Snow Joe/Sun Joe Blog

Tillers Electric vs. Gas

Wed, 28 Mar 2012 00:00:00 GMT

So you’ve decided to invest in a tiller for digging duty but are unsure of what to look for in a quality tool. The first big decision you’ll need to make is a gas or electric tiller. At Snow Joe, we’re a little (OK a lot) biased toward electric tools, so we thought we’d share a little bit about why:

Plug and play – electric means no gas and no running out of gas. It’s just one less thing to add to the spring shopping list and means that if you feel like tilling, it’s just a plug away.

Simple as that – many gas units are built in a more complicated way and require cords to rev up and start the engine. Tiller Joes all are equipped with an easy push button that safely engages tiller operation.

Less noise for the neighbors – no one likes waking up on weekends to the loud noises of yard work (lawn mowing, tilling, weed-wacking), but the electric tillers help keep the noise turned down compared to larger gas models.

Convinced yet? Though we’re partial, gas units have benefits too and if you have a larger than normal area to till, look to gas to get the area done most efficiently. Which do you prefer – gas or electric?

Indoor Garden Planting

Wed, 21 Mar 2012 00:00:00 GMT

It may look like spring, but the risk of frost lingers on. Depending on where you live, the last frost can happen anywhere between February and mid-June. Many gardeners in northern states take precaution and start growing plants indoors.

We all know plants require soil, light and water, but indoor growing brings on other factors. Here are some things to watch to ensure success in starting seeds indoors, courtesy Sesbania Tripeti from Garden Web.

· Sterile soil – Fungus is a huge risk for indoor gardening and it can easily ruin all of your hard work. To avoid fungi, you need sterile soil, which should be clearly noted on the package.

· Sufficient light – In some cases, artificial light may be needed to supplement natural light, as seedlings need a lot of it. Florescent tubes are suggested because they do not overheat the seedling. It is recommended to keep the plants well lit for 14 hours, because artificial light rays are not as strong as natural light.

· Balanced water – This is the element that requires the most attention. You need to find a healthy moisture balance without letting the soil become soggy. Water plants from below to allow them to naturally soak up the moisture.

Allow four to six weeks for indoor growing. Toward the end of indoor growing, it’s recommended to feed your plants weak, water-soluble fertilizer to strengthen them for their big move outside!

Finding the End of Frost

Wed, 14 Mar 2012 00:00:00 GMT

To many, frost is just an indicator of a cold day – but to green thumbs around the country, frost is a significant threat to the health of their gardens. So when will your area be safely in the clear this spring? Check out the chart below for the last frost dates, by USDA Plant Hardiness Zone. If you’re unsure of your Hardiness Zone, consult this helpful map!

http://planthardiness.ars.usda.gov/PHZMWeb/

USDA Hardiness Zone	Last Frost Date
1	June 15th
2	May 15th
3	May 15th
4	May 15th
5	April 15th
6	April 15th
7	April 15th
8	March 15th
9	February 15th
10	January 31st (sometimes earlier)
11	No frost

Tiller Joe Knows Gardens

Wed, 07 Mar 2012 00:00:00 GMT

For many homeowners, spring weekends mean garden prep. To avoid Monday-morning back aches and reclaim precious weekend time, Tiller Joe has two electric options to help make gardening a little more manageable:

Tiller Joe TJ600E – this medium-sized, no-bend, lightweight electric tiller features a seven inch cultivating depth and four steel blade tines. TJ600E cultivates a 14-inch wide path in one pass thanks to a substantial 6.5 amp motor. Made for an average area, this two-handle tiller retails for $159.99.
Tiller Joe Max TJ601E – designed for a big dirt dig, the Max delivers an 18” wide path in one pass with a powerful nine amp motor. Easy to operate (similar to a lawn mower), the power is simple to control. The seven inch cultivating depth and six durable steel blade tines ensure a quality, professional job, all do-it-yourself. Retails for $229.99.

Not only is tilling better for the soil, providing an ideal canvas for the planting ahead, it also is a quick and affordable solution. Many home centers and hardware stores offer tillers for rent, but the cost is just about the same as buying a tiller that you can reuse each spring and throughout the summer months too. Consider it an investment for the good of the garden.

Which Vegetable Where?

Thu, 01 Mar 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Spring is right around the corner and many have begun day dreaming about what they will plant in their sure-to-be perfect vegetable garden. In our country, different regions have very different climates and different plants that thrive there. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) divided the country up into plant hardiness zones based on the average annual minimum winter temperature. Here is a list of some of America’s favorite vegetables and where they grow best, according to the USDA Plant Hardiness Zone map, courtesy of eHow.

For a closer look at the USDA Plant Hardiness Map, please visit http://planthardiness.ars.usda.gov/PHZMWeb/

Asparagus

Asparagus is a cool-season vegetable and grows best in zones 4 through 8. If you live in St. Paul, Minn., Austin, Texas or any where in between, you will be successful at growing asparagus if planted in mid- to late-spring, in well-drained soil, with daily watering.

Green Beans

Green beans grow very well in almost every part of the country. Hardiness zones 3 through 10, or southern Alaska to Florida, are ideal for green beans. Well-drained soil, plenty of moisture and a trellis ensure healthy green bean growth.

Broccoli

Broccoli can be grown anywhere in the U.S., zones 1 through 11. For best results, grow your broccoli in heavy, rich, well-drained soil with daily watering and regular fertilization.

Carrots

Like broccoli, carrots can be grown in zones 1 through 11, or any where in the U.S. Carrots need full sun; sandy and tilled soil; and daily watering to keep the soil damp, but not muddy.

Lettuce

Another vegetable that can grow anywhere in the country is lettuce. For healthy lettuce, plant in rich, well-drained soil, water often, fertilize regularly and provide plenty of sunlight.

Potatoes

Potatoes do best in zones 3 through 10, or southern Alaska to Florida. They grow well in any soil and thrive with little sunlight and daily watering without letting the ground get too soggy.

A Timeline for a Perfect Garden

Tue, 21 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Whether you’re an experienced gardener or a first-time grower, it’s important to create a timeline when planning a garden. By mapping out plant placement and when to start tilling the soil, sowing the seeds and transplanting crops, a timeline can help you achieve healthy produce and beautiful flowers in your garden.

Prepare the soil. The first step in starting a garden is to till the soil in preparation for planting. To help tackle tilling with ease, Sun Joe offers time-saving, user-friendly options like the new electric Aardvark Cultivator, Tiller Joe and Tiller Joe Max. Each model ranges in size to suit small flower beds to medium-sized gardens.

Time it right. Determine when the first and last frost dates are in your area. Knowing these dates will help keep an early spring followed by a late cold snap from wreaking havoc on your young garden.

Consider plant spacing. Depending on the vegetables and plants you’re growing, your timeline should include the space and time each plant needs to grow. With this information you can create boundaries between plants and place crops that complement each other side-by-side.

Calculate your harvest. Consider the production output for each plant and vegetable. Knowing this information in advance will tell you how much you’ll reap over the season and offers the opportunity to share your delicious produce with neighbors and friends.

So tell us, have you started preparing a timeline for your garden? We’d love to hear what you’re planning to plant!

Why I Choose to Go Gas-Free This Winter

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Today we have a special guest post from blogger Dan at www.daddoes.com, a community of Dads that provide in-depth reviews and product recommendations for families. Check out what he has to say about his experience with the Snow Joe Ultra SJ621:

Every winter I face the same dilemma. Do I take my chances shoveling my walkway and hope that I don’t throw out my back, or do I finally splurge and pick up a gas snow thrower and give my back a break. Of course, having a gas snow thrower is no guarantee that I would ever really use it. I would need to remember to have gas on hand all winter long – or would it need a gas/oil mix? Even if I did have the gas, would I really be able to get the gas engine started in the dead of winter? No, better grab the shovel and put the chiropractor on speed dial.

The Snow Joe Ultra Electric Snow Thrower Provides a Third Option

Recently I learned about the Snow Joe Ultra electric snow thrower and realized that going with an electric snow thrower could be the perfect choice. With the Snow Joe Ultra, you just plug it in, press a button and watch the snow fly! A powerful snow thrower that does not require gas? This was something I had to see to believe.

Torture Testing the Electric Snow Joe Ultra Snow Thrower

I was very excited when Snow Joe agreed to provide the Snow Joe Ultra snow thrower so we could review it for our website. We were pleasantly surprised by how easy it was to assemble the snow thrower when it arrived. Basically you just fold up the handles, hand-tighten a few bolts and you are ready to go. Total assembly time was about 15 minutes.

Last week, the snow started to pile up here in the Northeast. I pushed my shovels out of the way and plugged a 50 foot extension cord into my Snow Joe Ultra. With a simple press of a button, the Snow Joe Ultra engine came to life and within minutes I had snow flying exactly where I wanted it.

The Snow Joe Ultra worked exactly as advertised. It was drop dead easy to use and started up without any problems. I was concerned that an electric snow thrower would not be powerful enough, but the Snow Joe Ultra did incredibly well in our testing.

A Powerful Electric Snow Thrower? Not An Oxymoron Any More

One of the reasons I had never seriously considered an electric snow thrower is because I thought electric snow throwers had weak engines. It turns out I was wrong. The Snow Joe Ultra has a 13.5 amp motor that can move up to 650 lbs. of snow per minute. In fact, the Snow Joe Ultra had some very impressive specs:

Instant start
Easy push button switch
180 degree adjustable chute
20W halogen light
Chute controls height of snow stream
Scraper clears to the pavement
13.5 amp motor moves up to 650 lbs. of snow per minute
4 steel blade rotor throws snow up to 20 feet
Cuts up to 18” wide and 10” deep in one pass
Convenient, compact shape
Compact wheels for easy maneuverability
Maintenance free
ETL approved
Full two-year warranty

I had absolutely no problem clearing my walkway with the Snow Joe Ultra. The unit is light enough to easily maneuver, but powerful enough to blow snow at a great rate.

Are There Any Negatives to Going Gas Free?

The biggest issue with an electric snow thrower is that you are limited by the length of the extension cord. If you have a lot of property and limited outdoor power outlets, going electric can be an issue.

I was looking for a simple way to keep the walkway in front of my house clear and the Snow Joe Ultra was the perfect tool for the job. I love the fact that the snow thrower starts with the push of a button and no maintenance is required. Clearing snow with the Snow Joe Ultra is actually fun now. Since I got the Snow Joe Ultra electric snow thrower my back feels better and I now get as excited for the snow as my kids!

My 5 Favorite Features of the Snow Joe Ultra SJ621

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Today we have a special guest post from blogger Tésa at www.2wired2tired.com, a leading technology and gadget review blog that’s been named a “Top 50 Parenting Blog” by BlogRank and a Mom Central “Very Influential Person.” Check out what she has to say about her experience with the Snow Joe Ultra SJ621:

We recently had a chance to review the Snow Joe Ultra SJ621 and are very impressed by how easy it is to use, how much snow it moves at a time and what a wonderful job it does clearing driveways. There are so many features that we like about the Snow Joe Ultra SJ621, that I thought I’d share my top five favorites here on the Snow Joe blog.

1. Easy Assembly. Assembling the Snow Joe Ultra couldn’t have been easier. We simply removed it from the box, unfolded the handle, put the snow guide in and it was ready to go. No need to run to the gas station for gas or oil. Simply bring it outside, plug it in and get started. You can’t beat that!

2. Push Button Start. Other snow blowers can be difficult to start. It sometimes took two or three times to get them going and often that’s more work than actually using the machine. Not the Snow Joe Ultra! With the push of a button it’s up and running and the driveway is cleared easily and quickly.

3. Compact & Light. My other favorite feature of the Snow Joe Ultra SJ621, is that it is so compact and lightweight. It doesn’t take up much room in the garage and it is very easy to maneuver. Battling with big, bulky machines is never fun, but the Snow Joe Ultra is so simple to maneuver that we actually get excited when it snows and look forward to using it.

4. Long, Bright Cord. The cord that Snow Joe provided with the Snow Joe Ultra is very lengthy. When using an electric snow thrower it’s important to have a long cord so you can plug it right into your wall outlet and not have to deal with extension cords. We like that it is so bright too. This makes it easy to see, which is important because you don’t want to run it over. If you need a cord, Snow Joe sells a highly-visible extension cord separately.

5. Snow Throwing. One of the most useful (and fun!) features of the Snow Joe Ultra is the height and distance it throws snow. It can throw snow up to 20 feet! This is important because if you have a wide driveway, it means you can get it cleared in one pass. The Snow Joe Ultra shoots the snow far enough that a two car driveway is cleared after one use. On top of that, it’s fun watching the snow shoot out so high and so far. There is a chute deflector that controls the height of the snow stream, which helps as well.

We recommend the Snow Joe Ultra SJ621 to anyone in the market for a new snow blower or snow thrower. This little machine packs a lot of punch and is so easy to use that when my parents had a chance to try it, they declared they wanted one for themselves!

Swap the Snow for Some Fun in the Sun

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT

If you wish you were building sand castles instead of snowmen, a tropical vacation might be just what you need to cure the winter blues. Luckily, Forbes.com spanned the globe to compile a list of the top 10 beach resorts that will have you hopping on a flight and digging in the sand - and not out of your driveway - in no time:

Cap Juluca, Anguilla
The Landing, Bahamas
Peter Island, British Virgin Islands
Turtle Island, Fiji
Bel Air Plantation, Grenada
Kona Village Resort, Hawaii
Hotelito Desconocido, Mexico
Young Island Resort, St. Vincent
Rayavadee Resort, Thailand
Ocean Club Resort, Turks and Caicos

So put away your winter gear, grab your sunscreen and enjoy some fun in the sun!

Help Your Neighbors Walk in a Winter Wonderland

Thu, 26 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Do you have a neighborhood hero who swoops in to scoop up all of the snow? If so, here are some great tips to keep in mind - whether you're on the giving or receiving end of a nicely-cleared sidewalk or driveway:

Identify priority neighbors. Get together with your community and determine who should be helped first after a big snowfall. This includes elderly neighbors, spouses of military personnel deployed overseas, single parents and homeowners without snow throwers.

Be helpful in any situation. As a friendly neighbor, be sure to help homeowners make alternate arrangements for removing snow in case a last-minute emergency or family vacation takes you away. On the other hand, neighbors shouldn't always count on their property to be cleared by their friendly neighborhood snow blower and should have a back-up plan in place.

Say thank you - every time. According to the Emily Post Institute for etiquette, if you have a neighbor who clears your sidewalk be sure to thank them every time they do so. This can be as simple as a verbal thank-you, a handwritten note or even freshly baked cookies. It's also perfectly acceptable for a neighbor to offer money - and for the helpful neighbor to accept it.

However it's handled, snow blowing is an easy way to reach out to your neighbors and create a great community-building experience.

The Snowiest Areas So Far

Tue, 24 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Up until the middle of this month, most of the nation was hearing the same thing: “no snow in the forecast,” “record warm temperatures” and “unseasonable sunshine.” Despite low snowfall totals for much of the country, there are definitely areas of the U.S. where winter-lovers are enjoying a LOT of the white stuff:

Alaska

No surprise that there’s a significant amount of snow in this cold-weather state, but do you know how much snow they’ve had this year? A state of emergency was declared on January 6 in Cordova, Alaska (population 2,000), after receiving a record 18 feet of snow.

Midland, Texas

No joke, Texas has seen some of the most snow this winter. On January 9, more than 10 inches fell in the usually mild-temperature town. So far this year they’ve seen just under 20 inches of snow – the most in 65 years!

Top 10

The website, Golden Snow Globe, keeps a running tally of the snowiest cities per season and so far it has Anchorage as a clean first, followed by several cities in Colorado. Check out the rankings here and see where you fall: http://goldensnowglobe.com/current-top-10-snowiest-cities/.

Tell us, has it snowed where you live? Don’t worry, we still have plenty of winter left for snowflakes to accumulate!

Helpful Snow Products

Thu, 19 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT

It's no secret we're biased towards snow throwers when it comes to snow removal, but snow throwers aren't the only great solutions you need to have on hand. Here are five snow products to add to your winter arsenal:

De-Icer - sometimes even a light layer of snow can turn a driveway to pure ice. Keep ice melt on hand to help keep walkways safe.
SnoBrum - this handy Snow Joe tool is an oversized foam head with a 46" telescoping handle to help you reach over cars, RV's and pool covers. The best part? No worries about scratching the paint!
Lock De-Icer - most cars now have a remote, but if you're without one, it's a good idea to have some de-icer for key locks in the house.
Roof Joe Rake - if snow is piling up on the ground, you better believe it is piling up your roof too. Help prevent damage and use this 21-foot rake to safely remove snow from ground level
Auto Joe TrackAssist - handy when the car is stuck in the snow, this mat can help provide traction to your tires and is easy to keep in the trunk.

Are there any other snow-related products you use to help get your home and car through winter?

It's Electric!

Tue, 17 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Trying to choose between a gas and electric snow thrower? Here are some thoughts to consider. Electric snow throwers, like those from Snow Joe, can be easier to lift and maneuver than gas units. They're also much quieter and easy to start. Because they don't need gas to run, electric snow throwers are a reliable, dependable option for consumers who want to clear snow at a moment's notice - and who want a tool that is effortless to use and maintain.

On the other hand, if you have a long driveway, you may consider a gas unit that won't require a power cord. Gas units are well-suited for consumers who are comfortable working with gasoline and are organized and well-prepared. If an electric snow thrower is for you, Snow Joe offers a variety of options from the lightweight Snow Joe Plus to the powerful Snow Joe Ultra, which also includes a headlight to help users see when they are far from yard or street lights. Snow Joe Plus can move up to 300 pounds of snow per minute while Snow Joe Ultra can move up to 650 pounds of snow per minute.

Snowy Movies for a Snowy Day

Thu, 12 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT

When the weather outside is frightful, there's often nothing better than curling up by a toasty fire and watching a movie. And since we love any movie that has snow in it - here are our top picks for the best snowy movies to watch when you're snowbound:

Ice Age
Home Alone
Cool Runnings
Cold Mountain
The Polar Express
Groundhog Day
National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation

So grab the remote, settle in with some popcorn and enjoy your snow day!

Brrrr....The Coldest Football Games on Record

Tue, 10 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT

The NFL playoffs are here! The first week is done, but the remainder of these intense games are sure to provide lots of thrills – and in some cases, lots of chills. The three coldest NFL games on record all occurred in the post-season:

#3: NFC Championship Game in Green Bay, Wisconsin, Jan. 20, 2008

The New York Giants won against the Green Bay Packers in Brett Favre’s final game in a Packer uniform.
The temperature was 0°F – and the wind chill was −23°F.

#2: AFC Championship Game in Cincinnati, Ohio, Jan. 10, 1982

The top-seeded Cincinnati Bengals defeated the San Diego Chargers in what was dubbed as the “Freezer Bowl."
The temperature was −9°F with a wind chill of −59°F.

#1: NFL Championship Game in Green Bay, Wisconsin, Dec. 31, 1967

In the infamous football game known as the “Ice Bowl,” the Green Bay Packers defeated the Dallas Cowboys for the title of NFL champion before beating the American Football League champion Oakland Raiders in Super Bowl II.
At kick-off the thermometer read −15°F with a wind chill around −48°F.

With the Green Bay Packers securing home field advantage throughout the playoffs and their first postseason game of the year this weekend, it remains to be seen if this year will see an “Ice Bowl” repeat!

Alleviate Roof Strain This Winter

Thu, 05 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Whether it's steeped, sloped or flat, the roof on your home is made to bear only so much weight - and snow can be a lot heavier than you think. To avoid damage to your roof this winter, here are some tips to consider before and after a big snowfall:

Hurry, before it piles up: You obviously won't be able to clear your roof immediately after every snowfall, but it is recommended to never carry more than half the amount of weight your roof is rated to handle for longer than a week.

Don't let it weigh on you: Hard to believe, but fluffy dry snow weighs 3.12 pounds per cubic foot, while wet snow piles up to 20.81 pounds per cubic foot. And if there's any ice underneath that snow, you can add a whopping 57.25 pounds per cubic foot.

Beware of ice dams: When heat from an attic seeps through to melt snow, ice dams are formed when the snow refreezes and traps standing water on the roof. This can cause damage to the roof and leaks into the home.

Sweep away worry: Use a tool specially-designed to handle clearing snow from the roof - while you stay safely on the ground - like the Snow Joe Roof Joe aluminum roof rake. If the snow is too heavy, or your roof needs special attention, hire a professional for your safety or to prevent causing further damage to the roof.

Thanks for Helping Keep Others Warm this Winter!

Tue, 03 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT

As many of you know, starting in November we started a fundraiser for One Warm Coat(R) - a national organization that helps to provide any person in need with a warm coat, free of charge. For every "like" we received between November 7 and December 31, we donated $1 to the organization.

Thanks to your "likes" we were able to donate more than $2,400 to One Warm Coat! For every $15 raise, One Warm Coat can provide 100 coats. That $2,400 means that we've helped toward 16,000 coats!

Thank you from Snow Joe for helping to make winter a little warmer this year for those in need.

2011 Winter in Review

Thu, 29 Dec 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Despite our hopes for a winter wonderland and chanting "let it snow, let it snow, let it snow," November and December have proved to be much "greener" than normal. Let's take a look back at the major weather stories from the winter thus far:

OctSnowBer hits the Northeast
A rare and very early snow for the Northeast brought up to 10 inches of the white stuff and knocked out power for millions of us in the region, even before the trick-or-treaters were out the door! Meteorologists all across the country were stunned, calling the storm "unprecedented," "unexpected" and "extremely rare." But, after this major snow storm, the winter has been very mild for the East Coast, which even experienced even 60-degree weather in December!

No-Snow Buffalo
Usually one of the snowiest locales thanks to its lake effect position from Lake Erie, Buffalo went for 29 days without officially measurable November snow according to the Buffalo News. And to top that, Syracuse, N.Y., another usually snowy city, has only seen 1.7" of snow through Dec. 21! That's 71 inches less than last season and 30" less than an average season!

A not-very-white Christmas
Snowfall is down in the majority of the country and Christmas wasn't very white for most of it either. Percentage-wise, December snow was down 73% from last year and 55% below average (WeatherTrends360).

Here at Snow Joe, we love snow, so at least for us - here's to a snowy 2012!

Art of the Snowman

Tue, 27 Dec 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Corncob pipe: check. Button nose: check. Two chunks of coal for the eyes: Check. Everyone knows the basics for building a snowman, but there is much more to creating the perfect snowy friend. Don’t forget the following tips!

Make sure you have the right snow - it should clump together easily but not be too wet.
To form the base, create a large snowball in your hands before rolling it. Don't put it down until it's too big to hold!
Find a large stick to place through the center of the snowman so he stands up straight.
Use extra snow to pack between the layers so they stick together.
Reconsider the top hat, which easily can be blown away by a cold winter's wind. Instead, place a plant on top fo the snowman's head for a tuft of hair, or stretch an old knit hat over the head and hold it in place with pins.

Cheers to a Happy Holiday

Thu, 22 Dec 2011 00:00:00 GMT

The holidays are finally here! And now that the walk has been cleared, the house has been cleaned and the gifts have been wrapped (and maybe even unwrapped), we just wanted to wish all of our customers and friends a very merry holiday celebration.

From all of your friends at Snow Joe, we hope you get to enjoy some safe, snow-filled fun with the people who mean the most to you.

Cheers!