Build Hay Feeders

Make a hay feeder to keep your farm animals from wasting their hay.

Hay is an essential part of the diet of many farm animals, including cattle, horses, sheep and goats. Animals that eat hay graze during the day, so many people feed hay directly on the ground. However, hay can become contaminated by manure and dirt, or with worms that will harm your animals if ingested. Animals will waste hay by trampling on it. A hay feeder keeps hay off the ground while still giving farm animals easy access to it. Making your own hay feeder is relatively simple. It will save you money by preventing waste, and will benefit your animals' health by keeping their food clean.

Instructions

1. Measure and mark the plywood pieces to be cut. Cut two 40-by-18-inch pieces, two 22-by-18-inch pieces and one 40-by-22-inch piece from the sheet of plywood. Set these pieces aside.

2. Place the two 40-inch pieces of 2-by-4 wood on your work table so they are parallel to each other. Place the two 14-inch pieces of 2-by-4 wood between them at each end, creating a rectangular frame.

3. Place the 40-by-22-inch piece of plywood on top of the rectangular frame you just made. Nail each corner, and then hammer in nails along each side about six inches apart. This forms the hay feeder floor, so that the frame you made with the 2-by-4 pieces will elevate the completed hay feeder off the ground.

4. Place the hay feeder base in front of you on the worktable, with the 2-by-4 frame resting face down on the table surface. Place the first plywood side piece against the outside of the floor frame. It should be low enough so that there is space to nail or screw it to the 2-by-4 frame near the bottom of the plywood piece. Use nails or wood screws to attach the plywood to the 2-by-4 frame. Do this on all four sides. Attach the plywood sides of the hay feeder one at a time.

5. Attach metal L-brackets to each corner using wood screws to reinforce the corners.

6. Find a place for your hay feeder. It should be in a location that is safe for both you and the animals, and convenient for you to fill. Fill your completed hay feeder with hay.

Tags: 2-by-4 frame, farm animals, 2-by-4 wood, 40-by-22-inch piece, completed feeder

Collect Rainwater In Rain Barrels

Rain barrels are a low-cost, environmentally conscious way to conserve water.

Stored rainwater is ideal for many outdoor uses -- watering flower or vegetable gardens, washing cars or even filling swimming pools. Savvy homeowners can use rain barrels to collect and store this free resource -- directly from their gutters. Does this Spark an idea?

Filling Your Rain Barrel

To keep your rain barrel supplied with water, connect it to the gutter and downspout system of your home. Situate the barrel beneath the downspout and place the end of the downspout directly above or into the intake opening of your barrel. (This may involve shortening your downspout or attaching a gutter elbow.) Some brands of rain barrels come with attachments or downspout diverters that guide the water into the barrel; these can also be purchased separately and mounted to your barrel if you have made your own.

Things to Avoid

A well-designed rain barrel lets plenty of water in, while keeping out other, less desirable things. For example, roof debris like leaves and twigs may be swept along with the rainwater through your gutter system and into your rain barrel if you do not have some sort of cover or filter on your gutters. Accumulation of this debris in your barrel can clog the outlet at the bottom. Prevent this by installing a filter to the top of your barrel or the end of your downspout. A well-fitting lid will keep out curious children and prevent mosquitoes from breeding in your barrel.

Tips

When situating your rain barrel under your downspout and adjusting the downspout, remember that the rain barrel needs to be elevated. Gravity is the force that causes the water to flow from the discharge valve, making it essential for the barrel to rest roughly 15 inches above ground level.

Depending on the size of your roof, average rainfall in your area and your watering needs, you may want to invest in more than one rain barrel. One inch of rain falling on 1,000 square feet of roof will yield roughly 600 gallons of water; from this, you can calculate how much water you can expect to collect and figure the number of barrels you need.

Tags: your barrel, rain barrel, your downspout, barrel have, filter your, rain barrel

Make A Cardboard Box Waterproof

Cardboard boxes can be waterproofed using two different methods.

There are two ways to make cardboard boxes waterproof. The first method, coating the box with an acrylic elastomeric roof coating, is simple, but the waterproofing will not last much longer than one year. The second method, wrapping the box in a covering of fiberglass, is much more complicated, but it will last for many years. Your circumstances will determine what kind of waterproofing you want to place on your box.

Instructions

Roof Coating Method

1. Place a clean cardboard box on a tarp outdoors on a calm, windless day. Make sure the sides of the box are free of oil, dust and dirt; if the box is dirty in any way, choose another box to use.

2. Remove any tape or staples holding the box together. Keep the box in its original shape, so you can paint the inside and outside of the box, but keep the box flaps open. If any part of the box is closed, the coating will not reach all sides and edges of the box.

3. Mix the acrylic elastomeric roof coating with a paint stirrer. Make sure it is creamy and bubble-free.

4. Apply the roof coating all over the box with a paintbrush, starting with the inside, and then covering the outside. You will not be able to get all sides of the box in one attempt, because you have to set one side of the box on the ground.

5. Wait for an hour or two until the paint dries. Turn the box over and paint the parts of the box that you missed.

6. Apply a second coat of paint to the box. Pay careful attention to any box edges or any places that you missed before. Allow the box to dry for 24 hours before closing the flaps and using it.

Fiberglass Method

7. Set a cardboard box with a separate lid on a tarp. The polyester resin will harden to a finish that is impossible to bend without breaking, so boxes will flaps will not work for this waterproofing method.

8. Mix the polyester resin. This material comes in two parts, a resin and a catalyst. Mix 5 drops of catalyst for every 1 oz. of polyester resin.

9. Spread a thin layer of the resin over the cardboard box using a paintbrush.

10. Lay fiberglass deck cloth over the cardboard. Brush any wrinkles out with more resin.

11. Place more layers of cloth around the corners and bottom of the box, painting an additional coating of resin over each new layer. Overlap the edges as you lay down more cloth. Five layers of cloth should be enough to provide an effective waterproof barrier.

12. Paint one final coat of resin over the entire cloth-covered box.

13. Cut any cloth hanging over the edges of the box with scissors. File any ragged edges with a nail file.

14. Paint the edges and surface of the box with plastic filler. Use a squeegee to smooth the edges of the box.

15. Allow the box to dry for 24 hours. Rub the entire box with sandpaper to create a smooth finish.

Tags: polyester resin, resin over, roof coating, acrylic elastomeric, acrylic elastomeric roof, Allow hours, coating with

Clean Rain Barrels

A rain barrel is an asset that must be cleaned once a year.

A rain barrel saves money by conserving water. In regions of low rainfall or drought, a backup source of water can make the difference between a healthy garden and a sickly one. Watering with stale or algae-laden water will not harm plants, but stagnant water can breed insects and bacteria, as well as give off an offensive odor. Cleaning your rain barrel once a year removes odors and algae. The water also will give you a backup supply for toilet flushing and dish washing should your normal water supply be interrupted. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Open the tap or spigot on the outside of the barrel to drain it.

While draining, remove leaves or debris that are clogging the tap or have accumulated in the bottom of the barrel.

Close the tap once the barrel is drained.

2. Mix 3/4 cup of chlorine bleach and a gallon of water in the bucket or watering can. Pour the water and chlorine mixture into the barrel, coating the inside walls.

Wearing protective goggles, hose the inside of the barrel thoroughly. Open the tap to empty the barrel and save the diluted solution.

3. Brush some of the the saved water-and-bleach solution on the outside of the barrel. Rinse the outside and let dry. Close the tap on the barrel. Both the inside and outside of the barrel are now cleaned and sterilized.

Tags: outside barrel, rain barrel, once year

Build A Water Fountain Out Of A Whiskey Barrel

Build a Water Fountain Out of a Whiskey Barrel

Listening to the gentle gurgling of a water fountain is a great way to relax at the end of the day. Used whiskey barrels make excellent containers for water fountains and provide a rustic atmosphere for your outdoor landscape. Building a water fountain out of a whiskey barrel is a fairly simple project for even the first time DIYer and can be tackled over the course of an afternoon. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Purchase a barrel from a whiskey distributor or online and then saw it in half. Or a cheaper option is to check a home store or gardening shop as whiskey barrels are becoming an increasingly popular outdoor landscaping feature.

2. Buy a pond pump. You can use the smaller sizes (less than 100 gallons) because you will be using this in a container. Many pumps come with fountain attachments. These are long tubes that connect to the outlet of the pump. You can adjust these to the height you need for your water feature. They also come with a number of fountain spray style heads.

3. Line the inside of the barrel with pond liner. This can be found at most garden supply stores. Staple the top of the liner to the top of the barrel with a heavy-duty staple gun.

4. Place the pump in the bottom of the barrel with the fountain attachment above the surface of the water.

5. Add any plants as necessary. You can use these to hide the pump. Good plants to try are water lilies, golden buttons, water soldiers and bulrush.

6. Plug the pump into a nearby outlet. Adjust the height of the fountain as necessary.

Tags: barrel with, Build Water, Build Water Fountain, come with, Fountain Whiskey, Fountain Whiskey Barrel

Breed Mosquito Fish

Mosquito fish are perhaps the easiest fish to breed in North American waters. Scientifically known as Gambusia affinis, this little fish is prolific and a popular addition to freshwater aquariums and outdoor ponds in the southern half of the United States. Gambusia affinis gets its name from its taste for mosquito larvae that inhabit the same slow streams and shallow ponds to which mosquito fish are native. A mosquito fish can literally consume hundreds of larvae in a short time and as a result is raised and stocked in swamps for this purpose. Mosquito fish are the only North American fish classified as a livebearer. The young are swimming at birth and bear a striking resemblance to the common guppy. Anyone can breed mosquito fish if you follow these easy steps.

Instructions

Breed Mosquito Fish

1. Prepare a suitable habitat for your breeding mosquito fish. Set up an aquarium that will hold at least 10 gallons of water. Include a water pump to provide aerated water, a water filter containing charcoal and angel's hair to keep the water clean, and several live or plastic plants. The bottom can be graveled or left bare.

Outdoor ponds in warm regions should be at least 3 feet deep, have submerged vegetation and include a small pump to keep the water from stagnating. The plants provide cover for the young mosquito fish and will prevent their parents from consuming them. Room temperature water is ideal.

2. Stock the aquarium or the pond.Your 10-gallon aquarium will reasonably house two pairs of mosquito fish. The females will soon give birth to several minnows each, and the young fish will need the room to grow. In warm weather a pair or more of Gambusia affinis can be released into an outdoor pond. Breeding will take care of itself without further attention.

3. Watch for changes in the adult females. When the females drastically reduce in size, carefully check the vegetation for the presence of young fish. When minnows are present, it's a good idea to remove the adults to avoid predation on the young.

4. Feed the young mosquito fish. Use a finely ground prepared tropical fish food. The young fish will eat the prepared food as well as microscopic plants and animals growing in the vegetation. When the young are a few weeks old, introduce mosquito larvae seined from a bucket of water that's been left outside. Young brine shrimp can be raised from commercially available kits for an added source of nutrition.

5. Mosquito fish reach maturity in about two months, and the females can then begin having babies. Most females give birth to about a dozen minnows as often as three or four times a year. During prolonged warm weather or in an aquarium, the number of broods per year can be higher.

Tags: mosquito fish, fish will, Gambusia affinis, young fish, Breed Mosquito Fish, give birth, keep water

Kill Mosquitoes In Your Rain Barrels

Standing water is a breeding ground for mosquitoes. In arid regions, rainwater is saved for crops and gardens, but these containers can also be a haven for mosquito larvae. The basic strategies to combat them--short of emptying out the rain barrel--are: mosquito-eating fish, larvacides, and screening. The main strategy is to kill off all the larvae, and let the adults' short lifespan (a few weeks) take care of itself. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Drop a fast-acting larvacide into the container. These are often effective for up to three weeks. (Reference 1) They are available at garden supply stores.

2. Follow up with a longer-acting larvacide for long-term control. Donut-shaped, these float on the top of the water where the larvae have to drink. With a slower release, they are often better for follow-up than immediate eradication. (Reference 1)

3. Cover the barrel with a screen. If a rain gutter is the source of water, the barrel can be fully enclosed with the downspout feeding into a hole in the barrel lid.

4. Toss mosquitofish into the barrel, if you aren't comfortable using a larvacide. They are cold-tolerant, and can live in just about any type of water, including a wide range of salinity. They eat almost any form of vegetation (Reference 1), so you may not need to give them any food beyond the mosquito larvae and any leaves that fall into the barrel.

Tags: into barrel, mosquito larvae

Prevent Termites Diy

Termites are voracious wood-eaters.

Termites can do serious damage to a home very quickly. You may not even know they are there until it's too late. Termites cause billions of dollars in damage to homes each year. These destructive insects need moisture and wood to live, so eliminating their access to either of these in and around your home will help prevent an infestation. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Check for leaks, cracked pipes, air conditioning drips and any other areas of moisture in your house. Check on a regular basis: underneath the kitchen and bathroom sinks, the basement and other likely places. Fix any leaks in your home as soon as they are discovered. Without the draw of water, your home is less likely to attract termites.

2. Plug, patch or seal any holes you find in your house, especially in the foundation. Termites walk into the tiniest breaches in your wall, floor or window casings.

3. Use treated wood for all your home building and repair projects. Treat the wood you already have with a spray-on product. Re-spray every two years, or whenever you see termites or new damage.

4. Move extra wood building materials, firewood or cardboard away from the house. Storing such things in a woodshed will save your home from being a target. Alternatively, put a plastic tarp between the wood and the ground, or elevate the wood off the ground with metal shelving.

5. Store mulch away from the house, since its high moisture content makes it a haven for termites. Try rubber-based mulch that can be found at hardware stores and home centers.

6. Keep wood structures out of direct contact with the ground. Termites live in the soil and invite themselves in if given the chance. When you build a new wood structure, such as a shed or deck, give it a concrete foundation to keep any wood off the ground.

7. Clear brush from around your home to keep moisture at bay. Take extra care if you live in a wet or humid climate. If you live a region that gets a lot of rain, you must be extra vigilant.

8. Remove stumps, roots or dead trees from your yard. These temptations lure termites, and when they're finished eating the dead wood, they will notice your home nearby.

9. Eliminate any standing water in or around your home. Remove any pooled water in rain gutters, and drain them into rain barrels to keep the soil around the home as dry as possible. Level the ground, or install a drainage system for your yard, if puddles are a problem.

10. Bring in an HVAC (heating, ventilation and air conditioning) contractor to assess any ventilation or in-home humidity problems. Follow his recommendations to improve your vent systems and keep the air flowing through your home. Proper ventilation keeps rooms drier, making them less attractive to termites.

11. Use wooden bait stakes to attract the bugs away from your house and poison them as they munch at the wood. Place them 2 or 3 feet from the house, spaced about 10 feet apart, and encircle your home. If you find termites when you check them, add the poison.

12. Hire professional inspectors to check for termite infestation in your home on a regular basis. Signs include mud-like tunnels, often vertical, along the walls of the foundation, inside or out.

13. Hire pest control experts to exterminate termites and prevent new infestations.

Tags: your home, around your, around your home, away from, from house, wood ground

Watering Systems For Greenhouses

Learn about watering systems for greenhouses.

Plants that thrive in greenhouses are obviously deprived of rain coming from the atmosphere and therefore are entirely dependent on greenhouse watering systems for moisture. By knowing all the ideal conditions required by your greenhouse plants, and knowing which watering systems and accessories to install, you can find the best ways to control humidity and moisture therefore ensuring optimum health for your plants. Does this Spark an idea?

Drip Irrigation System

Drip irrigation systems have many advantages. First, they are great for conserving water because water flow is timed and well-regulated. Second, they can bring water directly to the plants. The drip system is also very simple to put together. A drip system consists of small tubes that branch out from a PVC pipe. Each one, through its individual nozzles, delivers water to each plant or container. The entire system can be connected to timers and sensors for automation. Many people prefer the drip system because of its capacity to conserve water and its ability to directly deliver water to the soil and plant roots. This prevents weed growth, mold and water loss. However, the possibility of the drippers and nozzles clogging is one disadvantage.

Mat Watering

Mat watering is also a good system if your greenhouse plants consist mostly of pots or propagation trays since the water is simply wicked up, preventing the disturbance of small seedlings. A thick mat is installed over a bench with one end set into the gutter filled with water. The capillary action will keep the mat wet. Plant pots which have large perforations on their bottoms will soak up the water in a similar way. A downside, however, is that these mats eventually clog with algae.

Misting

Misting is an efficient watering system for seedlings. A pipe that has fine nozzles is set up above a row of seedling trays or plants. This system keeps plant cuttings moist and helps control humidity since the fine mist tends to evaporate. The mist also cools down the indoor temperature of the greenhouse. Misting systems are ideal for epiphytes and tropical plants.

Running Water System

A running water system is perhaps the most customizable irrigation system there is. A common technique for running water is using PVC pipe and barrels to collect rainwater. This is a very eco-friendly system and cuts down expenses as well.

Tags: drip system, control humidity, greenhouse plants, running water, watering systems

Water A Garden With An Electric Water Pump

Watering a garden

You don't need to be a professional gardener to know the importance of a well-watered garden. If you have a large garden to water with limited water access, or your area is experiencing severely dry conditions, you may have to take a more aggressive approach to watering your garden. This is where the use of an electric water pump comes in handy. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Connect your pump plug to the extension cord and the water hose to the hose attachment on the pump. Keeping the plugged end out of the water, submerge your electric pump into at least 18 inches of water.

2. Submerge the pump in the water, placing it on a rock so that it has a lift out of the silt in a pond. If you use the watering trough, be sure to keep an eye on the water level to make sure the tank does not dry out, which will cause the motor in the pump to burn up.

3. Plug in the pump and begin watering. Use the various settings on the spray nozzle to determine which stream of water is best for your needs. You may not need a nozzle at all if you simply want to soak the water directly into the garden soil.

A sprinkler can also be added to the end of the hose for more continual and even water distribution.

4. Set an electric timer to turn the pump on and off. This will minimize the attention you need to give to the system as well as save energy.

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Capture And Store Rainwater

Capturing rainwater is easier than you think.

Harvesting rainwater is a great way to water your garden or provide drinking water for livestock in an eco-friendly way. The only specialized equipment one would need to perform such a task is a barrel with a spigot (similar to the drain valve on a beverage cooler) to store the rainwater in. Apart from that, all that is needed is an irrigation system to direct the water.

Instructions

Capturing Rainwater

1. Select a location in which a downward slope leads toward a sharp dropoff; e.g., roofs of low-lying buildings, eroded hillsides, etc.

2. Dig a furrow into the slope. In the case of existing architecture, consider manufacturing a gutter with a durable material such as PVC pipe. The furrow should be wide and deep enough that falling rain is directed downward within the confines of the furrow.

3. Place a barrel beneath the angled surface so rainwater flows in from the furrow or gutter.

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Marshmallow Gun Games

Shooting marshmallows is safe and fun.

A marshmallow gun uses small or large marshmallows as ammunition, which don't hurt on impact. Children of all ages can use store-bought or homemade marshmallow guns for many fun games. While foam-shooter guns are expensive and the "bullets" are a hassle to replace, marshmallows can be purchased at your local grocery store, making these guns hassle free. Whether you want to reinvent an old favorite or create an entirely new game, a marshmallow gun is a safe, inexpensive, and riotously fun toy to use.

Target Practice

Although playing "guns" and "fighting" isn't necessarily what many parents want their kids doing, setting up a target practice allows kids to have fun with marshmallow guns without pretending to hurt anyone. Find a fence or a short wall and place empty cans and plastic bottles on top of it. Because the marshmallows are light and may not knock the items down when they're struck, improvise by covering the cans with white paper. Dip the marshmallows in food dye so they leave marks on the targets when they're hit. Whoever hits the most targets wins the game.

Paintball

If you don't mind your children play fighting, a marshmallow is a safe substitute bullet and won't cause welts or bruises like paintballs. Dip the tips of the marshmallows in food coloring before they're loaded into the shooter. Children can divide up into two teams and see who is the last one standing. Have children wear white shirts so the "bullets" leave a mark. This game is similar to tag, only using marshmallow paintballs instead.

Pin the Tail on the Donkey

Like the traditional game of Pin the Tail on the Donkey, children will be blindfolded and try to mark as close to the donkey as possible. Post the picture of the donkey on a vertical surface. Using marshmallows dipped in food dye, children will take turns shooting the marshmallows to try to mark the donkey's tail. The child who hits closest to the tail area wins.

Shooter Challenge

This game is similar to a target practice, but with different levels of difficulty. The game can be set up in two different ways. One way is to set up different sized square buckets on their sides in a vertical stack from largest to smallest, with the smallest being worth more points. Children will take turns shooting to see who can get the most marshmallows in the buckets with three shots. Another way is to set up the buckets in a horizontal line, with children shooting three shots at each bucket to see how many they can make. To heighten the difficulty level further, use plastic cups, which have smaller openings at the top.

Tags: game similar, marshmallow guns, marshmallow safe, marshmallows food, Tail Donkey

Find A Good Spot For Your Rain Barrel

Find a Good Spot for your Rain Barrel

Rain barrels offer a great way to save rainwater for later use. In fact rainwater can be used for a variety of different things: watering your garden, washing your car, household cleaning, washing the dog, letting the kids play in the pool. Assuming you've already chosen to buy and install a rain barrel, you're going to need to find a good spot for your rain barrel. While finding a spot to install a rain barrel isn't complicated, the following tips will give a good idea where to install a rain barrel so that you don't have to do it twice! Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Most people will install a rain barrel underneath a downspout. This makes a lot of sense because it takes advantage of your roof as a large rainwater collection system. Installing a rain barrel underneath the down spout is easy with a rainwater diverter, but where you use the rainwater might not be next to the house.

2. Because many people use rainwater to water their garden you may want to consider placing the rain barrel near or in a garden. While you won't collect rainwater nearly as fast as if it were connected to your downspout, you'll still be able to collect rainwater out in the open. This has the advantage of being close to the point of use

3. If you are watering your garden, you'll need to elevate the rain barrel so that the water pressure in the rain barrel will allow you to just turn on the spigot to begin watering. It won't have the same pressure as the house water, but it will allow you connect a hose to the rain barrel instead of having to fill a watering can time after time.

4. If you do elevate your rain barrel, make sure to use a very sturdy platform. Full rain barrels can weigh in excess of 500 pounds! For that reason make sure that the platform is strong and level. Concrete blocks make a convenient and inexpensive rain barrel platform.

Tags: rain barrel, rain barrel, install rain, install rain barrel, barrel that

Toploading Wood Stoves Faq

Wood stoves often have both a top- and front-loading door.

Wood burning stoves use wood to generate heat. Owners deposit the wood either on the side or through the top of the wood stove. Some stoves have both features. The top-loading feature is somewhat easier to use than the side-load stoves because the owner does not have to stoop to put the wood in the stove. However, some owners might find this feature more difficult because they have to lift the wood higher up to deposit it. Does this Spark an idea?

Efficiency and Safety

Wood stoves were not as common in the past because wood burning was not as efficient. Also wood stoves release smoke that contains harmful fumes that humans should ideally not breathe in. However, new advances have lead to wood furnaces that can burn some of the smoke, reducing the emissions and also increasing the stove's efficiency. This especially benefits with top-loading wood stoves since the homeowner stands over the stove when loading the wood.

Operation

The top-loading stove has a top-load door. Since heat rises, the door can get very hot. Therefore, the stove usually has a handle that, when pushed, lifts up the lid so that the homeowner does not need to touch the top door. By pivoting the handle, the owner can put the lid in the locked position so that the owner can focus on loading the wood in. Owners must never operate the wood stove with an open-top lid.

Stove Grill

Some wood-burning stoves come with an optional grill that the homeowner can cook food on. This allows homeowners to have the food-grilling experience even during the winter months and during rainy weather.

Capacity

Homeowners can more easily fit larger quantities of wood into the stove. This feature allows the homeowner to add more wood, which provides her with a greater duration of wood burning before she must replace the wood.

Damper Smoke

When opening the top-loading furnace to add wood, some stoves have smoke that rises up into the homeowner's face. However, some stoves automatically close the damper, which blocks the smoke so that the homeowner doesn't breathe in fumes.

Ash Removal

Homeowners must remove ash from the wood stove periodically. Some wood stoves have more space in the ash pit than others, which reduces the frequency that the homeowner must remove the ash.

Flue

Wood stoves have either top or rear flues. Some stoves have both, especially when the homeowner also has the option of switching between top- and side-loading stoves.

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Compare Freezeresistant Rain Barrels

Rain barrels are designed for one purpose, to prevent storm-water loss. The benefits of capturing storm water are healthful, environmentally friendly and economic. Water in containers, however, can freeze; and that's why freeze-resistant rain barrels have been designed. Does this Spark an idea?

Flex-Barrel

One rain barrel design that is freeze-resistant is called a flex-barrel. In fact, it is a large water sack. Flex-barrels range from 150 to 500 gallons, and cost $350 to $700, as of 2010. The downside is that it takes a lot of ground space, and it kills grass.

Octagon

A solid-design, freeze-resistant water barrel is made with UV-stabilized plastic, and is shaped like an octagon. These generally cost less than $200, and hold up to 70 gallons. Though freeze-resistant, a barrel this small can easily be emptied in winter.

Heater

Some rain collection systems have a built in heater that the user can turn on when there are freeze warnings. These run around $300.

Diverter

Another option that accomplishes the same thing as a rain barrel, and that does not freeze, is a rain-water diverter system. These inexpensive systems are for people who know where they want the water to go, e.g., a garden bed. The diverter concentrates the flow of water in a distribution container, then sends the flow to the ground on very large hoses that won't close during a freeze.

Tags: rain barrel, that freeze-resistant

Winterize A Rain Barrel

Rain barrels are connected to downspouts.

Commercial rain barrels and their attachments are more expensive and complicated than regular plastic garbage cans. Winterizing them can protect against cracking during freeze-thaw cycles and guard a homeowner's investment in the equipment. In areas where temperatures don't dip to less than 35 degrees Fahrenheit, it is possible to use rain barrels throughout winter to collect water for trees, shrubs and cool-season plantings. Even in warmer areas, though, some winter adjustments are wise. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Place the rain barrel along a south-facing wall to keep it as warm as possible, if it is going to be used in winter. Disconnect hoses to avoid accidental freezing and damage to fittings. Leave the spigot open except when collecting water for a specific purpose.

2. Prepare for major winter rain storms. Reattach the barrel's overflow hose when a storm is predicted so the barrel won't overflow into the home's foundation.

3. Disconnect the rain barrel from the gutter downspout if it won't be in use during the winter months. Attach an extender to the downspout to divert water away from the home's foundation.

4. Flip the rain barrel over away from the house's foundation and completely empty it.

5. Store the rain barrel and accessories in a garage or garden shed if space is available. If not, place it upside down in a sheltered area of the yard.

Tags: rain barrel, away from, barrel overflow, home foundation, rain barrels

Build A Rain Barrel Stand

A rain barrel is a great way to reduce the costs of gardening, make a positive environmental impact, and have water accessible even if none is available through household plumbing. Ideally a rain barrel should not sit directly on the ground, so if you are considering installing one in your garden, you'll also need a stand. One of the most common options is a standard wood stand on bricks. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Place the site for the rain barrel and stand near a building with gutters and downspouts as that is how water is collected and funneled into the rain barrel. You'll need an area of about 4 by 4 feet to position the barrel and stand.

2. Dig about 4 to 5 inches inches down. Dig an area about 3 feet by 3 feet. The ground must be flat and even, so use the level to make sure there is no slope. Create a solid base by filling the area in with about 2 inches of sand. This will make the stand more stable and also help with drainage. The top of the sand will be about 2 to 3 inches below ground level.

3. Place the paving bricks onto the bed of sand. The stones should be level, or slightly above, the ground. Create a square foundation with the bricks as the stand will sit on the brick foundation.

4. Cut 2-by-4s into five boards, each 30 inches long. These will be used to build a frame for the stand. Two boards will be used as end pieces, two will be used as cross pieces and one will be used as a middle, support board. Place three boards parallel to each other. You will have one board in the middle and then the other two boards will be 14 inches on either side of this middle board. The boards should be standing on their sides so the narrow part of the board will be facing the ground. Place the two end-piece boards against either end of the three cross pieces. You should now have a square. Attach the boards together, using the screws and electric drill. It should now be all connected and be in a square shape.

5. Place the wood frame onto the brick foundation. Make sure it is level and does not tilt or rock. Cut the 1-by-2 boards into 30-inch lengths. Place the 1-by-2 boards on the frame so that they are perpendicular to the middle board, which will be used for support. Fasten the 1-by-2s to the 2-by-4 frame, using screws. Place the boards next to each other, but leave about 1/2 inch between each so water can drain from the stand and air can circulate to prevent rotting.

6. Stain or paint the stand, using a water-repellent product. The stand will probably be wet most of the time, so it is important to keep water from penetrating the wood. Once the paint has dried, place the rain barrel onto the stand.

Tags: will used, rain barrel, about inches, 1-by-2 boards, about feet

Build A Rain Garden

Rain Garden

Looking to plant a vegetable and herb garden but don't know get started. That's good - we'll show you where and plant a vegetable/herb garden that you don't need to water. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. The whole idea behind a raingarden is to plant a garden in an area of your yard that collects water when it rains. That means finding the lowest point and starting there. If you have an area that ponds you have a bit of digging and reworking so that the garden doesn't flood. In our yard we had a spot that did pond and this is what we did to ensure that water was being redirected to water our plants.

2. We ordered about 1 yard of pine mulch and 1 yard of top soil from the local plant nursery. We then plotted an area about 10' x 10' in the lowest part of the yard. We dug up the sod and moved to one side. We then removed the 6" of top soil that was there and placed the sod upside down and onto the clay. We covered the sod with about 10-20 layers of newspaper to prevent the grass from growing up through the garden. (This is called lasagna gardening and is used to recycle the sod rather than throwing it out.) The sod will decompose and provide excellent organic material for your garden. We asked any neighbors for their sod (that they were looking to get rid of) and again layered more newspapers.

3. The idea is to raise an area so that the ponding water seeps into the edges of the raised bed to gradually water your vegetables. We then mixed the existing top soil to the new top soil and 1/2 of the mulch. We layered this on top of the newsprint so that the final garden was almost 2-1/2' above the surrounding grade. We then planted cucumbers, tomatoes, peppers (seedlings) near the center and herbs and lettuce as we worked towards the edges of the raised bed. We used the remainder of the mulch to cover over any weeds that made there way into the garden.

4. We made sure that we kept pathways into the tomatoes and cucumbers so that we could harvest them as they ripened on the vine. The first summer we had enough veggies and herbs to be eating fresh salads from July to September. The oregano, terragon and thyme are perennials and come back every summer. We let some of the tomatoes and cucumbers fall to the ground and these create new plants every season. The only thing we need to re-plant each year is basil. And we never water. Happy "Rain-Gardening"

Tags: area that, edges raised, herb garden, plant vegetable, plant vegetable herb, Rain Garden

Build Reptile Cage Lids

Build Reptile Cage Lids

Reptile cages are used to house snakes and lizards and are constructed to provide proper air circulation without allowing the reptile to escape. Likewise, the lids of reptile cages must also provide proper ventilation, but must also be secured so that the reptile cannot easily move it. Although ventilated lids are available for purchase at most pet supply stores, you can easily and affordably make a lid yourself with supplies from a hardware store.

Instructions

1. Place a tape measure on top of the reptile cage and measure the length and width in inches. Add 3 inches to the length and the width of the cage so that the lid will overlap the cage.

2. Unroll the wire mesh and use the tape measure to measure out the proper length for the top of the reptile cage as previously calculated. Use wire cutters to cut the wire mesh at the proper length measurement.

3. Cut the piece of mesh wire to the proper width measurement of the cage, using the wire cutters and a tape measure.

4. Lay the wire mesh on top of the reptile cage and use the wire cutters to cut a 3-inch diagonal slit at each corner of the mesh. This will allow the mesh lid to lay flat against the cage at the corners. Make the cuts as close to one of the vertical wires as possible. This will result in short horizontal wire edges extending from one vertical wire.

5. Hold the edges of the corner tightly together and insert the short horizontal wires through the enclosed square of the other edge of the wire. Bend the horizontal wires around the other wire using needle-nose pliers until they form a secure loop. This creates a secure corner for the lid. Repeat this procedure on the remaining three corners of the wire mesh.

6. Attach the lid with reptile lid clips available at any pet supply store. You can also weigh the mesh lid down with two wooden boards placed along either end of the top of the tank.

Tags: wire mesh, tape measure, wire cutters, Build Reptile, Build Reptile Cage, Cage Lids, horizontal wires

Diy Rain Barrel

Many eco-conscious gardeners supplement their summer watering program with a rainwater tank. A rain tank or rain barrel collects rainwater that falls throughout the year by use of a rain chain or simple gravity. Rain barrels have been used since ancient times to conserve water resources. Does this Spark an idea?

Uses

Rainwater tanks are used to collect rain, primarily to reduce environmental impact and promote self-sufficiency. Getting started with a rain barrel does not require significant cost, and many people find the cost is offset by the amount of water saved.

While you cannot drink water from a rain barrel without taking appropriate filtration measures, there are a number of other uses for collected rainwater. Gardeners can use it to water fruits, vegetables and flowers. The water also can be used for washing the car or in a washing machine. Handy people could even hook up the rainwater to an outdoor shower.

Types

Rainwater tanks can be made from many materials. The cheapest and easiest to set up is a polyethylene tank. These are lightweight and can be moved more easily than steel tanks. Though less common due to a higher price point, fiberglass is another lightweight and rust-resistant material used to make rain barrels. Metal such as stainless steel or copper can make an attractive rain barrel that prevents rust, although these barrels will be significantly heavier than polyethylene ones.

To make your own rain barrel, you will need a rust-resistant barrel, a level platform to place it on, a screen to filter impurities and an optional faucet system to aid rainwater removal. The simplest type of do-it-yourself rain barrel is the uncovered barrel, where water is harvested by dipping in a cup or pan. The disadvantage of this kind is that anything, from leaves to bird droppings, could drop in and contaminate the water. To prevent this from happening, purchase a lid and a screen inset for the rainwater tank, and install the screen the beneath the lid. If you plan on using a rain barrel with a lid, purchase a faucet kit and drill a hole 6 to 12 inches up from the bottom of your barrel. This allows for easy water harvesting.

Considerations

The best place to keep a rain barrel is underneath the eaves of a house. If you have a gutter spout, place the barrel directly beneath the spout so the water exits into the barrel; you can cut or shorten the gutter spout. You can also place a rain barrel underneath the roof of a shed, garage or other structure and direct water via a rain chain into the barrel.

To aid in harvesting the water, place the rainwater tank on a wooden platform or a slab of cinder blocks. This way you can place a watering can or other bucket underneath the spout, and the pressure of the water won't cause the barrel to sink into soft ground.

Tags: rain barrel, rain barrel, rainwater tank, barrel underneath, gutter spout, into barrel

Make Slime Without Borax Or Liquid Starch

Use a saucepan to make slime for your children.

Making homemade slime can be a fun rainy-day activity for kids. There are number of recipes for this gooey substance, and many of them call for borax or liquid starch. Although these ingredients are not overly dangerous, they can be harsh and can cause skin reactions for some children. It is possible, and easy, to make slime without these ingredients by using cornstarch instead.

Instructions

1. Warm the water in the saucepan. Do not bring the water to a boil--it needs to be warm, but not scalding hot. The purpose of heating the water is to keep the cornstarch from clumping together.

2. Pour the heated water into the bowl and add food coloring. The color is a matter of personal choice, and a few drops are all that are necessary. Kids can get really creative here. Stir until the color is well blended. Keep in mind that the cornstarch will lighten the color, so if you want a more intense color, add more food coloring. A typical slime color is lime green, but you can choose any color your child wants.

3. Add the cornstarch a little at a time, at a slow and steady pace.

4. Blend the mixture until smooth. It's OK to use fingers for this step. Have your child help with this mixing once the water feels cooled off enough.

5. Add more cornstarch slowly if the slime is too runny, or more hot water if the slime is too thick.

6. Keep the slime in a zip-top bag to make sure that it stays moist.

Tags: food coloring, these ingredients, your child

Plant A Vegetable Garden In Sandy Soil

Sandy Soil

You can have a thriving vegetable garden in sandy soil if you understand the needs of your garden plants. It might take a little extra work, but you will be rewarded with a healthy crop of vegetables. If you live in New Jersey, keep in mind that it is called the garden state and most of its soil is more sand than dirt. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Enclose the area you want to use for a garden. Since sand is the opposite of rich soil in that it is just crushed stone with varying small amounts of dead plant matter, you will need to increase the amount of dead plant matter. Providing a barrier on all sides will contain the materials you want to add to the soil without them just blowing away in the wind and rain. You can use wood, stone, rock or even plastic timber to provide a barrier.

2. Add a healthy base of composted leaf humus, which is just leaves that have been allowed to decompose for six to eight months. Throw in some regular compost and stir it up with a pitchfork and a hoe. This base should be a minimum of 10 inches for the vegetables to have enough soil for a root base.

3. Add fertilizer like horse or cow manure if you have enough time for it, to blend in with the soil. Otherwise you may end up burning your vegetable's roots. Work the garden mix with a rototiller or a pitchfork.

4. Plant your vegetables as normal. Since you know that your garden is sitting on top of sand and that any plant matter that has been added will continue to break down into dirt, you will need to constantly be adding new composted mulch to your garden to hold the water for the plants' roots.

5. Water the garden using soaker hoses attached to rain barrels or regular water hoses. The sandy garden will tend to dry out faster than normal unless you are able to build up a nice pile of humus that can hold the moisture during dry hot spells.

Tags: plant matter, your garden, dead plant, dead plant matter, have enough, will need

Collect Water From Your Drainpipe

Municipal water bills across the country are soaring. Meanwhile, drought conditions bring about city- and town-wide water bans during the driest of months. Capturing a bit of rainwater today to use in outdoor gardens tomorrow is easy and cost-effective, and will keep your vegetables and flowers from wilting when the rains cease. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

Rain Collection

1. Attach a gutter system to the edge of your roof. Chances are, your house already has one; but if it does not, now may be a good time to invest in one. Not only will you be able to collect that wasted rainwater, but the gutters will keep water away from your foundation -- one step in preventing basement water. They also assure your guests of a shower-free exit if they have to leave your home during a rainstorm.

2. Maintain your gutters. Keeping your roof and gutters clean and debris-free is important not only to prevent contamination of the water you will collect, but also to avoid overflow and waste.

3. Calculate catchment. This step is only necessary if you’re not using all the water you collect and you fear overflows. It has to do with the square footage of your catchment area (your roof) and the amount of rain that falls. However, there’s plenty of room for error, what with waste and splash-off. If you’re into math and want to give it a shot, start with the square footage of your roof, which you can get by aqdding the footprint of your house to slope and overhang. The footprint of a building is its external square footage; it is the area on which your house sits. The slope can be added to the foot print as a percentage; the overhang is any area beyond the dimension of the external walls. One inch of rain on one acre of land yields 27,154 gallons of water; there are 43,560 square feet in an acre. Good luck.

4. Or skip the previous step. For most of us with a roof, clean gutters and a downspout, the following steps are all we will need. Purchase a rain barrel. They’re a fairly common sight at garden centers these days, and can also be ordered through the internet.

5. Attach the rain barrel to the downspout.

6. Wait for rain.

7. Use the water from the tap at the base of the barrel, allowing gravity to work its magic. Or invest in a water pump, also available online as an accessory.

Tags: your roof, square footage, your house, footage your, rain barrel, square footage your, will keep

Rain Farming

Plastic barrels are great for rain farming.

Rain farming is a water conservation practice that works by people capturing and storing rainwater for use in the yard and garden. Rain farming, commonly referred to as rain harvesting, helps the environment as well as homeowners by reducing the usage of tap water for applications in which rainwater is suitable. One of the most common uses of this method is found in lawn and garden irrigation systems. Most rain farms start small, usually with the construction of a rain barrel. Rain barrels are simple to make and the needed supplies can be found at most hardware stores. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Measure and draw a circle on the lid of the rain barrel that is 6 inches wide. Use the jigsaw to cut the circle out.

2. Drill a 29/32-inch hole on the side of the barrel about 2 inches from the top. Drill a second 29/32-inch hole on the side of the barrel, this time about 2 inches from the bottom. Tap the two holes on the side of the barrel using a 3/4-inch tap tool.

3. Wrap the threaded end of the hose adapter with nonstick tape, such as Teflon tape. Use about four to five wraps of tape. Screw the hose adapter into the top hole on the side of the rain barrel. This is where excess water will flow out of your barrel.

4. Wrap the back threading of the spigot with the nonstick tape about four or five times. Screw the spigot into the bottom hole on the side of the barrel. The faucet end of the spigot should be facing downward.

5. Apply a bead of silicone around the seams of the hose adapter and the spigot to seal them off. This will take 24 hours to fully cure. During this time do not put water in your rain barrel or allow it to get wet.

6. Place the louvered screen into the 6-inch hole in the top of the barrel, recessed side down. Apply a bead of caulk around the screen. Allow to dry for 24 hours.

7. Catch the rain via your gutter downspout.

Place the four cinder blocks on their side next to each other underneath a gutter downspout. This is going to be the platform for your rain barrel so make sure the cinder blocks are as level as possible. Sit your rain barrel on top of them and situate your downspout over the 6-inch hole in the lid so that water flows into the barrel. It may be necessary to trim your downspout.

Tags: rain barrel, hole side, side barrel, your rain barrel, hole side barrel

Patch Rubbermaid Garbage Cans

Rubbermaid offers a large line of garbage cans that includes everything from small kitchen cans through large construction-site cans. They are made from durable plastic compounds that withstand sunlight and are dent and damage resistant, but under extreme conditions they may crack or develop holes that need to be patched. Patching the cracks or holes properly will make them waterproof again and will allow you to continue using them for years to come. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Prepare a 50/50 mixture of distilled white vinegar and water solution and wipe the entire garbage can with a sponge saturated with the mixture.

2. Rinse out the can with water from a garden hose and allow it to dry in the sun for 30 minutes.

3. Cut away any frayed plastic with a utility knife.

4. Sand the damaged area with 40-grit sandpaper until the edges of the damaged area have an inward slant to them.

5. Press self-adhesive fiberglass reinforcement tape over the hole or crack from the inside of the can.

6. Mix the two epoxy tubes one-to-one with a paint scraper on a plastic mixing board. Apply epoxy to the crack or hole over the tape, from the outside of the can. Allow the epoxy to dry for one hour.

7. Sand the patched area with a sheet of 80-grit sandpaper.

Tags: area with, damaged area

Buy Plastic Barrels

Plastic barrels have become a popular storage option for the commercial, industrial and consumer markets. Within the commercial market, plastic barrels are used for soda syrup and other food-related liquid storage. Industrial users store assorted chemicals or fuel in the barrels. Finally, the consumer market has adopted plastic barrels to store emergency water and rainwater for gardens. Because barrels with similar appearances may be used for completely different purposes, make sure you know the previous history of any barrel before you use it. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Choose the proper type of barrel. When selecting a plastic barrel, decide how you will use the barrel. For example, if you are planning to store water for a power outage or other emergency, a new plastic barrel is a good option. You can also choose a reconditioned food grade barrel. According to barrel dealer Baytec Containers, these recycled plastic barrels previously held either soda or juice, and have been exhaustively cleaned three times with antibacterial cleaner.

For the chemical, fuel, and hazardous material market, Baytec Containers recommends plastic barrels made from a high density polyethylene resin. The barrels are rigidly built and are extremely strong, making them ideal for holding chemicals and other potentially dangerous substances.

2. Select the right size barrel. If your plastic barrels will be used for water storage, for example, your storage space may dictate the size of the containers used. Although many online retailers carry 55-gallon plastic drums for water storage, it is difficult to find smaller containers. Baytec Containers stocks the 35-, 30- and 15-gallon sizes. To buy barrels from an online retailer, pre-payment via major credit or debit card will be necessary.

3. Look locally for recycled barrels. If you are looking for food grade plastic barrels, look for local companies that make or use soda syrup, juice or other liquid food items. If there is an upcoming charity event using large plastic barrels for food or beverages, offer to dispose of the containers after the event. Payment to both barrel sellers will be negotiable. Before storing any food in the barrels, ensure that only food substances have been stored in those barrels.

4. Look for the right rain barrel. If you want to store rainwater for your garden or other home applications, a specially made rain barrel is a great option. Rain Barrel Source carries a large selection of plastic rain barrels of various sizes. The barrels are attractively made, and begin at $75 for a 52-gallon knockdown plastic rain barrel. At the other end of the price spectrum, you can purchase a 300-gallon recycled plastic rain barrel for $750.

5. Browse a plastic barrel directory. ThomasNet is a comprehensive online directory for 288 manufacturers, distributors and affiliated companies in the plastic barrel industry. Each listing includes a brief company profile, lists the company's major products and provides a link to the company website. There are "Search by State" and "Comparison Between Companies" features.

Tags: plastic barrels, plastic barrel, rain barrel, Baytec Containers, plastic rain, food grade, have been

Make A Barrel Drum

Your 55-gallon drums will produce drum tones.

Creative people make instruments from just about anything. You can manufacture a drum set out of simple 55-gallon barrels. Use plastic or metal barrels to create a blend of percussive sounds that mimic the tones heard on a traditional drum set. In fact, you can connect the drums together to manufacture a complete drum set. Start your drum set with four plastic 55-gallon drums and one metal 55-gallon drum. Locate drums used for food storage and not for chemical storage to ensure the drums are safe to use.

Instructions

1. Position the plastic 55-gallon drum upside down. Measure about 8 inches down from the top and draw a line around the entire drum. This will be your bass drum.

2. Drill a 1/2-inch hole on the left side, right side and backside of the drum. Use the line as your position indicator.

3. Cut one-fourth of the length off the bottom of the second plastic drum, using a circular saw or a table saw. This will be your bass tom drum.

4. Place the drum upside down. Drill a 1/2-inch hole about 4 inches down from the top of the drum. Secure the drum to the hole on the left side of the base drum with a 1/2-inch bolt and nut.

5. Cut the third plastic drum in half, using a circular saw or a table saw. This will be your mid-range tom drum.

6. Place the drum upside down. Drill a 1/2-inch hole about 4-inches down from the top of the drum. Secure the drum to the hole on the backside of the base drum with a 1/2-inch bolt and nut.

7. Cut three-fourths of length off the bottom of the fourth plastic drum with a circular saw or a table saw. This will be your treble tom drum.

8. Place the drum upside down. Drill a 1/2-inch hole about 4-inches down from the top of the drum. Secure the drum to the hole on the right side of the base drum with a 1/2-inch bolt and nut.

9. Cut 90-percent off the bottom of the metal drum, using a circular saw or a table saw. This acts as your snare drum.

10. Place the drum upside down. Drill a 1/2-inch hole about 4-inches down from the top of the drum.

11. Drill a 1/2-inch hole about 8-inches down on the right side of the treble tom.

12. Secure the snare drum to the hole on the right side of the treble tom drum with a 1/2-inch bolt and nut.

Tags: 2-inch hole, Drill 2-inch, Drill 2-inch hole, drum with, 2-inch hole about, down from

Make A Small Wooden Rainbarrel

Save money and the environment by collecting water in your wooden rainbarrel.

Although the majority of Earth consists of water, the amount of usable water diminishes each day. Collecting rainwater in a rainbarrel is beneficial from an economical standpoint, and is beneficial to the environment as well. One inch of rain over a 500-square-foot roof yields approximately 311 gallons of water. The water can be used for laundry, washing your car or watering the lawn.

Instructions

1. Place a wooden pickle barrel on a level surface. Drill three holes on top of the barrel using a power drill and 2 and a 1/2-inch hole saw bit. Place the three holes on top of the barrel, at least 3 inches from each other and the 2 inches from the edges of the barrel. The three holes are for collecting the rainwater and are called the input holes.

2. Cut three 3-by-3-inch patches from an aluminum screen, using scissors. Place the screens over the three input holes. Staple the edges of screen onto the top of the barrel. The screens block unwanted debris, such as leaves, from entering the holes.

3. Drill a hole in the side of the barrel, which is the faucet hole. Position the faucet hole 2 inches from the bottom of the barrel. Use a power drill and 1-inch spade drill bit.

4. Wrap Teflon tape around the threaded portion of the sediment faucet and insert the faucet into the faucet hole. Push the faucet inwards while turning it until the entire threaded portion is inside the faucet hole. Seal the edges around the faucet to the barrel with silicone caulk. Let the caulk dry for 10 hours.

5. Drill a hole in the side of the barrel, which is the overflow hole. Position the overflow hole 2 inches from the top of the barrel. Use a power drill and 1-inch spade drill bit.

6. Wrap Teflon tape around the threaded portion of the irrigation valve and insert the valve into the overflow hole. Push the irrigation valve inwards while turning it until the entire threaded portion is inside the overflow hole. Seal the edges around the irrigation valve to the barrel with silicone caulk. Let the caulk dry for 10 hours.

7. Wait for the barrel to collect rainwater. Turn the knob on the faucet to pour the rain water into a container or bucket.

Tags: faucet hole, inches from, overflow hole, threaded portion, irrigation valve

Kill Mosquito Larvae Naturally

There are over 150 species of mosquitoes in the United States

There are a number of diseases carried by mosquitoes, including West Nile fever, malaria, dengue fever and yellow fever. These unwanted invaders begin their life cycle in the form of eggs laid by mosquitoes in any type of standing water, from small puddles to your dog's water dish. In a few days, they grow into larvae, which feed on algae, fungi, bacteria, and plankton. There are several safe, natural ways to eliminate mosquito larvae from standing water around your lawn and garden. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

Garlic Oil

1. Crush two to three bulbs of garlic in a blender or food processor on low for 20 to 30 seconds.

2. Place the mash into a piece of cheesecloth. Squeeze the cheesecloth over a bowl to remove all of the garlic juice. Discard the leftover mash.

3. Add 1 gallon of water to the garlic juice.

4. Pour the garlic juice into any standing water around your lawn and garden. The garlic juice suffocates and kills the mosquito larvae.

Other Methods

5. Add apple cider vinegar to any standing water around the home, including inside the dog's water bowl. The vinegar safely kills the mosquito larvae without harming your pets.

6. Place mosquito control agents, such as Mosquito Dunks, into the water. These natural pesticides contain the active ingredient Bt-israelensis (Bt-i), which kills mosquito larvae without harming any humans, pets, or other wildlife. Add dunks to any water, including ponds, once a month.

7. Dump out or eliminate any unneeded pools of standing water around your lawn and garden. Pour out any infected rain barrels full of water and fill any puddles in your lawn or driveway.

Tags: standing water, garlic juice, standing water around, water around, your lawn

Train A Quarter Horse

Quarter Horses are normally easy to train due to their calm and friendly dispositions. Be prepared to go slowly and spend a lot of time with your horse. Here are some steps and tips to make the process go smoothly.

Instructions

1. Get the horse used to having you near it. Do things that feel good to the horse so it associates you with pleasure, like hand feeding, grooming, and rubbing the horse all over.

2. Begin haltering the Quarter Horse as soon as possible and train it to follow you on a lead rope. If the horse resists leading, loop a large cotton rope over the hind quarters and pull gently on it as you go forward with the lead rope in your other hand.

3. Tie the horse up after it is leading well and train it to stand tied. Use a strong anchor point, such as a large post buried deep, and a rope halter with a strong, integrated lead rope. Tie a quick release knot in case of emergency and make sure there is nothing close the horse can hurt itself on if it jumps around.

4. Handle the legs and feet after it has become accustomed to standing tied. Pick up each foot and hold it for a few seconds. Rub and praise the horse when he lets you do this.

5. Saddle and bridle the horse and let her wear them while you lead her, or just tie the reins up and turn the horse loose for a while in a small corral, as you keep an eye on her.

6. Put some long reins on the horse and run them back through the stirrups, then get behind the horse and drive him from the ground. Do this in a small corral or round pen the first time and take it very slowly. This teaches them what you want when you pull on the reins, with you safely on the ground.

7. Mount the Quarter Horse for the first time in a small enclosure. Go up slowly, even letting yourself back down a few times from a half-mount, until the horse is no longer concerned. If you have done the ground work correctly, the horse will already know what you want him to do when you turn him or pull back on the reins.

8. Ride the horse 20 minutes to an hour at least 3 days a week at first. Keep graduating to larger and larger enclosures until you are riding free and the Quarter Horse accepts you as just a part of her day. You can now branch out into specialized training for whatever discipline you want to teach the horse.

Tags: Quarter Horse, lead rope, first time, small corral, want when, what want

Different Forms Of Storage Of Water On Land

Large metal water tanks are usually known as cisterns.

Storing water in any type of above-ground water storage units can help keep a farm or garden alive during a drought, or provide crucial drinking water in case of a dry well or water service interruption. Some methods of water storage are only appropriate for water used on plants or for washing and showering, while others will keep drinking water safe and clean. Does this Spark an idea?

Rain Barrels

Rain barrels and urns are water-storage devices that are usually installed under a gutter downspout or roof overhang. The University of Florida IFAS Extension says that gathering just a few inches of rainfall over 1,000 square feet of roofing can yield hundreds of gallons of clean water for supplying a garden or lawn. Filters are used to remove leaves, bird waste and other debris commonly found on a roof to keep the water clean. Rain barrels may also be free-standing, and these models can provide water clean enough to drink after being filtered. These barrels are usually made from heavy duty plastic, wood or metal and range in capacity from 10 gallons to 300 gallons or more.

Above-Ground Cisterns

Building an above-ground cistern from concrete or steel allows a homeowner to save rainwater or water pumped from an aquifer during the rainy season for use later in the year. Due to their extra weight when full, cisterns must be installed over stable and firm ground, notes the University of Florida IFAS Extension. Large cisterns that hold thousands of gallons of water may require a concrete slab for safety. Drinking water is rarely stored in cisterns due to the difficulty of keeping it potable, but the water is usually clean enough for showering, washing clothes or cars and watering plants. Non-reactive materials must be used to construct a cistern to prevent rust or other problems that would interfere with the water quality.

Ponds

Homeowners may overlook ponds as a viable source of above-ground water storage, but when properly designed and maintained they may be the best option. Ponds naturally gather rainfall, water runoff from structures in the area and excess groundwater, according to the California Agricultural Water Stewardship Initiative. Pumping water out of a nearby pond for irrigating a lawn or garden requires less energy than pumping it from a well or city water line. Ponds also add beauty to a backyard and require little maintenance if built properly.

Storage Tanks

For home storage of drinking water, plastic barrels or storage tanks are often the best choice. The Alabama Cooperative Extension System says to only use plastic containers that are designed to store water, or that have been used to store food or wax products and have been thoroughly cleaned. Even after cleaning, a container that was full of toxic products may leach toxins into a drinking water supply. Plastic is the material of choice for small drinking water containers -- those of 100 gallons or less -- because of its light weight and durability.

Tags: drinking water, water storage, above-ground water, above-ground water storage, clean enough, Florida IFAS, Florida IFAS Extension

Build A Rain Fountain

Catch the rain running off the roof to conserve water.

An environmentally sound way to recycle rain water is to capture it running off the roof into barrels and use it to water the lawn or garden. This type of tool is not always desired because it is an eyesore, but you can turn that boring barrel into a beautiful lawn ornament by building your own rain fountain. The constant running of the fountain prevents standing water issues caused by rain barrels and provides a soothing waterfall for the yard. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Choose a place for the rain fountain in your yard. The fountain must be close enough to the house to connect to the gutters or roof.

2. Dig a 3-inch hole in the ground the diameter of a 3-foot tall, wide-lip ceramic vase. Set the vase into the hole and secure the vase using the dirt.

3. Set a solar water pump inside the vase. Attach the pump to the lip using the wire bar attached to the side of the pump.

4. Cut a garden hose-sized hole in a 2-by-2-foot wire mesh two inches diagonally inward from one corner using wire cutters. Cut a second hole one inch from the first.

5. Set the wire mesh over the lip of the vase. Bend down the edges and corners of the mesh over the vase lip. Place a circular metal clamp around the lip. Tighten the clamp to secure the mesh.

6. Attach a 2-foot garden hose to the water pump output valve. Tighten the valve clamp over the hose.

7. Attach one end of an 8-foot garden hose to a gutter spout in the gutter. If you do not have gutters, attach a gutter spout to the roof edge using a cordless drill and 1/2-inch screws.

8. Attach metal hose clamps over the garden hose and into the wall of the house, leading from the fountain to the gutter spout. Use a cordless drill and 1/2-inch screws to place the clamps on the wall.

9. Insert the end of the hose into the second hole in the wire mesh.

10. Creatively place rocks and any other decorative items you choose on the wire mesh. Place the 2-foot hose up inside the rocks where the water will flow down over the decorations. Keep the decorations away from the solar panel on the pump.

Tags: wire mesh, garden hose, gutter spout, 2-inch screws, cordless drill, cordless drill 2-inch

Connect Garden Hose To Pvc

You need couplers to connect a garden hose to PVC.

There are various outdoor watering projects that require the connection of a standard garden hose to a pipe. When the pipe is made of polyvinyl chloride (PVC), many people get flustered because they do not know the best way to attach it. The good news is that there is a simple connector that can be used to connect a hose to PVC in a matter of minutes. PVC is a durable plastic that will not degrade when exposed to the water from the hose. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Open a can of PVC cement and use the brush on the end of the cap to scoop up approximately 1 tsp. of cement.

2. Brush a thin layer of cement around the exterior perimeter of the PVC until it extends 1 inch from the edge.

3. Slide the smooth end of a swivel hose connector onto the PVC pipe until it stops. Use a bit of pressure as you do this, because it is designed to be a tight fit.

4. Allow the PVC cement to dry for the amount of time recommended on the product packaging.

5. Wrap a piece of Teflon tape around the outside of the female end of a garden hose two to three times. This tape helps to create a tighter seal and prevent leaks.

6. Insert the female end of a garden hose into the open end of the swivel hose connector and twist the outer nut on the connector clockwise to secure it to the hose.

Tags: garden hose, female garden, female garden hose, hose connector, swivel hose, swivel hose connector

Top New Jersey Private High Schools

Private school students have the opportunity to learn vocational training.

Parents who wish to give their child a head start might consider sending them to a New Jersey private school. Although a year of private high school tuition can cost as much as a year at college, some New Jersey private schools offer curricula encompassing professional, technical, liberal arts and hands-on learning. Such advanced education prepares students for college-level courses and offers more real life experience than what many ordinary public schools provide.

Bergen County Academies

Academically outstanding high school students can enroll in one of the Bergen County Academies college preparatory vocational programs. Bergen County Academies feature longer school days, vocation-specific course work and a variety of athletic and elective activities. Businessweek featured Bergen County Academies as one of New Jersey's leading private schools.

The Bergen County Academies are separated into seven programs, including business, culinary arts, engineering, medical science, computer science, technology and visual and performing arts. Each student must choose an area of focus as if they were enrolled in a university.

Prospective students must complete a rigorous admissions process for entrance into a Bergen County Academy. To be eligible for enrollment, students must pass an entrance test covering math and composition skills.

Bergen County Academies

200 Hackensack Avenue

Hackensack, NJ 07601

201-343-6000

bcts.bergen.org

Montclair Kimberly Academy

Montclair Kimberly Academy accepts kindergarten, elementary, junior and high school students and segregates each group into separate schools. The high school division of Montclair Kimberly Academy is called the Upper School and features a math laboratory, sports activities, theater arts and elective clubs.

Montclair Kimberly Academy high school students learn the value of community service, ethics and discipline in addition to the typical math, computer technology, science, foreign language and fine arts curriculum. High school students must complete a certain number of volunteer service hours through non-profit organizations during the school year as well as exhibit healthy lifestyles and proper learning attitudes.

Students interested in performing arts will have the opportunity to perform in bands, orchestra and chorale activities in addition to non-curricular stage productions.

The Montclair Kimberly Academy

201 Valley Road

Montclair, NJ 07042

973-746-9800

mka.org

The Lawrenceville School

The Lawrenceville School is a private boarding school with separate housing divisions for boys and girls. High school students live university-campus style, with access to an athletic training department, chapel and various arts and social clubs. Prospective students must take the Scholastic Assessment Test or equivalent standardized test for entry.

The Lawrenceville School features a four-year core curriculum, with the first three years focusing on grammar, writing, vocabulary and history in addition to extensive studies in Shakespeare, the Bible, Greek myths and classic novels. Senior high school students may choose from electives designed to hone writing skills.

Artistically inclined students can take part in the music, theatre and dance performing arts departments, which feature recording studios, music production software, playwriting, directing and acting skills.

The Lawrenceville School

2500 Main Street

Route 206 North

Lawrenceville, NJ 08648

lawrenceville.org

Tags: Bergen County, school students, Bergen County Academies, County Academies, Kimberly Academy, Montclair Kimberly

Sod A Lawn

Sod will either come rolled or in squares.

Your lawn will look better and last longer if you prepare the site well before you start sodding, clear away all weeds and debris, and firm and level the soil. Sodding is more expensive than sowing, but provided you look after the newly laid lawn, it will become usable more quickly - usually within two months. It is less likely than a seeded lawn to be damaged or uprooted early on. Still for all the advantages of sodding to pay off then a little preparation and planning is necessary. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Choose a time to sod. Sod can be laid at almost any time of year, but try to avoid very dry or very wet spells and prolonged periods of high or low temperatures. Choose a time when the soil is moist, so that the grasses root well, but not too wet or the roots may rot off. An ideal time is when rain is forecast, since the newly-laid sod will then be watered in well without any effort on your part.

2. Prepare the yard for sodding. The aim when preparing for a new lawn is to create a completely clear, level surface. Avoid doing this too far ahead. Weeds may regrow and need to be treated again.

3. Remove all debris, weeds and the remains of any old grassy areas or lawn. Kill off or dig out perennial weeds when they are growing actively but before they have started to set seed. Digging is usually not enough to get rid of these weeds since if their taproots or rhizomes are broken, any small pieces left in the soil will form new plants. An easier solution is to spray the whole area with a systemic weed killer containing glyphosate, which is carried down to the plants' roots or rhizomes.

4. Firm the whole area by treading over it evenly. It may take several attempts to firm it well. Pay meticulous attention to the ends. Mark some pegs, each at the same distance from the top.

5. Drive in the pegs. For sowing, the marks should be at the required level of the lawn. For sodding, push the pegs ¾-inch (2cm) lower. If the lawn is next to paving, keep the marks level with the paving surface.

6. Add a parallel row of identically marked pegs, check they a re level with the first row and each other, and adjust them if necessary.

7. Rake the soil to the level of the marks on the pegs. When the silt, is level, remove the pegs. Firm the soil again, then add a granular lawn fertilizer and rake it in carefully, keeping the soil level.

8. Prepare the sod. Sad is delivered either rolled or stacked flat. If possible, avoid leaving it rolled up for more than a couple of days at a time, since it will quickly dry out and the grass will turn yellow, making the lawn hard to establish.

9. Starting at one side, lay the first row of sod along a straight edge. Roll out each piece so that it just touches the next. To lay the next row, kneel on a board to avoid damaging sod just laid. Stagger the joints to give an even finish.

10. When the whole area is laid, use the back of a rake or a light roller to firm down the sod and eliminate any air pockets. If necessary, brush in a sandy top-dressing to fill in any gaps. Keep the sod moist so that it roots quickly.

Tags: whole area, Choose time, lawn will, level with, moist that

Connect A Downspout To A Drain

PVC fittings attach multiple sections of pipe together.

The rooftop directs water away from the interior of the home, but if the water isn't properly drained it will collect around the house and potentially seep in through the foundation. The best way to prevent this water seepage is to direct the water away from the house by connecting the downspouts from your rain gutters to a foundation drain. It's a fairly simple project. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Excavate around the foundation drain, using shovel. Depending on the location of your downspout, you may need to dig a trench from the base of the downspout to the foundation drain. Remove about 1 foot of soil. Make your trench about 8 inches wide, enough to accommodate a 4-inch-diameter section of pipe.

2. Test-fit a coupler that will fit on top of the exposed foundation drain pipe. If an existing downspout is already attached to the foundation drain, use a "T" type of connector that will accommodate the old downspout and the new one. Test-fit a coupler on the end of the exposed downspout pipe.

3. Cut a section of 4-inch-diameter PVC pipe that will run between the coupler on the downspout and the coupler on the foundation drain. Measure and mark the PVC pipe, then use your pipe saw to cut the pipe to the proper length.

4. Test-fit all the pieces before gluing them in place. Use a pencil to mark the different sections of pipe and indicate where they all rest when they are fitted together.

5. Disassemble the pipes and then apply the PVC cement to the fittings and the cut section of pipe. Fit everything back together in accordance with your pencil markings. Allow the cement to dry.

6. Replace the soil around the foundation drain, using the shovel.

Tags: foundation drain, that will, around foundation, around foundation drain, away from, drain using, drain using shovel

Harvest Rainwater For Wildlife

If you have livestock or animals outside, why waste money refilling their water from the tap when free water falls from the sky? Depending on your water needs, harvesting rainwater can be easy and cheap. Rainwater in many regions is often more pure than water running from the tap, but that is not always the case. Don't bother paying a municipality for a free resource. If harvested properly, rainwater may even take the place of your municipality as drinking water in your home. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

Harvest rainwater for wildlife

1. Though rainwater in many regions is more pure than tap water, test your water for contaminants. Water-borne illnesses spread quickly through livestock. Many water-testing products are available on the market. You could also take your water down to a local college and ask biology students to test it for you.

2. Capture the water. If you don't already have gutters installed on your home, garage and any other buildings, install them. Run the gutters into large barrels. Large plastic barrels are available in many places. Do not use metal cans. You can either bury the barrels underground, which would prevent freezing during the winter, prevent mosquitoes and keep water cool during the summer; or store the barrels above ground, which allows for easier access to test and treat the water.

3. Create method of dispersal. You can install water pumps and connect them to a hose. This is the most efficient method, but is more expensive. Many water pumps cost several hundred dollars. If the barrel is above ground, install a spigot near the base of the barrel and attach a hose. This only works if you intend the water to run downhill or for short distances. Or you could just use a pail and fetch the water.

4. Keep water free of debris. Install screens in your gutters to prevent debris. Clean gutters regularly and clean out barrels as well. Screens will only catch large debris. Sediment will settle at the bottom of the barrel and can clog your pump or spigot. You could install a fine mesh screen across the top of the barrel. This would make cleaning the screen much easier. For finer straining try to find extra fine metal screen or use a cheese cloth. You must change cloth frequently, though, to prevent mold and mildew.

5. Disinfect the water. You can do this a number of ways including chlorine, UV light bulbs and boiling. Shocking with chlorine efficiently disinfects the water. But excess consumption of chlorine is harmful to wildlife. UV bulbs deactivate bacteria without heat or chemicals. You could boil the water before using it, but this is not efficient, especially if you have a large number of livestock to water.

6. Dispense water. Fill the animals' water daily with the treated, fresh rainwater. Do not set up the water to run untreated directly into a trough for animals.

7. Maintain the harvesting equipment. Clean gutters and barrel regularly. If using a UV bulb, make sure it has not burned out. Test water occasionally for pollutants.

Tags: your water, above ground, Clean gutters, hose This, many regions, more pure, more pure than

Diy Rain Water Harvesting

Collected rain water can be used to irrigate a garden or lawn.

Harvesting rain water can provide relief to dwindling community water supplies. In addition, harvesting water through a home collection system can allow for arid regions to become hospitable to plant growth. The quality of rain water is sometimes questionable, however, especially if the water is collected in an urban environment. You should use water you're not sure about for irrigation and other non-drinking activities, like bathing. If contamination is a risk, dumping about a liter or so of water at the beginning of collection can help mitigate contamination concerns. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Calculate the amount of water you need for your household. In doing so, you can assess how much of your water usage you can offset with rain water collection. Included on the United States National Weather Service website are the average monthly rainfall totals per region. One inch of rainwater can provide around 600 gallons of water per year. Approximate how many gallons of water you use per year in your household by reviewing past water utility bills and determining how much water you will need to harvest. Multiple water collection systems can be installed if necessary.

2. Remove the lid of the plastic barrel. If the barrel is not brand new, wash and rinse it thoroughly with liquid soap and water. Drill twenty holes in the barrel lid. These holes will let the water get through the system, but will keep out any wildlife.

3. Trace the outline of the lid onto the wire mesh with a permanent marker. Using the utility knife, cut along the pattern, allowing an inch of mesh to extend beyond the drawn circle. Push the mesh down into the barrel about once inch. The wire mesh will filter large pieces of debris, making the water cleaner and more usable. Refit the lid onto the barrel.

4. Locate a gutter downspout on your home. The downspout you choose should be above ground that is relatively flat and free from tree roots or large rocks. Lay the four cinder blocks underneath the downspout and determine at what height the barrel will sit. Using the hacksaw, cut the downspout to 4 inches above the approximate height of the barrel.

5. Lay the barrel on top of the cinder blocks. To use collected water, turn the tap until it flows.

Tags: rain water, barrel barrel, cinder blocks, gallons water, gallons water year, height barrel, water collection

Recycle Wine Barrels

Get more uses out of your wine barrel after enjoying your wine.

Recycling wine barrels saves money and is good for the environment. The wood would be wasted if you didn't utilize the wine barrel when you are done with it. The average oak barrel lasts only about three years, and after that it can no longer be used for wine again. But there are other things you can do with your wine barrel--create a garden, make a table and chairs and use it to water your garden. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Clean out your old wine barrel by filling it with water for about a week to clean out any wine residue. Empty the barrel and let it dry.

2. Cut your wine barrel in half with a saw vertically or bring it to a hardware store to have it cut in half for you.

3. Turn one half of the barrel over with the open side down to decorate a garden.

4. Turn a half barrel over with the open side up and put a small garden inside it.

5. Use the whole barrel as a small cocktail table.

6. Cut the barrel in half horizontally, then cut four arches into the bottom part of the cut barrel to create legs and leave the top in half. You now have a coffee table.

7. Transform your old wine barrel into a rain barrel to harvest rain water. Use the rain water to water your garden.

8. Use the wood to create other furniture such as chairs, kitchen island and coffee tables. Sand down the wood and stain it different colors.

Tags: your wine, wine barrel, your wine barrel, barrel half, barrel over

Rain Barrel Benefits

Plants need more water in the summer.

Depending on where you live, water use in the summer months can increase dramatically because plants require more water during hot weather. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), "lawn and garden watering make up nearly 40 percent of total household water use during the summer." Rain barrels sit under guttering downspouts to collect and store rainwater for landscaping and other non-potable water needs. Rain barrels provide environmental and money-saving benefits, and adding one under a downspout makes homes greener places. Does this Spark an idea?

Reduction in Bills

Rain barrels sit under guttering downspouts to collect rainwater.

Households typically realize an increase in water bills during the summer months. Collecting rainwater in a rain barrel can help conserve water. Using collected rainwater for indoor and outdoor plant watering needs saves water during hot, summer months. Rainwater also saves money on tasks such as rinsing cars and windows. According to the EPA, one rain barrel saves most people about 1,300 gallons of water throughout the summer months. Collecting rainwater costs nothing once a rain barrel is purchased, and using less tap water lowers utility bills.

Healthier Plants

Healthy soil is full of microorganisms.

Non-chlorinated rainwater helps maintain a healthy community of microorganisms in the soil, which, in turn, keeps plants and lawns healthy. Because tap water contains chlorine to kill bacteria in our drinking supply, watering with it reduces populations of beneficial microorganisms living in the soil's top layer. Microorganisms improve the soil's ability to support plant life---known as soil "tilth"---and aid in nutrient transfer from the soil to the plants. Plants with long, thin leaves such as Dracaena (Dracaena spp.) and spider plant (Chlorophytum comosum) respond poorly to the fluoride in tap water, making rainwater a better option for these plant varieties.

Storm Water Runoff

One inch of rainfall can produce 600 gallons runoff per roof.

According to the City of Minneapolis, one inch of rainfall on a 1,000 square-foot roof produces approximately 600 gallons of storm water runoff. Roof runoff drains to municipal storm water systems and collects pollutants from non-permeable surfaces as it flows. Storm water systems route rainwater away from where it falls to natural waterways such as lakes, streams and ponds. Routing rainwater away from where it falls prevents replenishment of the groundwater table in one area and can oversaturate another area. Rain barrels catch the rainwater before it accumulates pollutants and keeps runoff out of storm water systems and natural waterways. Reducing the demand on storm water systems lowers the risk of flooding because of system overcapacity and decreases water pollution from runoff.

Emergency Preparedness

A broken water pipe can render water service unavailable.

Rain barrels provide a backup source of water in the event of a drought, natural disaster or other emergency. Droughts cause economic and environmental damage and having a supply of rainwater on hand can help mitigate some of the negative impacts. Water service may become unavailable for reasons such as a broken municipal water main or a malfunctioning well pump. Collected rainwater provides a backup non-potable water supply for necessities such as toilet flushing.

Tags: Rain barrels, summer months, water systems, during summer, storm water

Talk With A New York Accent

The language spoken by many New Yorkers is distinct both because of the accent used and because of certain phrases are uniquely "New York." Learn talk with a New York accent.

Instructions

1. Understand the pronounciation of certain words. In a New York accent, the "r" at the end of a word is almost never pronounced. The "g" at the end of a word isn't pronounced either. So "going" is pronounced "goin'" and "here" sounds like "hea". The "th" sound sounds something between "d" and "th", but if you're unsure, speak with the "d" sound.

2. Know that many of the words that have the "o" sound (like in coffee, dog, talk) are pronounced with an "aw" sound, so the word dog, for example, would sound like "dawg", as well as "coffee." The "aw" sound tends to replace the "o" in all words spoken with a thick New York accent.

3. Know that the traditional New York accent is like a strong and rough, often with a deep sounding voice. Words are spoken kind of in a relaxed way. Since New York was at one point very Italian, Staten Island and Brooklyn in particular, people of Italian descent that live in the areas tend to have a little bit of Italian accent mixed in. Familiarity with an Italian accent may make the process easier for you.

4. Have an attitude. Speaking like a New Yorker is less about what you say, and more about how you say it. New Yorkers are known for being direct, opinionated and confident. They are also known for talking a lot, and talking loudly.

5. Look to American television and popular movies to listen to this accent. The Sopranos series, and any gangster movies, such as The Godfather, are filled with the NY lingo.

Tags: York accent, Italian accent, Know that, sound like, with sound