gear and keep it safe during unideal weather conditions, but also to pack down and be out of the way when not in use. It’s lightweight and easier to carry than a standard hard plastic gear box.

What Other Reviewers Had to Say

Customer reviews are largely positive. On The North Face website, customers praise the box for “perfect execution” and being a “year-round adventure solution.”

One reviewer writes, “I always struggle with organizing my gear for specific activities. A soft duffel bag makes it hard to dig to the bottom while plastic bins just fall apart after a short while. This box is amazing. It has SO MUCH storage.”

“I use it for backcountry skiing in the winter, where it’ll accommodate all my gear (ski boots included) in a neat and organized way,” the reviewer continued. “In the summer, I switch to mountain biking. I’ve also flown with it for a ski trip and while it’s not perfect for carrying over long distances, I thought the organization more than made up for the carry. Also, it looks great. I have it in black”

Many customers wrote that they’ve already ordered a second box or plan to, which tells us a lot.

Product Comparison

The North Face has an entire line of Base Camp storage, with one of the most popular items being the Base Camp duffel. This item has been around for a long time and it consistently receives high praise. We can see why: It’s made of an even more durable material than the box.

The duffel’s body boasts 1,000-denier polyester construction with a polyvinyl chloride (PVC) coating for water resistance. You can carry it like a tote or backpack, and it’s available in sizes extra-small (31 liters) to XXL (150 liters).

Customers call this duffel “nearly indestructible,” and several reviewers say they regret not buying it sooner—and spending their money on cheaper products.

Both the Base Camp duffel and the Base Camp gear box are reliable purchases, depending on what you’re looking for. The duffel might be a better option if you need something more flexible that can compress down, whereas the gear box is a better fit if you prefer rigid storage and easy access to the entire contents.

Final Verdict

After weeks of testing, it’s clear that The North Face Base Camp gear box is a solid piece of gear. It has proven durable, weather-resistant, spacious and convenient, and I’d recommend it to anyone looking for storage solutions for activities that involve car travel.

Where to Buy The North Face Base Camp Gear Box

The North Face gear box is available for $175 at Backcountry, Moosejaw and Public Lands. If you’re planning on getting outdoors or camping soon, I recommend snagging the new Base Camp gear box ahead of time.

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Article source here: We Tried the New North Face Base Camp Gear Box, and It’s Coming on Every Adventure

What Is a Hybrid Inverter?

If you’re a homeowner contemplating a jump onto the solar train, it’s good to know a solar array consists of more than just photovoltaic (PV) panels. Some systems, even those tied to the grid, include batteries to store energy. If your system has a battery pack, you need a controller to keep the batteries charged and prevent overcharging.

Every system also needs an inverter, a device that converts the DC power generated by the panels and stored in the batteries to grid-friendly AC power. It also functions as a transformer, stepping up the voltage in batteries (12 to 48V) to the standard on the grid (120 to 240V).

In the early days of solar development, inverters were bulky and inefficient, producing choppy AC signals sensitive electronic equipment couldn’t use. We used to have one of those. Because our dryer had electronic controls, it wouldn’t work unless the generator (which produced its own 120V signal) was on.

While addressing such deficiencies, manufacturers went further, turning inverters into multitasking control systems for ever more complex PV systems. These are known as hybrid inverters.

What Is a Hybrid Inverter?

Think of it as one that multitasks. It provides the interface between the panels, the battery and the grid. Depending on type, it can operate in four modes:

• Basic grid-tie mode: Converts the DC current from solar panels into AC current compatible with that supplied by the power company.
• Battery storage mode: Converts AC current from the grid to DC current for charging the battery.
• Backup mode: During a power outage, a grid-tied inverter can automatically switch to backup mode and supply the panel with power from the battery.
• Off-grid mode: Can simultaneously supply power to the panel and charge the backup battery.

One significant advantage of hybrid inverters over conventional ones is the ability to operate “in reverse.” That means it can convert AC current to DC, the opposite of what an inverter normally does. So during a period of extended cloudiness, when the panels aren’t charging the batteries, the inverter uses grid power to charge them.

How Does a Hybrid Inverter Work?

A standard grid-tie inverter converts DC power to AC, and transforms the voltage from the PV array and the battery to the grid voltage.

It converts from DC to AC via a system of transistors that switch on and off to reverse the current direction at a frequency of 60Hz (cycles per second). The AC signal then passes through a transformer coil that induces a current in a second coil next to it by magnetic induction.

The ratio of the number of turns in the coils determines the voltage ratio, which makes it easy to accurately produce the grid voltage.

A hybrid inverter can also convert AC power to DC and step down the voltage to charge batteries using grid power. The conversion from AC to DC is called rectification, and the electronic components that do it are called diodes.

Before rectification, the voltage needs to be reduced. An easy way to do this is directing the signal through the same transformer, but in reverse.

Hybrid inverters typically have four connection ports. One comes from the PV array, one goes to the electrical panel, and two connect to the batteries, one as input and the other as output.

Internal electronics monitor electric usage and provide yet another benefit. A hybrid inverter can switch from grid power to the battery to operate the electrical system during periods of peak usage, when the grid is overloaded and electricity most expensive.

Types of Hybrid Inverters

Not all hybrid inverters include all the features discussed above. A wide selection of models are available, each with its own maximum power output, battery compatibility and voltage range for battery charging. They basically fall into three main types:

• Solar storage: This type you would use for an off-grid situation. It can supply power from the PV array to the panel and charge batteries.
• Solar storage and back-up power: You’ll need this one if you’re tying your solar energy system to the grid. It can do everything a solar storage hybrid inverter can do, and it has all the electronics needed to feed electricity back to the power company.
• Battery energy storage system (BESS): This comes with a lithium-ion battery pack in the same housing. It can be as large as a refrigerator, but most are much smaller. The Tesla Powerwall is about four feet high, two-and-a-half feet wide and six inches deep.

Article source here: What Is a Hybrid Inverter?

We Tried the Craftsman Electric Lawn Mower, a Riding Mower for Tight Spaces

The public has asked for more environmentally friendly products that make it easier to manage tasks around the home. Additionally, some states, like California, have begun to phase out selling gas-powered equipment because of air pollution concerns. Manufacturers have listened and flooded the market with battery-powered lawn care equipment, like cordless string trimmers, hedge trimmers, edgers and blowers. Now, storied brand Craftsman has taken the next step by introducing battery-powered riding mowers that don’t require gasoline, oil or cords.

As someone who is no stranger to Craftsman (my dad and grandfather have always sworn by its, well, craftsmanship), I was particularly excited to get my paws on the 56V Craftsman TurnTight electric riding lawn mower. But would it live up to my high expectations? Find out below.

What is the Craftsman electric lawn mower?

It was love at first sight: The Craftsman electric lawn mower looks majestic with its fire-engine red color scheme and “look at me” electric features. With its 42-inch cutting deck and massive frame, this mower gives you the feeling that you can mow any yard with this tractor.

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Craftsman Electric Lawn Mower Features

Ready to check out all that this Craftsman electric lawn mower has to offer? Take a look below:

Easy-to-Follow Displays

Like its Craftsman gas-powered counterparts, the control panel on the electric riding mower is not fussy and very easy to understand. There aren’t a bunch of unnecessary extra buttons to confuse you when you’re trying to mow. In total, there are five pushable buttons and a display screen on the vehicle control module. There’s also the spot to insert the key and a parking brake lever underneath. That’s it.

The LCD screen and battery level indicator provide instructions, information and warnings about your systems and the tractor’s battery level.

The buttons are for:

• Starting/stopping the tractor
• Engaging your blades
• Turning on the headlights
• Engaging the cruise control
• Allowing the blades to operate in reverse

In normal operation, the blade will disengage when you start backing up unless you tell it not to do so. This is a safety measure to prevent injury. The reverse caution mode button allows the tractor to be operated in reverse with the blades engaged.

The Switch to Electric

Charging the machine is straightforward. It comes with a set of 6-foot cords that extend out from a charger that looks something like a waffle iron. One cord plugs into a standard wall outlet while the other extends back to your mower. The 56-volt lithium ion battery is out of sight under the hood.

Since the mower runs on clean, electric power (via battery), the operator’s manual contains multiple pages of warnings that you wouldn’t see with a gas-powered model. For example: Don’t mow in the rain or in wet conditions. Don’t expose the tractor or handle its electrical components with wet hands. And, to reduce the risk of electric shock, avoid body contact with grounded conductors, such as metal pipes or grounded fences.

Here are others that will take some getting used to (because who doesn’t clean their mower this way?): Do not use water to clean the tractor, battery or battery charger. Also, do not use a pressure washer or garden hose to clean your tractor. These may cause damage to electric components or the electric motor.

To follow the recommended cleaning after each use, the manufacturer suggests using a dry cloth to wipe debris on or near the deck, motors and underside. In other areas, try compressed air, a leaf blower or a brush.

Even storing the mower in the off-season requires some extra thought. The owner’s manual suggests that you should not park the tractor near flammable materials, any open flames or other potential sources of ignition. It’s also recommended to give the battery a full charge before storing. Permanent damage can occur to the battery if it is kept in a discharged state.

Charging the Mower

My mower arrived about 50% charged. I’ve charged it once so far because it holds a charge for a long time and my yard is just under an acre. The owner’s manual says it will take about four hours to fully charge the battery.

The materials that come with the mower don’t suggest how long you can expect to be able to run it on a full charge. But the Craftsman website says you can expect up to 1.5 hours of runtime per charge, which could be up to 3.5 acres if you’re cutting on the highest setting at full speed.

But, similar to taking a long trip in an electric car, you don’t want to find yourself in the middle of nowhere and running out of power. It’s not like you can take the gas can out into the back forty and keep running. You’re going to need to be within reach of an outlet because the charging connector attaches right to the mower.

How We Tested It

We put the Craftsman electric lawn mower through its paces on a summer evening, after the scorching heat had subsided and the fescue grass was dry, but ready for a cut.

Backing up and then moving forward for the first time with the mower makes you feel like a student driver all over again. It’s that same feeling you experience when you first learn how to drive a car.

“Should I take my foot off the brake or ‘go for it’ and hit the accelerator?” I wondered. Turns out, with an electric mower, there’s no in-between. You can’t just ease forward as you give it a little gas. This is electric. The pedal means go and—whoosh—you go!

Electric cars can famously zip around just as fast—or faster—than their gas-guzzling counterparts. And, trust me, this electric mower does, too. It’s so peppy that it takes some getting used to. When the blade’s not moving, it very much feels like driving a fully charged golf cart.

Let’s Get Mowing!

When you’re ready to start mowing, you choose one of 12 height settings for the cutting deck. You engage the blade through a button on the vehicle control module in front of you.

Once the blade goes down, the Craftsman TurnTight actually emits the familiar sounds of a riding mower and cuts grass brilliantly, just like you’d hope. However, it’s not wildly quiet like I expected. It’s not like you’re using an electric toothbrush, after all. But Craftsman says it operates significantly quieter than its lookalike gas-powered cousin, and I believe it.

You speed through the rows and it takes care of business in record time. As you’re going along, you’re breathing in the smell of fresh cut grass—but what’s missing are the gas fumes. There’s no smell of fuel or oil burning. Yay!

The mower can really move! It’s a dream on a giant, flat patch of grass where you can set the cruise control, glide along at pace and sip a drink that you’ve stored in the cup holder. The maneuverability is great for such a big machine. When you get to the end of a row, the mower turns well and you’re quickly tackling the next lane. For reference, the cutting radius is 5 inches, which is solid for a non-zero-turn mower. The majority of regular lawn tractors have a cutting radius of about 12 inches, so this is definitely an upgrade.

Craftsman Electric Mower Tight Spaces and Slopes Performance

Things can get a little tricky in very tight spaces and on slopes, though. In the hilly area of my yard, I felt like I was on a horse with no saddle. It would be beneficial for the mower to have a seatbelt option or something that makes you feel more attached to your seat. On the slightest of slopes and on a smaller section of yard with obstacles like bushes, stumps, and trees, you’ve got to swerve and plan your next move—and the best move is to slow down and not let the mower’s ability to move fast influence your decision-making.

On the back page of the mower’s instruction book is a slope gauge diagram that you can use to judge your yard’s slope. If the slope exceeds 15 degrees (25%) as displayed on the gauge, you’re not advised to operate the tractor in that area without risking serious injury. And they really mean it! On the super-hilly area of my yard, I’ve resigned myself to having to pull out the push mower to finish the job each time. It’s just too dangerous to mow with the big riding mower.

Where the mower does well is passing over the uneven areas between the grass and pavement. Sometimes when I’m using my push mower, the blade smacks against the pavement when crossing the uneven surface. That isn’t the case with the Craftsman electric lawn mower. It adjusts itself to seamlessly move from grass to pavement, even over a very uneven section. I really like that.

Pros

• Ideal for flat yards
• Cuts like a champ
• 5-inch turning radius is great
• Environmentally friendly (doesn’t require gas or oil)
• Quieter than conventional riding mowers
• Has cruise control
• Built-in LED headlights
• Made in the USA
• 12 cutting positions
• Charges quickly
• Durably constructed
• Three-year warranty hits industry standard
• Financing is available through Lowe’s Pay

Cons

• Pricey
• Leaf bag isn’t included
• Acceleration can seem abrupt

FAQ

What is the warranty on the Craftsman electric lawn mower?

The product itself has a three-year limited warranty and the battery warranty is for four years.

Are electric mowers actually quieter than gas-powered?

In a lab environment, Craftsman tested its electric model with the 60Ah battery vs. the Craftsman T2200 gas-powered mower, and determined the electric mower to be up to 80% quieter.

Who owns Craftsman?

Stanley Black & Decker purchased the Craftsman brand name from Sears in 2017. Under the staunch Stanley Black & Decker umbrella, the Craftsman mower lineup is now part of a stable of mower models under the brand names BigDog Mower, Black+Decker, Cub Cadet, DeWalt, Hustler, Remington, Rover, Troy-Bilt and Yard Machines.

What are the best accessories to get with the electric riding mower?

If you’re looking for compatible accessories for the Craftsman electric lawn mower, here are some useful options:

• Mulch kit
• Double bagger
• Leaf collection system
• Cub Cadet hauler
• EZ Stow hauler

Final Verdict

Almost everyone has electricity and a wall outlet. Having the ability to plug in the Craftsman TurnTight mower and never worrying about oil and gas again is life changing. Just like with electric cars, the electric mower costs more to purchase up-front than a similar gas-powered model. However, you will not find it lacking performance-wise, and the convenience of never heading back to the gas station is a fantastic benefit. Throw in the fact that your new mower has lower emissions and is doing right by the environment and it’s a winner! If you have a large, mostly flat yard, this mower is an excellent choice.

Where to Buy the Craftsman Electric Lawn Mower

Ready to see what all the buzz (I’ll show myself out) is about? Shop the Craftsman TurnTight electric riding lawn mower online at Lowe’s for $4,900 to make cutting your grass a breeze.

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Shop smarter with our expert recommendations for tools, gear and money-saving deals on can’t miss DIY and home products. Sign up for the Stuff We Love newsletter.

Article source here: We Tried the Craftsman Electric Lawn Mower, a Riding Mower for Tight Spaces

4 Ways to Burglar-Proof Your Garage

Prevent Fishing

Every garage door opener has an emergency release that disconnects the door from the opener. Without it, you wouldn’t be able to open the door when the opener is on the fritz. But some clever crooks have turned this essential feature into a security risk.

“Fishing” a garage door isn’t exactly easy, and in some situations it’s almost impossible. Some openers, for example, have a release mechanism that must be pulled straight down and won’t release if the cord is tugged at an angle toward the door. Others are a bit easier to fish, especially if your garage door has a window that allows the crook to see what he’s doing.

By pushing the door inward to create a gap at the top, a crook can insert a wire hook and fish for the release. Some use a wedge to hold the gap open.

Article source here: 4 Ways to Burglar-Proof Your Garage

Does This Viral Rain Barrel Hack Really Work?

If you don’t have your rain barrels set up the right way, you’re probably searching for a solution to algae-ridden and mosquito-infested water. A lemongrass hack that’s been popular on TikTok recently might seem like a godsend.

But is it really?

My rain barrels require little maintenance, other than a good scrub with Dr. Bronner’s castile soap once a year. And I don’t need to add plants, essential oils or chemicals to keep out algae or pesky mosquitoes. But let’s examine this supposed miracle hack for keeping your rain barrels clean and free from mosquitoes, as well as some alternatives.

@saltyacresnc Lemongrass is a must have for your garden if you have a rain barrel! It helps keep your plants healthy and helps keep mosquitoes away. #gardenhack #lemongrass #rainbarrel #gardening #garden #gardenproject #gardentips #diygardening #essentialoils #farmer #plants #plantsoftitkok ♬ original sound – Salty Acres

How This Rain Barrel Hack Is Supposed to Work

The premise: Lemongrass contains citronella oil, which repels mosquitoes and kills algae — all true. At first, you might think you’ve stumbled onto a winner. At first.

However, I wouldn’t do this with my rain barrels. Introducing plant matter to a barrel of water that needs to be cleaned is not a good idea. The plant matter eventually decomposes, providing food for bacteria and other types of algae.

Plus, the root cause of your problems is still there: You still have an uncovered rain barrel full of stagnant water. And if you’re like the guy in the video, you also have a light-colored barrel prone to algae growth.

The thing is, the citronella and other volatile oils in lemongrass aren’t the potent essential oils you’re familiar with. Creating essential oils from plants requires distillation and extraction, which can’t be replicated in your rain barrel.

You also need a huge amount of plant material. Lemongrass essential oil production requires around 320 pounds of plant matter to make one pound (16 ounces) of oil, using steam distillation. A few little clippings of lemongrass added to your rain barrel won’t be terribly potent.

Alternative Methods

There are much better ways to keep rain barrels clean and free of insect pests. It really comes down to choosing the right barrel, setting it up properly and doing a little maintenance every year.

• The right barrel: Choose one that’s large and dark-colored. Darker colors block light from getting into the barrel, and algae needs light to grow. You can even set up a series of barrels connected by hoses, so that when the first one fills up, the excess water flows into the next barrel, and so on. Just make sure they’re all dark.
• Cover it up: Get a dark, tightly fitting lid. This stops animals and insects from getting in, and further blocks light to inhibit algae growth. If you’re still worried about mosquitoes, add a mosquito mesh cover underneath the lid as an extra layer of protection.
• Provide shade: If possible, position your rain barrels in the shade as much as possible. Reducing strong sunlight reduces the likelihood of algae growing in the water.
• Regular cleaning: Every year, empty your barrel and give the inside a good scrub. I use Dr. Bronner’s castile soap because it’s natural and won’t harm my plants if there’s any residue left in the barrel.

What To Do If You Already Have Problems With Your Rain Barrels

If you’ve got mosquitoes but no sign of algae, add some vegetable oil to the top of the water. It sounds weird, but it’s no weirder than adding lemongrass, and this is more effective.

The oil sits on the top of the water, creating a barrier the mosquitoes can’t penetrate to lay their eggs. And if you’ve already got eggs, larvae, or nymphs in your barrel, adding this layer of oil suffocates them and blocks oxygen transfer, too. Then cover the barrel so no more insects can get in.

If you’ve got a little algae and act quickly, adding a cup of vinegar to the water, then covering the barrel, can kill it and prevent regrowth. It will also help control the mosquitoes.

However, if the problem is more extensive, you’ll need to empty the barrel and give it a thorough cleaning. Scrub the inside with a mix of Dr. Bronner’s castile soap and vinegar. Then rinse with plenty of hot water and reset your barrel correctly, as above.

And remember: If you’re harvesting water from your roof, even with gutter guards, some debris will likely make it through into the barrel. While small amounts of debris, bird droppings and even small drowned rodents quickly break down in the water and aren’t really a problem, large amounts will cause issues over time. So annual cleaning makes the most sense.

The Verdict

I wouldn’t recommend the lemongrass-in-the-rain-barrel hack. There are more effective methods to resolve the problem and prevent future ones, none requiring a huge amount of effort. Stick to keeping your barrel in good condition, positioning it in the shade, and doing a little yearly maintenance.

Article source here: Does This Viral Rain Barrel Hack Really Work?

What To Know About Growing Sunflowers From Seeds

I once planted a flower bed with only sunflowers, choosing 10 varieties with varying heights and colors. It was quite a stunning garden, attracting pollinators first, then birds and squirrels when the seeds ripened.

Choosing the Best Type of Sunflowers for Your Yard

Sunflowers come in various heights, bloom sizes and colors, all easy to grow from seed. Some sunflowers to consider include:

• Mammoth Grey Stripe: The classic, with a big yellow flower on top of a nine-to-12-foot-tall stem.
• Teddy Bear: Grows only three to four feet tall, with big double flowers resembling pom-poms.
• Chocolate Cherry: Grows six to seven feet tall with dark reddish brown flowers.
• Sunray Yellow Hybrid: Great for containers, this tops out at 18 inches or so, with several branches and lots of blooms.
• Ring of Fire: Bi-colored petals are red closer to the center and yellow on the tips, on five-foot stems.

When choosing sunflower varieties for your garden, remember taller varieties may need to be staked.

Planting Sunflower Seeds

Sunflower seeds are readily available. You can pick up a packet of seeds for just a few dollars at most garden centers. I’ve even gotten free sunflower seeds from my local library’s seed library.

When To Plant Sunflower Seeds

Plant in the spring once your garden is frost-free. Sunflowers will not tolerate frost and germinate best in warmer soils, so don’t jump the gun.

In areas of the country that don’t get frost, sunflowers are still generally grown from spring through summer.

If you’re concerned you don’t have a long enough growing season for sunflowers to bloom, check the seed packet to see how long on average it takes that variety to flower. If the number of days is shorter than your growing season, start seeds indoors a few weeks before your frost-free date.

How To Plant Sunflower Seeds

Sowing seeds directly in the garden

Sunflowers don’t like to be disturbed, so it’s best to leave them where you sow them.

• Cultivate the soil a few inches deep and remove weeds.
• Sow seeds at the depth and spacing noted on the seed packet. If there are no instructions, plant about an inch deep.
• Sow two or three seeds together, then thin to one seedling once the second set of leaves develops. Be careful not to disturb the roots when removing the extra seedlings. (To prevent this, I cut off extra seedlings instead of pulling them out.)

Sowing seeds indoors

Here’s how to start them:

• Plant two or three seeds in biodegradable pots with a seed starting mix.
• Keep soil evenly moist until seeds germinate.
• Thin out to one seedling per pot once seedlings begin to develop a second set of leaves.
• Keep seedlings under lights or near a bright window to avoid getting too leggy.
• Harden off seedlings before planting them outside.
• Plant in full sun and space them as far apart as instructed on the seed packet.

Whether starting seeds indoors or directly in the garden, choose a location with well-drained soil and full sun. Tall sunflowers can create a lot of shade, so plant them on the north side of full-sun flower beds to avoid shading out other flowers.

Sunflower Care

Watering

Sunflowers grow well with about an inch of rain a week, from rain or supplemental watering.

Thinning

Overcrowded sunflowers won’t grow as well, so space seedlings out as directed on the packet. Some smaller sunflowers may grow well a foot apart. Larger sunflowers will need up to two feet between them.

Staking

If you often experience strong winds or storms, consider staking taller varieties of sunflowers to give them extra support. Put stakes in place before planting to avoid disturbing the seedlings later. Tie stems to stakes for support.

Fertilizing

Sunflowers can benefit from additional fertilizer, especially if grown in a container. Use a general purpose fertilizer and follow the instructions on the label.

Controlling pests and diseases

Sunflowers don’t get too many pests or diseases, though rabbits or birds may eat new seedlings as they emerge. If this is a problem in your garden, start seedlings indoors. Once planted in the garden, protect seedlings with a row covering until they’ve grown larger than the edible stage.

Harvesting Sunflower Seeds

You can harvest sunflower seeds for bird or squirrel feed, or to eat yourself. Although technically all sunflower seeds are edible, we mostly eat the seeds from Helianthus annuus, the common sunflower.

When the flower head droops and the back of the flower turns yellow, the seeds are usually dry enough to harvest. If you’re concerned about birds getting to the seeds first, cover the flower head with cheesecloth or a paper bag. Or cut the flowers off, leaving a one-foot stem, and hang them where they can finish drying.

Check your local cooperative extension service for instructions on how to roast sunflower seeds, or use this information from Kansas State Research and Extension.

Article source here: What To Know About Growing Sunflowers From Seeds