Tacklife manufactures products that help people live a secure and convenient lifestyle.
It offers a variety of items, including automotive, hand, and power tools, as well as home appliances.
You can find these products at select retailers, but the company sells most of its products through its website and from third-party e-commerce sites.
Those who want a hose reel that is mounted on the wall are going to like this product.
It is heavy-duty and looks almost like a large tape measure.
Plus, it is easy to use because you just rewind the hose by tugging to unlatch the drum.
The auto reel features a patented rewind system, which automatically takes over.
There is also a braking mechanism to ensure that the rewind is controlled without adding tangles or kinks to the hose.
This reel also has an automatic lock, so you don’t have to continue holding the hose taut.
You can easily unwind more of the hose by pulling it, making the mechanism unlock so that you can get the length that you need.
It comes with a 72-foot hose, which is quite long and is likely to be ideal for your gardening and watering needs.
What We Like and Don’t Like about the Tacklife Wall-Mounted Hose Reel
We are impressed with the 180-degree pivoting option of this reel.
Even when mounted on the wall, it can move so that you can reach all parts of your garden.
Plus, you can also remove it from the bracket (attached to the wall), allowing you to store the unit during winter or when you don’t need it.
The guide to help retract the hose could get broken over time.
While you can prevent this by retracting it slowly, this does take more time and a bit of effort.
Still, it’s not a deal-breaker, as you should be careful when retracting hoses to ensure that they don’t damage the home or ground by moving too quickly.
Power USA was founded in the early 2000s and has become a revolutionary brand since.
It sells its products at select retailers, but it also sells online on its website.
Still, most of the company’s sales come from third-party e-commerce sites.
The company focuses on garden products, including pressure washers and garden hose reels.
This retractable hose reel features a slow return system, so it doesn’t jump back to the base and cause damage.
You get a ½-inch hose, which is 100 feet long and can support 500 PSI.
This allows you to tackle many projects around the house.
It also has a heavy-duty twist collar and uses brass fittings.
Of course, there is a locking mechanism included, so you don’t have to have a lot of hose pulled out or keep it pulled tautly.
Power Retractable Garden Hose Reel Likes and Dislikes
We are quite impressed with the nozzle protector; it almost looks like a suction cup, and it goes over the hose nozzle.
Because it is made of rubber, the nozzle is protected from getting damaged or broken if it accidentally hits the concrete, ground, or side of the house.
There isn’t much to dislike about this product, but the mounting bar is made of plastic, and we thought it might be better if it had been made of metal.
Plus, the hose can wrinkle somewhat while going back into the reel.
100 feet of hose available
Can remove the reel from the mount for storage
Brass fittings
Smaller hose, less pressure
Reels in quickly, so you must manually slow it down
HOSELINK is a top brand in Australia that was founded in 1998.
Hose connectors often burst because they weren’t made like the brass threaded ones in the US, so HOSELINK chose to create a variation of the traditional design.
Since then, it has been selling its products primarily in Australia, but the company started branching out to other countries.
Now, it sells its products world-wide on third-party e-commerce sites, as well as its own website.
If you’re looking for a garden hose reel that’s retractable and comes with everything you need, this one from HOSELINK is ideal.
It features a flexible reel and hose that can transform your chores and prevent wasted water caused by dripping.
You get the best solution to watering your outdoor spaces because this hose reel is mounted on the wall.
Plus, it uses a spring-loaded hose, which is going to retract automatically when you tug on it a bit.
You are going to get hose fittings that are easy to connect without leaks.
Of course, the locking mechanism stops anywhere, so you only get the length of hose you need for the task.
What We Like and Don’t Like about the HOSELINK Retractable Hose Reel
We like how easy this reel is to install; you get all of the components to mount it to a post or wall, and you just put the whole reel on the bracket and attach it to the tap.
Though it’s a minor concern, we aren’t happy that the reel itself is white.
This is going to attract a lot of dirt and dust.
Still, it’s water-resistant, so you can spray it down with the hose before retracting it all the way.
You can use a single hose reel to clean the car, water the plants, and wash the dog; you just have to make sure that you can carry the hose to the place you’re going to use it.
Therefore, you want something that is portable.
Still, many people prefer to mount it on the wall of the house or garage and just pull the hose out as far as it can go.
Hose Length
The length of the hose must also be considered here.
You’re going to find that there are multiple lengths for various hose reels; make sure you choose one that meets your needs.
It might be a good idea to measure the farthest thing you may water and how far away it is from the water source.
Then, you can easily choose the best length for your hose.
While you could just buy another hose and attach it, your reel may not be big enough to accommodate it.
Therefore, it is best to choose the length of the hose within the reel you buy.
Materials
You may not think much about the materials used to make the hose reel, but they matter.
Durability and longevity depend on how the reel is manufactured.
For example, you can find reels made of die-cast aluminum, polyurethane, rubber, steel, wrought iron, or a mixture of these.
It’s essential that you choose a reel that is weather-resistant or waterproof, isn’t going to rust, doesn’t kink, and isn’t going to break easily.
Plus, you should make sure that the hose itself is included with the package so that you don’t have to buy anything extra.
Durability
You are spending money to have a tool that is going to help you with your gardening and other chores, so you want it to be durable and last a long time.
It might be helpful to consider the warranty; this ensures that you have something that is designed for longevity.
Plus, you can get familiar with the tool and use it often.
Then, you can choose to buy the same product again because it works and you know it is going to last.
Retractable Garden Hose Reel FAQs
1. How do you use a garden hose reel?
If you’ve just bought the reel, you need to put it together and install it wherever it is going to go.
Choosing a wall-mounted version means that it is going to be installed on the wall of your home or garage.
You can also find free-standing ones that can just sit in the corner and be moved as needed.
Make sure that the reel is located near the water supply.
The hose reel you bought should include the tools you need to install the hose onto the reel; this includes the clamp, washers, screws, a spring, and an Allen wrench.
Take your garden hose and feed it through the opening of the reel.
Make sure you have created a large enough loop so that you can attach the hose to the water source to prevent kinks.
Feed the kink-free spring into the hose end that you fed through the reel opening.
Now, you just attach the hose to the water source.
Keeping the loop large and free, start rolling the reel one full turn.
Now, take the hose clamp that came with the kit, place it on the hose that you’re reeling in, and pinch it.
Then, take the screw and insert it into the hose clamp hole and into the reel.
The tricky part is getting the washer and nut through to the other side; all you need to do now is roll the reel until the hose is all the way on it and set the locking mechanism so that it doesn’t unravel.
2. How do you roll a garden hose without a reel?
If you don’t currently have a hose reel, you can still roll the hose so that it doesn’t kink and is ready for use next time.
Hoses that are smaller can be wrapped around the arm.
Do this by holding one end of the hose in the right hand, keeping the hand up about shoulder level with the elbow bent.
With the left hand, wrap the hose down around the elbow and over the shoulder.
Hold that loop in place with the right hand.
Now, continue doing this until the hose is completely wrapped.
To keep it in place, you can zip-tie it, use a piece of string, or something else you have lying around the house.
You can also complete the same process using a ladder or any “frame” that you can wrap the hose around.
3. How does a retractable garden hose reel work?
If you are tired of unkinking the garden hose and recoiling it each time you want to use it, you can use a garden hose reel.
Once you have it mounted, hooked up, and the hose is reeled in, you are ready to begin.
Most reels feature a locking mechanism to prevent it from unraveling your hose before you need it.
Therefore, you should unlock the reel first; gently tug on the hose so that it starts unraveling from the base.
Then, turn on the water source to the appropriate flow rate.
Start walking away from the reel and to the location where you need water, making sure that the hose doesn’t snag in the grass or on debris.
Use the garden hose as you need it, and when you’re finished, walk back to the reel.
It is either going to have a crank, or you just turn the wheel part.
Turn slowly and make sure that the hose comes to you without snagging on anything.
Once the hose is back on the reel, lock it in place, and you are done.
4. Can expandable garden hoses be repaired?
Expandable garden hoses are an excellent addition to your home, but they can get damaged with time.
However, most water hose repair kits aren’t going to work to fix an expandable one because of its nature.
The inner tubing of the hose works like surgical tubes than normal hoses, so you need special items to fix it.
Your expandable hose has two parts: the covering and the tubing.
Since the tubing is soft and expandable, you need to be careful when cutting it.
If the repair has to be done in the connection area, you have to disassemble the end.
Unscrew the parts while holding the tubing to cut the cover.
The leak is going to be in the middle or at the end of the hose, and this determines how you repair it.
Repairing a Leak in the Middle
Once you find the leak, you’re going to need a pair of scissors or a knife and locking pliers.
Lock the pliers onto the hose, but not too tightly; make sure it is a few inches from the leak on either side.
The hose should be unexpanded at this point, so make sure that the pliers have a decent hold on the covering with the tubing inside.
Cut the hose close to the leak and pull back the covering to do an inspection of the tubing.
You’re looking for tiny holes or punctures, which are going to be quite small because the tubing is quite flexible.
To repair it, you’re going to need a ½-inch barbed coupling.
Make sure to lubricate the coupling with soapy water and cut a small piece of tube from the material removed.
This can slide over the inner tubing to protect it from the clamp.
Slide the piece over the tube and then slide the inner tubing over your barbed connector.
Now, slide the smaller piece over the connector.
Since the tubing is firmly over the coupling, you can pull the outer cover back over it, applying a wire clamp to secure the hose.
You are going to have to repeat these steps for the other side of the hose, next to the leak.
Repairing Leaks at the End of the Hose
Make sure you know where the leak is and have locking pliers, a sharp knife, and something to cut the metal crimped at the end of the hose.
Unscrew the hose fitting and collar, sliding it down the hose a bit.
Consider using some folded cardboard over the tubing below the leak, and then clamp the pliers onto the hose.
Cut the metal crimp from the hose fitting, and then cut the tubing a few inches from the leak.
Consider lubricating the hose fitting with some soapy water to help with installation.
Slide the tubing over the barbed end of the hose fitting.
If the hose has more hose pieces over the clamped part, put it on the tube before putting the tubing over the barbed fitting, and then slide over the extra bit.
Now, slide the cover over the tube and secure it with a wire clamp.
Our Recommendation on the Best Retractable Garden Hose Reels
While we liked all of the products we reviewed, we did find one that seemed to have few drawbacks and many perks.
The best retractable garden hose reels, for us, is the Power Retractable garden Hose Reel.
All in all, we were quite impressed with the overall design of this retractable hose reel and the fact that it has a built-in sprayer cover.
DIY Shipping Container Home – Have you been following the latest trend to hit the housing market and are considering making the leap yourself?
Container homes seem to be all the rage right now, especially for those with a keen interest in tiny homes, downsizing, and re-using existing materials.
Of course, just because it’s trending and getting a lot of attention, doesn’t mean it’s automatically the right option for you.
Before you jump into container home living, here are five things you’ll want to be aware of.
There Are Different Types of Shipping Containers
The first thing you’ll want to be aware of when considering a shipping container home is that not all containers are the same, which means they aren’t all equal.
The most common types are refrigerated, standard, and high cube.
There’s also the fact that you can find everything from brand new ones that haven’t yet been used, to those which have only had a few trips, all the way to very used containers that have a lot of wear and tear.
In terms of which one is right for you, it comes down to your design plan, your personal tastes, the space you have available, and your budget.
Choosing a container home simply because it’s cool, eco-conscious, and popular doesn’t guarantee you’ll love it.
It can be quite useful to work with an experienced container home designer to ensure that you don’t overlook anything and that you make maximum use of the space.
Choose the Right Lot for Your Shipping Container Home
As important as the shipping container itself is, and the design, the lot you plan on using will also play an important part.
You want to be sure it’s a lot that you will feel happy with, enjoy the surroundings, your neighbors or lack of neighbors, proximity to amenities, the amount of space, how you plan to landscape the exterior and work it in with the home, and so forth.
If the lot doesn’t match with your lifestyle, then the container home will never feel like that perfect home you envisaged.
Install Large Windows
The one thing that shipping containers lack is windows, and you simply cannot have a home without windows.
When creating them in the container, opt for large windows that allow for plenty of natural light.
This will help to make the container feel brighter and fresher, as well as make it feel larger.
You can even install sliding doors for that floor to ceiling view.
Just as you would need to look into building permits and regulations if you were building a traditional home, the same rule applies to container homes.
You’ll want to ensure that you follow all the building regulations and rules in your town/city so that you don’t end up in trouble down the road.
If you break any of the local regulations, you may be fined or have to make costly changes. In a worst-case scenario, you may even be forced to take your DIY Shipping Container Home down.
DIY Shipping Container Home converted to cozy house
Take Pause Before Your DIY Shipping Container Home
While the container home trend certainly has good reasons to be popular and work as a solution for singles, couples, and families, there is also plenty worth researching and considering before you begin build your own DIY Shipping Container Home.
You want to be sure that your container home is not only unique looking but provides you with the layout and space you need for your lifestyle.
Another key element to knowing how often you should water your garden is to know the climate.
Each climate requires a different amount of water due to the weather.
Sunny and dry climates tend to require more water, while ones with frequent rain may only need a bit of water each week.
If you live in an area with lots of sunlight, then you may only need to water your soil once per week.
Any more than that and you may risk overwatering your plants.
When vegetables receive too much water, they will begin to have similar symptoms as when they are wilting.
On the other hand, places that receive less sunlight and tend to rain more will only require watering once every two weeks.
The key to climate-based watering is always to check the soil quality first.
Even if you’re living in a place with plenty of rainfall, it’s a good idea to check the soil’s moisture levels.
Type of Vegetable
Knowing the types of vegetables in your garden can help you understand how much water they need.
The frequency of watering will also change depending on what kind of vegetable you’re growing.
In general, there are a few different factors that you should keep in mind, such as:
Size
It should go without saying, but the size of the plant will influence how often you should water it.
More abundant vegetables will require more water than smaller ones.
Additionally, larger vegetables will need to be watered frequently.
Roots
Vegetables that have root systems will be more efficient at absorbing the surrounding water.
This will require the plants to be watered more frequently.
We always recommend checking the type of plant to ensure you’re giving it enough water.
Some plants even require daily watering.
Potted vs. Outdoor
You may not realize it, but potted plants need to be watered less than outdoors.
The main reason is that any plant placed in a pot without drainage at the bottom will continue to hold onto water.
Water that isn’t absorbed will just sit at the bottom of the container and can cause the plant to become overwatered if continuing to give more water than necessary.
That said, vegetable types play a huge role in how much water is needed.
A root vegetable may need more water during the first few sprouting months, while a fully grown berry bush may only need a bit of water here and there.
It all depends on what type of plant you have.
Doing your research on each vegetable can help ensure that you’re not over or underwatering.
Sunlight
The frequency of sunlight will profoundly impact the amount of water your garden needs.
If you live in a naturally bright climate, you may need to make adjustments to your vegetables.
Creating shade and blocking out some sunlight can help assist with soil quality.
Plants in your garden will start to dry out if they are exposed to too much sunlight.
An excellent method to test the sunlight exposure is to water your plants.
If, by the end of the day, the soil feels dry to the touch, then we recommend adjusting the frequency you water your vegetables.
Remember, sunlight changes depending on the time of year and weather.
While some days it may be very bright and humid, others may be cloudy and dry.
It highly depends on what region you’re living in.
Taking this into account can help save you from accidentally over or underwatering your plants.
Ways to Measure the Amount of Water Used
how often should i water my vegetable garden
Using a pipe probe can help you keep track of how much water you’re providing the plants.
Monitoring the amount of water can help prevent how much water the plant needs.
Some young vegetables may only absorb so much water per day.
Ensuring that they have enough water will help optimize their growing speeds.
Another method to measure water is to water the vegetables via an overhead sprinkler.
Take a bucket or small container and place a few around the garden.
Water your plants as usual and, by the end of the day, measure the remaining moisture.
Placing multiple containers helps give you a more accurate reading.
Plus you’ll want to measure the water by either gallons or inches.
When the containers reach one inch, that means one inch of water has been applied to the garden.
If you want your chick to transition seamlessly into a flock, then you need to start by providing them with the care, comfort, and nutrition they need even before they hatch.
Setting Up a Brooder
As mentioned, even before your chicks have hatched, you need to be preparing their environment so that the conditions are perfect for their arrival.
Here are some things to keep in mind:
When to Set Up
We recommend that you set up your brooder 48 hours in advance.
That way, there’s ample time for any equipment or bedding that you’ve installed to be set to the optimum temperature to keep those hatchlings warm and safe.
The Equipment Needed
We’re basically recommending the following essential items: a brooder, a heat lamp, some bedding, lights, feeders, and waterers.
The brooder is the very first home of your chicks.
It should be warm and dry, draft-free, and comfortable.
Ideally, it needs to be three to four square feet per chick.
We also suggest making the brooder expandable and keeping it circular.
Heat Lamp
Next, you need to assemble your heat lamp in one corner of the brooder so that your bird is kept nice and warm.
It is best to position the heat lamp about 20 inches above the litter.
We also recommend that you station it about three feet away from the actual guard walls.
In terms of optimum temperature, for comfort sake, the area under the heat lamp should be 95 degrees Fahrenheit.
We’d also advise that you leave some space for your chicks to get away from the heater if they start to feel too hot.
Over the following weeks, the temperature can be reduced by five degrees Fahrenheit until it finally reaches a minimum of 55 degrees.
Bedding
You also must put down proper bedding.
We recommend absorbent wood shavings for the floor of your brooder.
Ideally, make these three to four inches deep and ensure that you maintain the area by keeping it dry and odor-free.
Any wet bedding should be removed daily and replaced, especially if it’s close to your waterer.
We advise against the use of material such as cedar shaving because it can have a strong and unpleasant odor that could also affect the long term health of the bird.
Lights
In the first week, to aid with growth and development, lighting should be supplied for as long as 22 hours a day and certainly no less than 18.
You can reduce the light gradually to just 16 hours throughout the rest of the growing period.
In terms of the strength of light required, a 40-watt bulb per 100 square feet of floor space is advisable.
Feeders
Depending upon how many chicks you’re hatching and what size brooder you have, will determine the number of feeders you would need.
As a general rule of thumb, you’ll need to accommodate four linear inches of feeder space per bird.
It’s not necessary to invest in anything too fancy.
Just something simple like a clean egg carton will do an excellent job.
Filled with food, they’re easily accessible and ideal for young chicks.
For the follow-up stage in their development, you should consider providing access to low-lying feeders or a trough feeder to transition them through to maturity.
We’ll go on shortly to discuss the importance of water. It’s nothing short of essential.
For every 25 chicks you have, you should fill two one-quart waterers full of room temperature water and, for now, position them inside the brooder.
For the water to be at room temperature, put the waterers inside the brooder 24 hours before the scheduled arrival of your chicks.
You may also opt to purchase the best chicken water heater, which can help provide your chicken water with the right temperature during the colder months.
What to Feed Baby Chickens After Hatching
what to feed baby chickens after hatching
From down to feathers, a tiny little peep to a hearty cluck cluck, a baby chick is on a rapid and exciting journey the minute it’s hatched.
The most important physical transformation, though, takes place from the day they come into the world, for about the next eight weeks.
By that time, they should already have reached three-quarters of what will be their adult weight.
Hence, you must provide them with the essential nutrition they need to grow and set them off abundantly on the road ahead.
Water
You won’t be surprised to learn that the first thing a baby chick needs is abundant access to fresh, clean water.
Safe to say that water plays a vital role in any baby chicks wellbeing, supporting all of its essential bodily functions.
That’s particularly true during the early stages of development.
That is because there’s so much going on inside a chick’s little body.
Both chicks, as well as adult, fully mature chickens, consume approximately double water to physical feed.
A lack of adequate water supply can have a severely detrimental effect on a young chick’s health and wellbeing.
It’s critical then that you introduce your chicks to the brooding area as soon as they arrive and ensure that room temperate water is immediately on hand.
Chicks need to hydrate quickly, but you can leave it a few hours before you introduce them to feed.
How to Introduce
Your chicks must master the art of drinking and rehydrating their tiny bodies with fresh, quality water before they consume any food.
You could try gently dipping their beaks into the water to coax them along and also help to familiarize them with where their water source is.
Similar to us humans, those young, recently hatched baby chicks also need a rich and balanced source of carbohydrates, fats, and minerals to support their growth.
If you’re worried about what to feed baby chickens after hatching, don’t be!
It’s really not rocket science but rather just good common sense.
If you’re at all concerned about getting it right, you can rely upon commercial chick starter mix.
It’s been specially formulated to contain the perfect blend of minerals, proteins, nutrients, carbohydrates, and fats to support a baby chick’s growth and development.
Once your chick is ready to start pecking at food, you have plenty of options, with many commercial brands selling chick starter products.
Typically, chicks need a nutritionally balanced chick starter mix up until they’re about eight weeks old.
These days, many of the big brands have follow-on products.
They’re easy to administer and will take your chick up to the point they’re ready to lay eggs themselves.
These grower mixes provide them with the nutrition they require to lay a healthy and bountiful egg supply.
Home-Made Chick Food
If you don’t want to go down the commercial feed route, you can create your mix at home.
A fantastic alternative that you can easily prepare at home and which baby chicks just love requires just two staple ingredients.
All you need are eggs and oatmeal.
Baby chicks can thrive and grow on this mix.
To prepare your feed, simply hard boil a couple of eggs, mash them up thoroughly, then mix with some oatmeal.
If you’re the kind of person who loves organic, this is a great alternative to commercial feed.
How to Introduce
Place their feed onto something like a simple square of paper or a clean egg flat.
On the second day, you can progress and add the feed to the feeders positioned around your brooder.
Once the chicks have mastered the art of feeding this way, you can go ahead and remove the papers or egg flats.
Reminder
Keep their food fresh. Empty, clean, and refill their waterers and feeders, at least once daily.
As the chicks grow in size, you’re also going to need to raise the level of where your feeder is so that they’re level with the birds’ backs.
Protein-Rich Food
As soon as a baby chick is born, their anatomy starts to develop.
Protein is a vital nutrient that a hungry, developing chick needs to support growth.
It helps stimulate and support the growth of muscle and tissue as well as internal organs
It’s an essential building block and can be found naturally in worms.
As such, feel free to offer up a supply of fresh worms to satisfy the hunger and protein requirement of your chicks.
Worms are abundantly found throughout the spring and summer months and are nature’s own home supplied source of fresh protein.
Treats
While their digestive system is still underdeveloped, you should be careful about what treats you give them as you don’t want to upset their delicate digestive system.
Chop up some hard-boiled eggs along with sweetcorn to make a tasty and nutritious treat that they can easily digest.
Something like lettuce, hanging from the side of the brooder, is also a good option.
It provides restless and inquisitive baby chicks with hours of fun and pecking practice!
The short answer is, it depends on what else they’re eating.
If you have baby chicks that are only eating a starter mix, they probably don’t need grit just yet.
On the contrary, if they’re now at the stage where you’re adding in a range of supplemental food, such as scraps from your kitchen, then a bit of added grit will aid their digestive system.
Grit is just as it sounds; they’re little pieces of sand, stone, or earth from your local environment.
If you are lucky enough to live in a nice temperate climate where your happy chicks wander around outside all day long, then they’ll naturally peck at grit, so you probably don’t have to worry.
If not and they’re couped up for large parts of the day, make sure that you put out a source of grit as it really does help with digestion.
Raising baby chicks can be incredibly rewarding
Raising baby chicks can be incredibly rewarding and it’s wonderful to see them hatch and grow.
The sound of their little peeps and cheeps is adorable and good sign that your chicks aren’t just surviving, but thriving.
Remember to encourage your chicks to drink plenty of water.
Hatching can be an exhausting process and their little bodies need to rehydrate.
Don’t panic if they seem a little listless during the early days. They’re probably just tired.
Just make sure they always have access to a fresh supply of water and be sure to monitor them carefully to check they’re actually drinking.
Chicks quickly grow at an almost alarming rate, especially during the first few weeks so it’s important to get them started on a properly balanced chick food like a commercial or homemade starter feed.
As chicks mature, remember that their nutritional needs will change.
From 18 weeks onward, it’s time to adjust their feed to meet with their evolving nutritional needs.
Don’t be tempted either to save any leftover starter feed for the next time you plan hatching baby chicks.
It has a tendency to get moldy and take on bacteria that could kill them.
Can Chickens Have Strawberries – Many people keep chickens as pets, and the fresh eggs produced daily are something of a bonus.
Whether you’re keeping chickens as pets, or solely as egg producers, it’s essential to understand their diet better so that they stay healthy and happy.
If you’ve been wondering what to do with all of those cut-off strawberry tops, then you may ask “Can chickens have strawberries?”.
Let’s find out more about the do’s and don’ts of feeding scraps to chickens, as well as whether strawberries are good for them.
Can Chickens Have Strawberries?
When you’re deciding what to feed your chicken, it’s important to understand that chicken digests food differently from humans.
They also have smaller stomachs in relation to their size, but like humans, they do need a balanced diet in order to stay healthy.
And of course, we all want a healthy and happy flock that produces delicious eggs daily, right?
Chickens absolutely love strawberries, so the answer is yes, yes, and yes!
Recommended Daily Consumption
You should, however, limit their daily consumption of sugary snacks, such as strawberries, to a maximum of 10% of their total diet.
Their digestive systems don’t have the metabolic ability to process more sugar than this, so overfeeding them sugary treats will eventually lead to an unhealthy chook.
Warning on the Calyx
It would help if you also were more wary of giving them strawberry calyxes, which is the green bit on the top, from shop-bought strawberries due to pesticides it may be contaminated with.
Strawberries featured very high, number four in fact, on a list of the most pesticide-contaminated food items in 2015.
Birds are susceptible to pesticides and are more susceptible than most to health problems brought on by pesticides.
If you eat an egg from a sick bird, then you will get sick.
If your chickens are eating the calyxes of store-bought strawberries, then you’ll need to limit their amounts to avoid diarrhea.
You can also wash or soak them first to try to remove the bulk of the contaminants, or better yet, buy organic or grow them yourself.
In most farm animals, including chickens, diarrhea without immediate treatment often leads to death, so you should avoid causing it at all costs.
Strawberry as a Treat
Chickens love almost all fruits and vegetables, and many people choose to keep a flock to help recycle their family waste of peels and leftovers.
You can also use treats, such as strawberries, to help gain your flock’s love and trust.
Regularly hand feeding them these treats will also help you tame your chooks.
Before long, they’ll answer your call and come running to you to see what treats you have in store for them.
Food Your Chickens Will Love
Can Chickens Have Strawberries
If you don’t have strawberries to hand your chicken or aren’t willing to part with them, chickens also love these fruits listed below.
Just make sure that the bulk of their diet should still be made up of pellets or crumbles to ensure they get the protein and calcium they need.
Fruity Snacks
Here is a list of some of the fruits that your chickens will love to snack on.
Remember that these sugary, fruity treats should be limited to a maximum of 10% of their total diet.
Apples
Avoid giving your chickens the apple seeds as they contain cyanide, but raw or cooked apples, even apple sauce, will be great for them.
Bananas
Chickens love the flesh of bananas but won’t eat the skins.
Bananas are a great source of potassium, which is really good for them too.
Berries
Blueberries and raspberries are very delicious to chickens and make a great bite-sized treat.
Grapes
Being slightly larger than berries, these snacks are also perfect for treating your chickens and easier to hand feed to them.
Melon
Eat the center of the melon and give the outer rind to your chickens and watch them go crazy over it!
Watermelon, cantaloupe, your chickens will love this healthy treat, seeds, and all.
Pears
If the pears are still quite hard, then you’ll probably want to cut these into small pieces for your chooks, but pears make great treats otherwise.
Peaches
The softness of the flesh of a peach is a perfect choice for your chooks.
They won’t eat the hard pit in the center, and if you’re worried about them hurting their beaks on it, then you should remove it first.
Tomatoes
Yes, they’re a fruit. And yes, your chickens will love them!
Vegetable Snacks
Chickens will love to eat most vegetables that you have to hand, whether they’re whole veggies, peels, or stems.
You can give them to your flock either raw, cooked, or straight from your leftovers, as long as you haven’t put too much salt on them.
Pumpkin will go down extremely well, and all of those seeds in the middle will act as a fantastic, all-natural de-wormer!
Grain Snacks
Your chickens will eat most grains, including cooked rice, pasta, grits, and oatmeal.
Oatmeal can also be fed to them raw, and dried corn is great for the winter months.
Although it has low nutritional value, it will help them pile on some weight to keep them warm during the cold snap.
Quick Note on Baby Chicks
Chickens pick up bits of grit and sand from the floor outside to aid them in the digestion process.
Before chicks are outside in the coop, they won’t be able to do this, so you should restrict their food to chick starter while they’re in the brooder.
Or if you do want to give them other food, including treats, then provide them with a small dish of sand or a chuck of parakeet grit.
Food Items to Avoid
While chickens may be famed to eat anything and everything, there is actually quite a lot of food that you should avoid giving them, and others that you should restrict.
If you do feed them items on this list, then you may see a reduction in the number of eggs they produce, or worse yet, run the risk of them getting sick.
The number one rule is not to give them any leftovers that have mold on them as mold is toxic to chickens.
While older food that no longer looks appealing to your family is fine, if it has any sign of mold on it, including strawberries, then it should be discarded.
Overall, the vast majority of your leftovers will be perfectly safe to feed your flock, but watch out for the following:
Moldy or rotten food is an absolute no go as we said. Over-ripe fruits and veggies are fine, but once it’s turned moldy, they shouldn’t be eating it.
You must avoid salty food, as much as possible. Some salt is okay, but heavily salted food can be deadly.
Avocado skins and pits should be avoided as they contain the toxin, persin. The fleshy part can be given to chickens in moderation.
Bones should be avoided, as should raw meat as it can carry parasites. Some also believe it can lead to cannibalism within the flock.
Raw potato skins
Processed food isn’t good for you or your birdy friends.
Dairy food such as milk and cream should be avoided since chickens can’t digest lactose.
Greasy food is challenging for chickens to digest and therefore should be avoided.
Green and sprouting potatoes are toxic to humans and birds due to the presence of solanine, which affects the nervous system.
Tomato, pepper, and eggplant leaves also contain solanine.
Grass clippings and weeds shouldn’t be given to your chickens as larger pieces can get stuck in their throats. They can eat these things, but it’s best to let them forage for themselves.
Pasta and bread are okay in smaller amounts.
Cookies and sweet treats are also good but should be restricted.
Chocolate should be avoided, as it contains theobromine which is toxic to all birds and many pets.
Citrus fruits should be avoided due to the acidity, and they may cause slower egg production or diarrhea
Garlic, chives, beans, and onions are okay, but they will affect the taste of the eggs.
Dry or uncooked beans should be avoided as they contain the toxin, hemagglutinin. Bad for birds and humans too, as it can cause red blood cells to clump together.
Raw eggs should be avoided since they might get a taste for them and start eating their own. You can feed them eggs as a protein source but make sure you cook them first
Winner, Winner, Chicken’s Dinner!
So, the answer to “Can chickens have strawberries?” is a resounding yes, but you should limit the amount you give them.
Your flock will enjoy most fruity snacks, but harder fruits should be cut into smaller pieces to make it easier for them to eat.
While chickens can be fed almost anything, it’s good to be aware of the food items that are toxic to them so that they don’t get sick or produce fewer eggs. Best Chicken Feeder to Prevent Waste
Moldy and rotten food is especially bad for your chooks, so be sure to clean out their coops regularly to get rid of any older food.
If your chicken gets diarrhea, then you should get it treated immediately; otherwise, you run the risk of losing it.
If you keep your chickens in a coop, as opposed to free-roaming backyard breeds, you can also forage around your garden for other tasty snacks.
Any bugs, worms, or slugs you find will be greatly appreciated by them, and make a great source of protein too!
Chickens Laying Eggs With No Shell – Have your hens ever laid soft-shelled eggs that got you worried?
A host of factors could be influencing this occurrence.
Chickens laying eggs with no shell or soft shells isn’t anything new.
In fact, the reasons behind it are easy enough to understand that you should be able to do something about the situation when it arises.
How to Classify Soft Chicken Eggs
Eggs that have underdeveloped outer layers are classified into categories based on the way these eggs appear.
There are soft shell eggs, shell-less eggs, rubber eggs, and partially-shelled eggs.
On some occasions, hens can lay eggs that have no shell at all.
In this case, you’re only able to see a membrane- and albumen-wrapped egg yolk.
In other cases, the results only turn out slightly better, with eggs appearing to have a shell, but one that can be cracked very easily.
Factors That Impact Eggshell Formation
A shell is formed to provide protection to the life growing inside an egg.
It’s a compact and sturdy layer that blocks dangerous pathogens and bacteria from invading the yolk.
In light of this, chicken embryos developing inside shell-less eggs are extremely vulnerable to outside elements.
There’s a good chance these eggs could be carrying a variety of bacteria and germs.
Defective shells aren’t all that bad, especially if you’re looking to use them for animal consumption.
Thin-shelled eggs, for example, are packed with protein and are a great food source for farmhouse pigs.
You’ll want to make sure, however, that the eggshells aren’t completely shattered before feeding them to the animals.
It is a possibility that soft-shelled eggs won’t happen very often.
However, to ease your worries, let’s take a look at all the elements that factor into raising chickens for their eggs.
Chicken’s Age
A young hen is more susceptible to laying a soft-shelled egg.
Older hens are unlikely to pose these kinds of problems as they’ve already gone through the biological process of laying eggs several times over.
In this case, you’re looking at an underdeveloped biological framework as a potential reason for why eggs are coming out soft in some hens.
Calcium Deficiency
A hen’s diet is another possible culprit for why she could have laid a soft-shelled egg.
Grower rations are usually fed to younger hens, while older hens receive layer rations.
Grower feed is also known to contain much less calcium compared to layer feed.
In Young Hens
Since calcium is critical to egg development, it follows that younger hens are much more likely to lay eggs that have underdeveloped or even non-existent shell layers.
Calcium supports the building of eggshells, which makes it a necessary nutrient for hens of all ages.
The moment you notice any hen in your flock laying soft-shelled eggs, quickly switch up its feed to a layer ration.
More often than not, giving your hens calcium-rich feed greatly decreases the possibility of them laying soft- or partially-formed eggs.
You’ll soon notice their eggs coming out fully developed and healthy.
If this still isn’t the case, you’re going to have to include calcium supplements in your hen’s diet.
Keep in mind that feed containing a good amount of calcium might still not be able to yield eggs with fully-developed eggshells.
This is when you have to accept the fact that younger hens just don’t have the physical structure to support eggshell formation.
When young hens take in calcium, they end up applying the nutrient to other parts of their system.
In Older Hens
As soon as they grow older, however, their bodies will realize that more calcium needs to be allocated for the production of eggs.
Older hens are perfectly suited for egg-laying because even when they don’t have enough calcium in their diet, they’re able to draw the nutrient from some other part of their body.
There is only going to be a problem if the hen’s bones are weak—a sign that it lacks calcium.
Addressing Calcium Deficiency in Hens
If you’re looking for calcium supplements for hens that are about to go on full lay, strongly consider incorporating toasted eggshells and oyster shells into their diet.
While you’re at it, you’ll also want to make sure the rest of your flock is fed the right way.
Calcium deficiency is not going to be the worst thing that happens to your precious hens.
Rest assured that if this is their only problem, you have a variety of scientifically proven ways to address it quickly and efficiently.
Chickens Under Stress
Now, stress is definitely a killer; it may not kill your chickens outright, but it will ruin their egg-laying capabilities to a certain degree.
You’ll notice immediately if a hen is stressed out if it’s not as active as it usually is and doesn’t feed as much.
Their soft-shelled eggs will also be a sign that they’re probably not feeling as well as you think.
The problematic issue of stress can arise from several factors, which include the changing seasons and the type of environment your flock is living in.
Heat can potentially be devastating for your chickens, especially in the absence of cover and lack of water access.
You’ll need to make sure your flock has regular access to shaded areas throughout the day to keep them cool, and a regular supply of water to keep them hydrated.
Of course, you also have to accept the fact that weather changes are beyond your control.
You may not have been able to stop the changes in the weather and temperature from taking a toll on your hens and causing them to lay underdeveloped eggs, but you did do your part to ensure they survived.
At the end of the day, nothing else is going to matter as much.
Moving on, let’s take a closer look at the different stress factors that influence the kind of shells a hen’s eggs end up having:
Environmental Stress
The living conditions of your flock can greatly impact their stress levels.
One instance is when chickens have to live with a multitude of other chickens, sometimes other animals, and compete for shade, food, water, and other necessities they need to survive.
It’s far from being an ideal scenario and is something that is almost always guaranteed to cause stress.
These less-than-ideal conditions could negatively impact some chickens more than others.
Chicks and sick chickens could possibly end up dying, and hens in full lay may end up laying eggs that are underdeveloped.
There are regions that require keepers to regulate the size of their coop so that the chickens are able to grow and live a healthy life.
In these areas, failing to raise your chickens the right way could get you in trouble with the law.
Having a large number of chickens packed in a small coop is unhealthy, not just for the chickens but also for those raising them.
Imagine how fast bacteria and diseases could spread in this kind of scenario.
Chickens tend to get stressed from mating too much, which is exactly what happens when they’re all packed together, so make sure your flock has just enough space to roam around.
Furthermore, you’ll also need to implement a healthy rooster-to-hen ratio so that your hen’s ovaries don’t get stressed out from the frequent mating.
chickens laying eggs with no shell
Heat Stress
Now, this one is the real killer.
Not only is the stress caused by the sun’s relentless burning heat something for you to worry about when raising chickens for their eggs, but it’s also a serious threat to your chickens’ health and well-being.
Hot weather conditions can lead to the production of underdeveloped eggs, usually thin-shelled eggs or eggs without any form of shell covering.
You’ll notice a big difference in how eggshells turn out when you compare batches laid during the warmer months with those laid during the colder months.
Reproduction during the winter season generally leads to healthier batches of eggs.
Chickens on the receiving end of the sun’s heat are definitely going to feel its full intensity.
If they aren’t able to seek cover under the shade during these moments, they could potentially end up getting harmed or even dying.
This is, again, why we stress the importance of having a coop that has enough areas under the shade for all the fowls.
Additionally, there must be enough clean water sources inside the coop to help the chickens combat the very worst of the summer heat.
The amount of heat absorbed by hens will impact their laying abilities.
Their lack of cooling mechanism means you have to put double effort into making sure they’re well-fed and properly hydrated during the hotter months, as well as able to seek refuge from a number of shaded areas inside their coop.
Juicy treats, such as mealworms, can help take a bit of the edge off the heat and offer some much-needed hydration.
Calcium supplements are especially ideal during this time when your chickens need physical and reproductive support the most.
Stress From Diseases
There’s no questioning the fragility of chickens.
As strong as these animals appear, they’re immune systems are going to cave when subjected to the most damaging conditions.
In these instances, ailments start to develop and make an impact on your fowl’s health.
When hens lay soft or partially-formed eggs, they could be suffering from a viral or bacterial infection.
You don’t want to wait out these issues and hope for the best because as determined and strong-willed as chickens are, they don’t exactly have the greatest immune system.
Ailments and chicken disease that are affecting your fowls could very easily thrive and spread, infecting some of the other members of the flock.
When neglected, such issues can get even worse and maybe even end up killing the entire flock.
In the event of severe (and we say severe because even the flu can be fatal to a chicken) health problems, make sure to take your chicken to the vet immediately.
Proper diagnoses and treatments are needed for chickens exhibiting symptoms of illnesses.
In most cases, once your hens recover from their ailments, they should start laying normal and healthy eggs again.
Why Are Chickens Laying Eggs With No Shell
There are times when, no matter what you do, there’ll still be that one stray egg that isn’t perfect.
The eggshell is either too soft, not completely formed, or totally nonexistent.
There’s just no explanation for it, and it’s something that you have to accept.
This is, in a way, nature telling you that you will never have full control.
As long as you are doing the right thing, you shouldn’t have too much to worry about.
You just need to be wise and cover all the bases.
Take care of your flock the right way by regularly providing clean water sources, nutrient-rich feed, enough shaded areas, and calcium supplements.
Also, make it a point to partner with an experienced veterinarian who can provide quality consultation for all kinds of issues concerning flock raising.
This individual should have sufficient knowledge on how to address problems regarding eggshell formation.
Chickens Laying Eggs With No Shell
Is there really a way to ensure that 100 percent of the chicken eggs from your flock will turn out healthy with fully-formed shells?
No, there isn’t.
Plus, if we really wanted to find out, then it would take more than analyzing a group of chickens laying eggs with no shell, or an entire batch of soft-shelled eggs, to discover the answer.
Again, this is science telling you that you have to surrender to it.
At the end of the day, there is really only so much you can do as an ordinary chicken keeper.
However, when you do all the things you’re supposed to do the right way, you’re very likely to end up happy with not just the quality of eggs your flock’s hens produce but also with your flock’s general health and behavior.
When you gather as much information as you can from verified sources and learn from your experiences, you should be able to garner results that not only make you feel like a successful chicken keeper but a great human being, as well.
Like all living things, chickens need water to survive.
However, the answer to how long can chickens go without water usually depends on the kind of chicken we’re talking about.
Other factors related to fowl behavior are also taken into consideration, like laying eggs, molting, and growing feathers.
Temperature levels factor into the equation, as well.
How Long Can Chickens Go Without Water?
Generally, if the climate is just right and isn’t too warm, healthy chickens are able to survive a full 48 hours without water.
If you factor in heat or warm conditions, then that’s going to be another story.
Chickens kept in regions where the heat can really do a number on them won’t last more than eight hours without proper water supply.
Lack of Water Access for Hens
Chickens that don’t have access to water normally experience shock.
For instance, hens that are in full lay might stop laying for an entire fortnight if they’re left without any water.
Lack of water can leave a chicken with a dried-out crop that is no longer able to moisten food, which, consequently, halts its digestive process.
A full day without water can be a nightmare for chickens, particularly for hens who need to be hydrated to lay eggs.
These animals will start to struggle or become completely incapable of regulating their body temperature and would need to seek shelter from the heat.
Whether or not they find cover, however, their suffering will continue.
Freezing Temperatures
Ice thaws, so water is going to be everywhere, right?
Yes, ice, indeed, melts, but not for a long time, or sometimes never where other regions are concerned.
In any case, you’re going to find that cold conditions are just as bad as hot temperatures in terms of how they can impact water access for chickens.
The survival rate is slightly higher for chickens in the snowy regions.
When healthy, these animals can go for more than two days without water, eating the snow that’s trapping them inside their coop out of their fierce desperation to survive.
Keep in mind, however, that snow isn’t good for chickens in the long run.
During the cold months, cockerels, as well as hens that have taken a break from egg-laying, don’t struggle as much with lack of water.
The former, because it doesn’t lay eggs and, the latter, because it’s in its resting phase and doesn’t require as much energy.
This is also true for chickens that have already gone through the molting process and have regrown their feathers.
Chicks are as fragile as they come, and, for them, even a few hours without water can be a death sentence.
Make sure your baby chicks don’t go without water for more than six hours.
Since chicks are normally placed in a warm environment by their brooder, they need regular access to water for cooling as well as their normal biological processes.
These younglings do not have the immune system or the reserves of adults, which is why they need to take in smaller amounts of water more frequently.
Newly hatched chicks, on the other hand, will get all the nutrition they need for the next three days from their yolk.
Once the 72 hours are up, however, the baby chicks are going to need water a lot.
How Much Water Do Chickens Need?
Chickens kept indoors are known to consume around 180 ml to 250 ml of water on a daily basis, which means flocks that are kept outdoors could easily drink twice as much.
With that said, consider providing as much as 500 ml of water per chicken each day.
Broilers or meat chickens have a faster growth rate that contributes to their higher water consumption.
For each of these chickens, make sure to leave at least one liter of water on a regular day.
Useful and detailed information about each breed should help you learn more about how to take care of chickens better.
Why Do Chickens Need Water?
We all know that chickens need water to survive, but what exactly do they need it for?
Here’s a breakdown of a chicken’s activities and functions that would not be possible without water:
Drinking
The role of water in this particular activity leaves no room for doubt.
Chickens, like most animals, need water to hydrate and infuse their bodies with the energy that allows them to engage in a variety of daily activities—from mating and laying eggs to running around and flying.
Plus, let’s not forget the necessity of water for seasonal processes like molting.
Everything a chicken does throughout its life requires the energy and nutrients provided by feed and a regular supply of clean water.
Digestion
Water is especially crucial in the digestive process as it moistens the food stored in the chicken’s crop.
Without regular water access, a chicken won’t be able to get enough water into its crop, causing it to dry and, ultimately, stopping digestion.
You can probably imagine how bad this is for your fowl.
Waste Removal
Waste is easier to eject when it’s moist.
Chickens rely on water to soften up those hard feed as well as foreign materials that manage to make their way into the animal’s digestive system.
Chickens aren’t exactly known to be picky eaters and are likely to consume anything that can fit into their beaks.
Water helps ensure that whatever these animals eat, they’ll be able to get out of their system easily.
Without regular access to water, chickens are unable to rely on this function and will either need to stay under the shade constantly or wait until it’s cool enough to venture out into the open.
Either way, this situation is going to result in a lot of suffering for these animals.
Egg Formation
We’re always emphasizing the importance of regular water access for hens that are in full lay, and egg formation is the reason why.
Did you know that chicken eggs are made up of 70% water?
Lack of a regular supply of water during the egg-laying phase is not only going to be really bad for the hens, but it’s also going to do a number on their eggs, affecting their development and even leaving the life inside vulnerable.
What You Should Do for Chickens That Don’t Have Access to Water
how long can chickens go without water
If you notice that your flock of chickens was left without water, provide them with a clean supply right away.
Chickens should always be given water before they feed.
If they’re provided feed first, they’re not going to have enough water in their crops to moisten food.
Furthermore, this could also lead to crop problems, which could impact a chicken’s health in the long run.
It always helps to provide chickens with feed that has already been moistened.
A few soaked grains should get things going and do wonders for your chicken’s digestive system.
Can Chickens Go an Entire Night Without Water?
Like humans, who can go eight hours to half a day without water, chickens are all good going an entire night without water.
Keepers don’t usually keep water in the coop overnight as it tends to dampen the environment and lead to rat problems.
With how health-sensitive chickens are, you can’t give vermin any opportunity to infect their surroundings with bacteria or, worse, feed on the chicks.
As far as your flock is concerned, you just need to make sure that water is readily available in their coop, as well as on the pasture.
Do Chickens Need Water Daily?
Yes, you need to give your chickens water on a daily basis.
During the summer, keepers should provide their flocks with water twice a day.
Furthermore, if you’re raising chickens in really warm regions, then you may have to give them clean water as much as four times per day.
Cleanliness is paramount when giving your chickens water.
For the most part, these animals are vulnerable and can easily fall prey to a variety of ailments.
Also, health problems, like the flu, can be deadly to your fowl.
Providing your roosters and hens with the cleanest water around goes a long way to boosting their immune system and keeping those germs and bacteria at bay.
Rainwater is an acceptable water supply for your pets, but you must store it in a dark lidded barrel until it’s needed.
A big part of caring for your chickens is providing them a sufficient amount of water every day.
In a lot of places, if you fail to do this, you could get in real trouble with the law.
Tips for Watering Chickens
Water is as important to chickens as it is to humans and every other organism.
You know this and, therefore, do your very best to provide your chickens with a clean supply of water every single day.
Then again, you have to ask yourself: is the water really clean?
Water can appear clean to the naked eye but still be filled with bacteria and other microorganisms that are harmful to chickens.
Included in our tips for providing water to your fouls is making sure the pipes and waterers are clean.
Here are the others:
1. Use Elevated Water Containers
When chickens scratch themselves, they end up spraying dirt and tiny debris everywhere.
These materials can end up negatively affecting the quality of their drinking water.
To address this issue, you can place the water containers in a slightly elevated area that’s just enough for the chickens to reach.
In this way, they can comfortably drink from their water vessels without getting any dirt in the water.
2. Provide Two or More Water Sources
If you have a bigger flock, a single water source won’t be enough to hydrate all your chickens.
Some of them will either end up with barely any water or no water at all, which is something you want to keep from happening.
Additionally, keepers will also need to work double-time to refill a single water source.
One chicken can consume as much as 500 ml of water, so that would mean countless refills in a single day, particularly during warm weather.
3. Keep Water in the Shade
Searing temperatures can heat up the water in those containers like nobody’s business, rendering it almost undrinkable.
Also, water that’s kept for hours under the sun is going to evaporate quicker, emptying containers faster and leaving your chickens with nothing to help quench their thirst.
Water containers should be kept in the shade to keep these problems from arising and doubling your workload.
4. Hide Water Containers From Other Animals
Keepers will want to keep water containers hidden from other animals so that their chickens won’t run out of water.
Situate those water vessels in areas that are away from the line of sight of wild birds and other pesky critters that also get thirsty.
Keep in mind that broilers alone can consume as much as one liter of water a day because of their high growth rate, so you’re going to want to keep the water supply in the coop exclusively for your flock.
5. Splash Some Apple Cider at Least Once a Week
We already know that water has several proven benefits for chickens, one of them being an aid for digestion.
However, since chickens are notorious for gobbling up anything they can fit inside their beaks, including tiny hard objects, you’ll want to take the digestion process up a notch every week or so.
On the days you decide to do this, add a bit of apple cider vinegar into the water sources.
Apple cider not only helps improve digestion, but it also enhances the detoxification process.
Every once in a while, your chickens could use a bit of apple cider in their systems.
Final Thoughts: The Best Waterers for Chickens
A vacuum-sealed galvanized drinker can do wonders for your chickens; it also keeps you from dwelling on the question: how long can chickens go without water?
Why?
Because you no longer have to worry about your flock running out of water.
Get about five or six of these water vessels to help provide your chickens with a nearly everlasting water source.
These receptacles are awesome, simple, easy to fill, and effortless to clean.
You’ll also want to keep them on a level surface so that the water inside them doesn’t drain away.
In the United States, building a greenhouse can cost anywhere from $7,000 to $25,000.
The expenses will vary depending on factors like the size of the greenhouse, materials used, excavation, and permits, among others.
That’s why you should put in a lot of effort into researching the best greenhouse options available today.
Best Greenhouse Kit Reviews
While greenhouses can be quite expensive to set up from the scratch, a greenhouse kit (also commonly known as a ‘greenhouse-in-a-box’) allows for a more economical approach, especially for a beginner Indoor Greenhouse
Palram Mythos Hobby Greenhouse – 6’ x 4’ x 7’- Silver
The Palram Mythos Hobby is an extremely durable greenhouse. It comprises 4 mm twin-wall polycarbonate panels, which not only block 99.9% of UV rays but also protects your plants by diffusing the sun’s light and spreading it evenly.
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It includes a roof vent that can be easily adjusted according to your preference and need.
This kit includes rain gutters, a galvanized steel base to ensure a sturdy structure, frost protection, and a lockable door to keep your plants safe.
The estimated assembly time is 4-5 hours.
This deal includes a 5-year limited warranty and customer support (US-based) for a very reasonable price.
Palram Harmony 6×8 Green Greenhouse
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It comes with a standard of 5-year limited warranty.
It is an excellent first choice for anyone who wants durability, safety, and optimal use of space.
Palram Rion 8×12 ft Grand Gardner Greenhouse
This spacious Palram Rion Grand Gardener luxury greenhouse with a beautiful barn-style design is excellent for those who are serious about growing plants, flowers, and vegetables and wish to do so in style.
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A simple pin and lock system warrants an easy stress-free assembly, and the roof panels slide into place effortlessly.
This guarantees your new plant hobby will be stress-free, and you can get started quickly.
Over 70% of sunlight is diffused by the twin-wall roof panels to ensure a soft and even light for your plants.
With double-doors, a weatherproof Green Resin frame, and roof vents, the Grand Gardener Greenhouse is every gardener’s dream!
With a whopping 68 square feet of growing space, you finally have the room to grow any and every plant you ever wanted!
You will never bang your head on the ceiling with 8.5’ of headroom.
It’s an amazingly durable greenhouse with a reinforced, double-walled and rust-resistant aluminum frame, with uncomplicated assembly.
It includes a starter kit that includes everything you need to start growing right away.
All you need to add is your plants.
The kit includes an automatic vent opener, an irrigation kit, heavy-duty shelves, anchoring kit, and 10 hangers for your plants.
An adjustable vent, rain gutters, lockable door, and galvanized steel base included.
A 5-year limited warranty included.
This greenhouse is a perfect choice if your motto is “Go big or go home!”
Palram BELLA SILVER GREENHOUSE 8×20 ft with Twin Wall Glazing
This beautiful design will steal the spotlight of any garden or backyard. But it’s not only for show — the Palram Bella Silver greenhouse is an excellent choice for a plant pro!
Besides the pretty design, this greenhouse is also extremely durable, keeping your plants safe and cozy in an optimal growing environment.
The thick 6 mm polycarbonate twin-walls make this greenhouse one of the most durable on the market — the norm is 4mm.
The bell-shaped design for improved wind resistance, also allows for snow and rain to slide off easily without causing damage to the roof.
It has a rust-resistant aluminum frame for durability and longevity.
Additional structural support is provided by a strong galvanized steel base.
Thick walls mean good insulation and ideal temperatures.
Ideal for those who want versatility and a lot of options.
The panels provide 100% protection from UV rays.
It is an ideal choice for anyone who is not willing to compromise on quality or style!
This is a fabulous choice for those who want a good-looking and great quality greenhouse.
Up to 99.9% of harmful UV rays blocked by twin-wall roof panels for keeping your plants safe from the sun while filtering through the good natural lighting.
Wide double-hinged door, and side Louvre window offer optimal ventilation, and easily adjustable heat and humidity levels.
The see-through, crystal clear panels ensure you can see your plants progress from the outside as well as show them off easily without going inside.
Durable yet crystal-clear see-through polycarbonate panels provide a fantastic level of 90% light transmission.
The frame is made of heavy-duty anthracite, powder-coated, rust-resistant aluminum — an extremely durable and long-lasting solution.
This greenhouse is ideal for those who are looking for an effective and simple choice but do not wish to compromise on style.
King Canopy Fully Enclosed Greenhouse
The King Canopy greenhouse is a sun-resistant and durable option for gardeners who require a heavy-duty greenhouse.
It includes a sturdy all-steel frame, a clear, see-through 1-piece rip stop cover, with a half-moon shaped back window and a roll-up front door.
It is fully enclosed to keep your plants protected from the weather, birds, and possible pests.
Extremely simple and quick to assemble, and if treated well, it will last you for a while!
It is a simple, functional, and a good-value-for-money greenhouse kit.
This product offers a hassle-free start on your planting career, without the stress of tricky assembly with lots of tools.
It is also easy to assemble so you can get started on your new hobby as soon as possible.
For those who care most about the durability, it is weather and mildew resistant cover to protect your plants from bacteria and extreme temperatures.
Outsunny Clear Polycarbonate Greenhouse w/Slide Door (6ft x 8ft)
The best features of the Outsunny Walk-in Large Greenhouse include easy assembly, sliding front door for easy walk-in access, and a see-through PC board that allows you to observe the plants from the outside.
This greenhouse truly is a looker.
It is extremely strong and sturdy for great stability and durability.
It’s a great, budget-friendly option that suits all levels of gardeners from beginners to pros.
It’s made with a powder-coated aluminum frame, and polycarbonate sheets that filter UV-rays to protect your plant babies, while allowing natural light to enter.
The rooftop vent panel is great for optimizing ventilation and airflow, which you can easily adjust according to your needs.
The sliding front door provides easy access to inside without compromising on style.
A fantastic choice for keeping your plants happy all year round without breaking your budget!
Due to its compact size, it is ideal for those limited on space.
It is also ideal for growing herbs or seedlings.
The clear PVC cover ensures protection from pests or frost, providing an ideal environment for growth.
For optimizing space, this greenhouse includes 8 sturdy shelves for all of your trays, pots, and planters. Ideal for small plants or when you are just getting started!
It has an easy assembly with no tools required.
This offer is a cost-effective, convenient, and space-saving option for those who want the option to use the greenhouse indoors as well as outdoors.
This greenhouse is ideal for if you are not sure if you are going to use the greenhouse indoors or outdoors.
This option will suit both! It can be used in your basement or back garden all the same.
Best Choice Products Outdoor Portable Walk-In Greenhouse
Strong and stable with built-in shelves and spacious design make this product an excellent one.
Organizing your plants has never been so easy with the strategic 3-tier built-in shelf design.
Shelves of different heights ensure your bigger and smaller plants will be happy side-by-side without struggling for space to grow.
It is ideal for growing herbs or small plants, or for someone who has a lot of different sized plants they want to grow in the same space.
The weather-resistant design ensures your plants are safe in every weather condition.
The steel frame is made of heavy-duty powder-coated steel can be easily set up and disassembled, without compromising on stability.
It’s perfect for those who love the organization and efficiency.
Gardman R687 4-Tier Mini Greenhouse
This Gardman R687 Mini Greenhouse is an excellent choice for those looking for a space-saving, cost-effective, and adorable solution.
It’s ideal for seed germination, plant breeding, or display — the options are plentiful.
The simple design of a tubular steel frame and a durable plastic cover ensures easy assembly and disassembly for storage when not in use — no tools required for assembly.
It has a stylish design and great for those who like staying organized — professionals and newbies alike.
The cover includes a roll-up door with a zipper, for easy access and protection.
It is a compact choice for those who have limited space yet wish to pursue their plant hobby.
Perfect for growing herbs, small plants, or when you’re just getting started.
Flower House FHSP300CL SpringHouse Greenhouse
The very unique pop-up design of the Flower House FHSP300CL makes it one of the easiest greenhouses to assemble.
Get your plant hobby started without stress and hassle.
The screened vent openings offer optimized and easily adjustable ventilation and airflow for creating that optimal growth environment.
The UV-resistant PVC cover is there to protect your plants from plant burns — safety first!
It is easily folded away for compact storage for when you are not using or if you are moving the greenhouse.
The shade cover, staked, high wind tie-downs, and a free storage bag with a shoulder strap included in the package make for convenient storage or moving.
This greenhouse is made for someone who appreciates a simple, hassle-free design and wants easy assembly and storage.
The best greenhouse kit can be a life saver!
Greenhouse kits can be a real time and money saver.
Other than these two big savings, let’s see why else a greenhouse made from a greenhouse kit will help you and your plants:
Why should you invest in the best greenhouse kit?
Best Greenhouse Kit
Modern farmers invest in greenhouse kits because they:
Are functional and easy to operate.
Lend strength to support the load of plant foliage along with its internal service system.
Allow for planting plenty of crops.
Are easy to service and recover with clouding material.
Use modern technology to maximize plant life.
Offer minimum shading.
Are strong enough to withstand natural climate conditions.
Factors to consider when buying the best greenhouse kit
Are you looking to buy an easy-to-install mini greenhouse to start up those summer plants?
If so, you’re in the right place!
By purchasing the best greenhouse kit in the market, you can set up a cost-efficient greenhouse easily with your own hands within a span of just a few minutes.
The best greenhouse kit or package will usually consist of do-it-yourself equipment for quick and simple installation of greenhouses anywhere.
The kits include the frame, covering and hardware required to set up the greenhouse of your choice.
In the following article, we have discussed in detail as to what are included in a modern day greenhouse kit — Click here to read it.
There are a number of factors to consider before buying a greenhouse kit.
To know the type of greenhouse kit you should buy, you must first and foremost, think deeply about the purpose of your greenhouse.
Choosing the best greenhouse kit hack #1 — Why do you want to set up a greenhouse?
Is it just for a hobby?
Or are you planning to grow plants and produce in wide scale?
Are you growing something for a competition or do your plants need specific care?
Or are you just looking to set up a small oasis to relax in around the house?
Answering these questions can help you decide the ‘scale of the greenhouse kit’ you need.
Choosing the best greenhouse kit hack #2 — Cost of a greenhouse vs. a greenhouse kit
Did you know that the average cost of building a greenhouse from scratch is around $25 per sq.ft.?
This includes the materials, labor cost, lighting, ventilation and permit costs.
A complete greenhouse can easily cost above $10,000.
But guess what, the best greenhouse kit can cost anywhere in between $100 to $5000.
You can purchase a basic 6′ x 8′ steel frame kit for just $200 and wooden ones for $130.
So save your hard-earned money for better investments.
The best greenhouse kit can save you loads of dollars!
Choosing the best greenhouse kit hack #3 — Deciding the type of greenhouse you want
To select the right wholesale greenhouse kit, you have got to understand the very nature of a greenhouse.
This can help you decide which frame you need, the type of covering that’s most apt and the constraints that might come up.
Using a greenhouse to grow flowers, vegetables or fruit has many advantages such as increased yield, longer growing seasons along with less stressful beginnings for starter seeds.
You can enjoy these amazing planter benefits by selecting high-quality greenhouse kit manufacturers.
Greenhouses come in various styles, materials and makes to suit different growing conditions and environments.
The following YouTube video gives an excellent overview of the many styles of greenhouses available today:
Now that you have an idea of some of the greenhouses styles, I’d like to discuss some of the more common ones that can be purchased as kits:
Round Arch Greenhouse
These installations are also known as the “round greenhouse” by wholesale greenhouse kit dealers.
They require no foundation and is most often covered with plastic film.
This is ideal for hobby farmers or those who don’t have much space on their property to set up larger greenhouses.
Sizes available in wholesale kits: from about 12’ x 12’ to about 14’ x 28.’
Round Arch Greenhouse Pros:
Common and easy to set up
Excellent in mild climates
Round Arch Greenhouse Cons:
Generally not strong enough to withstand high winds or heavy snows
Depending on your region, they can be costly to heat in the winter
Gothic Arch Greenhouse
Gothic greenhouses come in an arch design with narrow upper areas gradually expanding towards a larger base.
Smaller buildings are about 8 inches tall, but they can range up to 10 inches in overall height.
They are usually spacious and may have trusses or crossbars added to help strengthen their frame.
Some people even add a center pole to their greenhouses in the winter, though this can interfere with the plants getting enough light.
These types of greenhouses are also available in kits and can be easily erected in less spacious areas.
Sizes available in wholesale greenhouse kits: from about 14’ x 16’ to about 18’ x 36.’
Gothic Arch Greenhouse Pros:
Stronger in design than round arch greenhouses
Do not require a foundation
Can expand to a large size
Cheaper to heat in winter — depending on the cover and frame materials
Less prone to winter damage as snow tends to slide off the sides
Gothic Arch Greenhouse Cons:
Difficult to construct, a problem that can be mitigated with the correct wholesale greenhouse kit
Traditional Greenhouse
When many people hear the word “greenhouse,” they picture a glassed-in building filled with flowers and surrounded by trees.
This is the traditional or “engineered” greenhouse.
These buildings are usually very sturdy and covered in plastic, Plexiglas or even pure glass.
These greenhouses are not commonly found in wholesale kits.
If available, they are generally smaller than the other styles.
They are more expensive also.
Sizes available in wholesale greenhouse kits: usually between 6’ x 8’ and 10’ x 12.’
Traditional Greenhouse Pros:
A stronger frame that’s permanent in nature
Offers good air circulation
Excellent lighting
Traditional Greenhouse Cons:
Needs a stable foundation
Can be expensive to heat, depending on frame and cover materials
Gothic-Traditional Greenhouse
The Gothic traditional greenhouse combines some of the best features of both the Gothic arch and traditional designs.
These may or may not need a foundation, depending on the size of the building and are often built with bent tubing.
They may be covered with plastic film or plastic panels.
Sizes available in wholesale greenhouse kits: available in a variety of sizes
Gothic-Traditional Greenhouse Pros
Due to their construction, they are easy to vent for air circulation all year.
Heating costs will vary based on your region’s climate, but these types of greenhouses tend to do better in cooler climates than the round arch or Gothic arch types.
Sunroom Greenhouses
A Sunroom greenhouse or passive solar greenhouse is one that forms an extension of the owner’s home.
They are attached to the wall of a house.
Usually, these greenhouses are covered in glass or polycarbonate panels and should only be used for hobby or family farming and not commercial growing of plants.
Sizes available in wholesale greenhouse kits: from about 6’ x 8’ up to a whole side of the house or an 8’ x 20’ room.
Sunroom Greenhouses Pros:
Easy access to water, electricity and resources
Sunroom Greenhouses Cons:
Sunlight may become an issue if the shadow of the house falls on the greenhouse.
Temperature control is more difficult.
Types of greenhouse based on shape
If you have a large yard, you may want to build a traditional greenhouse with a rectangular shape, metal frame and a pitched roof.
It offers lots of growing space for your plants aside from maximizing light.
Moreover, the traditional greenhouse has a classic design that blends well with its surroundings.
You can also opt for a barn which has a similar shape to that of the traditional greenhouse but has a higher headroom.
It is thus more appropriate for growing taller plants as well as vines and climbers.
It also doesn’t require any base, which makes it easier to build than the traditional greenhouse.
Another type of greenhouse design that you may want to build is the heptagonal greenhouse.
It is best suited for smaller gardens because it takes up minimal floor space while still giving a place to nourish your plants.
If you don’t really have enough space for a traditional greenhouse, you can try to build a window-mounted greenhouse or go with a highly recommended mini-greenhouse.
As the name suggests, it is attached outside the window.
Ideally, these greenhouses should be on the south or east side.
The challenge, however, is to maintain a uniform temperature in this type of greenhouse.
A mini box greenhouse
Choosing the best greenhouse kit hack #4 — Greenhouse frames
Another factor that you must consider when choosing the best greenhouse kit is the frame needed to support the building.
It goes without saying that your greenhouse is only as good as the frame it is built upon.
The frame is the weight-bearing skeleton of the entire building and you need to choose it carefully.
If you intend to move your greenhouse occasionally, you will need a temporary lighter frame.
If you have decided to go for a permanent structure such as a traditional greenhouse, then a heavier material will not only suit your needs, but will also add visual appeal.
The cost of setting up a permanent greenhouse with a kit will be slightly lesser than if set up from scratch.
Types of greenhouses based on frame
When choosing a greenhouse kit, you should consider the durability and functionality of its frame.
Greenhouse kit frames are made of PVC, steel or wood.
There are pros and cons of each frame type.
Wood is a bit more difficult to construct although it is more attractive than steel frames.
Steel frames, however, are maintenance-free and can last forever.
But a steel frame is less energy efficient compared to wood.
A steel frame greenhouse
You can also opt for a hoop house frame made from a series of pipe hoops.
These are easier to build, but the problem is that they aren’t as durable as steel or wood frames.
Let’s look at each one of them in detail:
PVC-framed greenhouses
Also known as “hoop houses,” PVC greenhouses are great for a temporary spring and summer growing seasons.
These lightweight frames are made of plastic pipes that resemble hoops.
PVC Framed Greenhouse Pros:
Extremely lightweight and portable
Generally the least expensive greenhouse frame material in the market
Rust and rot-free
PVC Framed Greenhouse Cons:
Vulnerable to high winds
The overall structure isn’t very strong. Heavy icing or snow build-up can destroy the greenhouse very quickly. So this type of frame is not recommended for colder regions.
If these frames are not UV treated, they will warp from constant sun exposure.
Other plastic and resin frames are also good choices as they can withstand rain and light snow.
Like PVC, plastic and resin will not rust or rot.
These types of greenhouses are easily found in kits.
Steel-framed greenhouses
A steel-framed greenhouse is a work of art.
They are great options for permanent greenhouses and frequently come in kits with detailed installation guides.
They are very strong and long-lasting but are usually expensive
Wood-based greenhouses
Strong woods such as cedar and redwood are commonly used for most traditional greenhouse frames.
Like steel, wood frames are meant for permanent buildings.
Most wood that is used in building greenhouses today is pressure-treated to protect it against mold and warping.
But check with the manufacturer of your kit to ensure that this process has taken place.
Wood greenhouse kits come in a variety of styles and sizes.
For example, you can find Wooden Greenhouse kits in sizes from 8’ x 8’ to larger than the average garden shed.
Greenhouses with plastic covering installed from wholesale greenhouse kits
Choosing the best greenhouse kit hack #5 — What do I cover my greenhouse with?
Covering or ‘glazing’ your greenhouse correctly plays a big part in lengthening its life.
There are many glazing options like polyethylene which is available as sheet film or woven plastic.
Polyethylene is cheap, although it doesn’t offer enough insulation.
You can also opt for glass, which is the most durable of all glazing types, although it is more difficult to cut and handle when compared to plastic glazing.
Fiberglass is another option, preferred for its strength and ease in cutting and handling.
There are other factors that you have to consider.
If you live in a windy area, you will have to buy strong glazing.
Polyethylene and hoop houses aren’t ideal in this regard as they are very susceptible to wind damage.
You’d want fiberglass or multi-layer polycarbonate instead.
Common covering materials used in when setting up these buildings with greenhouse kits are:
Polyethylene Film — The Least Expensive Greenhouse Cover
Polyethylene film can be placed on your greenhouse in either a single layer or double.
It comes in both panels and rolls.
There are different grades of polyethylene film, all based on the expected life of the material which vary from 1 to 4 years.
This is the least expensive type of greenhouse covering.
Polycarbonate Greenhouses Covers
Polycarbonate greenhouse coverings are available in either corrugated or multi-wall types.
Both types are resistant to hail damage and are coated with UV protectant on the outer surfaces.
They come in anti-condensation varieties as well.
Some types of polycarbonate coverings come with a 10-year manufacturer’s warranty.
A greenhouse made with polycarbonate material — apt for orchids
Solexx Greenhouse Covers
Solexx greenhouse covering is a mixture of PVC, steel and tubing – a mixture that works great for many types of climates.
The panels are flexible and easy to cut, move and position around the greenhouse.
Traditional Glass Greenhouse Covering
Glass is the “traditional” greenhouse covering. And its the reason people still call the process of covering a greenhouse as “glazing.”
Glass is not just the most expensive cover, but also the most economical one in the long run.
It can be purchased as double strength or insulated and has the longest lifetime of any other material, generally lasting 25 years or more.
Glass is highly UV resistant.
When insulated, it will keep you from losing heat in your greenhouse for many years.
Choosing the best greenhouse kit hack #6 —What flooring should I use?
The flooring you pick for your greenhouse is largely based personal preference.
Some people like rubber mats while others prefer a packed-dirt floor.
Whether you choose plastic, rubber, stone or dirt, consider the water run-off, ease of cleaning and overall wear-and-tear to help decide the best flooring for your greenhouse.
Choosing the best greenhouse kit hack #7 — Heating and cooling your greenhouse
When using a greenhouse kit, ensuring correct temperature control is of paramount importance.
The minimum temperature that most flowers, produce and fruit can withstand is about 55ºF.
The best greenhouse kit should provide for sufficient ventilation for your plants.
It should also account for the type of heating you will provide for the greenhouse.
There are two widely available choices for heating your greenhouse — electricity and natural gas.
This short video by Texas-based Doodley Dee Farm can help you with your heating and cooling your greenhouse decisions:
Cooling and ensuring good air circulation in your greenhouse can be done by fans or by vents.
Vents can be built right into the covering, especially if you are using plastic film or polycarbonate.
During spring and summer, glass windows and doors can be left open.
Choosing the best greenhouse kit hack #8 — Where to build your greenhouse
Have you decided where you are going to set up the greenhouse?
Consider these tips before installing your greenhouse structure:
Greenhouse Location
Location is important for more than just ensuring your growing plants get enough light every day.
You must consider your own needs as well.
Can you get back and forth easily to your greenhouse at least twice a day?
Your plants will need to be watered as well.
So consider the locations of nearby hoses and places where new water lines can be run.
Is the path from your house to the greenhouse level and easy to push a wheel barrel along?
Or is it rocky and difficult to walk on?
Maybe it is easy on dry days but becomes a swamp in the rain?
All these scenarios can be avoided with proper placement.
If getting to your greenhouse is difficult in the best weather, you aren’t going to want to hang out in it in the worst.
Also, the slope of the frame affects how dead leaves, snow and ice accumulate on the greenhouse.
You might want to think about this technicality before finalizing on a greenhouse kit.
Sunlight for your greenhouse
Your greenhouse should be able to catch as much available sunlight as possible.
If you live in a more northern region, building it near a windbreak that won’t create too many shadows is ideal.
Pick a greenhouse kit which offers coverings that allow for sufficient sunlight to enter the greenhouse.
Greenhouse Drainage
The base for your greenhouse should be slightly sloped.
Or if that is not possible, drainage pipes should be installed to take water away from the structure.
Pipes can also help deter burrowing rodents.
The greenhouse kit should allow for the constriction of pipes and drains.
Greenhouse and Cold weather
The door of your greenhouse should always be built away from the prevailing wind of your region to avoid losing too much heat in the winter.
Plants that are suddenly exposed to cold can go into shock and die.
Choosing a good quality covering and adding sufficient heating can mitigate these issues.
Greenhouse lighting
Another consideration when choosing the right greenhouse kit is electricity.
Do you have power sockets near you that can take on extra load?
Does the greenhouse pose any electrification dangers?
You may also wish to install lighting so that you can work with your plants throughout the year.
Consider hiring a professional to assess these matters.
An electrician can also help you decide whether electrical or natural gas heating will be best for your greenhouse.
The following article helps explain how to choose the location to set up greenhouses using kits in greater detail — GrowingProduce.com
Choosing the best greenhouse kit hack #9 — Location and regulatory permits
Before purchasing a wholesale greenhouse kit, it’ll be a good idea to become familiar with your local laws regarding building sites.
There are very few greenhouses that can be properly built without a foundation being laid.
As many localities regard a building with a foundation as an “improvement,” you may need to have a license to build it on your property.
Greenhouse panels
Panels made using film, plastic and plexiglass are cheap and durable options as you won’t incur the large cost of replacement usually found in glass.
Most panels insulate well and let excess compaction run off.
They won’t imbibe any water which causes issues such as mold and mildew.
They also spread sunlight very efficiently; even in direct sunlight, they will disperse rays throughout the structure.
Consider these features also when evaluating the best greenhouse kits in the market.
Greenhouse base
Another consideration when choosing the best greenhouse kit is deciding the base you need.
The base of a greenhouse can be made of wood, concrete, galvanized steel or aluminum.
There are a lot of considerations when choosing a greenhouse base, like insulation, drainage and sturdy construction.
Wood is an excellent base for a greenhouse
It is strong enough to support the hefty structure.
In terms of cost, it is also cheaper compared to steel or concrete.
But it can be prone to rotting.
You don’t want to use treated woods for the greenhouse base because it can release harmful chemicals to the soil which can hamper the growth of your plants.
Instead, look for naturally resistant wood types like redwood, cedar and cypress.
Concrete Greenhouse Base
Concrete is the best material if you have a permanent greenhouse.
It can last for a long time, and need not be replaced or repaired.
Concrete is sturdy and can support heavy materials ranging from wood to glass.
The downside is that it is obviously a lot more expensive when compared to wood and doesn’t allow for contact with the ground.
The concrete slab foundation would also need drains to be installed so as to prevent water build up which can result in mosquitoes thriving inside the greenhouse.
Another problem with concrete is that it can require hard labor, as there is a need to dig a level area aside from adding gravel and sub-floor materials.
Concrete base isn’t exactly ideal if you have limited DIY skills.
Galvanized Steel Greenhouse Base
Galvanized steel is like concrete as it is very strong.
It is also similar to wood as far as price is concerned and is rather cheap.
Most greenhouse kits have frames made of galvanized steel.
They are durable and long lasting.
Moreover, they do not pose much shadows, thus blocking sunlight to plants.
Aluminum Base
Aluminum is also strong, but not in the same level as steel and concrete.
It’s slightly more expensive than wood, easier to maintain and perhaps the longest-lasting base material as it won’t rot or rust.
Aluminum won’t also break down from UV rays.
Guide to buying the best greenhouse kit
Wholesale greenhouse kits are a big time and money saver for beginner gardeners.
Of its many benefits, the main ones useful to gardeners everywhere
Advantages of Greenhouse Kit
The best greenhouse kit is easy to install and can be set up quickly without much hassle.
These kits provide a stable growing environment in which you can grow many numerous types of plants, flowers and vegetables under one roof.
Wholesale greenhouse kits are an excellent way to start cuttings or seeds early so they will be able for early season planting.
Your plants have protection from the elements and seasons.
Small and moderate-sized greenhouse kits offer good temperature control.
Wholesale greenhouse kits are considerably cheap and economic for beginner farmers and have a lifespan which lasts a long time.
Their operational and upkeep costs are usually nominal than some of the larger greenhouse.
There is a lot that goes into building and maintaining a successful greenhouse structure.
Wholesale greenhouse kits help you make easier planting decisions regarding structure and planting conditions when you are low on time and money.
Where to buy the best greenhouse kit
Once you’ve decided to purchase a greenhouse kit, visit a few home and gardening retailers near your locality.
Ask their representatives if they have such kits or if they can guide you to places that sell them.
With a little bit of homework, you can locate a greenhouse supplier near your home or find one who is affordable and caters to your requirements.
While the majority of wholesale suppliers simply sell to retail supply firms, you can purchase the kits directly from them as well.
Search on shopping sites and other gardening websites for greenhouse pots, plastic and other accessories.
You’re bound to find plenty of options for purchasing wholesale greenhouse kits on the web.
However, the downside to online shopping is that there is an extra charge for shipping.
Scope of greenhouse farming
Hobby greenhouses are rapidly growing in popularity.
With the overwhelming rise in modern technology, a lot of people are demanding natural plant and food products.
That’s why most farmers have realized the success this kind of farming can offer.
Greenhouse growers also enjoy the gratification of knowing that they contribute to the environment and community.
Greenhouse kits have found their place in today’s quick and easy farming generation and are here to stay.
From miniature backyard farming to large scale plantations, farmers today make use of wholesale greenhouse kits in more ways than one.
The best greenhouse kit can be installed in places of lesser area such as townhouses and city homes by means of mini greenhouse models while also helping to tackle difficult climate issues.
What’s best about using these kits is that you can install the entire greenhouse yourself! How To Build A Greenhouse
Consulting a wholesale greenhouse kit manufacturer before making your purchase can help you make correct buying decisions.
Before going ahead with the purchase, consider other competitors who can ship the kits to you at varying costs.
Geographical borders are no longer an issue for those selling the best wholesale greenhouse kits.
The best greenhouse kit can work wonders for your farming collection.
Whenever people hear about using diatomaceous earth, they’re always unsure what to do.
It’s a gardening secret that is often used as a last resort and is extremely useful.
Diatomaceous earth (DE) is a smooth powder broken down from bone that helps keep bugs and small critters away from your garden.
As useful as it is, there are precautions when using it and an effective way of applying it.
As such, today, we’ll help you learn about a few features of DE and how it can assist with your garden crops.
We also have some tips on how to use diatomaceous earth in the garden.
What Is Diatomaceous Earth?
The best way we can describe what diatomaceous earth is by breaking down what it’s made out of.
Diatomaceous earth, otherwise known as DE, is a rock fossilized with skeletal remains of small single-celled aquatic organisms.
It’s known in the scientific world as the Kieselgur or Kieselguhr.
The organism that they use is called a diatom.
Diatoms secrete a natural substance, which makes up for 26% of the earth’s crust by weight.
It’s a naturally occurring substance that repels bugs and deters animals from eating it.
You can easily ground down this soft rock into a fine powder.
Silica, a naturally occurring substance, makes up the remnants of the rock diatoms.
It is a mixture of water, oxygen, and remains of fossils.
As a food additive, it can help prevent bugs from crawling into the boxes in factories or on the store shelf.
It’s not harmful to eat or digest for humans due to our unique digestive system.
However, smaller bugs and critters can’t break it down, and their insides will get microtears in them while eating it.
While it may seem harmless to the touch, the powder still has small bones that have sharp edges.
When we mean that it’s sharp, we’re not talking about shards of glass.
Instead, the finely ground powder contains small razor-like substances on the microscopic level—these work to tear away at the insides of bug’s exoskeleton and digestive tract.
How Does Diatomaceous Earth Chase Away Pests?
DE works by deterring small bugs and critters from eating crops.
The reason for this is that the DE silica skeletons are incredibly sharp on a microscopic level and, when ingested, can cause damage.
For bugs, it causes rips in their exoskeleton and dries the insect from the inside out.
Thus, working as a natural method as a bug repellant.
On the other hand, it may give larger critters a stomach ache or small tears.
This will easily deter them from coming back again.
While that may be an effective model for keeping them away from your garden, it may be considered animal cruelty.
As such, it is best to check your current standing laws in your state for what you can and can’t do with wildlife.
Additionally, the white residue left behind from DE can be sprinkled all over your yard, although you will need to begin wearing heavy-duty footwear to prevent any tears.
The residue left will automatically cause critters and bugs to go running in the opposite direction because they won’t be able to pinpoint how they got hurt.
DE is a powerful bug repellent that’s both effective and inexpensive.
It works better than leading bug repellents on the market due to its non-toxicity and works on a mechanical level.
On the contrary, other bug repellents rely on their formula to kill insects.
If you spray the formula regularly, bugs can build up a natural resistance to it.
For DE, you don’t have to worry about bugs building resistance to it.
DE works internally to get rid of the bug and doesn’t contain any poisons.
It will effectively kill the bug every time you use it.
How to Use Diatomaceous Earth in the Garden
It may seem straightforward on how to apply DE to your garden.
That said, we see plenty of gardeners make the same mistake, so we will do our best to walk you through the process of how to use diatomaceous earth in the garden step by step:
Take the container of DE and inspect it to ensure it’s sealed all around.
Shake the container roughly to mix the powder well.
Poke holes into the container that makes it look like a makeshift spice shaker.
Sprinkle the DE on top of the plants being eaten by pests and insects.
Only apply to areas of your garden that need it, not everything.
After these steps, you may need to reapply the DE to your garden.
Rainy weather, climate change, and wind may cause some of the DE powder to come off your plants.
Reapplying a small amount can help make sure you prevent critters and bugs from getting to your crops.
DE Using Tips
how to use diatomaceous earth in the garden
how to use diatomaceous earth in the garden
To obtain some DE, you’re going to have to go shopping and look for anything resembling DE food grade.
The food-grade powder is very finely ground and is easier to spread around your garden.
Plus, the small particles will be more accessible for small bugs to eat and digest.
If the particles are too big, they may just skip over the DE and head straight to eating your plant.
Once you’ve found this, it can be used effectively against garden pests.
Here’s a quick breakdown on a few things you should keep in mind while using DE:
1. Clear Out the Area
Once you get home, you have to clear out an area before you put the DE down.
Once the area is clean, begin sprinkling it around the plants you’re trying to prevent damages to.
2. Never Miss a Spot
While placing the DE down, you have to ensure that you don’t miss a spot.
Missing one spot could be big enough for critters to get still in.
3. Dust Leaves if Needed
If the pests are eating your garden, then you can dust a few leaves with DE mixed into them, which causes critters to avoid that area.
Do note, though, that you should avoid mixing DE in with plants, flowers, or leaves.
This can end up damaging your plants and do more harm than good.
4. Wear Protective Gear
Always make sure that you’re wearing safety eye goggles when dealing with DE.
DE can cause some severe damage if it gets into your eye.
If you have a dust mask, it is best to put that on so that you’re overly protected.
5. Use It During Dry Conditions
Only use DE in dry conditions.
If you live in an area that produces a lot of rainfall, then the DE will just get washed away and placed somewhere else.
With their spikiness in nature, this can cause a lot of harm to neighbors and surrounding animals.
6. Avoid Applying During Windy Days
Do not apply DE onto your crops when there is wind.
Even with eye protection, there’s a high risk of it getting into your hair or on your clothing.
This substance may not be fatal, but it can cause some severe damage if you touch your shirt or hair and then rub it into your eye.
Possible Health Effects
Many industries say that using DE is safe, but there are still some warnings that you need to be aware of.
Here’s a quick breakdown on when DE is unsafe:
Eye and Respiratory Irritation
Since DE has small shards, we recommend not breathing it in.
It may be tempting because of the soft like powder form that it comes in, but it’s an abrasive substance that can be detrimental to your health if you misuse it.
Some side effects include irritation of eyes, nose, lungs, and throat.
Can Be Poisonous When Consumed at High Amounts
DE is non-toxic when eaten, which means it won’t cause any poison like symptoms.
It’s used in some of our cereals to help prevent insects from infesting our food sources.
So, it’s safe for consumption but only for low levels.
Skin Irritation
DE may not cut your skin or give you small abrasions, but it will cause your skin to become irritated.
Always be fully clothed when applying the DE powder to your plants.
If you get some on your hands or arms, wash it with water right away.
To avoid this, consider wearing rubber clothes to help prevent it from getting onto your hands.
Drawbacks to Using DE
One of the major drawbacks of using DE is that it can injure bugs that pollinate flowers in your garden.
Bees are often the animals that come and spread their pollen from flower to flower.
They help distribute seeds and give your plants some much-needed nourishment.
The problem with using DE with bees is that the bee will land on your plant and attempt to fertilize using their legs.
Their legs will get tears in them, and eventually, the bee will die.
With bees already going extinct, it’s essential to understand when and where to use DE powder.
What to Do
To help avoid this problem, we’ve talked to a bee expert who recommended a few methods for applying DE powder:
Only apply a small amount of DE powder to the plants getting infected by insects, not your whole garden.
Only apply DE early in the morning or in the late afternoon to prevent bees from stepping in it, as they haven’t made their rounds yet.
Only use DE near the ground to help reduce the areas of DE where the bees are most likely to land.
Do not apply any DE powder onto plants that you believe bees will pollinate.
As you can see, there is less of a risk for humans than there are for animals.
You’ll be able to apply and use DE around your garden safely.
On that note, it should be applied sparingly, as it could cause problems for animals you’re not targeting.
Diatomaceous Earth is a very effective method
Diatomaceous Earth is a very effective method for removing bugs and small critters from your garden.
It should be used sparingly and only on selected plants that are having problems or being eaten by insects. Other types of repellents may work better if your garden has a full infestation.
Professional gardeners tend to recommend DE as a last resort.
It can be extremely effective at doing what it’s designed to do, but we don’t recommend using it every week.
Only use DE when you believe that a plant is struggling to stay alive due to bugs or small critters.
Also, just always wear protective gear when applying DE to your garden.
This includes full body protection to ensure that you’re not getting it on yourself.
If you have any pets or small animals, please keep them away from your garden and consider fencing it off.
This can prevent them from accidentally eating the DE off plants.
Best Splitting Mauls – Nights can get unbearably cold in the wilderness, so much that not even an HVAC system is enough to protect your health from the harsh and freezing weather.
Situations like these call for the warmth of a fireplace and a trusty fleece blanket.
It’s during these times when fire becomes the essential element in your home.
In order for fire to provide constant warmth throughout the wintertime, you need to make sure it burns continuously.
For this, you would need a steady supply of wood made possible with little to no effort, thanks to the best splitting maul. Axes Best Suited for Rural Living
If you haven’t gotten a splitting maul as of yet, or you are planning to upgrade your splitting maul, we reviewed five of the best in the market.
Best Splitting Mauls Reviews
Fiskars Iso Core 8lb Splitting Maul
Fiskars Iso Core 8lb Splitting Maul
The first maul on our list is by the household brand Fiskars.
This compact eight-pounder comes with a two-face design, one for splitting wood and the other for driving stakes and wedges.
Fiskars Splitting Maul
Fiskars has been supplying the market with top-notch outdoor tools for years, but they really outdid themselves with this model.
Fiskars Splitting Maul Product Highlights
What’s most impressive about the Iso Core splitting maul is its optimized blade geometry, which allows it to penetrate even the toughest of logs.
Just as remarkable is its shock system, which absorbs shocks and vibrations from every strike.
The goal of this technology is to reduce the physical consequences that come with each blow the user delivers, particularly the missed strikes.
With the Fiskars Splitting Maul with the Iso Core, vibration transfer will be twice less compared to similar products on the market.
This means splitting logs for an entire day wouldn’t even be an issue.
You also get more work done because your body won’t feel like it’s hurting.
The handle flair is another standout feature since it keeps your grip on the ax firm and steady while you swing.
A good grip continues to be one of the most important elements of effective wood splitting, as it helps ensure your safety.
You won’t have to worry about the maul accidentally slipping from your hands and careening in the direction of someone nearby.
The Iso Core also makes comfort a priority, evidenced by its insulation sleeve.
This part serves as an initial shock absorber and keeps your hands from bearing the brunt of that powerful first blow.
This maul will be serving you for years on account of its durable and high-quality material.
The head section is made of forged, heat-treated steel.
The steel contains a rust-resistant coating that keeps the maul looking brand new even after years and years of use.
Best Fiskars Maul Pro and Con
All the work you can accomplish with this powerful and lightweight maul will have you sporting an ear-splitting grin.
The technology it uses is outstanding and prioritizes not only productive wood splitting but healthy wood splitting for over long periods.
You cannot deny the versatility this tool offers with its two-faced design.
Aside from allowing you to split logs effortlessly, it also makes it easy for you to drive stakes and wedges.
All you have to do is use the other head.
It’s comfortable and durable.
An entire day of splitting logs won’t feel that long when you use this maul.
The Iso Core’s smartly-designed handle and soft grip will make sure of that.
Everything this maul has in terms of function, it lacks in aesthetics.
The Iso Core may make use of superior technology that protects the user’s health while allowing them to deliver the most powerful and efficient swings, but it’s not necessarily the most beautiful to look at.
Plus, you have to be a pro in wood splitting if you plan on using this model as every missed strike can increase the chances of handle breakage.
Also, while the maul itself is durable, the question still remains for its plastic handle.
This remarkably designed maul by Estwing impresses in several aspects; first, with its forged steel construction and, second, with its genuine leather grip.
Estwing Special Edition Fireside Hatchet
A 14-inch beast that just oozes class and power, it’s a maul that anyone who lives for splitting logs has to have.
Estwing Special Edition Fireside Friend Axe
This is yet another one of the single-piece forged designs that have become immensely popular in recent years.
The reason for this lies in the design’s high durability, efficiency, and efficacy for long-lasting striking.
Apart from all these, the design also supports the effortless splitting of logs and firewood.
The Estwing Special Edition prioritizes safety with its quality heavy-duty sheath that covers the tool’s razor-sharp edge.
Other notable features include the shock reduction grip system and the product’s American origins.
The first one is important for obvious reasons in that it considerably reduces the physical toll dealt by every strike to the user’s hands, making every wood splitting session less of a hassle and much less tiring at the same time.
The second is just as vital because it tells you that the steel used to manufacture this equipment is some of the finest in the entire world.
A more modern version of the classic ax, this one offers unrivaled balanced and temper.
The leather adds comfort, durability, and a touch of class.
If you’re a true outdoor person, then you’re definitely going to love this one.
Estwing Special Edition Fireside Friend Axe Pro and Con
This model’s single-piece forged design is its most outstanding feature, and the main reason it’s a must-have for every outdoor person.
You can split wood for long periods without ever feeling your hands strain because the grip is absorbing most of the shock.
It doesn’t hurt that this model is great to look at, too.
One of the things we look for in our outdoor tools is beauty, and the Estwing Special Edition definitely doesn’t slack in this department.
The gorgeous leather that covers the handle is sanded and lacquered and adds just a touch of class into the whole wood splitting activity.
If you’re going after some of the tougher hardwoods, then it’s best to double-clutch the handle for safety purposes.
The painted face looks great but drags against the wood.
You can wait for it to wear off, or you can brush it all off yourself at the bench grinder.
Its incredible creations like this 31.5-inch splitting maul made Gransfors Bruk a household name.
Everything, from design to performance, is an A+.
It weighs seven pounds, with the head making up almost 80 percent of the total weight at 5.5 pounds.
Gransfors Splitting Maul
The long handle and large head give this maul superb balance.
Gransfors Bruk Splitting Maul Features
This splitting maul is an absolute beauty with its double-faced head made of premium quality steel.
You have a wedge face meant for splitting wood, and another face that’s a solid hammer meant for driving steel wedges.
This awesome feature is what allows the tool to deliver on versatility.
This Gransfors Bruk has a long, beautifully crafted handle with a shiny finish that gives the maul an elegant, sophisticated feel to it.
Another thing worth mentioning is how the head fits the handle to perfection through its steel and wood wedges.
This tells us how securely these parts are attached and that there’s no chance of them ever coming apart.
To top it all off, there’s the vegetable-tanned leather sheath that comes with the package.
It safeguards the head of the maul from weather elements, resulting in years of excellent service without rust or corrosion.
Gransfors Bruk Splitting Maul Pro and Con
This splitting maul by Gransfors Bruk is made for swift and efficient log splitting as not even the biggest logs can withstand its combination of strength, balance, and power.
You can use it in conjunction with a splitting wedge, which is when you get the most out of this tool.
It’s made of beautifully handcrafted hardwood and is perfectly balanced that it allows you to split logs accurately for long periods.
The leather sheath offers the perfect form of protection for the wedge.
Tall users may benefit a lot from this maul, but the short ones aren’t so lucky.
The handle is simply too long for them.
And speaking of handles, this model has an unfinished one.
The company lives and breathes gardening and landscaping, and it definitely shows in this candidate for the best splitting maul.
The Razorback 4114000 is an everyday tool that allows you to go about wood splitting more efficiently.
The fiberglass handle provides long-lasting overstrike protection.
RazorBack Ames Company Splitting Maul Features
This model is definitely for those who love to split firewood.
It’s one of the best splitters out there with its fiberglass handle and long-lasting overstrike protection.
The edge is razor-sharp, and the tool, as a whole, performs exceptionally well.
Another noteworthy feature of this maul is its heat-treated head, which enhances both safety and durability.
The head is also balanced superbly so that every time the user strikes, it’s always effortless and effective.
Of course, the forged steel head is also something to behold and gives the user that extra power on every swing.
The fiberglass core handle is what makes everything come together and solidifies this maul’s spot as one of the year’s best.
It helps provide support, balance, and safety and ensures that every strike is done correctly and accurately.
RazorBack Ames Company Splitting Maul Pro and Con
This is such a great maul that has high durability and overstrike protection.
True to its name, Razorback delivers a model that’s razor-sharp and exceptionally powerful for its size.
You may need to sharpen the blade regularly to get some edge consistently.
RazorBack Splitting Maul Pros:
Great for splitting firewood
Safe and durable
Fiberglass handle
Overstrike protection
RazorBack Splitting Maul Con:
Needs regular sharpening to maintain its edge
Splitting Maul Buyer’s Guide
If you’re asking yourself if certain things need to be considered before purchasing a splitting maul, the answer is yes.
This guide covers all the important elements to look for in a maul so that you can get one that meets all your wood splitting needs.
Splitting Maul Weight
The maul’s weight, without a doubt, influences its performance.
Generally, it’s the heavier models that perform better on account of the heavier splitting force they deliver onto the wood.
For effective wood splitting in the general sense, you should go for mauls that are no less than eight pounds in weight.
Single Piece Forging or Socket
Take a look at the way the handle attaches itself to the head.
It would help if you were sure that the socket is durable because that is the mark of a quality product.
That aspect alone will determine the length of time your maul will be able to serve you.
For models designed with single-piece forging, there won’t be a need for these sockets.
This also means that these particular models are more durable since there is little to no chance of the head detaching from the socket.
Balance
Balance is another essential quality to look for in splitting mauls.
Choosing a maul that provides great balance also means you get excellent leverage for every strike, which thereby increases your chances to produce accurate ones.
To tell if a maul has good balance, its head needs to be at a weight just right for its handle length.
But the shape and overall design could also factor into the equation.
Best Handle For Splitting Mauls
The handle is where you make contact with the maul.
It determines the ergonomics associated with handling the maul, the comfort, as well as the grip.
The more traditional models have wooden handles while the newer ones feature handles made of fiberglass.
The former gives you that classic feel that’s both comfortable and elegant.
Splitting Mauls Wedge Size and Sharpness
The size and sharpness of the wedge determine how efficient the maul is at splitting logs and firewood.
Some people think that sharpness doesn’t matter when you’re trying to split wood.
While the wedge doesn’t necessarily have to possess the fine edges you see in most axes, it still needs to be sharp.
Check before you purchase. The wedge must be razor-sharp.
Best Splitting Mauls FAQs
What Weight Is the Best for a Splitting Maul?
We’ve established that weight matters when it comes to choosing splitting mauls.
Generally, an eight-pound maul would be great for all-around wood splitting.
If you’re looking to split stronger wood types, such as hardwood, then the heavier, the better.
Should I Sharpen My Splitting Maul?
Yes, you should definitely sharpen your splitting maul.
How regularly depends on how often you use your tool.
Even if you don’t use it that much, you should still take it out to the bench grinder to maintain its sharp edges.
Is a Maul Better Than an Ax?
It depends on the purpose.
It’s important to remember that the best splitting mauls are best for splitting wood, while axes are ideal for chopping wood.
The latter involves slicing through the wood fibers to produce wood chips, while the former intends to split a piece of wood into two pieces in the most efficient way.
How Do You Use a Splitting Maul?
You use a splitting maul the same way you do an ax, which is to drive down the wedge into the wood to split it into two.
The operative word being “splitting” and not “cutting” since you would use an ax.
Mauls have blunter wedges compared to axes, which makes them more efficient at wood splitting but also means that they rely on the strength of the user and not just the sharpness of the wedge to get the job done.
Is It Better to Split Wood Wet or Dry?
Dry wood is easier to split because of its low moisture content.
A maul or an ax would easily be able to cut through dry wood.
Of course, this isn’t to say that wet wood can’t be split because it can.
Granted it’ll be a bit harder, but it can be done, and people have been doing it for ages.
Our Recommended Best Splitting Mauls
Each product on our list of best splitting mauls has great strengths and barely any weaknesses.
Put simply, they’re mauls that suit the purposes they were made for.
Since most of this year’s top performers excelled in terms of handle quality, weight, comfort, and grip, we’re going to let versatility be the deciding factor.
Now the decision becomes easier since Fiskars Iso Core 8lb Maul clearly leads the pack in this category.
This model functions as an efficient wood-splitting and wedge-driving tool with anti-vibration and anti-shock features that make it the standout for both professional and personal use.
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