Gardening

whether you grow it in raised beds or not, and putting a large swath of gravel over a portion of the yard. That last one hasn't worked out so well, since even with a weed barrier underneath the grass seeds blow in and take root. Since I don't like to use commercial grass killer - it eventually gets to the water supply, I think - I wind up using salt water and a flaming torch, neither of which are particularly effective over the long term. The gravel is a little pricey and has to be spread after the dump truck leaves.

The garlic beds have been the best - great hobby. I order a different kind every year, and each bulb give me several cloves, which multiply into new bulbs - you then find yourself at the end of the summer with 40 or 50 garlic plants hanging upside down inside your back porch (they don't put off the odor until you smash the garlic). But I have fresh garlic for months that way, and that has grown into learning to dehydrate and grind my own powder.

If there are any medicinal benefits, as some think, I should be well taken care of Good garlic here sells for $2 or $3 a bulb, so it's a nice way to get a fairly pricey herb on the cheap. (Warning - you will get spoiled and begin to think the California stuff sold in the stores is tasteless, if you like garlic).

But I do like the Toro. The only problem is the pull cord broke, had to take it apart and re-assemble to fix it, but it still starts every year, just have to push the choke button down several times and hold it, or pull the spark plug and spray a little starter fluid in. And it's not terribly heavy, but I don't have too much of a hill to deal with. Mostly just a flat expanse for the dogs.

I think if I was in your position I would really consider an electric. You do have to make sure you cut fairly often to keep the load down, and make sure the blade is sharp - they don't deal with rocks as well as the power variety, and not mow when it is very wet out - but it should be lighter than the gas mower.

Good luck.