Comments for Gardening Talk

Comment on Mowers – 2 stroke vs 4 stroke by Charles Oliver

Charles Oliver — Wed, 05 Oct 2011 01:21:58 +0000

Trouble starting a 2-stroke will be minimised if, when finished with it, you leave it switched on but turn the fuel off and run the cylinder(s) dry. That keeps the spark plug(s) dry and ready for the next start. Thanks to Dieter Kahlert, diesel mechanic extraordinary, for that advice 30 years ago. I still have the same Victa mower.

Comment on Growing Camellias by admin

admin — Sun, 17 Apr 2011 01:29:22 +0000

Yellow or brown leaves may indicate poor drainage or excessive sunlight. Camellias generally prefer a sheltered position, with soil that doesn’t completely dry out but also doesn’t remain water logged.

Planting them beside a house or fence may provide suitable shelter.

Comment on Growing Camellias by GRAHAM P CROSS

GRAHAM P CROSS — Sat, 16 Apr 2011 20:11:32 +0000

I have inherited what I think is a camellia (williamsii).
It is about 4 years old, 1 metre high. The leaves are a mixture of yellow/green/brown tips, few flowers and buds which constantly drop off.
The plant is in sun, morning till night.
Should I replant it? If so where/when in order to establish a superb specimen.

Comment on Mowers – 2 stroke vs 4 stroke by Joe

Joe — Sun, 10 Apr 2011 23:30:39 +0000

I have a different view on the reliability of four stroke lawn mowers, the small rotary type. Having been in the mechanical business and worked on many brands, the most reliable four stroke would probably be the Honda engine and way behind, the more common Briggs and Stratten engine as used in most home lawnmower brands. They are quieter and usually easier to start than a two stroke, but they have more mechanical parts and wear out quicker. I have had 2 Victor two strokes and mowed a couple of weed infested half acre blocks for many years without any engine rebuilds or major problems. The engines are still running but the body’s are totally worn out. If you use the right oil mix and clean the spark plug and air cleaners occasionally they will run forever. If you don’t, they can be the most temperamental and frustrating machines on the planet.

Comment on Brilliant Potted Colour by admin

admin — Sat, 19 Mar 2011 12:12:35 +0000

I'd recommend 3 books about apartment gardening: Apartment Gardening, McGee & Stuckey's Bountiful Container. and Container Gardening For Dummies. There are also lots of articles about container gardening, which are also also applicable to apartments. As for plant selection, you can grow any small plants that other homeowners in your area are growing in their gardens, but the hardier plants will be require less maintenance. Your local nurseryman will be able to guide you, based on the number of hours of direct sunlight that reach your patio.

Comment on Brilliant Potted Colour by LTC Chris Balshaw

LTC Chris Balshaw — Thu, 17 Mar 2011 04:03:54 +0000

I would like some information about having a garden both vetables, herbs, and flowers on a apartment patio for the Spring and Summer. The apartment in south Texas get morning and afternoon sunlight, I do the watering. Please send some sugestions I used have a home till transfer.

Comment on Mowers – 2 stroke vs 4 stroke by Sam Ru

Sam Ru — Fri, 10 Sep 2010 05:45:59 +0000

what about the electrics – they need and deserve a wrap in this day and age. I had a diesel ride-on for a very large space and it was great. This is unfortunately a narrow view. sam ru canberra

Comment on Mowers – 2 stroke vs 4 stroke by Jimmy Poulin

Jimmy Poulin — Fri, 14 May 2010 02:19:41 +0000

15 years ago, my father give me is old 20″ 2-stroke Lawn-Boy. i rework the engine the same week and work like a charm even since but i do use synthetic Amsoil on premium gas due to mild engine tweak. it take a little more gas than a 4-stroke but the ease of use pay itself! my terrain is very sloppy and this very light weight hi rev mower do the job in a flash. using it all this time and the engine still run like new, maybe is the use of high quality smoke less oil!

Comment on DIY: Build A Boot Bench Seat by Laurie

Laurie — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 23:36:45 +0000

Hello all,

You can find a similar bench plan at http://www.buildeazy.com/newserve/boot-benchseat-1.html

I got it, and it’s quite easy (and stylish, I think).

Have fun!

Comment on Mowers – 2 stroke vs 4 stroke by Warakila

Warakila — Mon, 15 Feb 2010 11:25:55 +0000

Well you might say just how good the four stroke is,
what begs questioning is the terrain and just how much rubbish your wonderful neighbours have dumped on the property before you find all those hidden underlying traps.
Likewise, reliabilty is an individual thing, as a fitter and turner tradesman one has an understanding when something is wrong. I was fortunate to buy a brand new “Tiger” a cheap victa, – same components and part numbers (surprise).
Being the owner of 2 allotments of property adjoining each other I would use the 2-stroke every 3 weeks for 3 hours a time for 18 years – now some 12 years later again the pull cord (replaced once and yes One spark plug later) cranks the mower into life – yep – first time.
Just by the way I consider you chasing “pie-in-the-sky” if you are looking for “Mower efficiency”.
You should be identifying to your readers just how to treat the engines – such as – turn the 2-stroke fuel off and let this run out, a few technical attributes rather than justifying your thoughts.
You would be a better to identify educational and positive aspects – of course that is if you have such experience.
I would consider in anyone’s ideals that 30 years out of one mower, let alone the harsh conditions I put this thing through, is exceptional for a 2-stroke mower. PS. 10 sets of blades.