(NAPSI)—When it comes to creating a yard that makes the neighbors green with envy, many Americans are saving time and trouble by turning to a surprising “garden tool.”
The driving force behind the latest in backyard maintenance is a utility task vehicle (UTV).
Your UTV And You
A hardworking and smooth-riding vehicle, not only is it good for pulling out stumps and hauling rocks, mulch and heavy equipment, but a variety of attachments are available to turn it into a sprayer, tiller, rake or mower. Plus, when your yard work is done, you can use it for off-road adventures.
The No. 1−selling UTV lineup is that of the Polaris RANGER. The new XP 1000, available in base, EPS and new special editions, offers an industry-leading 1,000 ccs and 80-horsepower ProStar engine with gobs of torque, and a Three-Mode Throttle Control switch on the dash to enhance the driving experience. The Performance mode offers maximum and instant throttle response for snappier acceleration and is used predominantly for recreational purposes. For a traditional blend of torque and high-speed performance, the operator would select the Standard mode. The Work mode provides lengthened low-RPM band for better slow-speed control, which is perfect for towing a trailer or when navigating tight spaces.
The limited-edition HVAC vehicles are the first gas-powered UTVs to offer an HVAC system for all-weather comfort. The Ranch Edition offers an innovative, self-leveling, rear suspension with Nivomat shocks that automatically adjust the suspension depending on load, for a higher-loaded ground clearance and a smoother ride.
What Else You Can Do
Here are five more tips to help your garden grow:
1. When you’re dealing with Mother Nature, remember Father Time. Plant as early and as late in the season as you can with the help of row covers, cold frames, tunnels and similar devices.
2. Go for perennials—let your crops plant themselves. Plants that come back year after year save time and maintenance, usually limited to annual weeding, fertilizing and mulching.
3. Resist rows. According to Colorado State University, you can quadruple per-square-foot production of many vegetables such as lettuce, carrots and beets by planting them in blocks within wide beds rather than in rows. Block planting makes efficient use of space by keeping the spacing between plants tight and eliminating unnecessary pathways.
4. Be bright about bulbs. Keep the local wildlife from dining on your daffodils and onions by staking netting over the bed. Cut holes in the cloth to let the plants grow through.
5. Be a good egg to your garden. Give your plants a calcium boost by grinding up empty egg shells and sprinkling them on the plants.
Learn More
For further facts, visit www.Polaris.com.
On the Net:North American Precis Syndicate, Inc.(NAPSI)