Grow: Tools

Classic Reel Lawn Mower

You're the engine with the classic push mower, but this 30-pound machine is remarkably easy to propel providing you cut your grass regularly. The mower has a 20-inch cutting width (the same as most power mowers) and allows you to adjust your cutting height easily between 1 and 3 inches. Dual tracking wheels at the back of the mower aid maneuverability. The reel's five heat-treated blades provide a crisp cut and require only occasional sharpening. Plus, you'll be doing your neighborhood a favor because, perhaps best of all, there's no noise and no exhaust. Available from retailers nationwide and on the Internet starting around $200.

Hand-operated Lawn Aerator

This lawn-aerating apparatus is about as simple as it looks: You step on it and it takes two 4-inch plugs from your lawn. Great for reaching the tight spots a large aerating machine can't get to. Use it especially when your turf has become compacted from heavy traffic or hard and dry from drought. It rejuvenates your lawn by letting air, water and nutrients better reach the grass roots below. Steel construction ensures longevity. Lawn aerators take many forms (including spike attachments for your shoes!), but the model we used on the show is a standard available from retailers nationwide and on the Internet for around $25.

Gas-powered Aerator

For a quicker job on large lawn areas, a gas-powered aerating machine does the trick. Chances are you'll have no need to buy one of your own, and most big garden and landscaping centers will have one or more available for rent. This aerator takes lots of plugs from the lawn as you roll it along, leaving the cores behind to mulch back in to your grass. Bear in mind that the machine is quite heavy and a little difficult to turn, but it moves fast and is the only real choice if you have a large area to cover.