Archive for the ‘WATER’ Category
Sunday, June 20th, 2010
Keep your lawn green and healthy with adequate water delivered on a regular schedule. As the amount of water needed varies based on climate, type of grass, soil composition, and rainfall, research online or ask the local garden centre for quantity and frequency recommendations for your area.
Measure the amount of water delivered to the lawn by placing several open containers four to six inches in diameter within range of the sprinkler. Time how long it takes the containers to fill to the level of water required in your area.
[credit: Matt McGee]
As it is common for sprinklers to deliver water unevenly, note variations in the amount of water in the cans and adjust the watering schedule accordingly. To ensure a green lawn, calculate the watering time based on the slowest filling container. If the cans are placed within the sprinkler area but off the grass, leave them in place to measure rainfall, as well. Check the amount received after each rain and provide supplemental water to the lawn, as needed. (more…)
Tags: Lawn, WATER
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Tuesday, June 15th, 2010
Add instant beauty to any setting with hanging baskets. Dress up the front of the home for all to enjoy or place them around the back deck or garden. Suspend a hanging basket full of summer blooms in front of the kitchen window and enjoy watching butterflies and humming birds while attending to kitchen chores. Some edibles even grow well in hanging baskets, such as tomatoes, peppers, strawberries, lettuce or herbs. Create a kitchen garden where ground space is limited.
[credit: Lachlan Hardy]
To create a hanging basket, line a wire basket with moss. Fill with potting soil and add Soil Moist granules, if possible, to keep the moisture in the basket. Alternatively, line the moss with plastic. Add the flowers or edibles to the soil and water thoroughly.
Consider placing plants around the outside of the basket as well. Cut holes through the moss prior to filling the basket with soil and then add soil to the level of the holes. Carefully insert the plant roots through the holes and cover with soil. Work up the basket until it is filled. (more…)
Tags: Flower, Plant, WATER
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Thursday, June 10th, 2010
Summer is a wonderful time in the garden. Green, lush foliage provides a relaxing and cooling respite even during the heat of the day. Have an amazing garden this summer by following these four tips.
Ensure Adequate Water
Provide adequate water based on plant type, soil condition and weather. When dealing with plants with varying moisture needs, supplement general watering with a drip system or individual irrigation rather than over-watering some plants to ensure adequate water for others. Water early in the day to guard against excess moisture loss through evaporation.
[credit: Memotions]
Encourage Optimal Plant Growth
Hoe weeds on a regular basis, thin seedlings, apply liquid manure to crops and pick peas and flowers to encourage new blossoms. Thoroughly check for signs of pests and parasites at least weekly and treat promptly, as needed. Drape netting over all kinds of berries to prevent damage from birds. (more…)
Tags: Flower, Garden, Plant, Soil, WATER
Posted in Cleaning Tips, DIY, Garden, Holidays, Home, Plumbing, WATER | No Comments »
Sunday, May 9th, 2010
A pressure washer can be a useful and coveted addition to a homeowner’s collection of tools. Unfortunately, a pressure washer used improperly or in the wrong area can also cause a lot of damage. Understanding how and where to use a pressure washer is essential.
A pressure washer is handy for many outdoor cleaning tasks, such as washing sidewalks, driveways or detached window screens. Care should be taken around rockwork or when special landscaping materials are present, however. Always test the washer in an inconspicuous area and adjust the pressure level or discontinue use, if necessary.
A pressure washer is commonly used to clean siding prior to painting. Exercise extreme caution when spraying exterior walls. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions regarding pressure level and angle of spray. Avoid windows, doorways and eves. Also, to avoid creating leaks, never use a pressure washer to clean the roof.
Do not use a pressure washer to wash the family car. Although invaluable for many chores, the high pressure generated by a quality washer may damage the paint or window seals. When washing a vehicle, confine the use of a pressure washer to the undercarriage. (more…)
Tags: Cleaning Tips, Pressure washer, WATER
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Tuesday, May 4th, 2010
A dripping outdoor faucet is an unnecessary waste of water and may even cause damage to the home. Even a small leak adds up to a lot of wasted water each month. Inspect all outdoor faucets at least twice each year and repair or replace those that leak.
The first thing to try when dealing with a leaky faucet is to simply tighten the packing nut located right behind the handle. Hold the faucet steady with a pair of pliers and turn the nut clockwise. If this does not work, the rubber washer inside may have become hard or brittle over time and need to be replaced.
Prior to further work on an outdoor faucet, assemble all tools and replacement parts needed. Then turn off the water. Always securely support the pipe to which the faucet is attached while twisting on the faucet. Take the faucet apart and inspect the interior of the valve to ensure that the valve seat is smooth and free of corrosion or debris. If all appears in good condition, replace the washer, reassemble and test. (more…)
Tags: Plumbing, Tap, WATER
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Sunday, April 11th, 2010
A water fountain adds charm to most any setting. Whether used as the focal point in a formal garden or as a whimsical addition to a casual gathering space, an outdoor water fountain is sure to please visitors of all ages. Although there is a wide variety of ready-made outdoor water fountains available for purchase, a much more meaningful and enjoyable feature can be made from an item with sentimental value such as a hand water pump from the family farm or Grandpa’s old whiskey barrel.
To make an outdoor water fountain, the following items are needed:
- Piece that will form the basis of the water feature;
- Water source, which can be as simple as a garden hose;
- Reservoir of adequate size;
- Re-circulating pump with ample tubing and a power source; and,
- Desired supplemental decor such as plants and rocks.
Create the water fountain by positioning the main feature so that water will flow over or through it and into the reservoir. Place the pump within the reservoir and arrange the tubing to circulate the water. Once all adjustments have been made so that the water is flowing as desired, add plants, rocks and other decor in and around the fountain as the finishing touches. (more…)
Tags: DIY, Garden, Home and Garden, WATER
Posted in Appliances, DIY, Garden, Interesting, WATER | 2 Comments »
Monday, March 22nd, 2010
Many types of treatment systems are available to address a variety of water issues. Some treatments deal with hard water only while others actually purify contaminated water to make it safe for human consumption. Following are some common water treatment methods and the problems that they correct.
Water Conditioners – Addresses hard water only. Prevents lime scale without adversely affecting the drinkability of the water. Improves the efficiency of soaps. Improves heating efficiency and extends the life of appliances that use water. Water conditioning systems, such as ScaleWatcher, are inexpensive to own and operate. (more…)
Tags: Appliances, Drinking water, Hard water, WATER, water softener, Water treatment
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Monday, March 15th, 2010
Garden safety is of particular importance whenever children are present as there are many common garden items that may pose a danger to children. Review your garden for the following issues and address any that are found.
Water Features
Children are attracted to water. Regardless of size or depth, a water feature may pose a drowning or injury risk to a child. Use sturdy decorative fencing to secure ponds or pools, strategically place fountains to limit access, and never leave a child unattended.
(more…)
Tags: Family, Garden, Home and Garden
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Friday, March 5th, 2010
The sound of running water is soothing for both mind and spirit. Imagine relaxing next to a babbling brook as it gently cascades across pebbles and drops into small pools. Enjoy this experience at home with a simple tabletop fountain.
(more…)
Tags: Aquarium, fountain, Home, WATER
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Thursday, February 25th, 2010
Add elegance or create a special mood in your garden with lighting. Available in types and styles to suit any purpose or setting, outdoor lighting is a valuable addition to any home. Imagine enjoying a romantic dinner for two on your own patio, bathed is soft light. Install a series of floodlights where bright illumination is desired or use miniature spotlights to create a focal point of a special garden feature.
A wide variety of outdoor lighting choices are available. Recessed lighting allows for fixtures to be placed unobtrusively, flush with a wall or decking, or level with the ground. Uplights and downlights work well on flat vertical surfaces where stationary lighting is appropriate, such as home or garden walls, while adjustable spotlights can be strategically placed to call attention to trees or other plantings. (more…)
Tags: Garden, Light, WATER
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