http://www.househacker.com/ househacker/tags/yardwork
This how-to walks you through the process of modifying a mower as well as creating the solar panel/charging station that provides the power. The mower does take a while to charge up (40 hours by the authors calculations, assuming a half-charged battery), but since most lawns don't require mowings of any greater frequency than that (or anywhere near that, one would hope), the solar solution seems like a perfect fit for the task.

The author provides a lot of detail, including a couple of schematics and a parts and costs table. The final price tag was $699, with the bulk of the cost going towards the motor ($312), solar panel ($120) and battery ($90).]]> http://www.househacker.com/permanent/DIY-Solar-Charged-Lawnmower
Use this lightweight burner to clear weeds and their roots in driveways or walkways in summer, or to melt dangerous ice patches in winter. Adjustable regulator valve lets you control flame intensity. Durable, nickel-plated steel and brass burner uses widely available standard 14 oz. propane tank (not included).

These aren't new though: here's a heavier duty unit and a video demonstration of another one in action (although not on weeds, but whatever - you get the idea).

Would it safe to say that people that use these probably aren't the same people that sit on these?

Weed Burner at Amazon.com

Via Toolspotting]]> http://www.househacker.com/permanent/eXtreme-Gardening-via-Weed-Burners
Our network uses solar powered radio repeaters and is completely wireless. We can contact sites by phone, internet or license-free UHF radio across a 40 km radius...

]]> http://www.househacker.com/permanent/Intelligent-Weather-Aware-Lawn-Irrigation-System Best Inventions of 2005, the hanging Topsy Turvy upside down tomato planter produces tomatoes that are bigger, better and easier to grow than with traditional methods. The planter's elevation has the added benefit of preventing certain bacteria and fungus, as well as keeping critters at bay. ]]> http://www.househacker.com/permanent/Topsy-Turvy-Upside-Down-Tomato-Planter sturdy co-polymer'. Sturdy is definitely the word you want to hear when sitting on something like this.

via Treehugger
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