Hot Home & Garden Posts

How To: Build a proper drip irrigation system

This video illustrate us how to build a drip irrigation system. Here are the following steps: 1. To build a drip irrigation system you need a pipe, hydro cyclone, screen filter, Pressure building pump and micro filter.step 2: Connect the pipe to the water source and let it pass through the hydro cyclone to settle down all the sand. 3: Now from the hydro cyclone pass it through the pressure gauge for building up the pressure ant then this pipe passes through the network of horizontal and verti...

How To: Identify and control common lawn weeds

With rainfall comes unwanted plant growth in the form of weeds. Here's how to identify and control them. First is Nutsage which has a glossy green leaf, triangular stem and the rhizome sends up new plants whenever you cut away at it. Next is jungle rice which is an aquatic weed, from areas where there is a lot of moisture. It can be identified by it red/purple chevrons. Use herbicide to take them out before they get too large. Next is pigweeds, to get rid of it you can use weed killer or a ho...

How To: Make a wall clock out of spoons & a kitchen strainer

Why use a regular wall clock when you can have an awesome clock make out of spoons that you make yourself? Let your character show through or make a cheeky gift with this clock. You will have to buy a basic boring wall clock. Use the battery of the clock and attach it to a great metal strainer as the mount. Then use cut out a picture for the front ant but the hands back on. Glue some spoons on the back to complete the look, add a mount and your ready to enjoy telling time in a whole new way. ...

How To: Quickly cope inside baseboard corners

When installing baseboards, the inside corners are the trickiest part. In this tutorial, follow along with Bob Schmidt as he shows you how to cope with inside corners. This video will show you a shortcut that you can use next time you are installing baseboards or skirtboards or any other trim with flat area on it.

How To: Remove the air from your boiler or heater

If you hear a lot of banging coming from your boiler or heating system, you may need to perform a little repair. The banging could be the result of not enough water in your system, but it could also mean there is too much air in your expansion tank. And expansion tank is attached to your boiler and helps regulate the air to water ratio for optimum performance. If the air in your expansion tank expands too much, you may need to release some of the air in order to use your tanks properly and st...

How To: Change the fill valve and stop a leaky toilet

We’ve all had the problem of a toilet that just won’t stop running. You can fix this problem yourself with a few tools from the local hardware store. The part that is causing the excess running is an old fill tube and stopper valve. You will want to shut the water off to your toilet and then flush the toiled to drain out the water. You will have to unscrew the supply line so that you can replace the fill valve. The process only takes a few minutes and it will save you money from wasted water ...

How To: Create a simple "less is more" flower arrangement

Flower arrangements bring color, life and mood to everyday life or a special occasion and the best part is you can make these bouquets yourself. The flower god will show you some of the ideas and an example using sunflowers for balanced table centerpieces. You will want to choose a main flower and several supporting pieces of foliage and flowers to increase depth and interest to your spread. The meaning concept is balance and accent. This video shows a minimalist, three vase approach for a ch...

How To: Save tomato seeds

In this video tutorial, viewers learn how to save tomato seeds. Begin by selecting the type of tomato that you would like to grow again next year. Once selected, simply cut the tomato in half and scoop or squeeze out the seeds into a jar. Pour a bit of water and close the jar. Put the jar away for 2 days, as it will smell. The seeds will be undergoing a fermentation process as this time. Then take the tomatoes and drain the through a sift. Now wash the tomato seeds with some water and let the...

How To: Fertilize & deadhead roses

In this how-to video, you will learn how to fertilize and deadhead roses. Late summer fertilization is okay for these roses. Make sure to water them in well, as this is key. Deadheading in late summer will give you a fall bloom cycle with the roses. Deadheading will mean cutting off dead blooms. Hips are dead blooms that have fertilized. These make seeds and some are either sterile or will actually grow. To properly deadhead, go down to the second or third five-leaf. Cut at a 45 degree angle ...

How To: Plant tulip bulbs in a container in winter

Phyllis Stevens gives us some tips on planting Tulips in the winter. We start by taking a container filled with Potting Soil, then we Plant the Tulip Bulbs. You should fit up to 3 bulbs per pot. Putting some Crocus on the top of the soil doesn't hurt. Bury the bulbs in the garden, covering with Leaves and pine-needles. In the Spring (February-March) we will take the pots out from the soil and Sink them down into the Planter Soil. Once they are finished blooming take them out from soil and put...

How To: Identify if you are using too mcuh fertilizer

In this video, we learn how to identify common tree problems. If you use too much fertilizer you can find a burn scar that is left on the bark of the tree. You can avoid this by making sure fertilizer spikes are placed away from the tree. Tree splitting is also an obvious sign that a tree is in bad shape and needs to be cut and taken down. A common leaf problem is Pear Slug Damage. A great way to help this to use wood ash on the tree, which will kill the insects that cause this and it's safe ...

How To: Brush paint a wall in your home

In this video, we learn how to cut a line using paint onto your walls. To do this you will need walls, a paint brush and your choice of paint. Make sure you get just the right amount of paint onto your brush and place the bristles against the wall right next to the corner of the wall. Slide it down making the line as straight as possible. Keep going until you have a line all the way down the corner, making it very straight and neat. Do this on both of the walls and you will a have professiona...

How To: Caulk your bathroom floors

This video shows the viewer how to caulk a bathroom floor – this is where some type of sealant is used to fill the joint between the surface of the floor and the side of the bath. The first stage is to select a suitable sealant, the video recommends a sealant that can be painted as it is useful if you every need to redecorate. Squeeze a liberal amount of sealant into the crack. Then using a dampened finger press the sealant into the corner whilst simultaneously scraping the excess away. Final...

How To: Make an accurate boomerang

In this Home & Garden video tutorial you will learn how to make an accurate boomerang. Material required are 4-6mm thick ply wood or hard board or paper-mache, saw and some spray paint. Search for and download boomerang plans from the internet. The boomerang has three protrusions or handles equally spaced with each protrusion being 14cm long and the diameter of the circle at their ends being 4.5cm. Trace the plan on the plywood and cut it out with a ‘U’ shaped saw. Next draw out the line for ...

How To: Make a concrete countertop mold

In this Home & Garden video tutorial you will learn how to make a concrete counter top mold. Fu Tung Cheng from Concrete Network presents this video. For making different edges on your counter top, a compound called polyurethane is used for making the mold. It is a two part compound mixed together to form a rubbery substance. While using polyurethane follow the manufacturer’s recommended dosage, time, proportion and also use the recommended release agent. Take a piece of the molding wood and ...

How To: Choose colorful flowers & shrubs for the garden

This video makes suggestions in how to choose colorful flowers and shrubs in your garden. Bowle’s Mauve is a purple flowering plant that will grow and bloom until fall. It will become bushy. Another colorful choice is the Rock Rose, a pinkish flower. The Blue Salvia has blue flowers. A Bank’s Rose, only bloom for a short time. It has yellow or white flowers. Aphids tend to attack it, but it is hearty.

How To: Add color to the garden with perennials

Southwest Yard and Garden featuring John White, Dona Ana County Extension Agent, hosts a 6 minute clip with co-host Master Gardener Valois Pearce both of Dona Ana County, New Mexico host a short web show featuring plants that can easily survive on smaller amounts of water over typical plants. They begin by discussing the full sun Ice Plant, which comes in many species and colors as well as their hardiness, but unfortunately are easy targets for wildlife. They then move onto the Gopher Plant, ...

How To: Identify the pecan aphid

We learn how to identify a pecan aphid. There a few different types, some more harmful than others. Looking at the leaves closely we see shiny sticky spots on the leaves. This is called honeydew' which is actually the aphids waste. It is not harmful to the tree. The Black pecan aphids however cause brown discolorations on the leaves. They are necessary to control although mother nature offers a way since there are certain insects who actually eat their eggs. It is wise to first consider this ...

How To: Identify problems with container plant roots

The problems with container plant roots. when purchasing a container plant be sure to check the root system. Wholesale plant sellers tend to leave the plants in small pots for to long. This can lead to problems with the root system. What you have to look for is to make sure the roots are not coming back up and around the base of the plant thereby choking it. When you are replanting be sure to make the hole in the ground 1and 1/2 to 2 times up to 5 times the size of the root ball. This is how ...

How To: Dispose of leftover lawn chemicals

In this video from nmsuaces we get a lesson in how to dispose of leftover lawn chemicals. Many gardeners want to know what to do with leftover materials and how to get rid of it safely. You should not store it. Once mixed up, use it all. Make your mix so you don't have to have a surplus that day. If you have a surplus, you need to spray it in an area that is labeled to be used. After you are finished rinse the container at least 3 rinses. The rinse water must then be sprayed out in the area w...

How To: Save money by staining your own concrete floors

In this video from cdrhead we learn how to save money by staining your own concrete floors. First vacuum the floor and under the sheet rock removing as much dirt and dust as you can. Place plastic on all walls and unfinished wood trim. Now use a 4 inch scraper to remove any remaining materials. Now scrub with a broom with water or buffer. Spray a mild acid detergent on the floor as well now and scrub with a buffer. Now vacuum the floor with a ShopVac. Now spray the acid stain using a handheld...

How To: Caulk your home to save money on energy bills

All around your house there small cracks and spaces that are letting air out of the house. You can stop the air leaks through an inexpensive way saving money from being wasted, it's called caulk. You have to select the right one for what you need, there are many different types for different applications so be sure to pick the right one. Clean the area you want to apply the caulk in and then put the caulk in the device with which you're going to use it. Push the plunger until it stops and cut...

How To: Tape drywall and prep for painting

Taping drywall requires a spreader or a spatula, compound and drywall tape. Spread the compound over the nails and the seams smoothly to apply tape over later. Next, the tape is applied to the wet compound on the wall directly over where the seams were. Then, another layer of compound is placed on top of the tape. After it is dry, a second layer of compound is placed on top of this layer. This process will continue until all the seams are covered with the compound, taped over the seams on top...

How To: Identify pest on the oleander, rosemary, & ivy plants

In this Home & Garden video tutorial you will learn how to identify pest on the oleander, rosemary, & ivy plants. John White presents this video along with Virginia Owens. Spittle bug on rosemary can be removed with a strong blast of water. You can also add a little bit of soap to it. You also have to be persistent with this. Scale is a kind of insect that forms carnication on Spanish Broom. This can be treated with dormant oil in the summer. Ivy gets burnt when exposed to hot sun. So, you go...

How To: Turn a steep backyard into a terraced garden

First of all you have to start by terracing all the lands. Now select the varieties of trees that you want and start planting them in your garden. These trees shall help you in checking soil erosion. You may also use rocks fro land scalping and also checking soil erosion. Now you can plant ‘daisies’ all around the garden. These grow very fast and then they help to bind all the soil together. However you have to check their growth because they compete with other plants for the nutrients. They ...

How To: Install a bathtub and shower surround with tile

In this video, The Home Depot shows us how to tile the surrounding walls of a bath or shower. Since these walls stand up to a lot of wetness from daily showers, they need to be sound and waterproof. Ceramic tiles are a great way to go. In this demonstration, the tiles are attached to backer board. Protect your tub with a cardboard inlay before you begin. Then seal the edges of the tub with asphalt roofing cement. Then staple 15 pound felt to the studs, embedding the bottom layer to the asphal...

How To: Build a bio-intensive garden

John White of Southwest Yard and Garden along with Kitty Schafer teach you about bio-intensive gardening. Bio-intensive gardening is the combination of two techniques. Part of the technique involves composting top soil with other coarse organic material into a lasagna style mound. Add 2 inches of straw to the soil and spray with water. Add 2 inches of green material that you have collected from other area of your garden, such as bug eaten greens or specific greens for composting. Then add som...

How To: Recycle coffee grounds into compost at home

In this how-to video, you will learn how to recycle your used coffee grounds into compost for your personal garden. Coffee grounds are very good for your soil and can be used for all winter long. If you stick a thermometer in there, you will see that it is about 106 degrees. This means that it is working on the inside. You can also your hand to test the heat inside the compost as well. You should make about a cubic yard of the coffee grounds for the compost to be effective. This video gives y...

How To: Identify willow tree damage caused by a borer

Weeping willows, globe willows, corkscrew willow, cotton wood are all prone to bores than other diseases. They grow in fertile soil with lots of moisture. Never treat tree chemical. Prune as necessary, take out dead diseased limbs, water and fertilize regular. This ensures the tree lasts longer and that the tree is less attractive to insects. Where tomatoes are concerned to avoid sunburn ensure that they are slightly covered with the folding of the plant. High salt level of water or chemicals...

How To: Identify and control garden pests on grapes and roses

This video illustrates the quick and easy method to Identify and control garden pests on grapes and roses . The process is comprised of the following steps:Step 1:Garden pests are quite common in grapes and roses.Step 2: To identify these gardener needs to keep a very sharp eyes on the plants every day. Negligence may lead to disaster of the entire crop.Step 3:Garden pests can be commonly seen on the leaves on inner side or on the shoots of the plant.Step 4:Randomly select the plant and check...

How To: Prune & clean a Japanese black pine bonsai for spring

In this Home & Garden video tutorial you will learn how to prune & clean a Japanese black pine bonsai for spring. First you got to prune off the branches that you don’t want and allow only the branches that you want in order to design the tree. After about a year of pruning off the branches cut off the studs created by the left over branches so that the area is flush with the rest of the trunk. Then cut off any dry stubs around the foliage. Next cut off the foliage that is growing out of the ...

How To: Use stone to sharpen a knife

In this instructional video, the host will give you detailed instructions on how to sharpen your blades primarily using coarse, medium, and fine Arkansas sharpening stones. How to oil your stones, how many strokes on either side, and the different angles that can be used are just some of the helpful hints included in this short tutorial. The instructor also includes information on how to sharpen your knives in a pinch using any leather belt, how to align your blade's edge using a steel, and h...

How To: Choose a daylily variety for your garden

There are many different types of daylilies, and this video shows the different varieties and how to care for them. First they show a variety called Double Cutie and explain that you need to take off the wilted blossoms to get more blooms the following year. If the leaves are striped, it means there is an iron deficiency in the soil, and there are products you can get for that. There is a variety of daylily that is almost white, called Tuscawilla Tranquility. There are no daylilies that are p...

How To: Divide and re-plant irises

In this how-to video, you will learn how to divide and re-plant irises in your garden. First, dig out the iris. Clean out the old, dead leaves and take the dirt off. Trim the leaves off as well. Break off the pieces, as these can become a new plant to grow. Several pieces can be broken off, allowing you to grow even more irises. Discard the part that is left over. You can save the pieces for a little while, but it is better to plant them soon. Irises do not require a rich soil to grow, so kee...

How To: Remove permanent marker easily with orange peels

This video shows viewers how to use orange peels to remove permanent marker from surfaces. Use a small piece of an orange peel for this. To begin, massage the skin (outer layer) of the orange peel. This will cause the oils in the skin to rise to the surface. Once you have massaged it enough, rub the orange peel over the marker stain. Keep rubbing until the marker is entirely gone, or only faint stains are left. It may take a couple of tries, but the stain will usually be entirely removed. In ...

How To: Repot a Japanese black pine bonsai

Hi everyone, happy new year. Today we will be repotting a Japanese black pine bonsai tree with Charles M. We will first check the health of the pine tree by checking the fungus cultures. It is a healthy tree if there is a lot of fungus. We will first prune some of the roots to be used in the new soil. We will loosen up some of the roots to be able to repot it. We will make sure not to throw away any fungus cultures to make sure to preserve the tree. Enjoy the video on how to repot a bonsai tree.