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How To: Set up plumbing for a pond

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 ...

How To: Power carve a bonsai

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 tre...

How To: Identify if you have aphids and webworms on mesquites

The video shows how to effectively be aware and get rid of possible webworms or aphids on your mesquites so they won't get damaged later. Here, John White invited Annete Peterson to show how to do so. She starts by informing from what she saw that many mesquites from her neighborhood have deformed leaves and mainly several of them have stripped branches at the tips of the trees. He explains that one of the problems is a webworm on the leaf of the mesquite, and it eats the leaves of the plant ...

How To: Identify problems with poinsettia, ligustrum & pecans

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 ferti...

How To: Repair spalled concrete

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 furt...

How To: Choose the right evergreen tree for your landscape

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 Cedar...

How To: Install new windows in a new construction project

Steve with Eikenhout Educational Video Series and Paul Griggs with PGriggs Construction demonstrate how to install new windows during a new construction application. You will need a level, a utility knife, a caulk gun and a hammer to install the windows. First, cut the house wrap away from the area where the window will be placed. Next, properly flash the opening to protect it from water by starting at the window sill. Next, verify that the sill is level. Next, caulk around the window opening...

How To: Germinate a seed in a small cup

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 g...

How To: Build a unique terraced garden

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 c...

How To: Make healthy compost with five key ingredients

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 equa...

How To: Pick a door lock using only a paper clip

In this video, we learn how to pick a door lock with a paper clip. First, make sure you have a door lock that has a pinhole on the outside. Now take your paperclip and open it up so it's straight and flat. Once you've done this, stick your paperclip into the pinhole and wait until you feel a small hole on the inside of the lock and twist the paperclip. Keep twisting the paperclip until the door becomes unlocked, you will hear and feel the lock opening. If the paperclip slips, just stick it ba...

How To: Clean your oven and microwave

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 ...

How To: Sharpen a knife on a Triple Oil Stone

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 pari...

How To: Fertilize bermuda grass lawns

Watch Southwest Lawn and Garden's John white and Dr. Bernd Leinauer Discuss the importance of Bermuda grass lawn fertilization and the correct techniques involved. You'll learn how to interpret the meaning behind the fertilizer label, and why a complete fertilizer, including nitrogen, phosphorus and Potassium. Along with how to calculate much fertilizer to use per square foot, You'll learn how each important nutrient helps your lawn, and why having the correct balance is so important. Most im...

How To: Create tomato cages from concrete wire

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...

How To: Build a shaded vegetable garden

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 ...

How To: Identify pecan weevil problems

In this Home & Garden video tutorial you will learn how to identify pecan weevil problems. John White presents this video along with Carol Sutherland, extension entomologist. After pecan is infected with pecan weevil, it has the potential of spreading in the entire area. The indication of pecan weevil infection is an opening on the crust of the pecan which may or may not be a perfect circle. But, on the nuts the holes are perfect circles. There is usually one hole on the nuts; though sometime...

How To: Erase permanent marker from a dry erase board

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 in...

How To: Plant dahlia flowers in your garden

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 goo...

How To: DIY prune a tree

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 ...

How To: Excavate a pond and use hand tools

This video shows you how to excavate a pond using hand tools and a jackhammer.First of all, you must organize your digging in shelves. A pond should have some parts deeper than others. You start by leveling the pond at the part where it will be more shallow (thus creating the first shelf). Then go to a deeper part and level that out. In this way you create shelves with different elevations.Your tools for excavating are the spade, the flat shovel, the pick, the wheelbarrow and the jackhammer. ...

How To: Clean and shine coins with an eraser, vinegar and salt

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 ...

How To: Marble your home decorations

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 pain...

How To: Clean and sharpen garden tools

John White shows how to clean and sharpen your tools by using a file and WD40. He also advises to repair the wooden handles of your tools to prevent injury. Run the file along the back and sides of the shovel. Leave the front part smooth. Make sure you remove any mud to prevent corrosion. Use steel wool to achieve this as well as WD40. Use the file to sharpen the edges of your hoe and again clean with steel wool and WD40. The file is also useful for sharpening trimmers. Clean all the dried pl...

How To: Easily cover screws and nails using drywall mud

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...

How To: Identify and treat snow mold

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 gras...

How To: Caulk a home window

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.

How To: Identify problems with pecans & pruning grapevines

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 m...

How To: Remove permanent marker from Legos

Lego owners sometimes decide to personalize their Lego pieces by drawing on them with permanent marker. If you've ever needed to remove permanent marker from your Lego pieces, here's a surprisingly easy way: You'll need a toothbrush, toothpaste, and a small bowl of water (only about an inch of water will be needed), and of course your marker-covered Lego piece. First apply toothpaste to the toothbrush. Next dunk the Lego piece in the water. Then place the Lego piece in your hand and lightly s...

How To: Upcycle a yogurt container into a mini-album

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 co...

How To: Patch budding pecans

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: Care for house plants growing in water

Growing plants in the Southwest is different then other climates. We learn how to grow plants in water. Salt is a factor that we need to be cautious of. Salt is in soil and in water. Water, once absorbed leaves a layer of salt. It can be avoided by watering in a certain way. Changing the water frequently, a dish underneath a potted plant to drain the water and flushing out the salt and re-potting periodically. Sometimes extremes measures must be taken to hydrate a plant. In this case putting ...

How To: Treat for lawn grubs

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.

How To: Identify pinon needle scale

Identify pinion needle scaleWe are going to look at this insect because eggs are being laid. Two year old needles are being cast off. This is a sign of infestation. There is also sparse, open foliage. This tends to be a chronic infestation. The insect is the pinion needle scale. You can see tiny, bean shaped bumps on the 2 year old needles. The insects move to last years new growth and feast on the sap of the needle all summer. You can see egg masses and web on the trunk of the tree. The inse...