With the Grain

Air Conditioner Maintenance

Jenn Greenleaf — Mon, 31 May 2010 15:20:54 +0000

Maintaining an air conditioner is just as important as ensuring a heating system is running efficiently in many parts of the country. Without maintaining these appliances, a lot of costly repairs and high-energy bills could be the reality.

Here are some links to lead you:

For those who are unsure about tackling a project such as this, be sure to find a contractor or other professional for assistance. Finding an experienced friend or family member to help with maintenance is another option to consider.

Using Coffee Grounds for Gardening

Jenn Greenleaf — Sun, 30 May 2010 16:58:08 +0000

Why do people put their used coffee grounds in their garden beds? Good question!

When coffee grounds are added to garden soil right before watering (or prior to rainfall), they slowly release nitrogen into the mix. This fertilization keeps the soil in balance in order for better plant growth. Placing the grounds around plants with crushed eggshells also repel pests.

Use of tea bags and coffee filters (with their grounds) are a good additive for compost heaps, as well, to keep the nitrogen balance in check. Don’t worry about the paper filters or tea bags because they break down fast.

Eggshells in the Garden

Jenn Greenleaf — Sat, 29 May 2010 14:34:53 +0000

Do eggshells really help gardens, and how? That’s a great question and, to be honest, I had no idea eggshells are beneficial to gardens until this planting season. Let’s look at how they help gardens:

They deter slugs and cutworms.
Place them around tomato plants to provide extra calcium, which tomatoes need.
Mix them with coffee grounds for extra nutrients and nitrogen in your garden’s soil.

Be sure to wash the eggshells prior to adding them to your garden. Because eggshells break down very slowly, they should also be crushed prior to adding them to your garden soil or compost.

Home Improvement Videos

Jenn Greenleaf — Fri, 28 May 2010 20:53:54 +0000

Some people need more information beyond what is presented to them on a written page when it comes to certain home improvements. There are others who can’t seem to wrap their minds around what’s on the written page, and they need to SEE how to complete the project. If you’re a visual learner, here are some links to home improvement videos:

DIY Network: Video Library
HGTV: Videos (scroll a bit down the screen, and they’re on the right)
How Stuff Works: Take Home Handyman

Use your favorite search engine to find more. YouTube.com is an excellent resource, too, for home improvement videos filmed by professional contractors, weekend warriors, and other home improvement specialists.

How to Start a Lawn

Jenn Greenleaf — Thu, 22 Apr 2010 01:41:32 +0000

Have you moved into new construction, and are surrounded by a sea of brown landscape consisting of nothing more than dirt and weeds? Are you moving into an existing home where the lawn has been left unkempt for a long period of time and the need to start fresh is a reality?

Some look at the task of starting a new lawn as a no-brainer, while others approach it believing it’s an impossible project. No matter where you fall into this spectrum of belief or ability, it’s important to arm yourself with good information.

Here are some links to lead you:

Like starting seeds for flowers, vegetables, or other plantings the process is going to take time and patience. There are a lot of factors to take into consideration including climate, sunlight, watering, and fertilizing. If you’re still unsure after researching this topic, speak to a landscape specialist about the best options to consider for your particular situation.

Patio Door Installation

Jenn Greenleaf — Tue, 20 Apr 2010 17:37:44 +0000

For those who are living in a preexisting home, and are not exploring new construction, patio door installation may be desired. Despite how intimidating the project may appear, this DIY home improvement project is not impossible to tackle by those who are inexperienced.

Here are some links to lead you:

Because some of the steps require heavy lifting (the door is awkward and heavy), be sure to request help from friends or family members. This help is also beneficial for those who are unsure if they’re able to handle this installation on their own. Good luck!

Interested in Feng Shui?

Jenn Greenleaf — Fri, 09 Apr 2010 16:43:49 +0000

Decorating is just as important of a home improvement as maintenance and repair to some, and it means very little to others. No matter where you may fall in this spectrum, incorporation of Feng Shui decorating principles could be beneficial. Here are some links to lead you:

Rather than looking at Feng Shui as a method of decorating, many are looking at it as a way of life. Not only does it impact the entire home’s appearance, but Feng Shui also impacts the way the home runs and is maintained. There are also a number of excellent books covering this subject, as well as 100’s more websites.

How to Repair Shingles

Jenn Greenleaf — Thu, 08 Apr 2010 19:21:12 +0000

Have your shingles taken a hit during the winter months? Is your roof suffering shingles loss from windstorms? If you’re experiencing issues with your roof and it’s in need of repairs, use the following roof repair links as a guide to help you through this DIY home improvement project:

It’s important to keep up on these repairs, inspect shingles frequently, and ensure roofing is up to date. If not, other more costly repairs will become a reality. If you are unsure how to tackle this project, or if it’s more than a one-person job, enlist the help of an experienced friend of family member.

How to Repair Fencing

Jenn Greenleaf — Wed, 07 Apr 2010 12:03:58 +0000

When the snow melts, often times there are hidden problems with properties and structures. For example, did you know your fence was struck by a plow when they were clearing the sidewalk? Did you realize you caused damage when you hit your fence while snow blowing? What about all the water damage? Did you see all of that?

There are lots of issues that tend to arise once the nice weather comes about. If you’re faced with any of these situations, or others, it’s important to address them immediately. Here are some links to lead you:

There are a number of excellent DIY resource books in home improvement centers, bookstores, online, and at the library as well. Be sure to enlist the help of a friend of family member if you discover you need an extra set of hands! Good luck!

Upcoming Home Depot Workshops

Jenn Greenleaf — Sat, 03 Apr 2010 23:30:59 +0000

Workshops are an excellent opportunity to get some hands on experience with a project, be it home improvement or home related, you would have otherwise had to learn on your own through trial and error. Home Depot is a reputable source for many of these workshops. Most often, these workshops are a good way for scouts to gain skills necessary to earn their achievements, too.

Here are some upcoming workshops:

Check these opportunities out at your local Home Depot rehgularly. Often times, there are store-specific opportunities posted on bulletin boards or posters near the customer service area. If you are unsure of the time or location of a workshop, be sure to inquire well in advance so you and your family (or friends) are able to prepare and save the date!