Hot Home & Garden Posts

How To: Grow your own grass with Roger L Davis

If you want to grow your own grass you should first get some hard winter wheat berry or grass seeds to begin to grow. You should sprout your seeds by measuring out 1 pound of seed that will be grown in a 17 x 17 inch tray. Fill a jar with a mixture of water and a solution for ocean minerals and 1 lbs of grass seeds and let them sprout. This will expand in the jar. This should take about 12 hours. Now, drain the water from the seeds, let this dry for 6 -8 hours, rinse the seed. Now, put half a...

How To: Prevent yellow jackets from nesting in your home walls

Rick Steinau with Ask the Exterminator demonstrates how to prevent yellow jackets from nesting in your home's walls. In mid to late summer yellow jacket populations increase. Yellow jackets can find spaces in the veneer or in cracks in bricks or siding. You can hear scratching noises in your walls as the wasps move. Observe wasp activity late in the day when they return to their nest for the night. Treat reachable holes with pesticide dust and a bellows. Leave the hole open to let the wasps f...

How To: Revive an orchid

Orchids are amazing flowers to grow, but you have to do it just right. If your orchid is starting to wilt or is no longer growing properly, check out this tutorial and get useful tips on how to revive it. In this video, Tom and Joani Maccubbin show you the best ways to re-pot and clean up orchids to keep them living for years. So, before you add this lovely flower to your garden or home decor, make sure you check out this advice, so you can enjoy them for a long, long time.

How To: Care for a Cymbidium Orchid

Cymbidium orchids are beautiful flowers. They are perfect decorations for spring time, Easter and many other occasions. If you are thinking of using these lovely flowers around your home or garden, check out this tutorial and learn how to care for them properly so that they last a long time.

How To: Build a fire pit out of cinder blocks

In this how-to video, you will learn how to build a fire pit. This will be useful if you want to enhance your backyard. You will need the required fire pit tools such as 55 york blocks, 25 wall caps, two tubes of masonry adhesive, ten 50 pound bags of crushed rock, 6 50 pound bags of decorative rocks, and one metal fire ring. First determine the layout of the pit. Lay the blocks to the layout and adjust for a tight fit. Use a shovel to mark where the soil and grass will be removed. Remove the...

How To: Put together a rose bridal bouqet

Weddings are very expensive and one way to say a little is to make or have you maid of honor make the wedding bouquet and the bridesmaids’ bouquets. You need a straight handle bridal bouquet holder and a stand to hold the bouquet holder in place while you work on it. You will need 12 roses fully hydrated and open.

How To: Wash exterior windows

In this Home & Garden video tutorial you will learn how to wash exterior windows. Get your window bucket with Dawn dish soap and water. Use your house brooms to remove cobwebs and dust from the windows. You will also need the utility belt with window applicator and squeegee. Couple of cloth pieces, plastic scrapper, steel wool and razor blades will also be needed for removing paint and other hard, sticky stuff. Dust off with the broom. Apply the solution with the applicator. Wipe off near the...

How To: Use hollow wall anchors

If you need to fix your plasterboard or drywall, you will probably need to use hollow wall anchors. In this tutorial, learn how to identify, buy and use hollow wall anchors with the Ultimate Handyman. Once you master this skill, you will be able to repair almost any wall easily. Hollow wall anchors are also very useful for hanging anything heavy on an otherwise weak wall. They attach to the back of the plasterboard with little legs so they are more secure than normal nails or screws.

How To: Dial open a combination safe lock

In this video tutorial, viewers learn how to dial open a combination safe lock. Begin by turning the lock 4 times to the left. Then turn the lock 3 times to the right. Now turn the lock 2 times to the left and finish by turning it one more time to the right. Users should hear and feel a click when they finish turning the lock. When locking the safe, turn the lock 4 or more times to the left. to ensure security. This video will benefit those viewers who have a safe lock and would like to learn...

How To: Tape corner to drywall and top coat

In order to mud and tape the corners with new drywall you, you will need spackle, a sturdy ladder, and a putty knife. Scoop out a dollop of spackle (i.e. mud) with your putty knife. Place your putty knife where the ceiling and the wall meat. Spread the putty evenly, as you extend your arm left to right or right to left. Make sure that you apply putty all the way up to the corner.

How To: Plant a hardy mum

Spring Hill Nurseries shows viewers how to plant Chrysanthemums, or hardy mums, in this video. The mums should be planted in early spring. First, choose a place to plant. You should choose an area that has a lot of direct sunlight. You should also plant in an area that has good soil for growing plants. If this is impossible, mix some compost with the soil in the spot you wish to plant in. If you are planting more than one mum, make sure you have enough room to space them two feet apart.

How To: Make a calla lily hand tied bridal bouquet

This tutorial by the Floral Design Institute demonstrates how to create a hand-tied Calla bridal bouquet. The key to creating this bouquet is to make sure your flowers are properly prepared. The flowers should be fully hydrated (in water for at least two hours). Take each flower and mold each stem to to reflect the natural curve of the flower. Lay them side by side so they are lined up in a parallel fashion. Give even pressure on the stem to prevent bends or kinks. Some stems may be straight ...

How To: Prepare & lay pavers in a multi-level adjoining area

The Gardening Guru demonstrates how to prepare and lay pavers in a multi-level adjoining area. First, get a garden stake use it to measure the evenness of the terrain and to set the height. Put the leveling tool on top of the pavers to even out the dirt. Then, lift out the rails. Once the rails are removed, you can then set the pavers directly on the dirt. If you prepare your area correctly, you will save a lot of time when you execute the actual project. This technique is useful when dealing...

How To: Plaster a wall in your home with Ron the Builder

Ron the Builder demonstrates how to plaster a wall. Mix the sealant with water to achieve the right proportions and spread evenly over the wall with a paint roller. Once the sealant is dry, you may begin plastering. Combine half a bag of plaster with the appropriate amount of water in a large bucket with an industrial mixer. Mix until the plaster is smooth. Pour the plaster onto a flat board. Using a trowel, scrape some plaster onto your hawk. Then, using a flick of the wrist, quickly scoop s...

How To: Drain down central heating in your home

First of all the tutor advises that this is a good idea to do it regularly. It is advisable to drain it out otherwise it shall stop the boiler from working. Before starting your work you have to switch off your boiler. Now allow the water to cool down because it is very hot. First find out the radiator and the drain valve attached to it. Now take a hose pipe which is long enough to drain the water from the radiator to your backyard. Slide the pipe over the inlet and then secure it the link. S...

How To: Step down or end your patio wall

In this Home & Garden video tutorial you will learn how to step down or end your patio wall. This video is from www.allanblock.com. Get the installation details and the location of the nearest dealer from the website. The instructions are on How-to sheet #160. The easiest way to create step down is to create corner blocks. Simply place corner blocks at the end of each course overlapping the block as the wall steps down. Finish the wall with wall caps. Once the wall caps are in place, you can ...

How To: Install an inside corner paper ceiling patch

Video Joe Knows demonstrates how to install an inside corner ceiling patch when installing drywall. First, give the paper tape a definitive crease. Then, wipe quick set on the ceiling and the wall. Make sure you get enough material behind the paper tape. Have more quick set on than you need because you can wipe off the excess. Build it up on the edges using a three or four inch knife. Next, apply the tape by pushing it into the corners of the desired area. Finally, wipe off the excess quick s...

How To: Sterilize a Toothbrush to Remove Germs

Did you know germs can travel pretty far? If you store your toothbrush in the bathroom like almost everyone does, you may need to give it a good wash now and again. In this tutorial, learn how to remove germs from your toothbrush, and stay healthier. This video will show you how to use common, natural household items to clean your brush instead of harmful chemicals.

How To: Use a Window Insulation Kit

Winterizing your windows is a good idea. It helps you save energy and is cost effective. It can be pricey to hire a professional, but in this tutorial, you will learn how to insulate your windows yourself with a window insulation kit. Window insulation kits are easy and cheap alternatives to replacing your windows for the wintertime. So, in the colder months this year, try this method and stay a little bit warmer. You will be happy when you see your lower heating bills! Window Insulation Kit ...

How To: Grow tomatoes indoors

Contrary to what you may have heard, small tomato plants can be easily grown indoors given the right conditions. This free video home gardener's guide will see that you know everything you need to know to start growing your very own small tomatoes in your home or apartment.

How To: Preserve home-grown herbs

Growing your own herbs is easy. So easy, in fact, that you may soon find that you have more than you know what to do with. In this home gardener's guide, Melinda Myers discusses how to store herbs that you've harvested from your home garden.

How To: Unclog a sink drain easily

Need to degunk a clogged bathroom sink? The process, while just as gross as you might expect (and perhaps even just a little bit grosser), is nevertheless very straightforward. For a complete, step-by-step overview of how to easily unclog your own sink drain, watch this free home plumbing guide.

How To: Grow four easy vegetables in your garden

Fresh veggies are the tastiest way to eat right. They are delicious, as fresh as can be, nutritious and best of all.. free! In addition to all of that, you get the satisfaction of growing your dinner all by yourself. In this tutorial, learn how to plant four vegetables that are so easy anyone can grow them. Even the most inexperienced gardener will be able to make these four veggies grow.

How To: Fix bare spots in your backyard

Want to get rid of unsightly bare spots in your front or backyard lawn? In this video tutorial, home improvement expert Danny Lipford shows you three different solutions for fixing small dead spots of grass in your yard. For more information, and to get started reviving your own lawn, watch this helpful landscaper's guide.

How To: Safely operate a portable generator

A portable generator is of no utility whatsoever if you don't know how to use it safely. This video tutorial will teach you the fundamentals of safely operating a standy generator. Be sure, however, that you also read the manual specific to your model. Learn how to safely generate back-up power with this free video guide.

How To: Snap a diagonal chalk line

If you need to snap a diagonal chalk line on a sheet of plywood, you could hope that the hook will hold when you pull on it or try to find a third hand – or you can follow this video guide, which demonstrates a method for snapping chalk lines using a utility knife. For a complete overview of the technique, watch this free DIY tutorial.

How To: Inflate a tubeless tire

If one of the tubeless tires on your hand truck or wheelbarrow has gone flat, sure, you could take it to a gas station and pay someone to fix it — or you could repair it yourself. For complete instructions on how to patch and inflate a flat tubeless tire, watch this free DIY guide.

How To: Re-paint old furniture

If your furniture has seen better days but is nevertheless structurally sound, restoring it might be as simple as applying a fresh layer of paint or wood stain. This free video tutorial demonstrates a method for refinishing furniture with a power sander. For more information, and to get started rejuvenating your own antique furniture, watch this video tutorial.

How To: Soundproof a bedroom wall

In this video, professional remodeler Matt Risinger shows you how to soundproof a wall. In this particular lesson, Matt soundproofs a wall between a noisy living room and a quiet bedroom. Follow along and get some helpful hints on installing a similar wall in your own home.

How To: Build your own custom workbench

Enhance your garage with a custom-built workbench. If you can use a wooden workbench, you can build one. And this carpenter's guide, which presents a complete breakdown of the build process, will show you precisely how to do it. For more information, and to get started building your own custom worktable for your garage woodshop, watch this free video guide.

How To: Build a garage workbench

Want a work table for your garage workshop? If you can use a wooden workbench, you can build one. And this carpenter's guide, which presents a complete breakdown of the build process, will show you precisely how to do it. For more information, and to get started building your own custom worktable for your garage woodshop, watch this free video guide.

How To: Build a workbench on a tight budget

A good first project for anyone interested in doing woodworking projects on a regular or semi-regular basis is, naturally, a wooden workbench. This carpenter's guide will help you to build a solid work table without breaking the bank in the process. For more information, including a step-by-step breakdown of the assembly process, watch this free video tutorial.

How To: Start your own seeds

While ready-to-go seedlings have their place, it's also useful (and considerably cheaper) to know how to start your own seeds, which is where this free gardening tutorial comes in: with it, you'll learn how to germinate your own seeds for planting in your garden. Specifically, this tutorial looks at how to start tomato seeds.