Hot Home & Garden Posts
How To: Sharpen a hunting or fishing knife
In this video tutorial, viewers learn how to sharpen a knife. The materials required are: water or oil, stone and the knife. Begin by dipping the blade into the water and start grinding with a rolling movement on the rough side of the stone. If it gets dry, add some water. Grind on both the sides of the stone. Now flip over the stone and grind with a pulling movement on the smooth side. Then finish the sharpening with a leather belt. This video will benefit those viewers who need to learn how...
How To: Cut & plant potatoes
This video describes how to cut and plant potatoes in your own garden. Potatoes are easy to grow almost anywhere and can be started early in the year since they are resistant to cold.
How To: Prune a peach tree & trim raspberry plants
Curtis Smith, Extension Horticulturist, and Rick Daniel, Bernalillo County Horticulture Agent, demonstrate how to prune a peach tree and trim raspberry plants. If a branch is in the way and causing problems or if it is unhealthy, cut it off at anytime. Cut outside of the bark collar when pruning branches. Make three cuts by first making an undercut on the bottom side so the bark doesn't strip off too far. Put on gloves when working with raspberry bushes. Cut the bushes down to the ground each...
How To: Protect outdoor plants and shrubs in the winter
Curtis Smith of Yard and Garden teachers viewers how to protect outdoor plants and shrubs in the winter. For instance, Lilacs and be burned by the cold weather so it is advised to not place lilac to the South or the West against a wall in the winter. Next, with a privett plant there may be damage on the leaves but others are perfect - but this is normal. This plant is an evergreen and some cells in the leaf may die which will make the leaves look damaged. This will be shown on last years leav...
How To: Filter vegetable oil to make biodiesel
In this video, Tom Carpenter explains how to filter vegetable oil into bio-diesel at home. After collecting a large amount of waste vegetable oil, place 30 gallons of it into a modified (by removing the top heating element) water heater. Use a pump and hose to circulate the liquid through the water heater. Heat the oil to 120-130 degrees Fahrenheit. In a separate container, mix methanol and sodium/potassium hydroxide (methoxide). After disconnecting the heating element from the water heater, ...
How To: Grow paperwhite narcissus bulbs in a vase
We are shown by a nursery manager how to grow Paper White Narcissus. While not hardy outdoors they are simple to grown indoors. We are shown how to grow in a vase or pot. For the vase, pebbles are placed on the bottom then about two inches of water. The bulbs are put tips up roots down, then a little more pebbles on top. The potted version is filled with a moist soil and water mixture. The bulbs are placed identical with soil lightly on top. With the pot a flowering support structure is place...
How To: Identify problems with snails & slugs
Snails and slugs can really be a problem sometimes if you are a gardener. They feed on plants and can be considered pests, sometimes even getting inside your house. They are identified by their tell-tale slime trails. A bad infestation can be very hard to deal with. However, specialized cleaners or fertilizers can help your garden snail-free.
How To: Choose the right sage plant
In this how-to video, you will learn how to choose the right sage plant for your garden or landscape. The Texas Ranger is one type of plant to choose. They do well in hot, dry climates and heavy soils. They do not need a lot of maintenance. Selective pruning is useful for this particular plant. Green Cloud has dark green foliage and is a lot thicker. Scarlet Sage attract Hummingbirds. These have little insect problems if you do not give them too much water. Mexican Sage dries very well. It ca...
How To: Install Timberline roofing shingles
GAF roofing has a four nail pattern. The shingles come in 2 sizes: English and metric. In this video we will be using English sizes. Place the shingles in a row by row pattern. You may move left to right or right to left but never move up the roof. You may have the shingle hanging over the roof by 1/4 in. Install the leak barrier in high wind areas. Place the second shingle next to the first. Five inches of the underlying shingle should be exposed. Use a whole shingle for the first course. Th...
How To: Style a yamadori bonsai
This step-by-step tutorial will teach you the correct way make a Light-Saber effect using Paint.net.In this video, you will learn how to gather the Light-Saber image, paste the image into Paint.net, choose the preferred color for the Light-Saber, and other special effects such as: sizing your Light-Saber, 'blurring' your Light-Saber, and learning the correct way to save your project.Your first step is to right click on the Light-Saber image and click 'Copy'. Next, you open Paint.net. Then you...
How To: Get permanent marker stains out of your carpet
To follow along with this video, you will need a few supplies: a spray bottle filled with lukewarm water, a couple of clean white blotting towels, and a product called Legacy of Clean. To remove the stain you begin by applying a few drops of Legacy of Clean onto the stain. Use the blotting cloth to agitate the product into the carpet fibers by rubbing it a bit. Then find a new clean spot on the towel, place it over the stain and apply pressure from your fist to blot the stain. You will see th...
How To: Identify problems when your wisteria is not blooming
On Southwest Yard & Garden, John White, a Dona Ana County Extension Agent, gets together with Master Gardener Virginia Podmenik to discuss some common problems with typical garden plants. Having trouble getting your Wisteria or Bouganvia to bloom? John White has several solutions. Baffled when your Dianthus and Artemsia grow into beautiful green mounds, then split and turn brown in the center? John White will help you find out why and what you can do to help. Not sure if it’s the right time t...
How To: Caulk a crack in your home
In this video, we learn how to caulk a crack in your home. First, take your favorite type of non-silicon caulking tube. Then, take a knife and cut the tip off of the caulking tube at a 45 degree angle. Then, take a coat hanger and stick in the tip of the tube to break the seal that's inside. Next, take an open frame gun with a spring release lever and install the tube into it. Now position the gun in a 45 degree angle to the crack and slide it along the length of the crack. Wipe the tip of th...
How To: Properly sharpen the blade of a knife
In this Home & Garden video tutorial you will learn how to properly sharpen the blade of a knife. You will need a sharpening stone with two sides; coarse and smooth. You will use the coarse side if the knife has dents. You can use any oil, but Rem oil is the best for this. Spread the oil on the sharpening stone. Hold the knife so that the blade is flat and parallel to the surface of the stone. With the blade facing away from your body, start from the near end of the stone and as you move forw...
How To: Clean a microwave with citrus and water
In this video, we learn how to clean a microwave using water and citrus. You will need 1 lemon, 4 cups of water and microwave safe bowl. On a cutting board, slice the lemon in half. Next, place the lemon halves in the microwave safe bowl and fill it with water. When you are done with this, place the bowl into the microwave and set to 5 minutes. Turn on the microwave and when it's done take the bowl and turn table out. Wipe the inside of the microwave out with a cotton towel. If you have stubb...
How To: Identify insects in your garden
How to identify insects in your gardenCarol Sutherland explains us in this video of how to identify insects in your garden. She is an extension entomologist and she explains her view on the insects here. To be known is that some insects are damaging, some others we want to be aware of and some are necessary in your garden. Here during the garden season you get to see insects on trees as they form a familiar habitat. Mostly on the split ends and the broken ends the insects gets invaded. She sh...
News: Smart Chairs With Butt Memory
Japanese designer Tokujin Yoshioka (creator of the crystal chair) is back with a new "shape-shifting" chair, set to debut at Milan Design Fair this upcoming week.
How To: Grow fresh garlic indoors
Love fresh garlic but don't have the outside space or right climate to grow it? Not to worry! This video is here to show you how to grow your very own fresh picked garlic indoors. Follow these easy steps and you'll have a delicious seasoning in a couple of weeks, and full grown heads of garlic in a couple of months!
How To: Make a funky magazine holder from a cereal box
Not enough storage space? No problem! In this tutorial, learn how to recycle an old cereal box into a very cool magazine holder. This video will take you step by step and soon you will be on your way to being both more organized and more eco-friendly!
How To: Build a Native American wigwam
The wigwam was a shelter constructed by many Native American peoples in the eastern part of North America. With this video, you will learn how to construct a wigwam of your own using very basic materials.
How To: Make a corsage out of candy
Tired of the same old flower corsages? Check out this video on how to make a one of a kind candy corsage for your next outing! These make a great gift for prom, holidays, even birthdays for that special little girl in your life.
How To: Start growing seeds in eggshells
When you start planting something, you will need to nurture and grow a seed. You can plant a seed in a small pot and transfer it later, or you can save yourself the mess and trouble and try the tips in this video. In this tutorial, learn how to plant seeds in an eggshell! Eggshells make great little planters and the best part is - they're biodegradable so instead of repotting your seedling you can just plant the whole egg in the ground!
How To: Reuse outdated or old business cards in fun ways
If you've changed jobs or transferred your old Rolodex onto the computer, you will have a ton of left over business cards. Why not go green and reuse the cards as something unique? Check out this video for tips on what to do with all those tiny squares of paper.
How To: Build a reliable fence for your home
With the proper planning and education constructing your own fence can be a breeze. This video tutorial offers an in depth look at how to build a fence for your own home. Learn the basics of building a fence with the help of The Home Depot.
How To: Install tile in your home
One way to update your living space is by installing new tiles. This video tutorial shows key strategies with tiling projects in your home. By planning material quantities you'll able to estimate the cost of your project. This instructional offers helpful tips on tile care, trimming and cutting, and how to safely use snap cutters and wet saws.
How To: Tile a kitchen floor with Home Depot
Whether updating your home design or protecting against mold and mildew, the installation of kitchen tiles is a simple process that any home crafter can do. This video tutorial shows how to install backer board and tile your kitchen floor. Once you've cleaned the area where your backer board will go, measure to make sure all materials will precisely fit into place. Before setting the tiles, plan the layout on a sheet of graph paper to figure out if you'll need to cut tiles. Finally, apply gro...
How To: Prime your walls and get them ready for painting
Before you start a paint job you will need to prime the surface of the wall. Priming is necessary if the wall is a dark color or stained or bumpy at all. Once you've decided to prime and paint, check out this tutorial for advice on how to go about it.
How To: Grow your own cucumbers
Cucumbers are a tasty addition to any salad or sandwich. Why not add this yummy vegetable to your garden at home? They are easy to grow and will taste even better fresh from the ground!
How To: Grow Your Own Sweet Potatoes Year Round
Sweet potatoes are a popular side dish, especially around the holidays. Save some money and start growing sweet potatoes at home. Not only will they be cheaper, but you'll be able to enjoy them year-round.
How To: Turn an old plate into an eco-friendly flower vase
So, you broke a plate and are afraid you'll get in trouble? No worries! This tutorial is coming to the rescue! Turn that old plate into a very cool distressed flower vase. Everyone will be so distracted by your crafty creation, they won't even mind that you used Grandma's China to make it.
How To: Create potting soil for cacti and succulents
This video teaches you how to create the perfect potting soil for your cacti or succulents. A blend for you beautiful pants to grow strong and healthy.
How To: Edge a garden bed
Nothing sets off your garden beds like a nice, crisp edge. Here are four common tools for edging a garden bed. This video gives you a few options on how to edge your garden.
How To: Build a pot fountain
Nothing is more relaxing than the sound of moving water in the garden. Here's how to build a one-of-a-kind water feature in a weekend.
How To: Turn your old toilet into a low flow model
Water is an important resource and it needs preservation. Older toilets suck up way more water than necessary, causing both high water bills and pain for the environment. Follow this tutorial, and learn how turn your old toilet into a newer low-flow model.
How To: Harvest leafy greens
You’ve put in the work to grow wonderful greens in your garden and your ready to make a tasty salad. When you are ready to use your greens you can cut just a few of the outer leaves off at a time so the plant can continue thriving.
How To: Update your bathroom with the Home Depot
When you think about it, your bathroom is one of the most visited rooms in your home. A great way to impress guests and increase the value of your home is to remodel and update your bathroom. In this two part tutorial, follow along with the Home Depot as they show you the best and most inexpensive way to create a luxurious bath.
How To: Get rid of garden snails using nontoxic solutions
Snails can have a devastating effect on your garden but there are ways without using toxic chemicals to get your snail problem under control. You can use pick snails off by hand and throw them away, you can put out iron phosphate based bait, or you can put a bowl of beer out which they will be drawn to and away from your garden.
How To: Use mulch in your garden to keep the soil moist
It is important to use mulch in your garden if you wish to slow the evaporation of water and keep your soil moist longer. Mulch looks nice and is helpful to put around newly planted plants. four to six inches of mulch will allow you to water your plants less.
How To: Create router based inlays in woodworking
In this tutorial, you will learn exactly how to make a router-based inlay. And inlay is made up of small cut out sections of wood, and looks like a stencil or pattern when you are finished.
How To: Build a storage chest with Lowe's
In this five part video series, we are going to be creating a gorgeous storage chest that is sure to be a favorite at your house. Over the course of these videos, I will give you easy to follow instructions, along with some helpful hints.