Home & Garden: Page 48

Lillis only flower for one day. They look ugly when dead you can use your finger nail to pop them off. Trim your trees often. Pull your dead leaves. Heat is not good for your plants. When your cutting you crab trees back go down a few branches of leaves before you cut. Yellow breasted sap suckers are not good for your trees. They also cut in a straight line. Crab apple trees have barks that naturally peel off, there is nothing wrong with that tree. Just watch out for the bugs because they can...

This video shows several tips that will help you cut down the electricity usage of your refrigerator. Think about what you want from the fridge before opening the door, instead of standing there with the door open while deciding what you want. Set the temperature of your fridge only as cold as necessary, and allow 24 hours for any temperature changes to take effect. Keep exterior condensation switches off unless you need them. Make sure the door gasket is clean and in good condition. Clean it...

The Pond Digger demonstrates how to set up plumbing for a pond. First, sleeve all pipes coming through the cement foundation to protect the plumbing from elemental stress and provide additional flexibility. Next, use a clear primer and a clear glue to seal areas where you need a clean, finished looking product. Paint the PVC piping to protect it from the sun's UV rays and prevent from becoming brittle. If you need to do cutting, use a chop saw for a quick, clean and efficient cut. Extend the...

Carving a bonsai tree can be an interesting and rewarding experience. One may think that the tree would be injured in this process, however the process can actually strengthen the health of the tree. The first step when carving a bonsai is to reduce the height of the tree to about one meter. The necessary tools required consist of: a high speed grinder, a rotary cutter, and a weasel. The rotary cutter is good for removing large amounts of wood. Before beginning to cut the tree look at the tree...

In this video Daniel Gasteiger demonstrates how to make a kitchen garden by planting seeds in pellets made of compressed peat moss. If the seeds are to be replanted outside this needs to be started 4 to 6 weeks before the last frost. Since the peat moss is dried out the pellets must be soaked in water before use. They will absorb the water and loosen up so the seeds can be inserted. After about ten minutes the pellet has soaked up the water and puffed up to several times its size. The seeds are...

Some of the new poinsettia plants will continue to "bloom" year round, but others need a little encouragement. The blooming is actually leaves of the plant itself. One way of forcing it to change color is to withhold fertilizer and/or light for a time, then put it back into a sunny location and it will begin to bloom. The video also addresses spots on Ligustrum plants. It has to do with cold weather in the winter and lack of nitrogen. There's not much you can do about winter damage, but...

This video illustrates us how to repair spalled concrete. Here are the following steps:Step 1: First of all take cement and sand'Step 2: Mix it in the ratio 1:3 that is cement one part and sand three partsStep 3: Now add water and mix the mixture well.Step 4 : Now apply this mixture for filling the spalled concrete.Step 5: Polyurea can also be used to fill the crackStep 6: Let the repair work done dry.Step 7: After around 28 days apply a water proof primer on the repaired work to prevent...

In this video from nmsuaces we learn about choosing the right evergreen tree for your landscape. Upright Junipers are very good for the landscape. A topiary pruned juniper is something that the homeowner can maintain in the spiral form it is. An Austrian black pine is good for lower types of settings and low end soils. A Tanyosho pine can get to be about 10-12 feet and that would fit many landscapes. A Japanese black pine is a fast growing tree, and grows twisting an irregularly. Deodor Cedars...

This video is how to germinate a seed in your home using as an example, a watermelon seed. Take a container and fill it about three quarters full with potting soil. You could use a Styrofoam cup, for example. Now take a seed or several seeds and put it on top of the soil. Cover the seeds with soil that is about three times the size of the seed. Press lightly on the soil. We the container soil with some water. Then place the container in a sunny and warm location in your home until it starts...

In this episode of Southwest Yard and Garden Curtis Smith shows you how to turn a steep slope into a usable garden. By building walls along the slope using serpentine designs he shows you how to obtain a compromise of both strength and artistic design. Starting with a good concrete footer and rebar you can construct a retaining wall strong enough to hold the weight of the slope. Materials such as wood and railroad ties can be used but may not stand the test of time as the weight of the soil can...

This video shows that it is possible to plant 100 tulip bulbs in less than 50 minutes, and it is easier and less expensive than you think. Start by digging up the soil to make a six to eight-inch deep bed. Set the bulbs into the soil with the pointed ends up, placing them randomly three to six inches apart. Start in the middle and work outward to the edges. Take about half of the removed soil and sprinkle it over the bulbs, being sure to cover the tops. Add some fertilizer and finish with the...

Rosalee de la Foret shows how to achieve this by adding five ingredients. First you'll need airflow. To achieve this choose large sticks of branches that normally fall from trees. Cross them while placing them on the ground. The second ingredient is water. You'll need to keep it watered, but not to the point of muddy but not dried out. The third ingredient is heat. If layered appropriately with the components, you'll have a warm pile. You'll also need nitrogen. Anything green in the pile equals...

In this video, Charlie from Mr. Appliance shows us how to clean ovens and microwaves. When any cook top becomes stained, it's always best to clean it right away or it will stain easily and be harder to clean later on. When you use the self-clean option in your oven, make sure you remove the racks as well as any big fool spills that exist in the oven. Microwaves should be easy to maintain and the best way to clean is with soap and water. You can also place a bowl of water and microwave it for...

sumaps2 describes how to sharpen a knife using a triple oil stone. The stone itself consists of three stones: a coarse stone, a medium coarse stone, and a fine stone. First, you must place the stone in a reservoir which has been filled with oil. In this example, transmission fluid is used because of its ability to keep metal from binding to the stone. However, you must be extra careful in washing the knives afterwards. All your knives can be sharpened with the triple oil stone, from your paring...

Curtis Smith, an extension horticulturist talks about using cages for your tomato plants. He says that some people like to stake tomatoes, some like to cage them and some even just let their tomato plants sprawl. He talks to a local gardener who has built his own tomato cages out of concrete wire. The gardener shows his cages, which he built 10 years ago and they still look sturdy today. Curtis gives a few tips like wrapping the cages with a special fabric that lets air and light through, but...

This video explains how to build a shaded vegetable garden. The instructor begins the video my explaining the benefits using a shaded garden as it offers protection from hail, heavy rains and gives you the ability to control the outdoor temperature better. The simplest way to build your shaded building is to place large wood forms into the ground and place wood planks over the top of each and nailing them into place. The entire frame is then covered with a plexiglass roofing to keep out rain...

In this Home & Garden video tutorial you will learn how to erase permanent marker from a dry erase board. Well, there are various methods of erasing permanent marker from a dry erase board. One of the methods is to use some clear spirit. Soak a small piece of cloth in the spirit and rub off the dry marker and it will vanish in no time. But, what if you don't have spirit? This short video clip shows you how to do this very easily and quickly. All you have to do is to apply more of permanent ink...

After receiving your dahlia tuber in the mail, dig a hole where you want the flowers to bloom in your garden. It should be big enough to place the whole tuber into and be completely covered by dirt. Before planting your tuber, you need to find where the head is. Find where the stalk was last year. When placing it in the ground, make sure the stalk is pointing up. After planting, your tuber should be flowering in about 4 weeks. Because the wind and rain can be tough on your flowers, it's a good...

In this how-to video, you will learn how to prune a tree yourself. You start by using the four D's. The four d's include removing things that are dead, damaged, deformed, and dysfunctional. If the branch is brown and crispy, you can remove it. Remove any stubs as this will affect the tree over time. Get close to the branch collar when cutting. Do not cut it near the base if the branch is bigger than an inch in diameter, as this may damage the tree. Do this instead by cutting an under cut and...

This video demonstrates how to caulk a sink. For this project, you will need a tube of caulk, a towel, and an X-acto knife. Cut off the tip of the tube with the knife. Cut it at an angle, which will make it easier to make a smooth and even line. Make sure the area is clean and dry. Slowly make a ridge around the sink. Dap brand caulk comes with a cap, which will help to keep it fresh for the next time that you use it. When you are done, seal your tube and put it away. Use your fingers, a towel,...

In this how-to video, you will learn how to clean your coins to make them look shiny and new. This is useful if you collect coins. First, you will need coins, vinegar, salt, paper towels, a pencil, and a jar for the mixture. Take the coin and place it in the jar. Next, add a small amount of salt to the jar. Now, pour three caps full of vinegar into the jar. Mix it with the pencil and let it rest for ten seconds. Now, take the coin and place it on the paper towel. Use the eraser on the pencil...

Marble your home decorationsItems needed: Marobu easy marbling kit with 6 paints, a bucket of water and items to decorate.Make sure the water in the bucket is deep enough to submerse the jar. Add 6 or 7 drops of green, blue and black paint into the water. Stir. Put your hand in the jar and dip it into the bucket of water. Clear the paint from the water for the next project. Place red, yellow and white in the bucket of water and stir. Add the candle. Place it on the side to dry. Clear the paint...

In this video tutorial, viewers learn how to cover screws and nails with drywall mud during drywall installation. Users will need a taping knife tool. Apply the drywall mud over the screw or nails and use the taping knife to flatten the mud over the screw or nail. Use the knife to take off any excess mud. Apply 2-3 layers of drywall mud over the screw, depending on how long the screw head is. This video will benefit those viewers who are in the construction trades or doing home renovation and...

snow mold occurs in round patches of grass in the lawn. The patches contain a fussy substance (the mold), that appears in grey or pink; the most dangerous of the two. Mold is formed whenever a lot of snow is left on the lawn for a long period of time, this causes the mold to grow underneath. Late fertilization with a lot of nitrogen promotes mold. Dead grass or thatch can cause mold to develop. Gently raking allows airflow into the grass and promotes new grass growth. The putting down of grass...

This video demonstrates how to caulk windows. For this project, you will need the following: a tube caulk, a putty knife, scraper, a knife or scissors, paper towels, a long hanger or a nail, a caulk gun, a small plastic spoon or a popsicle stick. Begin by loading the caulk gun. Scrape away the old caulk to clean the area where you will be caulking. Clip off the tip of the tube of caulk. Puncture the seal with the hanger or a nail. Slowly caulk the area that you want to fill, by running along...

Master Gardener Rosamarie Maddox asks John White, Doña Ana County Extension Agent, about problems facing her pecans, grapevines, and native shrubs. An unidentified insect found on her pecan tree is identified by John White as a Twice Stabbed Ladybug. This ladybug is a useful insect that often over-winters on the tree and helps takes care of the aphid problems faced by pecans. Pink fuzzy coating on pecan nuts is also brought up. The coating is normal for pecan and contains bitter tannin. Too...

Creativity Prompt demonstrates how to turn a yogurt container into a mini-album. First, measure the lid's diameter. Then, cut a corresponding circle from your patterned paper. Use Mod Podge to adhere the paper circle to the lid and seal it with another layer of adhesive. Next, cut a bunch of different 4 x 1 inch strips of patterned paper. Adhere the paper strips to the yogurt container with Mod Podge. Seal it with another layer of adhesive and set it aside to dry. Measure the bottom of the...

This will illustrate us how to Patch budding pecans . Here are the following steps.Step 1: First of all we have to see whether the right season is there or not that is spring or late summer.Step 2 :Selecta smooth, convenient location on the stock. Make a double cut approximately 11/2 inches long, by rotating a double  bladed budding knifeStep 3: Connect the double cut on the right side with one perpendicular cut. This can be done with one of the budding knife blades.Step 4: Raise the bark on...

How to caulk the baseboards in your home When you change the baseboards in your home they will need to be caulked after they are installed to fill the gap between the baseboards and the wall. Put a line of painters tape along the top edge of the baseboard. Then put a second line of tape along the wall level with the top edge of the baseboard. Use a white caulk that you can paint to caulk the baseboard. Cut a diagonal piece off of the caulk tip and keep it small because you don't want a lot of...

This video gives you tips on how to treat Lawn Grubs. The infestation of grubs is fairly easy to detect. The grass will die off in patches. The grubs will be visible. There are about 8 different species of white grubs that can infest your lawn. To treat your lawn for grubs, you have to do it by the first week of August or it is too late. There are various pesticides that can be used: e.g. oxynol. They lay their eggs in June, when they emerge. They feed off the root systems. You have to detect...

This video explains how tree growth rings function and what they can tell us.The growth rings are formed in 2 (sometimes 3) layers of wood that are the spring growth and the summer growth. Ring width can vary depending on the specie of the tree, the environment in which it has grown and the amount of water it has used. By counting the rings you can tell the age of the tree.By analyzing the growth rings, you can see the years in which there was a drought where the tree once stood, because the...

This five part series shows you everything you need to do build a mousetrap from beginning to end. An extensive, and thorough explanation on building this fun and classic toy. This is a great tutorial for the entire family to enjoy. It's also fun to build your own toy from you own hands on a budget and using things you can find right in your home.

Charles M., an attorney and bonsai cultivator, demonstrates how to transfer a field grown Japanese Black Pine that is ready for training. A 5-gallong nursery specimen was purchased and planted in the ground with a bonsai compound soil to keep its roots close and compact during trunk thickening. The tree was allowed to grow for three years, with the main foliage under four feet, but with two "sacrifice" branches allowed to shoot out without trimming. One sacrifice branch at the top of the tree...

Great video by Southwest Yard & Garden. tutorial on how to identify garden pests on your plants & shrubs. Went into detail on the Salvia plants - always be careful spittle bugs, they produce spittle commonly on Salvia plants. Whiteflies and aphids are known to take residence in Ash trees. Aphids commonly take on the look of mildew. Ways to manage moths for apples, you can use insecticide spray but be conservative. Took a look at signs of Cochineal Scale on a Prickly Pear. Went over ways to take...

Ever wondered how to clean those dust clad coin? It is hard to clean the coins all at a time. This how-to-do video gives an easy way to clean those stubborn clad on the coins. An old tumbler would accommodate this task. An old tumbler can be bought from eBay. The tumbler consists of two tumbling barrels connected to a small motor. The tumbling barrels are connected to a motor through a rubber belt. Fill the tumbling barrels with water and tumbling medium. Add Gravel or Pebbles from aquarium, or...

In this segment of Southwest Yard and Garden, John White and Bill Alford are going to be talking about fruit production and how to harvest figs in southern New Mexico. Bill starts off by talking about his nine year old Black Turkey tree. He says he digs holes and arbor each spring, then uses half a cup of fertilizer per hole. The roots of a fig tree usually grow out past the outer parts of the tree so it's important to make sure you plant has adequate room to grow correctly. A person can maybe...

When re-potting a juniper bonsai tree you're going to have to go through the following procedures. First get it out of the existing pot and then rake out the soil at it's base. After doing so for a while, blast the soil with a water jet. If by chance you encounter stubs of ground level branches, try to remove it with a cutter, otherwise use a pruning saw. Now go back to cleaning and reducing the root mass, having done so as much as possible move the tree into another container. Start...

Blue corn is a special variety of corn which can be differentiated by the majority of the corn species by looking at the unusual top growth of the corn. It is a hybrid and grows very uniformly throughout. Now take a corn from the field and peel it off. You shall notice that it has a blue color corns. Blue color corns are hard from outside but they are very soft and tender in the middle. You can use these blue corns in making commercial products like blue corn chips, tortillas, and atole ','...

In this how-to video, you will learn how to make a wooden bonsai pot. You will need pressure treated wood made of all weather oak. You will also need a strain brush and nails. Assorted plastic bins will also be needed. Drill holes into the bottom of the plastic bin. Next, cut it to size. Cut the pieces of wood to the correct size and then line and tape them up. Next, nail the wooden pieces together. Now, place two pieces of wood on the bottom for legs. This allows air to flow beneath the pot....

John White is an expert horticulturist. He thinks you need to make sure to add zinc to the proper care of your pecan trees. White advises to buy zinc at your local gardening store and use a garden sprayer to put it on your trees. Older trees and younger trees need to have zinc at different times. When you are spraying make sure to hit all the limbs and leaves. Without proper care your trees will not be as healthy as they would if you follow White's simple instructions. Make sure to follow his...