Home Planet Gear

How to Make Compost in Your Home

admin — Thu, 31 Aug 2023 01:56:00 +0000

How to Make Compost in Your Home

Compost is the single most important supplement you can give your garden. It’s a simple way to add nutrient-rich humus to your lawn or garden that fuels plant growth and restores vitality to depleted soil.

Go over to https://learn.eartheasy.com/guides/composting/ to read the whole article.

It’s also free, easy to make, and good for the environment. But composting also has other benefits.

Composting Benefits:

1. Soil Conditioner

With compost, you are creating rich humus for your lawn and garden. This adds nutrients to your plants and helps retain soil moisture. They don’t call it “black gold” for nothing.

2. Recycles Kitchen and Yard Waste

Composting can divert as much as 30% of household waste away from the garbage can. That’s important because when organic matter hits the landfill, it lacks the air it needs to decompose quickly. Instead, it creates harmful methane gas as it breaks down, increasing the rate of global warming and climate change.

3. Introduces Beneficial Organisms to the Soil

Microscopic organisms in compost help aerate the soil, break down organic materials for plant use, and ward off plant disease.

4. Good for the Environment

Composting offers a natural alternative to chemical fertilizers when applied to lawns and garden beds.

5. Reduces Landfill Waste

Most landfills in North America are quickly filling up; many have already closed down. One-third of landfill waste is made up of compostable materials. Diverting this waste from the landfill means that our landfills will last longer (and so will our wild spaces).

How to Compost

Start your compost pile on bare earth. This allows worms and other beneficial organisms to aerate the compost and be transported to your garden beds.
Lay twigs or straw first, a few inches deep. This aids drainage and helps aerate the pile.
Add compost materials in layers, alternating moist and dry. Moist ingredients are food scraps, tea bags, seaweed, etc. Dry materials are straw, leaves, sawdust pellets and wood ashes. If you have wood ashes, sprinkle in thin layers, or they will clump together and be slow to break down.
Add manure, green manure (clover, buckwheat, wheatgrass, grass clippings) or any nitrogen source. This activates the compost pile and speeds the process along.
Keep compost moist. Water occasionally, or let rain do the job.
Cover with anything you have – wood, plastic sheeting, carpet scraps. Covering helps retain moisture and heat, two essentials for compost. Covering also prevents the compost from being over-watered by rain. The compost should be moist, but not soaked and sodden.
Turn. Every few weeks give the pile a quick turn with a pitchfork or shovel. This aerates the pile. Oxygen is required for the process to work, and turning “adds” oxygen. You can skip this step if you have a ready supply of coarse material like straw. Once you’ve established your compost pile, add new materials by mixing them in, rather than by adding them in layers. Mixing, or turning, the compost pile is key to aerating the composting materials and speeding the process to completion.

Tips for Successful Composting

1. Activate Your Compost

‘Activators’ can be added to your compost to help kick-start decomposition and speed up composting. Common compost activators include: comfrey leaves, grass clippings, young weeds, and well-rotted chicken manure. You can also buy inoculant at your local garden center, though a shovel full of finished compost from another pile works just as well.

2. Flying Insects Attracted to Your Compost?

Small fruit flies are naturally attracted to the compost pile. Discourage them by covering any exposed fruit or vegetable matter. Keep a small pile of grass clippings next to your compost bin, and when you add new kitchen waste to the pile, cover it with one or two inches of clippings. Adding lime or calcium will also discourage flies.

3. Unpleasant Odors from Your Compost Pile?

This can be a concern in urban and suburban areas with small lots and neighbors living close by. Reduce or eliminate odors by following two practices: first, remember to not put bones or meat scraps into the compost; second, cover new additions to the compost pile with dry grass clippings or similar mulch. Adding lime or calcium will also neutralize odors. If the compost smells like ammonia, add carbon-rich elements such as straw, peat moss, or dried leaves.

4. Is Your Compost Pile Steaming?

No problem. A hot, steamy pile means that you have a large community of microscopic critters working away at making compost.

5. Is Your Compost Pile Soggy?

This is a common problem, especially in winter, when carbon-based materials are in short supply. To solve this problem, you’ll need to restore your compost to a healthy nitrogen-carbon balance.

6. Matted Leaves, Grass Clippings Clumping Together?

This is a common problem with materials thrown into the composter. The wet materials stick together and slow the aeration process. There are two simple solutions: either set these materials to the side of the composter and add them gradually with other ingredients, or break them apart with a pitchfork. Grass clippings and leaves should be mixed with rest of the composting materials for best results.

7. Problems with Raccoons?

If there’s a population of raccoons in your area, they will be naturally attracted to your compost pile. The best solution to this problem is to bar their entry to the compost. (Traps and poisons are more trouble than they’re worth.) A wood or metal lid can be easily hinged to the bin described above on this page.

A Step-by-Step Guide to Grafting

admin — Mon, 21 Aug 2023 12:22:00 +0000

A Step-by-Step Guide to Grafting

Late winter is grafting season, and the time of year to graft dormant hardwood cuttings and make some new baby fruit trees! Get your pruners sharpened, your grafting knives sterilized, and all of your budwood cut for another season and start making your own trees. Read on for a step-by-step guide to two easy methods to get grafting.

Go over to https://onegreenworld.com/guide-to-grafting/ to read the whole article.

The Wedge Method

The first step is to collect your dormant scion wood. Scions must be cut while they are still fully dormant for the highest grafting success rate. Be sure to cut wood on new growth that is disease free and growing vigorously. The healthier and more vigorous your scion is, the greater chance of success when grafting and having a fast-growing young tree.

Once your scion is cut, label it and store it in the refrigerator where it will easily keep for at least a month until you are ready to graft.

Selecting rootstock is just as important as selecting what variety you want to grow. Most people think of height at maturity when thinking of rootstock, but disease resistance, vigor, lifespan, soil adaptability, suckering, and how well anchored the tree will be are other factors to consider. Most rootstocks are widely adaptable and resilient, hence their use as rootstock, but checking in with other gardeners/farmers in your area or your local extension agency can help you to choose the perfect rootstock for your location. And of course, trialing many different rootstocks for your location always yields valuable data.

We realized a few years ago in our grafting classes that using red fleshed apples is a great way for beginners to clearly see the difference between the pith, sapwood, cambium, and bark. The pith is that white spot in the middle, the sapwood is red in this case, and the cambium is the lighter layer beneath the dark red bark. The cambium is the most important part here as it is the layer that is lined up between the scion and the rootstock in order to get the vascular tissue to fuse and form a successful graft union.

Be sure to sterilize all of your tools before you begin grafting to avoid the potential spread of pathogens across plant material.

When choosing which piece of scion to graft onto which rootstock, it can be helpful to find diameters that are similar so that both sides of the graft match up, but this is not essential. Often the rootstock or scion will vary in size and if you can get one side matched up perfectly then you’ll have success.

The first and easiest graft that most folks start with is the wedge graft. The take rate on these grafts is typically pretty high and you don’t need to have that skilled of a grafter’s hand to have success with it.

First, make a split down the middle of the rootstock. It is important that the knife cuts the wood cleanly rather than having it split so that a more solid connection between scion and rootstock is achieved.

TIP: We often put our thumb on top of the blade and above the rootstock to ensure that the blade stops when our thumb hits the top of the rootstock. This ensures we don’t cut our other hand that’s holding the rootstock and keeps the blade from making too deep of a cut.

Next, cut the scion wood on both sides to form a wedge that tapers down to a very slim point. It is important to cut at a direct angle rather than “scooping” with the grain of the wood so that there are no air pockets between the cambium layers.

The scion should then fit neatly into the wedge you’ve created in the rootstock with no gaps between the two pieces of wood. It is better to line up one side perfectly than to put the scion right in the middle of the rootstock. Eventually as the young tree grows, it will fuse on both sides.

Once the scion is situated, wrap it up with grafting tape and tie a rubber band around to hold it tight so the rootstock is squeezed to the scion. Some growers will wrap the scion completely to keep it from dehydrating, but with apples it’s usually sufficient to put a small piece on the top like a little hat unless it’s a very old or dehydrated piece of scion that you’re trying to save.

The Whip and Tongue Method

Once you’ve gotten the hang of wedge grafting, you can try moving on to the whip and tongue method. The take rate is similar with both methods once you’ve mastered them, although, the whip and tongue has the advantage of lining up the two pieces in a more fluid way. It also has a bit more structural integrity for the young graft because of the interlocking wood.

To create a whip and tongue graft, you’ll make a cut about 3/4″ long from one end of the scion diagonally across to the other. After this cut, make the “tongue”, a little incision into the middle of the wood – usually right where the pith is. Create a mirror cut on the rootstock then interlock the two pieces together. The trick here is getting the two tongues on either side of each other. We’ve found the budding tool on grafting knives can be helpful for opening the tongues up a little more so they easily fit into each other.

The interlocking pieces will help the young graft be more resilient to anything knocking it out of place. Follow the same finals steps from above to secure it with grafting tape and a rubber band.

Final Steps

Pot up your newly grafted tree and put it in a frost-free location, but somewhere that is not too warm. We’ve found that for many of the more temperate plants, if they’re put into a warm greenhouse immediately the scion will break dormancy before the graft is fully fused and can then collapse. Other species such as figs and persimmons much prefer a hot environment while the grafts are fusing, but in the case of apples it’s best to either graft them after all danger of frost has passed or put them in a cool hoophouse or garage. The use of bottom heat can be helpful here too as it will cause the rootstock to begin growing and breaking dormancy more quickly while the cooler air above keeps the scion dormant.

Grafting your own trees is a very fun and economical way to propagate young fruit trees. It is also an essential skill for orchardists, nursery workers, and anybody trying to conserve rare varietals. Experiment with different techniques, rootstock combinations, interstems, and materials and you just might discover a unique new way to propagate your favorite fruit trees.

Happy grafting!

DIY Hanging Organizer with Pockets

admin — Fri, 18 Aug 2023 16:53:00 +0000

From home offices to craft rooms, there’s no doubt that storage comes at a premium. However, there’s one part of the home that often goes underutilized.

That’s right, our walls!

A hanging organizer is fantastic for turning a useless vertical space into usable storage. Not only that, but you’ll also be doing it stylishly, all while improving your sewing skills.

If you’re a beginner at sewing, this is a great project to test your mettle against. If you’re more experienced, you should fly through this in an afternoon!

What You Will Need for the Organizer

Thick fabric (for the main piece)
Patterned fabric (for pockets)
2x command hooks or sturdy string
Wooden stick
Buttons (optional)
Sewing machine
Ruler
Pins
Scissors
Pencil

How to Make a Hanging Organizer

Go over to https://craftsyhacks.com/diy-hanging-organizer/ to read the steps.

How to Make Paper Mache

admin — Sun, 30 Jul 2023 23:58:02 +0000

How to Make Paper Mache

Make paper mache with kids with all-natural ingredients. You can then use it to create all sorts of cute projects for kids and teens.

Go over to https://craftsyhacks.com/paper-mache/ to read the whole article.

Doesn’t paper mache just take you right back to your childhood? I remember long summer afternoons when my mother and I would get our hands all messy and squishy making our very own paper mache dough from scratch!

Just making the dough—we called the lumpy paper that and the name stuck—was super fun, but why stop there? You can make a ton of craft items with it, like little trinket bowls, ornaments, and even paper mache alphabets.

Supplies and Tools You’ll Need for Paper Mache

Here’s a list of supplies and tools you need to make your paper mache dough:

1/2 toilet paper roll
Cheesecloth
1/2 glass of water
1/2 glass of wheat flour
Spoon
Blender
2x bowls

How to Make Paper Mache

You should definitely consider laying out plenty—and I mean plenty—of paper towels or newspapers around you while you work on this DIY project. It’s going to be messy right from the get-go.

Step 1

If you’ve laid out newspapers over your work surface, you can get right down to the fun and therapeutic part of this project: shredding paper!

Go ahead and start ripping your paper into smaller pieces before putting them in a bowl.

You can definitely use newspapers, as well. Just remember to tear the newspaper into really small pieces as the dough will end up thicker and harder if you don’t.

Step 2

While you’re shredding the paper, put a kettle on. It’s not just to make yourself a cup of tea, although you definitely should. You’re going to pour boiling water over your shredded paper and let it sit for a couple of hours.

The hot water helps with breaking down the cellulose, and your paper will get all soft and squishy. Don’t skip this step, though. When you let the paper sit in the boiling water, your dough will end up more pliant.

Also, if you use newspaper, then you will have to let it sit in the water overnight. Newspaper is much thicker and needs more time to soften and for the cellulose to break down.

Step 3

Next, when you’re sure your paper has been sitting in the water long enough, grab a hand blender and mush everything into pulp. You will either love the squelching sounds you’ll hear, or you won’t.

Step 4

It’s time to strain your pulp and drain all that water. Place a cheesecloth over a big bowl and carefully pour your paper pulp into the cloth.

Gather the ends and squeeze the excess water out of the pulp into the bowl below. If you think you’ve squeezed enough, just do it again, just to be extra sure!

Step 5

When you take the pulp out of the cheesecloth, it should look something like this. Break the pulp into little pieces and put them into a bowl.

If I didn’t know better, I’d say it looks an awful lot like ricotta or cottage cheese.

Step 6

Stir your water in—not all at once, but in parts so that the flour doesn’t turn lumpy. Your paste should be smooth and sticky but not runny. You will need to cook this paste, so to speak. Place the contents in a saucepan with the heat on low.

The mixture needs to be heated for around five minutes, or until the water evaporates and you have a thick and creamy paste. You have to keep stirring the paste constantly, or it will burn.

Alternatively, you can pop it into a microwave. Heat the paste for 15-20 seconds, take it out, stir vigorously, and then it goes in there again for another round. Repeat this a few times till the paste thickens.

Step 7

Spoon the paste onto the pulp.

This part is my absolute favorite: rolling and kneading the dough. But first, roll up your sleeves; it’s going to get messy.

If your dough is wet, just sprinkle a little flour over, and keep rolling. If it’s too dry, just a few drops of water should help soften it. Kids, in particular, will love this part of the activity!

When you’re all done, your paper mache dough will look like this—good enough to eat and even better to start making your paper mache craft items.

What Can I Make from Paper Mache?

There’s absolutely no limit to what you can do with paper mache. Just making the dough can be a great activity, but when you do have the dough ready, you can make a ton of things.

If you have a chocolate or candy molk just press the dough into it and flatten it out. When it’s dry, you can pop it out, paint it, and use it as ornaments and baubles.

Hope you picked up or created an idea of your own using this article.

How to Make a Dreamcatcher

admin — Mon, 17 Jul 2023 11:29:18 +0000

How to Make a Dreamcatcher

Have you been wanting to make a dreamcatcher of your own? This beautiful decoration will make your room look cozier and catch those nightmares.

Go over to https://craftsyhacks.com/diy-dreamcatcher to read the whole article.

Think back to a couple of years ago when dream catchers were all in rage. You would find a dozen of these colorful dream catchers dangling down by every kid and teenager’s bedpost.

But what do you really know about the symbolism and meaning behind them? They’re not just decorative accessories, you know.

It’s actually one of the most long-standing symbols associated with Native American Literature. The crux of it is this: these talismans, with their circle ring and the woven web in the center, are meant to protect you when you’re at your most vulnerable—asleep.

They’d catch the bad dreams and let the good ones through, ergo the name. So, now that you know about the magic and meaning behind these dreamcatchers let’s take a look at how you can make them!

Supplies and Tools for the Dreamcatcher

Here’s a list of everything you’ll need for this project:

Wood hoop (10″-11″)
15’’ thick single twist cotton cord (cream and cappuccino)
Scissors
Beads
Hair combs
Tape (optional)
Jute twine (optional)

How to Make a Dreamcatcher

Here is a step-by-step tutorial on how to make the dreamcatcher from scratch.

Step 1

The first step would be to unravel your cord. Then, measure out about sixty inches before you cut it with your scissors. This will be your first string.

You will need eight of them, each measuring sixty inches. Lay them down, as indicated.

Step 2

You’ll need to repeat step 1 with each color of cord you’re using. That means that for this project, you’ll have eight cappuccino-colored cords and eight cream ones.

Step 3

Next, place your hoop or ring on your work surface and tape it in place. This will ensure that the ring doesn’t move around when you’re working. Trust me; you’ll be glad for this step!

Step 4

Grab your cappuccino-colored cord and fold it in half before you bring it down and under your hoop.

Then, take that loop and bring it over the hoop, so it overlaps the two loose-end bits.

Finally, take hold of the two loose ends of your cord and bring them through the loop.

Tug the ends firmly to tighten the knot and create a knothead, as shown here. Voila! You’ve got your first knot on the ring. Remember this process as you’ll be repeating it around the ring.

One Tool, Many Uses: Single Edge Razor

admin — Sun, 16 Jul 2023 01:56:00 +0000

One Tool, Many Uses: Single Edge Razor

Single edge razors can be used for shaving, of course, but they have tons of other handy functions around the house. These multitasking tools are good to keep in the tool drawer, but remember to store them securely so the blades don’t dull and people don’t accidentally cut themselves. It’s also advisable to wipe the blade down between uses and periodically strop and oil it to keep it in good cutting condition. Dull blades increase the risk of injury in addition to not cutting as well.

Special holders are available for single edge razors, for people who prefer not to hold the blade directly. These offer an ergonomic advantage, as working with a razor for extended periods of time can be hard on the hands. Many are made from silicone and other flexible materials that provide some give under the user’s grip so they will be comfortable to use.

You can read the whole article about this on https://www.networx.com/article/one-tool-many-uses-single-edge-razor

Uses of Single Edge Razors

IN THE KITCHEN

In the kitchen, a single edge razor is an essential tool. The thin, sharp blade is great for peeling vegetables, especially those with uneven surfaces that don’t take well to a conventional vegetable peeler. You can also use razors to slash bread for baking to provide room for expansion, smoothly open containers such as milk cartons, and cut out parchment paper for lining pans. They’re also useful for shaving vegetables for garnishes and delicate dishes, and may be used to make chocolate curls for decorating desserts.

FOR CRAFTS PROJECTS

They’re also useful for crafts projects, including matting, scrapbooking, and paper cutting. The sharp blade provides a clean cut, while it’s possible to achieve a high degree of control with a single edge razor to cut precisely to size. Woodworkers and other crafters also use single edge razors for trimming edges on wood, laminate, and other materials after cutting to remove curls and burrs. It’s important to keep the blade clean to avoid staining the surface, and to make sure it’s sharp so it doesn’t snag and create a tear.

AS A SCRAPER

Another use is as a scraper for paint, stickers, glue, and accumulations of gunk. Tile contractors know that single edge razors are great for removing old caulk. Applied at the right angle and with soft pressure, a single edge razor can even be used on enameled and varnished finishes to gently remove spills. This can be useful for things like removing carbon buildups from stoves and scraping candle wax off a table.

IN THE GARDEN

The garden furnishes some additional applications for a single edge razor. For cutting and grafting, a razor will make a smooth, tight cut that is less likely to damage the plant. It’s important to keep the razor clean to prevent the spread of plant diseases.

FOR HOME IMPROVEMENT

Razors can also be used to cut through old hoses, pipes, and insulation efficiently and smoothly; slit pipes can be used for things like covering electrical cables to protect them from animals and the elements, or adding a layer of insulation to outdoor plumbing.

Plumbers from Dallas to Duluth know the value of a single edge razor. For plumbing and other tasks where people need to apply putty, epoxy, grout, and similar materials, a single edge razor may be used to control the application and create crisp, clean edges so the finished product will have a neat look.

Razors are also useful for scraping away excess materials on a project in progress; for example, a razor can be used to scrape thinset and debris out of tile joints and mortar when other tools wouldn’t reach or provide the same level of coverage.

Top DIY Crafts for Adults

admin — Sat, 08 Jul 2023 01:01:00 +0000

Top DIY Crafts for Adults

This next blog came from burlap+blue. A lot of fun DIY ideas from there so make sure to visit it also.

For the full article, please visit https://www.burlapandblue.com/top-diy-crafts-for-adults/

Whether you love to sew, mod podge, paint or hot glue, whether you love working with fabric, tissue paper, wood, ceramics or scrapbook paper, there’s something for everyone, at every skill level.

So find your favorite DIY craft, grab your crafting tools, and let’s get started!

DIY Paper Lanterns

These Chinese paper lanterns are a fun and quick DIY adult craft! Here’s the link to how to make paper lanterns via craftsy hacks

Book Page Wreath

I’ve seen versions of book page wreaths around for a while, but I really love how repurpose and upcycle combines the book pages with a custom sign!

Customize your wreath by choosing a sign/font/color/phrase that fits your home and your style!

Visit this link to create DIY book wreath via repurpose and upcycle

Make Paper Flowers

Ever wanted to know how to make paper flowers?

These ideas are for you! Paper flowers are so popular right now, you can use them for nurseries, shower decor, and anywhere you want a touch of whimsical fun.

Visit this paper flower templates via burlap+blue

Decorate a Candle

I love the simplicity of this craft–it’s perfect for when you want to gussy up a store bought gift!

Make these to keep on hand for last minute hostess and neighbor gifts.

Here’s how to decorate a store bought Christmas candle via burlap+blue

Make a Bread Bag

This linen bread bag is an easy adult sewing project that is perfect for gifting homemade (or even store bought-we won’t tell) artisan bread!

Create your own DIY linen bread bag via Farm Girl in the Making

Painted Flower Pot

If you love a modern bohemian look, you’ll love these easy modern painted flower pots!

Here’s the link to modern painted flower pot via shrimp salad circus

DIY Wreath

It’s never been easier to make your own DIY wreath!

Head to the link below to find tutorials for all kids of wreaths, from pom pom wreaths, magnolia wreaths, clothespin wreaths and more!

How to make a wreath via burlap+blue

How to Dry Eucalyptus

Love eucalyptus branches? ME TOO! Drying eucalyptus is the perfect way to preserve your branches for decor, wreaths and more. Learn two methods in today’s post.

Here’s the procedure on Drying Eucalyptus from burlap+blue

Macrame for Beginners

Interested in macrame? Me too!

So, in this post, I’m sharing some easy macrame for beginners projects for you to try!

Here’s how to make macrame for beginners via burlap+blue

Hope you picked up or created an idea of your own using this article.

The Best DIY Projects to Complete on a Sunny Weekend

admin — Mon, 26 Jun 2023 11:32:20 +0000

The Best DIY Projects to Complete on a Sunny Weekend

Sunny days are a great time to get outside and tackle home improvement projects. Whether you are a DIY expert or novice, and have an hour or a whole weekend free, there’s always something you can do outside to improve your home’s appearance (and cross another chore off that long to-do list). Need some inspiration? Here are 10 of the best DIY projects to complete on a sunny weekend.

For the full article, please visit https://www.bobvila.com/slideshow/the-best-diy-projects-to-complete-on-a-sunny-weekend-579650

Get Out the Power Washer

A power washer will make quick work of cleaning off large outdoor areas, such as a walkway, patio, deck, driveway, or fence. An hour (or a day) with these amazing tools will leave us shaking our heads that the siding and fence were that dirty to begin with. If you don’t have a power washer, rent one at your local hardware store or borrow one from a neighbor.

Paint Your Front Door

One of the easiest ways to spruce up your home’s curb appeal is by giving the front door a new coat of paint. Before getting started, Benjamin Moore paints suggests removing any hardware, cleaning the surface, and sanding down any imperfections. Two coats of paint is recommended, with 24 hours of drying time between each coat.

Clean the Grill

Cleaning the grill is a project that will take a couple of hours, but it’s easy to do. Plus, keeping your grill clean will ensure it’s in tip-top shape throughout the season. Whether it’s a charcoal, gas, or pellet grill, you will need a grill brush and a few other tools to accomplish this task.

Spruce Up Landscaping

Sunny weekends are a great time to spruce up landscaping and boost a home’s curb appeal. Tasks you might tackle include trimming trees or overgrown shrubs, weeding the garden, or planting some perennials in a bare spot of the garden bed. If those things are done and you have more time to spare, freshen up the mulch and spread some grass seed. There are plenty of things you can do in a weekend to improve your landscaping—it just depends how much time and enthusiasm you have to do them!

Restain the Deck or Fence

If the stain on your deck or fence is looking a little drab, a sunny weekend is a great time for a refresh. Be sure to work in the early morning or late afternoon out of direct sunlight and heat since those factors can work against you when staining. This project should be done in dry weather between 50 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit because too much heat causes stain to dry quickly before the wood is able to absorb it.

Install Outdoor Lighting

Outdoor lighting not only raises a home’s curb appeal and provides an added measure of nighttime security, it can also make an outdoor entertaining space more accessible and comfortable. Try solar fixtures along walkways or driveways, low-voltage cable systems along a backyard patio, or string lights atop a pergola or gazebo.

10 Classic DIY Projects for the Outdoors

admin — Sat, 17 Jun 2023 23:58:02 +0000

10 Classic DIY Projects for the Outdoors

It’s time to embrace the warmer weather by tackling a couple of outdoor DIY home improvements. There’s so much to be done, where do you start? How about right here! Browse our collection of ideas for easy outdoor projects that are perfect for a weekend—in fact, some can be completed in just a few hours.

Are you thinking about an upgrade to your patio or deck? Are you itching to give your garden a new look? Well then, here’s your inspiration. Who knows? If you’re especially productive this weekend, someday soon you’ll be able to sit in your newly spray-painted lawn chairs and admire the vegetables sprouting up in your DIY raised beds.

For the full article, please visit https://www.bobvila.com/slideshow/10-classic-diy-projects-for-the-outdoors-47340

1. Garden Path

The amount of time spent laying a new path depends entirely on its length and the materials you use. Mulch is the quickest and most economical material for a garden path, but gravel, bluestone, and brick are great options if you’re willing to spend a bit more. Give an existing path an upgrade with new edging made of metal, stone, bricks, or even wine bottles.

2. Tree Swing

If you’ve got rope, a board, and a free afternoon, you have most of the ingredients for a tree swing! Drill a couple of holes into a sanded plank of wood and secure it with rope. Use a ladder to reach a large branch on a healthy tree and loop a chain over the branch. Attach a properly knotted rope to the chain and the board. For a full tutorial, check A Beautiful Mess.

3. Lawn Furniture Update

If your lawn furniture is looking a little tired, perk it up with a good scrub and a fresh coat of paint. Buff rusty metal furniture clean with steel wool. Vinyl cushions can be cleaned with a mixture of dishwashing soap, borax, and warm water. Let the mixture sit for 15 minutes, then rinse. Finish with a colorful coat of spray paint. For step-by-step instructions, visit H2OBungalow.

4. Potting Bench

A potting bench can be a practical workspace as well as a rustic accent for your deck or garden. You can build one like this from lumber or try upcycling an old dresser, replacing the drawers with shelf slides for convenient pull-out storage.

5. Trellis

If climbing vines grow in your garden you probably already have a trellis, but if you don’t, make one this weekend. The garden feature isn’t only for keeping control of your flowers, as this tutorial from A Beautiful Mess shows it also makes a great yard barrier.

6. Window Box

Even if you’re not an expert woodworker, with the right tools you can build your own window box in a day. You’ll need a table saw (or boards precut to the inside width of the window frame), sandpaper, safety goggles, a drill and screws, and paint or stain. Get the full tutorial for this window box at H2OBungalow.

7. Bird Feeder

There are as many bird feeder designs as there are backyard birds. You can make your own feeder from almost anything, including upcycled cans, teacups and saucers, and peanut butter and pinecones. Kelly, from Here Comes the Sun, shares an easy DIY for making a feeder with recycled plastic bottles and wooden spoons.

8. Raised Garden Bed

The best raised garden beds are no more than three or four feet wide to allow gardeners easy access for planting, weeding, and harvesting. Raised beds allow for proper drainage and greater control over the growing medium, so you can raise your own fruits and vegetables even if your region’s soil isn’t the most arable. Build your own with the help from this tutorial over at An Oregon Cottage.

9. Bird Bath

Looking at this bird bath you might never guess that it started its life out as a candlestick! With a little TLC and spray paint, Gail at My Repurposed Life was able to transform the thrift store find into a bird bath.

10. Compost Pile

Turn kitchen scraps and yard waste into nutrient-rich soil by composting—and build a simple compost bin while you’re at it! This backyard bin was built from wood pallets. To re-create it, you’ll need three pallets, wood screws, and an electric screwdriver. Visit Young House Love for the full tutorial.

Hope you picked up or created an idea of your own using this article.

The Best Utility Knife in 2021 According to 17,500+ Happy Shoppers

admin — Tue, 09 Aug 2022 12:22:00 +0000

The Best Utility Knife in 2021 According to 17,500+ Happy Shoppers

Utility knives are part and parcel of the toolbox – at home, office or jobs. From breaking down boxes, cutting wires, carpet, drywall, rope, vinyl, leather, flooring, or even in our arts, crafts and hobbies, this indispensable tool comes as the right implement to use over scissors, saw or other knives.

About Thomas

Thomas is the number one industrial sourcing platform – serving professionals that empower the industry. Their site, Thomasnet.com®, presents a reliable growing number of content and expertise since 1898.

We quote directly from their site: “We connect buyers, engineers, and MRO professionals to over 500,000 North American manufacturers daily. We have a dedicated team of specialists who ensure you always have vetted and up-to-date company information to get your job done faster.”

THE BEST EASY-TO-USE UTILITY KNIFE

Home Planet Gear’s Box Cutter Utility Knife is Thomasnet.com®’s best easy-to-use utility knife. It goes on to say in the article: “As is clearly evident from its design, the Home Planet Gear box cutter utility knife is unlike other utility knives.”

For some more of the growing satisfied customers’ comments, please go to:
http://www.homeplanetgear.com/home-planet-gear-store-products/utility-knife-box-cutter-purpose-retractable-multi-position-blade/utility-knife-box-cutter-reviews/

For the full article on Thomasnet.com® please go to:
https://www.thomasnet.com/articles/machinery-tools-supplies/best-utility-knife/

Home Planet Gear

How to Make Compost in Your Home

How to Make Compost in Your Home

Composting Benefits:

1. Soil Conditioner

2. Recycles Kitchen and Yard Waste

3. Introduces Beneficial Organisms to the Soil

4. Good for the Environment

5. Reduces Landfill Waste

How to Compost

Tips for Successful Composting

1. Activate Your Compost

2. Flying Insects Attracted to Your Compost?

3. Unpleasant Odors from Your Compost Pile?

4. Is Your Compost Pile Steaming?

5. Is Your Compost Pile Soggy?

6. Matted Leaves, Grass Clippings Clumping Together?

7. Problems with Raccoons?

A Step-by-Step Guide to Grafting

A Step-by-Step Guide to Grafting

The Wedge Method

The Whip and Tongue Method

Final Steps

DIY Hanging Organizer with Pockets

What You Will Need for the Organizer

How to Make a Hanging Organizer

How to Make Paper Mache

How to Make Paper Mache

Supplies and Tools You’ll Need for Paper Mache

How to Make Paper Mache

Step 1

Step 2

Step 3

Step 4

Step 5

Step 6

Step 7

What Can I Make from Paper Mache?

How to Make a Dreamcatcher

How to Make a Dreamcatcher

Supplies and Tools for the Dreamcatcher

How to Make a Dreamcatcher

Step 1

Step 2

Step 3

Step 4

One Tool, Many Uses: Single Edge Razor​

One Tool, Many Uses: Single Edge Razor

Uses of Single Edge Razors

IN THE KITCHEN

FOR CRAFTS PROJECTS

AS A SCRAPER

IN THE GARDEN

FOR HOME IMPROVEMENT

Top DIY Crafts for Adults

Top DIY Crafts for Adults

DIY Paper Lanterns

Book Page Wreath

Make Paper Flowers

Decorate a Candle

Make a Bread Bag

Painted Flower Pot

DIY Wreath

How to Dry Eucalyptus

Macrame for Beginners

The Best DIY Projects to Complete on a Sunny Weekend

The Best DIY Projects to Complete on a Sunny Weekend

Get Out the Power Washer

Paint Your Front Door

Clean the Grill

Spruce Up Landscaping

Restain the Deck or Fence

Install Outdoor Lighting

10 Classic DIY Projects for the Outdoors

10 Classic DIY Projects for the Outdoors

1. Garden Path

2. Tree Swing

3. Lawn Furniture Update

4. Potting Bench

5. Trellis

One Tool, Many Uses: Single Edge Razor