Posts Tagged ‘WATER’
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
Posted in DIY, Garden, Home, Interesting, WATER | No Comments »
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 »
Saturday, June 5th, 2010
Keeping cool at home during the summer months can be a challenge. There are a variety of easy and effective ways to cool down the house, however. Follow these tips to create a refreshing haven from the heat of summer.
Keep Heat Out
Close windows during the day and cover with light coloured shades to reflect heat. Use insulated shades on sunny windows and install awnings, if possible. Invest in solar shades or window film for south or west facing windows that receive the most intense sun. Check for cracks around doors and windows and apply weather-stripping, if needed.
Reduce Interior Heat
Keep lights and electronics turned off when not in use. Even the small amount of heat generated by these items adds up over time. Plug all computer equipment and electronics into power strips for easy one-switch control. Limit the use of appliances, large and small. Opt for fresh salads rather that cooked meals. Use a microwave to heat food. Hang clothes to dry. (more…)
Tags: Air conditioning, Temperature, WATER, Window
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Monday, May 31st, 2010
Certain home maintenance tasks should be performed on an annual or semi-annual basis. Appropriate tasks for spring or early summer include ensuring that window screens and the cooling system are ready for the impending warmer weather, checking for water damage around the home or garden and performing a seasonal check on home safety equipment such as smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.
[credit: kaiton]
Inspect each window screen and remove for a thorough cleaning, if possible. Repair small problems or completely re-screen, if necessary. Consider switching to finer mesh screening in areas where midges are a nuisance. (more…)
Tags: Cleaning Tips, spring, WATER, Weather
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Thursday, May 20th, 2010
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Window cleaning is a chore that is often put off. Rarely a favourite housekeeping task, windows should be washed at least seasonally, however. Seasonal cleaning not only provides enhanced enjoyment of the beauty outside but also presents a regular opportunity to inspect for damage and take prompt corrective action, if necessary.
Cleaning Windows from the Inside
Prior to cleaning, inspect each window for damage. Do not clean windows with cracked glass or other damage until needed repairs have been completed. Be sure to also inspect and clean the weep vents found at the bottom of each window.
To make an effective, inexpensive and non-toxic window cleaning solution, simply mix one part white vinegar with eight parts water and spray on the glass. Wipe with newspaper or lint free cloth. For really dirty windows, add a little liquid dish washing soap to the solution and then rinse with plain water. Dry with a squeegee.
Cleaning windows from the Outside (more…)
Tags: cleaning, WATER
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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 »
Tuesday, April 6th, 2010
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Spring is here and with the season comes the traditional spring-cleaning. In addition to the long-standing practice of deep cleaning each spring, the brighter days and warmer weather often inspire the desire for a clean, fresh indoor environment. But with so much to do, where is the best place to start?
Start at the Top
Ceilings and high shelves or corners are easily overlooked during the dim days of winter and are often the most neglected areas in the home. Cleaning these places makes an immediate and highly visible impact. To get the most out of your spring cleaning, use a duster attached to a long handle to clean the area where the walls meet the ceiling in each room. Also dust around light fixtures or anything attached to, or suspended from, the ceiling. Pay special attention to cobwebs and shake the duster outside often during this process. Remove and clean all items from high shelves and replace after the shelves have been thoroughly cleaned. (more…)
Tags: Cleaning Tips, DIY, Spring cleaning, WATER
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