Harbor Freight Tools Father’s Day Gift Guide
Ah, Dad... He's the guy who taught you how to hammer a nail, ride a bike, catch a fish and belch like a man. When he came home from work, he'd give you that bear hug, smelling like cold air and Old Spice, his five o'clock shadow bristling against your baby-butt-smooth cheek, and you loved it. He was the soft touch when it was time to go to bed, but you needed just a little more TV time... and when you went to bed, he could throw you up in the air like you were flying! He knew how to make your mom laugh like no one else, and he knew how to make the perfect pancakes on Sunday morning.
Father's Day is the day we get to thank Dad for all of it-- for making our childhood more magical, and for making us feel special when he took the time to do things with us. Harbor Freight understands what dads like, and he knows how you can thank them, too. All you have to do is visit the website and you'll know why it's their favorite toy store. So to help make the decision of what to get him easier, here are 10 popular items currently on sale at Harbor Freight Tools, any of which that will make him smile:
1. Drill Master 3/8" 18 Volt Cordless Drill/Driver with Keyless Chuck #68239
This Harbor Freight favorite is a great general-purpose drill; home use, furniture building, etc. The keyless chuck is tight, the power is strong, and users love the LED light! This high performance cordless drill driver has 21 torque clutch settings to handle a variety of chores around the house and garage. It includes an electric brake and the battery is interchangeable with other 18-volt Drill Master tools. For sale at $18.99, it would cost more to buy a new battery for any other drill! In fact, pick up a Drill Master 18V NiCd Replacement Battery along with it, so when Dad's on a roll, he'll never have to stop to charge!
2. Pittsburgh Automotive Pneumatic Adjustable Roller Seat #46319
What a great idea to save the back and knees! With a thick cushion, integrated easy-to-reach storage tray and a 15" to 20" lift range, this pneumatic adjustable roller seat is as practical as it is comfortable. Non-marring casters allows for smooth mobility while the 360 degree swivel seat and one-hand height adjustment lever let Dad get into the perfect position for whatever he's doing. Whether it's working on a bicycle, motorcycle, washing and waxing the car, lug nuts, changing brakes, wheel bearings, painting low cabinets, etc., he'll be quietly thanking you again and again while he's relaxing on his roller seat. At just $22.99, this is the ticket!
3. Pittsburgh 22-Piece Fully-Polished SAE and Metric Combination Wrench Set #47467
The legendary Pittsburgh 22-piece combination wrench set from Harbor Freight includes 11 of the most widely used SAE wrench sizes and 11 of the most popular metric sizes to accommodate almost any wrenching moment. Fully polished, they're made of chrome vanadium steel and a chrome plate finish for added durability, and come with an organized portable storage rack for quick access. This wrench set is great for everything from around the house to auto work-- even working on trucks, trailers, tractors and farm equipment! And at just $16.99, everyone should have a set of these! And did I mention the lifetime warranty? This set of wrenches is awesome!
4. Pittsburgh 21 Piece High Visibility 3/8" Drive SAE/Metric Socket Set #67900
A good socket set makes your life so much easier. How about a great socket set? Well, now you're talking! The wrenches in the Pittsburgh professional-quality set are constructed of rugged chrome vanadium are triple-chrome-plated. They also come with high visibility markings for quick and easy socket selection, a quick-release ratchet with reversible 72-tooth gearing and a comfy cushion grip. An awesome set, believe me, and it beats paying hundreds for those big name brand sets off the tool trucks. And, of course, it's got that lifetime warranty! Pick up a set (or two!) for just $14.99.
5. Pittsburgh 60 Piece Alloy Steel SAE/Metric Tap & Die Set #35407
And while we're talking about incredible deals on hand tools, what do you get the man who's got all the wrenches and sockets he'll ever need (like that's going to happen)? Why, a Pittsburgh 60-pc. SAE-metric tap & die set, of course! Thread and bore taps like a pro with this tap and die set! This tap and die set will perform-- and out-perform!-- other tool & die sets that cost ten times as much. Each tap and die is constructed of long-lasting alloy steel and the sizes are embedded in, not printed on, the surfaces. This set will cover most all Dad's tap and die needs and, in no time, it'll become his go-to tool for creating and repairing his own screws and bolts. For the home workshop and auto shop; thread plastic, wood, brass, and even plate steel-- everything from an aluminum frame to a hardened steel bumper! Tell Dad to keep them oiled and they'll last him a lifetime-- which, it just so happens, is how long the warranty lasts. Only $29.99 at Harbor Freight.
6. Chicago Electric 4" Angle Grinder #91222
Dad will save time and hacksaw blades with this angle grinder. This lightweight grinder is powerful and easy to operate while he's cutting or shaping a brick walkway, cutting steel bolts, rebar, masonry, plaster, copper or galvanized pipe. or grinding welds, removing rust, removing bolts, sharpening sections on blades like sickle bars, etc. This grinder’s 4.5 amp ball-bearing mount motor delivers 11,000 RPMs for fast stock removal. It also has a spindle lock for fast and easy wheel changes, easy access brushes, a removable side handle, an easy-to-replace carbon brush and aluminum gear housing. Included with the grider are a 4" grinding wheel, arbor wrenches and a 7/8" arbor adapter. Other cutting blades sold separately. An incredible price at $19.99!
7. Cen-Tech 3-In-1 Jump Starter and Power Supply #38391
The car battery on Dad's old Crown Vic been dead for months? No problem! This jump starter will easily jump-start nearly any weak or dead 12-volt car battery. Tell him to throw it in the trunk and never worry about getting stuck somewhere again. The #4 industrial copper booster cables include durable alligator clips that can easily attach to any car battery, and the jumper's got a built-in 3.6 watt light to illuminate his sight under the hood, making this a perfect jump companion to have on the road! It also comes with an invaluable power supply for electrical equipment in case of an emergency, such as a C-PAP, spotlight, air pump, etc. The Cen-Tech jump starter/power supply has an automatic cutoff to prevent overcharging, a charge/battery level indicator, and an easy-to-read battery indicator. And before he can say, "What are you, a Rockefeller?" tell him, "Dad, relax. It was only $42.99 at Harbor Freight!"
8. Central Machinery 1-Ton Chain Hoist #996
This hoist lifts loads up to 10 feet high easily, thanks to its sturdy, hardened steel chain. The strength of this hoist can lift up to 2,000 lbs. hassle-free and includes a mechanical load brake to give operator more control when lifting or spotting. Works wonderfully with a gantry or I-beam. Dad can use it for lifting and swapping out engines and trannies like they're not even there-- for a lot less than an engine lift!-- hoist motorcycles for chain and other maintenance, lift the front of a tractor or heavy-duty truck for tire repair, etc. Rugged and reliable, this chain hoist is ideal for heavy loads at the auto repair shop or industrial warehouse. This jewel works as smooth as silk., and for only $44.99, is worth every penny. He'll love it!
9. Predator 420cc, 5500 Watts Max/5500 Watts Rated Portable Generator #68529, #68526
Powered with a reliable Predator engine, this portable generator is ideal for emergencies, job-site use, recreation, family reunions, heating and cooling. The generator features a 420cc air-cooled OHV gas engine, a low oil indicator, UL-listed circuit breaker and 11 hours run-time at 50% capacity. With a heavy-duty steel roll cage for protection, this is the ideal portable generator for powering countless electronics, appliances and tools! And if Dad's left without power after a storm or other occurrence, this will keep him going with whatever he needs to power. On sale for Father's Day at $469.99, the 5500 watt generator comes in a standard and California-certified model.
10. Harbor Freight Tools Gift Cards
The ultimate go-to Father's Day present when you don't know WHAT'S going on in Dad's head! He'll appreciate this 'cause he gets to choose exactly what's he's had his eye on. You can even have it sent directly to him if you order online; just enter his mailing information on the Shipping Address page. Harbor Freight has gift cards for $10, $25, $50, $75, $100 and $500!
So, take some time and check out these and other tremendous Father's Day deals at Harbor Freight Tools. And when you give your gift to your dad, mention something about those childhood memories, and thank him. Chances are, that's the best present you could have given him. The tools don't hurt, though.
It’s Water a Flower Day!
I was walking our dog, Archibald Cortez, this morning and, of course, the neighborhood ladies were out in force, speed walking and jogging on the paseos. At one point, when AC paused, having found some territory to mark, I spotted a woman, who was speed-pushing a stroller and sipping on a water bottle, stop and pour some water on a lone flower that was residing away from the others. She saw me looking and smiled.
"Happy Water a Flower Day!" she said brightly. I think I muttered, "Yeah, you too," and she was off.
I thought she was just joking around, but after I got home I Googled it and, sure enough, today is Water a Flower Day (it's also National Mint Julep Day. Mint juleps were selling for $1,000 apiece at the Kentucky Derby on May 3, but I opted instead for National Have A Coke Day on May 8 'cause Circle K sells the 44-oz-ers for 89 cents... yeah, I'm that cheap).
We live in the high desert area, so summers are brutal on our flowers and we have to be extra-vigilant keeping them hydrated. And, unfortunately, summer came early this year, so it's off to Harbor Freight to pick up a few items to help us out:
The seeper hose can be one of your best friends in the garden. It's the ideal way to irrigate. It kind of reminds me of a battery float charger. The One Stop Gardens 50 Ft. 3/4" Flat Seeper Soaker Hose lays flat on the the ground and "weeps" water for maximum irrigation by soaking the roots directly, so it won't damage plants. Designed with a heavy-duty woven nylon sleeve for ultimate durability, this tough "trickler" features a standard 3/4" thread that attaches to most outdoor faucet connections. It's especially a great asset if you live in an area with tight water restrictions. Harbor Freight price, just $9.99!
For potted plants and other areas where the seeper soaker doesn't help, one of those nozzle things is really handy. Harbor Freight's got a number of them, but for now, let me talk about three of them:
One Stop Gardens has an extremely versatile Six Pattern Trigger Spray Nozzle that will pretty much cover all your lawn & garden watering applications-- and more! Clean your car, water your plants or give your pets a bath with this all-purpose water trigger (Archibald Cortez sure digs it... OK, he tolerates it). The spray nozzle features jet, flat spray, shower, angle spray, mist and soaker patterns to handle a wide range of watering, washing and cleaning jobs. The nozzle is constructed of durable zinc and polypropylene and will deliver many-a-summer of service. Now just $4.99.
A whole different approach to aquatic distribution is the One Stop Gardens Super Deluxe Hose Nozzle, a testosterone-injected weapon of mass-hydration. It lets you easily adjust the right amount of pressure and spray needed for whatever task you've got in front of you, be it the rose garden or the rain gutters. The nozzle fits any garden-variety garden hose and adjusts from a powerful jet stream to blast away dirt and debris, to a soft, cascading spray for watering your plants. Made of solid brass, this hose nozzle won’t break and features a rubberized coating that won’t scratch the car if you're using it to wash it. A real deal at $7.99!
It might be a little Old School, but you can't take away the coolness of the classic Brass Garden Hose Nozzle. This 4" brass nozzle fits any standard garden hose to make watering the flowers or hosing down rugrats easier than ever! With just a subtle twist, you can change the spray patterns from a powerful stream to a soft mist for watering flowers and plants. A great addition to the garden at just $2.99!
I know what you're thinking. All this flower watering, but only one spicket, right? Well, Harbor Freight's got you covered there as well. Check out the One Stop Gardens 4-in-1 Brass Faucet Expander, a nifty four-way faucet splitter that allows you to connect four hoses to one faucet. Made of tough, durable brass, the faucet expander comes with a nice, big grip to attach to the faucet and features individual stainless steel valves for each hose that can be controlled independently! Only $9.99.
These and other really helpful garden tools and accessories can be found your local Harbor Freight Tools, and at www.harborfreight.com. And don't forget your 20% Off Coupon for even greater savings!
In the meantime, take some time and stroll the neighborhood; chances are you'll spot a lone flower looking for a little water and some love.
Get On Your Bikes and Ride!
Coveting my ride, aren't you? It's been with me since '72, and I still get looks... especially when I do my wicked jumps and wheelies. That's right, kid, the classics never die.
It's National Bike Week! Which means... what? It's time to kick a stand! Get out on the open road, weave around and startle pedestrians, water pistol chasing dogs, you know... good times! So, get your home "bike-friendly" with some cool deals from Harbor Freight Tools:
First, the bike's been sitting there for a long time, the tires are probably low. Forget those ripoff artist gas station bozos who want to charge a buck for some air-- air!--here's a great, little compressor that'll keep you on the road: The Pittsburgh Automotive 12 Volt, 100 PSI High Volume Air Compressor. You'll get all the air you need when you need it with this little, high-volume compressor. It'll fully inflate your bike tires quickly-- as well as ATV, mower rider, motorcycle and car-- and its lightweight, portable design and handy carry bag make it easy to use at home or store in your vehicle. Features include rubber feet for less vibration, a gearless direct drive for reduced noise, and a cast alloy air pump casing with cooling fins. For only $25.99, you can afford to salute the gas station any way you'd like as you coast by.
When in pursuit of distant bike paths (where nobody knows you-- who picked out those bike shorts, anyway?), you'll need a sturdy, reliable bike rack. Harbor Freight's got a worthy one, a Two-Bike Rack That you Mount to Your Hitch. This type is really the ideal way to get your bike around with ease and safety. This rack includes thermoplastic bike holders with four hook-and-loop straps, and a pinch hitch pin to keep your bikes safe and not bouncing and swaying around like Jack Sparrow in a sword fight. Also, the handy swing-down feature gives hassle-free access to any rear hatch or tailgate. The bike rack will fit both 1-1/4" and 2" hitch mount receivers. Just $39.99 at Harbor Freight.
One of the first rules of the road you learn is that the streets are full of boneheads. Which means, it pays to be extra careful and make sure everybody knows you're there. Be smart and pick up a couple of Red LED Bicycle Taillights for you and your riding companion. This taillight's got FOUR attention-getting LEDs for high visibility on those crazy roads. The compact light also has three different flashing modes and can adjust up and down 160 degrees. It's spray resistant and includes two AAA batteries. At $4.99 a pop, I can't believe I'm still here pitching you.
At the end of the day, when it's time to stable your stallion, don't just lean it against the wall-- put it away proper, out of the way of clumsy, stumbling feet. Harbor Freight's got a couple of solutions for that, too:
Probably the best return for $8.99 you'll ever spend on your bike is on the innovative Bicycle Lift at HFT. Using a unique pulley-locking mechanism, the bicycle lift quickly hoists your bike for easy storage, giving you extra space in your garage, apartment or dorm. Mounting hardware and a 46 ft. nylon rope are included, and setting this thing up couldn’t be easier. Perfect for saving your bike from scratches!
Or, if you've got a sizable brood to accommodate, check out the nifty Cycle Tree Compact Bike Storage. You can store up to six bikes in only four feet of space! The cycle tree is made of durable, yet lightweight, steel construction and rides on swivel casters for easy maneuverability around the garage. This is the perfect bike storage for every member of the family without taking up a lot space in your garage! On sale for $39.99 at Harbor Freight.
And don't forget to clip your Harbor Freight Tools 20% Off Coupon, where the ridiculous savings get really absurd!
In the meantime, have a great National Bike Week. Have fun, ride smart, be safe... and don't forget the water pistols!
Dear Mom: For Your Special Day
Oh. Mom, you really do it all-- and we'd do anything for you!
❤ We'd reach into a honey badger's den to fetch your cell phone.
❤ We'd take you to a Nicholas Sparks movie when (not 'if') Dad is suddenly struck with a mysterious bug.
❤ We'd do your shopping and even pick up the stuff you get in the aisle with all those pink boxes.
❤ We'd tell you we love the Tuna Helper, made with spreadable meat 'cause you were out of tuna. Every time.
❤ We'd even re-enact our kindergarten performance of "I'm a Little Teapot" for you and your friends at the church ladies' luncheon.
❤ But, most of all... we'd go to Harbor Freight Tools for you!
What do you have planned for your mom this year? Nuts n' chews??! Actually, that's not bad... but it's not enough! Head out to your local Harbor Freight and take advantage of great deals geared for Mom's special day. Click the image below and see what we're talking about!
CLICK HERE!
When Welders Bond
April is National Welding Month. This is a really special time. It's when grown men convene to talk openly about "bird poop," "fish eyes" and "wetting out"-- and arguing about who's more "golden from the shoulder to the holder." One cannot help but be drawn to such stout-hearted bonding... which is why it's a great time to take advantage of the welding supply deals currently running at Harbor Freight Tools.
Like, for example, the Chicago Electric 90 Amp Flux Wire Welder. A sweet acquisition for those looking to get into welding without dropping a big chunk o' change-- now, for a limited time, only $99.99 with coupon! Build or repair a boat trailer, create an anchor, a 55-gal drum BBQ, a bullet catcher box for a .22... fix an ATV snow plow skid plate or broken exhaust pipe... do some light body work or make a trellis for the garden-- this baby won't quit! And it will pay for itself in no time!
This 90-amp flux core arc welder's got the functionality of a MIG welder without the hassle of using gas. Rather, it's designed to use self-shielding flux-cored welding wire, which means set-up and use are easy. It comes with variable speed wire control, thermal overload protection and works on a myriad of metals (excluding aluminum and stainless steel).
And while you're pulling together your welding equipment, make sure you pick up a Chicago Electric MIG - Flux Welding Cart. This is a favorite among HFT customers, and it'll take no time for you to become a member of the fan club. First of all, Harbor Freight's welding cart is nearly identical to others on the market that sell for a whole lot more. Conservatively rated at 100 lbs., this cart will handle your welder and gear with agility and smooth maneuverability on your shop floor. A tilted top shelf provides easy access to the controls, and the bottom shelf gives you a lot of storage space. This welding cart features a heavy-duty steel construction, and a powder coat finish for ultra durability, making it perfect for novice and pro welder alike-- and this month it's on sale for only $39.99 with coupon!
Meanwhile, get maximum protection from the Chicago Electric Auto-Darkening Welding Helmet with Blue Flame Design (not that the blue flame offers any additional protection, but it looks wicked cool to envious friends and passers-by).
This lightweight and sturdy welder's helmet features a superior auto-darkening mask lens that makes operating your arc, MIG or TIG welding safe and clear. Plus, that auto-darkening lens measures a generous 3-7/8" x 1-5/8" wide to give you a full view of your work. It comes with a ratcheting helmet headband and padded interior for a comfortable fit, and as I said, the cool design will make you want to hum the Mission:Impossible theme every time you stoke up the welder.
You'll be amazed at how fast it darkens and lightens. You can weld, chip slag and grind without ever touching your helmet, or take it off and put goggles on. And now, for a limited time, you can pick up one of these most excellent welding helmets for only $39.99 with coupon! That's a deal at twice the price!
Finally, if you're an armchair hobbyist, or only anticipate the occasional cutting or welding jobs, I submit to you one of the welder's favorite tools-- the Chicago Electric Oxygen And Acetylene Welding Kit. Here's a complete welding kit that handles a broad range of cutting, welding and heating applications. The kit comes complete with oxygen and acetylene hoses, welding nozzle, cutting tip, cutting attachment, goggles, torch handle with built-in flashback arrestors and check valves, tip cleaners and striker-- all packed in a heavy-duty storage case! With this kit you can be nearly prepared for everything. This is a PERFECT GIFT for that welder in your circle-- versatile, portable AND affordable at only $129.99!
Celebrate National Welding Month with these and other great welding supply buys at Harbor Freight Tools!
Hot Bike Review: The US General 5-Drawer Tool Cart
If there was a category for "Single-Most-Loved Product" at Harbor Freight Tools, the US General tool cabinets and carts would probably be in a tight group, a length ahead of all the others. Be it the insanely popular 44" 13-Drawer Tool Cabinet, the mammoth 56" 11-Drawer Industrial Rolling Cabinet or the economical, yet rugged, 4-Drawer Tool Cart, the US General tool chests have amassed a ton of rave reviews-- both for the quality and the value.
Which is why it's no surprise to see the way-thumbs-up review of the 700-lb. Capacity 5-Drawer Tool Cart in the May 2013 issue of Hot Bike (this issue can be found in magazine stands but is not, as of this writing, online). Same beautiful fire-engine red as the other models, the rugged all-steel, 5-drawer tool cart is the ideal choice for the wrencher with just enough-- but not too many-- tools. As pointed out by Hot Bike writer, Jeff G. Holt, in the Used and Abused column:
"This all-steel 120-pound tool cart is a great place to store a myriad of tools for not a lot of money. This bright-red powder-coated rollaway is constructed (of) 14-gauge steel and can hold up to 700 pounds worth of stuff."
Jeff wasn't a pushover for just any pretty face, though. He put the baby to work immediately.
"Sure, that is all well and good, but for a cabinet such as this, with a rather low price tag, I was worried about things like the drawers opening smoothly and other quality-related issues. Once I freed it from its shipping box, I assembled it (it took less than a half hour) and loaded it full of my wayward tools and was able to put it to the test. The ball-bearing rails on each of the drawers worked smoothly and they even had a locking lever per drawer like only the carts costing three times the price usually possess. The key-controlled locking mechanism on the top of the cart also worked flawlessly, which is truly a feat for something of this price. When fully loaded, this cart rolled around freely due to the two fixed and two swiveling locking casters. It even did so on chunky asphalt."
Sounds like a winner. But, how about down the road? Did the tool cart stand the test of time?
"After throwing tools in and out of the cart for almost a year now, I have been pretty impressed with the quality construction and ease of use. The only problem I am currently having with it is that I am running out of room and I'll need to switch to a larger storage system. If you are looking for a rolling workstation such as this, don't let the low price keep you away, buy this and save a couple hundred dollars over the competition."
A larger storage system? Harbor Freight can do that. Or, how about just getting a second tried-and-true 5-drawer tool cart? You can find the 700-lb.Capacity 5-Drawer Tool Cart at your local Harbor Freight, or online, for a low $199.99-- or $169.99 with coupon! Girls on Hot Bike magazine cover not included.
Garage Cleaning Pt. 1 – Getting the Toys Ready
Now that the weather's getting nicer, step outside and take inventory of your outdoor toys: lawn mower, ATVs, bikes, motorcycles, dirt bikes... not a pretty picture, is it? The tires are flat, they're dead as doornails and they've got a film of filth accumulated from four months of neglect (and maybe even some left over from last year's use).
Time to get in gear, son. Here are a few tools from Harbor Freight that'll jump start your spring and summer, and get your wheels back on track:
First of all, let's put some air back in those tires. For that-- as well as other light air tool jobs around the garage-- I recommend the Central Pneumatic 3-Gall Oilless Air Compressor #95275. Equipped in a compact 1/3-gallon tank, the compressor puts out a capable 100 PSI, plenty for brad nailing, stapling, inflating or air brushing. It includes a quick connect coupler, and features easy-to-read gauges and thermal overload protection. Easily stored in the trunk of any vehicle, this compressor is a portable and hassle-free light duty air supply. And at $59.99 ($49.99 with coupon 'til the end of March!), it will have paid for itself, saving you from all those trips to the gas station where they charge you a buck a pop!
Next, blast the dirt, dust and grime off your mower, ATVs and bicycles with the Pacific Hydrostar 1650 PSI Electric Pressure Washer #69488. This is a great pressure cleaner for any auto garage or shop. Capable of up to 1,650 PSI, it can be employed to power-clean your walls, yard equipment, RV, boat, and vehicles easily. We like using it on the exterior siding, molding and getting rid of wasp nests. Lightweight and portable, it features a 13' pressure hose that can reach the tougher areas, and 5" diameter wheels for smooth transport. The nozzle is also adjustable for wide spraying or tight, concentrated streams, which is great when you need lighter or harder pressure. Add Harbor Freight's powerful Degreaser Concentrate and use it to power wash your greasy, grimy, cobweb-covered BBQ grill as well. Normally priced at $99.99, but now 'til the end of March, you can pick up one of these babies for just $89.99 with coupon!
Chances are, after being dormant for several months, some of your engines will need defibrillation. This is where the Chicago Electric Battery Charger and Engine Starter #66783 comes in. Imagine the rush of godlike power as you connect the positive and negative clamps to your dead mower, and with a maniacal laugh, yell "Clear!" and hit the ignition, bringing your creature back to life. The 10-amp charger setting on this unit recharges vehicle batteries in just 3-5 hours. The 2-amp trickle function maintains the charge when the battery is not being used, while the 55-amp setting provides a boost of added cranking power for autos in emergency situations. The battery charger includes battery leads and clamps to help you get back on the lawn, water, dirt and road quickly. Priced at $49.99, the battery charger and engine starter will pay for itself over and over again!
Now that you've finished moving all your machines outside and ready for action, it's time to turn your attention to the garage itself. Tune in next time when we address getting the garage/shop cleaned, organized and ready for all your projects in 2013!
Start Seeding In Your Greenhouse!
Ah, Spring-- I love it! It means I get to stoke up the barbecue, tinker outside, go to the range, wear my camo cargo shorts on weekends. The wife loves it 'cause she can get me to shovel bull manure (I wish that was a metaphor, folks).
Seriously, she loves her gardening, so that's why I'm getting her a One Stop Gardens 10' x 12' Greenhouse for her birthday. At first I didn't see the point of a greenhouse. I mean, we live in California, right? Swimming pools, movie stars, oranges the size of heads. But then she (kinda) patiently explained it to me, and I, of course (kinda) patiently listened... the greenhouse is an awesome addition to the home for a number of reasons:
- Germination - The greenhouse absorbs the sun and has a warmer environment. You can control the temperature during cold weather months and start seeding herbs, veggies, fruit, etc., much earlier. And, when it gets hot outside, put a tarp over it to keep the temp down.
- Control bugs, birds, etc. - The bugs start coming out in March, and they go right for the seeds. So do the birds. Greenfly, whitefly and red spider mites are particularly pesty. With a greenhouse, you can keep them out.
- Extending your growing season - Whatever part of the country you're in, you can squeeze out at least a few more months of gardening with your greenhouse-- and in some parts (like California) you can do it year-round! Also, during mild and warmer months, your plant life will grow faster in the controlled environment.
- Grow plants and foods you otherwise can't - With your own greenhouse, growing bananas or other tropical plants and fruits is suddenly an option!
- Hours of additional "green thumb therapy" - For those who find joy and peace dwelling in the dirt.
So, I guess having a greenhouse makes sense. And if I get it before the end of March, I can have it for the low price of $549.99 online with this coupon! Just click on the image and, at the checkout, punch in code "40956090" for this great price!
Click Here
The wife also told me to pick up the...
You ask me, she's pushing it. Oh, OK... I'm turning it over to the missus now 'cause she has some Spring gardening tips to add and apparently I'm incapable of doing it myself:
Hello, everyone, and Happy Spring! March is the beginning of spring gardening, so this is the perfect time to get moving. Most bedding and potted plants grow pretty well in the One Stop Gardens 10' x 12' Greenhouse. Some seeds like tomato, melon, and cucumber need extra warmth, while others such as antirrhinum, lobelia, and petunia don't. If you have seedlings from last year, now is the time to transplant them into to bigger pots, and established plants will start growing faster, so watering's going to be needed on a more regular basis. Start feeding the growing plants liquid fertilizer (don't overfeed young plants), preferably with a higher percentage of nitrogen to phosphate, and potash for leaf growth. Flowering plants also need a fertilizer that's high in potash. This will increase flowering as opposed to leaf growth.
STARTING YOUR SEEDS
1. Do not open the seed packet until you are ready to plant.
2. Use a container with drainage. Avoid wooden trays as they accommodate disease organisms. Plastic is your best option.
3. Fill your container with compost or place directly in growing medium. The surface should be about 1" below the top of the container. The surface should be moist but not wet; sprinkle it with water the day before sowing. Scatter the seeds thinly over the surface (or larger seeds can be planted in rows).
4. Seeds should be covered with planting material according to the directions on your seed packet (usually you will leave the finer seeds uncovered). Gently firm the soil surface. Most, but not all, seeds need darkness to germinate. Cover your seeds with either a black plastic bag or a brown paper bag and place in your greenhouse for warmth. This excludes the seeds that need light to germinate such as Begonia, Mimulus and Alyssum.
5. Most seeds need to maintain a temperature between 65-70F degrees, but you should germinate the seed at a temperature 10 degrees higher than the recommended temperature for growing the plant.
6. Once the seedlings break through the surface, remove the brown paper bag or black plastic, but then you may want to cover it with a piece of clear plastic for extra warmth and moisture. Never let the compost or planting medium dry out; use a fine mist to keep it watered.
7. Once the first set of true leaves has opened, transplant the seedlings to trays or small pots with multipurpose compost (set the seedlings so the leaves are just above the soil surface). Handle the plants by the leaves, never the stems. Set the seedlings 1-1 1/2" apart and water as necessary, keeping the temperatures between 50-55F degrees.
8. Seedlings that will be going outside must be hardened off to prepare them for the garden. You should move them to the coldest part of the greenhouse and then to a cold frame. Also, set the plants outside during the day for a few days before planting them in the garden.
For more great deals on Gardening Supplies, visit Harbor Freight Tools today!
Harbor Freight Tool Cabinet Coupons –
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WHAT??!
Harbor Freight NEVER has coupons for their tool carts or tool cabinets! And yet, here they are-- coupons for the US General 5-Drawer Rolling Tool Cart, the 4-Drawer Rolling Tool Cart, the 11-Drawer Rolling Tool Cabinet and the small Locking Drawer Tool Cart. These deals are good 'til March 17, so take advantage of them NOW-- along with tons of other deals!
Daylight Savings Solar Deals
You work hard to keep your yard looking beautiful. From adding fresh soil, to fertilizing and enriching, to seeding and watering, a lot goes into creating the yard and garden you want to show off. But, why only get to do it half the day? As you prepare your gardens for the approaching warm weather, there's an easy way to show them off at night as well, with sun-powered solar lights from Harbor Freight!
3-Pc. Decorative Solar Light Set
It's the little things, as they say. This Decorative 3-Piece Solar Light Set from One-Stop Gardens is a genuine crowd-pleaser, and one of the biggest best-sellers at HFT! This cool, little light set is the perfect addition to your yard, garden, flower pots, etc., and costs nothing to operate! As soon as it gets dark, the color-changing LEDs inside the transparent hummingbird, butterfly and dragonfly start turning from red to green to blue. How it works is, a 1-3/4"-square solar panel hangs from each stake and charges built-in AA NiCd batteries from the sun, so once dusk comes, these solar lights automatically illuminate your yard with changing colors that give off a magical effect. Currently on sale at $14.29, they're affordable enough to get a few sets and spread them throughout the property!
4-pc. Solar Light Set
Illuminate your walkway, driveway, shrubbery or garden with this super-bright, long-lasting 4-pc. Solar Light Set. These efficient lights charge in the daytime, giving up to 8 hours of pleasant, inviting light at night. Easy to install-- simple assembly and they're on!-- the rugged, weatherproof light set automatically turns on and off as illumination is needed, and is completely maintenance-free. Even after cloudy days, they'll deliver the illumination you need. It's a great deal at $11.99-- you'll want to get more than one of these sets, too!
10-pc. Solar Pathway Light Set
Speaking of lighting up the pathway, One Stop Garden's got a dandy 10-piece Stainless Steel Solar Light Set that's specifically made for just that. Use the sun's energy to light your walkway in the yard, patio or garden with these long-lasting, bright white LED lamps. Durable and weather-resistant with an attractive copper finish, they're dumb-proof easy to install (just stick them in the ground) and, like the other solar units, turn on automatically at dusk. For only $24.99, they outshine any other deal out there.
36 LED Solar Security Light
Here's a neat product that adds light AND security to the home. The 36 LED Solar Security Light from Bunker Hill Security gives off an attractive, gentle blue light when unattended, but when someone approaches to within 35 feet, it suddenly brightens the area. It's a perfect light for pathways, driveways or in the yard, making areas safe for treading-- and alerting the owners there's someone there! The security light automatically switches on its bright 36 LED illumination motion is detected and has an output equivalent of a 10 watt incandescent bulb. The unit recharges easily in the sun during the day, and you can even adjust the light to stay on for up to 60 seconds past the last motion detected. Priced to sell, the solar security light is only $22.99.
For these and other outdoor solar lights to illuminate and enhance your home, check out the Lighting section in Harbor Freight's Lawn & Garden dept. And don't forget to use your 20% Off Coupon when you make your purchase, online or at the store.
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