Clean Black Powder From A Gun Barrel

Black powder contains highly corrosive salts that can quickly destroy a barrel.

Ideally, you should clean a black-powder firearm the same day you fire it. Black powder is rich with highly corrosive salts that cling to the inside of the barrel, and the more you fire the gun, the more the salts build up. The salts draw moisture from the air, so they begin to cause corrosion on the inside of the barrel almost immediately. The most thorough way to clean a black-powder gun barrel is by removing the barrel from the receiver and using a cleaner designed for black powder.

Instructions

1. Spread the newspaper over your work area. Remove the barrel from the gun according the manufacturer's instructions.

2. Screw together the sections of the gun-cleaning rod from the cleaning kit. Screw the wire bore brush into the end of the cleaning rod, and work the brush vigorously up and down the inside of the barrel.

3. Remove the wire brush from the cleaning rod, and screw the largest cleaning tip from the cleaning kit into the end of the rod. Thread a cotton patch into the hole of the cleaning tip with your fingers, and saturate the patch with cleaning gel.

4. Work the patch through the barrel, being sure to cover the entire inside of the barrel from bore to breach. Allow the gel to sit in the barrel according to the manufacturer's instructions. Replace the used patch in the cleaning rod tip with a clean dry patch. Work the inside of the barrel with the dry patch. Repeat the process of alternating gel-soaked patches and dry patches until the dry patch comes out clean. Apply gel cleaner to the cleaning cloth, and wipe the outside of the barrel as well as all other metal parts of the gun, including the receiver, sights, hammer, trigger and trigger guard.

5. Apply gun oil to a clean patch, and work it through the inside of the barrel with the cleaning rod. Apply a few drops of oil to a clean cleaning cloth, and wipe the outside of the barrel. Install the barrel back on the firearm's receiver, and give the entire exterior of the gun a final wiping with the oily cloth.

Tags: inside barrel, barrel from, from cleaning, according manufacturer, according manufacturer instructions, barrel with, Black powder

Wood Barrel Manufacturing Tools

Wood barrels are used today to age wine and whiskey.

Wood barrels were once a centerpiece of commerce and trade. Coopers, or barrel makers, provided wood barrels for the storage and transfer of everything from grain to dried fish to cider. Coopers divide the types of barrels they make into three categories: dry cooperage to hold dry goods, dry-tight cooperage to keep moisture out and wet or tight cooperage for storing liquids. Does this Spark an idea?

Tools for Preparing the Staves

Staves are the individual pieces of wood that extend from the top of the barrel to the bottom. These staves are split and shaped using tools called a draw knife and a jointer plane. A draw knife consists of a long, thin blade and two handles, one on each end. The knife is drawn across the piece of wood to shape it. A jointer plane is a small handheld planer tool that shaves thin pieces of the wood, allowing the cooper to refine the staves' shape and depth.

Tools for Setting the Staves

The prepared staves are set in place inside of a metal hoop called a "raising hoop." A fire is started using a tool known as a cresset. A cresset is a metal basket that holds the burning embers in place while the circle of staves placed over it. As the wood softens from the heat, the cooper taps progressively smaller metal hoops onto the form using a mallet, which is a handheld hammering tool with a broad head made of wood or rubber.

Tools for Finishing the Barrel

Once the sides of the barrel are in place, the ends are leveled using a jointer plane. Grooves are cut inside the edge of both ends of the barrel to hold the heads (the round, solid wood ends). A chisel and mallet are used to cut these grooves. Chisels are handheld woodworking tools used to remove precise pieces of wood, taking out small bits at a time, until the desired groove is created. After the heads are in place, the cooper again uses a mallet to finish the barrel assembly. The sides are smoothed with the jointer plane and sandpaper to give the barrel a finished appearance.

Tags: jointer plane, pieces wood, draw knife, Wood barrels

Wash Wine Barrels

Clean wine barrels in between fillings.

Wine barrels are commonly used to produce large amounts of wine. Once each batch is finished, the wine must be drained and the barrel must be cleaned. Cleaning the barrels is necessary to release the built-up potassium tartrate crystals. In addition to keeping the wine from becoming contaminated with bacteria, Purdue University states that a properly cared for wine barrel will last five to six years. Add this to my Recipe Box.

Instructions

1. Empty your wine barrel completely before cleaning it. Set it on a barrel cleaning stand to keep it sturdy during the cleaning process.

2. Use a hose with a pressure sprayer to rinse the wine barrel out with hot water, concentrating on the walls of the barrel. The hot water will help dissolve the potassium tartrate crystals.

3. Fill the barrel half full with cold water.

4. Dissolve your sodium percarbonate cleaning solution in a bucket of hot water. According to Okanagan Barrel Works, you will need 3/4 cup of cleaner for a 60 gallon barrel, 1/2 cup for a 25 gallon barrel, 1/4 cup for a 12 gallon barrel and 1/8 cup for a 6 gallon barrel.

5. Add the ingredients from the bucket to the barrel and mix well. Fill the barrel the rest of the way with cold water. Let it sit for 24 hours.

6. Drain the barrel and rewash the barrel with your hose using hot water.

7. Rinse the barrel one final time, but this time use cold water. Cold water cools the barrel off and is helps stop bacteria from growing. Bacteria prefer warm, moist environments. You will also need to use citric acid during this last rinse to neutralize the wine barrel. Use 3 cups of citric acid for a 60 gallon barrel, 1 1/2 cups for a 25 gallon barrel, 2/3 a cup for a 12 gallon barrel and 1/3 cup for a 6 gallon barrel.

Tags: gallon barrel, barrel gallon, barrel gallon barrel, gallon barrel gallon, wine barrel, cold water

Install A Rain Drip System

Install a Rain Drip System

Using a rain drip system to irrigate your garden is efficient and cost-effective. You can capture rainwater with a rain barrel and connect your drip system directly to the barrel to irrigate your plants. A drip irrigation system is efficient because it dispenses the water directly to the roots of your plants rather than spraying everywhere like a regular hose. You can also add a timer to to drip irrigation system to turn it on automatically, making it a true set-it-and-forget-it watering system. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Measure your garden and draw a rough blueprint. Determining where to place the hoses will be easier when you plan it out on paper first. Take note of the types of plants you have and what their watering needs are. Note where you need to place the watering devices on the blueprint, according to the type and size of your plants.

2. Install the filter in the faucet adapter to prevent gravel and other debris from clogging the hose.

3. Attach the plastic emitter tubing to the adapter and connect adapter to the faucet.

4. Lay out the tubing according to the plan on your blueprint. By using emitter tubing, you will not need to install the emitters (drippers) to regulate the water flow. The tubing needs to flow downhill from the rain barrel so gravity can pull the water down into the hose.

5. Cut the emitter tubing at the areas next to your plants. Attach T-fittings or elbows into the hose. Secure the T-fittings with metal anchors. Insert bubblers or sprayers at the base of larger plants. You can run a soaker hose around the plants or shrubs to further distribute the water.

6. Continue to lay out distribution hose, T-fittings and drippers according to your blueprint until entire garden has irrigation hose installed.

Tags: your plants, emitter tubing, drip irrigation, drip irrigation system, Install Rain

Siphon Water From A Home Hardware Rain Barrel

A home hardware rain barrel is a useful tool to lower your home water consumption. By collecting rainwater from your home's gutters, you can water your plants and yard without tapping into your water supply. With water restrictions prevalent in some areas, harnessing the rainwater may be the only way to keep your yard and garden green. You can also use the rainwater to bathe pets and wash cars or equipment. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

Y Coupling

1. Clean the barrel out with soap and water. Rinse thoroughly

2. Measure 2 inches up from the bottom of the barrel and drill a hole for the galvanized pipe with a 1-inch spade drill bit.

3. Apply plumbers tape to the threads of the iron pipe. Thread the Y coupling onto one end of the iron pipe.

4. Apply plumbing sealant to the exposed end of the iron pipe. Thread the pipe into the hole drilled into the barrel. Allow the sealant to set for at least 12 hours or according to the manufacturer's directions.

5. Attach a hose to the end of the Y coupling. Switch the valve to "On" to siphon the water from the rain barrel.

Clear Tubing

6. Place one end of clear plastic tubing into the top of the rain barrel. Thread the tubing into the barrel until the tube has reached the bottom of the barrel. The barrel does not need to be completely full of water. You will be able to siphon out the water that is in the barrel, stopping when you have siphoned the desired amount of water.

7. Set a bucket or watering can onto the ground at a spot lower than the rain barrel.

8. Wrap your mouth around the exposed end of the clear tubing. Suck on the tubing until the water is an inch from the opening of the tube in your mouth.

9. Place your thumb over the opening of the tube in your mouth.

10. Position the end of the tube with your thumb over it into the watering can or bucket. Remove your thumb, and allow the water to flow into the bucket or watering can. To stop the flow of water, place your thumb over the opening of the tube, or bend the tube to prevent water from flowing. Hold the tube vertical to the opening of the barrel and remove the bend or thumb from the opening to allow the water left in the tube to flow back into the barrel.

Tags: your thumb, into barrel, iron pipe, opening tube, thumb over

Use A Whiskey Barrel For A Pond

A water garden or pond is a thing of beauty, but building one requires either a lot of money or a lot of strain on your muscles. Rather than digging a hole in the ground for a pond, consider using a whiskey barrel as a pond instead. Easier and cost-effective, whiskey barrel ponds add style to your yard. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

Use a Whiskey Barrel for a Pond

1. Purchase a water-tight wooden whiskey barrel and cut it in half around the widest part of the middle, or buy a pre-cut whiskey barrel specially made for pond or planter use. Test the water-tightness before creating your pond. If necessary, buy a plastic barrel liner and insert it.

2. Place the whiskey barrel where you want the pond to be. Choose a location with at least partial sun on a sturdy surface such as a patio or a deck. If you put it on the ground, protect the bottom from moisture and rot with flat rocks or a piece of plastic sheet.

3. Attach all necessary hoses or tubes to a small, submersible pond pump. A fountain pump can be sufficient and adding a small bubbler fountain to the whiskey barrel pond can help with oxygenation and appearance. Support the pump with a few rocks if necessary.

4. Choose very small aquatic plants for a whiskey barrel fountain. A miniature water lily in a pot can be placed at the bottom, while a few oxygenating plants like hornwort and floaters like water hyacinth can be used successfully. If necessary, create a shelf in the barrel with an overturned flower pot for plants that prefer shallow water planting.

5. Fill the whiskey barrel pond with water from a garden hose and turn on the pump. Allow the water to circulate for several days before adding small fish. Because a whiskey barrel makes a rather small pond, three or four fish should be enough.

Tags: whiskey barrel, barrel pond, whiskey barrel, whiskey barrel pond, adding small, Barrel Pond, Whiskey Barrel

4h Vegetable Garden Projects

Students can cook recipes with vegetables harvested from their first garden.

The first 4-H program was originally called "The Tomato Club." Begun in 1902 in Clark County, Ohio, the 4-H organization was started as a way for public school children to learn about agricultural and rural industries. 4-H's leadership and youth development programs typically involve agricultural activities like gardening. If you're looking for a vegetable garden project for your chapter, there are a variety of challenges you can organize. Does this Spark an idea?

My First Veggie Garden

For younger children, you can implement a "My First Veggie Garden" program. For this project, the kids will probably grow a mini vegetable garden, or one smaller than 100 square feet. Teach the children about choosing the proper site for their gardens, such as a location with deep, fertile, well-drained soil and at least 6 hours of full sun each day. You can also teach them about growing vegetables for ornamental value, like cabbage, lettuce and kale. Allow the kids to plan their garden layouts (with parents or mentors, for very young children) based on what they learn about garden design. Have the students plant seeds directly in the ground or start them in small containers. Each step in the gardening process should be preceded with an informative talk or demonstration so the students understand why a step (like mulching, for instance) is essential. Have the kids take pictures of their gardens as they grow and throw a harvest party at the end of the project where everyone exchanges fresh veggies.

Market Garden

For a project geared toward slightly older or more experienced students, you can plant a market garden. Market gardens are typically 1/4 an acre or larger in size to ensure that enough vegetables can be grown for sale at the local market. Along with building upon the basic gardening skills they already have, students learn run a small business and manage a crop with higher yields. Arrange to have farmer's market vendors impart their knowledge to the students. Meanwhile, your 4-H chapter is contributing to the availability of fresh, healthy food. You might also experiment with organic gardening practices and see which vegetables do better at market.

Container Vegetable Garden

For students who have already had the opportunity to complete their first vegetable gardens, encourage them to plant container vegetable gardens. Spend time reviewing the differences (and advantages/disadvantages) of container vegetable gardens versus in-ground gardens. This is an especially useful project in dry climates. Students can visit nurseries or any local vegetable gardens that utilize a container method. Encourage them to design and experiment with their gardens by growing the same vegetable in two different container styles or sizes and noting the results. Some activities can center around water conservation and irrigation as well as using drip hoses, since they are distinguishing factors in container gardening.

Tags: vegetable gardens, their gardens, container vegetable, container vegetable gardens, experiment with

Use A 15 Gallon Plastic Barrel

A 15-gallon plastic barrel comes in handy for a variety of purposes. If you want to conserve water, it will collect rainfall dripping from your roof. If you want to improve your garden as well as lighten the load on your local garbage dump, you can use it to collect compost. It will hold animal feed as easily as serving as a trash barrel for things you aren't recycling or putting into your compost. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Place the barrel beneath your home's rainspout to collect water when it rains. Cover the barrel with a screen to keep out leaves, insects and debris. Use this for irrigating your garden, which helps conserve water and reduces storm water runoff.

2. Set up a barrel in your garage, workshop or home to use as an impromptu garbage container. Periodically wash it out with mild soap and water. Instead of throwing away kitchen scraps, such as vegetable peelings, collect them in a barrel to turn into compost to use in your garden.

3. Fill the barrel with garden soil and use it to grow your own fresh herbs, vegetables or fruits. Home-grown tomatoes can be much more flavorful than ones you buy in a store. Snip off some fresh oregano or peppermint from your barrel herb garden and use it immediately in the kitchen.

4. Pour food for your dog, cat, horse or other animal into a clean barrel made from food-grade plastic. Cover it with a lid to keep it fresh. Store a supply of emergency food for your family in such a barrel, making sure to use or replace it before expiration dates.

5. Store biodiesel fuel in a 15-gallon plastic barrel. This will weigh about 120 pounds when full of fuel, which most adults can handle without needing special equipment like a forklift. It will fit into the trunk of a vehicle.

Tags: your garden, 15-gallon plastic, 15-gallon plastic barrel, barrel with, conserve water

Get My Evergreen Vines To Grow On Top Of A Rain Barrel

Rain barrels, also called water catchment systems, collect rainwater that runs down the roof and into the gutters of a home. The barrel has an outlet or hose attachment at the bottom that allows you to run a garden hose to other areas of the yard and water plants with the collected water. One negative aspect of rain barrels is that they are not very attractive, unless you can cover them with evergreen vines. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Place a roll of wire mesh or chicken wire at one edge of the rain barrel. Have another person hold it in place while you unroll the wire around to the other side of the rain barrel.

2. Cut off the excess wire on the roll with tin snips and set the roll aside.

3. Secure the bottom of the fence material to the ground, using hooked tent stakes spaced every 6 inches. If desired, you can also dig a 6-inch-deep trench with a shovel to bury the bottom of the wire mesh in the ground to secure the mesh.

4. Lean the top of the wire mesh backward so it rests against the rain barrel.

5. Measure out 5 inches from the wire, dig a hole 2-feet wide but only as deep as the root system of the evergreen vine, using the shovel. Loosen the soil in the bottom of the hole with the shovel tip, then add bone meal to the hole, using the amount specified on the bag.

6. Place the roots of the vine seedlings in the hole and backfill with soil so only the roots are under the ground's surface.

7. Water the soil until it is damp to a 3- or 4-inch depth. Afteward water only when the top inch of the soil is dry.

8. Wait until the vines reach 4 to 5 inches high, then tie them to the wire mesh with a 6-inch piece of gardening tape tied in a knot at the ends. Once the vines mature, they will cling to the wire naturally, and you can cut away the gardening tape.

Tags: wire mesh, rain barrel, gardening tape, with shovel

Make A Rain Barrell Run A Sprinkler

Power a lawn sprinkler with a pump attached to a rain barrel.

The water pressure coming out of a rain barrel is not adequate for use with a sprinkler, unless you attach a water pump to push water through the hose. This process works with either a submersible or external pump with a pounds-per-square-inch rating of 15 or higher. Choose the setup that works best for your area and provides enough water pressure to power the sprinkler. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

Submerged Pump

1. Attach a garden hose to the output end of the pump. Submerge the pump in the rain barrel so it rests on the bottom; the plug cord and hose drape over the side of the barrel so the ends are out of the water.

2. Cut a hole into the hose where it meets the top of the barrel. Insert a drip emitter device to act as an air vent and prevent water from flowing out of the hose when the pump is turned off.

3. Attach a sprinkler to the other end of the hose by screwing it in place. Set the sprinkler in the desired location.

4. Verify the drip emitter is set to the closed position, then plug the pump into an electrical outlet to turn it on. Monitor the flow of water and adjust the pump or hose if needed.

5. Unplug the pump to stop the flow of water and open the drip emitter to prevent water from siphoning out of the barrel. You can remove the pump, or you can leave it in the barrel if you plan to use the sprinkler on a regular basis.

Exterior Pump

6. Attach the input hose on the pump to the spigot on the rain barrel by screwing it in place. Keep the spigot in the closed position so water does not drain out.

7. Attach a hose to the output hose on the pump, then hook the sprinkler to the end of the hose. Place the sprinkler in the desired position. A short hose will offer more water pressure for the sprinkler than a long hose.

8. Turn the rain barrel spigot to the on position, then plug in the pump to turn it on. Monitor the flow of water to verify you have the pump hooked up correctly.

9. Turn the rain barrel spigot to the closed position and unplug the pump to stop the flow of water. Unhook the pump and hose and store the unit in a dry location until you need to use it again.

Tags: rain barrel, flow water, closed position, drip emitter, water pressure

Find Barrels For Rain Barrel Making

Consumer use of barrels to capture and store rainwater is a growing trend. Making your own rain barrel lets you help the environment and save money. Many people who use rain barrels say they actually see financial benefits via a decrease in their water bill. Once you locate a reliable source of 30- to 55-gallon barrels, you will be ready to make your own rain barrel. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Identify companies in your area that use food-grade barrels. They may receive their shipments of raw materials for production in 30- to 55-gallon barrels.

2. Check Pepsi and Coke plants. They often sell their barrels to consumers or environmental nonprofit organizations for less than $10. Contact other soft drink bottlers, pickle manufacturers, juice companies and car washes. A few consumers have reported getting used barrels from local food processors and car washes at no cost.

3. Try your municipal water department. Some cities collaborate with the Environmental Protection Agency and nonprofit conservation organizations to provide free or low-cost rain barrels and help with construction. The Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Water Department's rain barrels are free. Montgomery County, Maryland, has "Make-and-Take" rain barrel construction workshops. Austin, Texas, and other cities sell rain barrels at discount prices.

4. Visit the Global Recycling Network website to find individuals and companies that recycle food-grade barrels. Most are inexpensive compared to retail offerings. You can find barrels for as little as $5 in various regions of the country. You can also post a request for barrels and let sellers contact you with offers.

5. Search local Craigslist, Backpage or Kijiji ads for rain barrels for sale. Some enterprising consumers buy them in bulk from recyclers and food processors. Then they resell them.

6. Check your local Freecycle Network or a similar group that facilitates consumer-to-consumer recycling programs. Members who have items that they want to give away post messages in Yahoo! Groups that Freecycle organizes by location.

Tags: rain barrels, your rain barrel, 55-gallon barrels, food processors, food-grade barrels, rain barrel, your rain

Manage A Small Acreage

Manage a Small Acreage

Since many small acreages are located outside of city limits, the main water source is usually an untreated well, although some areas may have treated city water available to them. Waste products and waste water flow into a septic tank where they are broken down and then pumped out to a leaching field. Both the water well and septic system must be maintained properly in order to optimize their performance and ensure that they will remain operational for many years. Good acreage management also includes reducing the usage of the well and septic system. Due to the additional volume of land that needs maintaining, additional tools are required for lawn care and snow removal. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

Water Conservation

1. Match grass seed to the climate. In dry areas, plant grass that is drought-resistant and will not require frequent watering.

2. Funnel rain into barrels from your eavestrough for use in gardens and flower beds.

3. Cover gardens with mulch to help them retain moisture during dry periods.

4. Reduce the amount of water used within the home by ensuring dishwashers and washing machines are full before being turned on.

Well Maintenance

5. Test water samples every year to ensure that there is no contamination. Most agriculture extension offices will complete these tests for a small fee.

6. Pay attention to the color and clarity of your tap water. If the water coming from your well suddenly becomes cloudy and discolored or you find sediment in it, the water has most likely been drained from the well. Do not run water until the well has had time to recover. If a lack of water persists for more than a few hours, a professional well service company should be called.

7. Spread water usage throughout the day if possible.

Septic System Maintenance

8. Avoid using harsh cleaning products, including bleach, that can kill the bacteria in the septic tank, slowing the process of breaking down solids.

9. Keep large animals, heavy equipment and vehicles off of the septic system's leaching field. The septic system's leaching field takes the broken-down waste from the septic tank, through a series of perforated pipes laid on a gravel bed and covered with dirt, and leaches it back into the soil. Repetitive heavy weight on the system can cause the pipes and the surrounding soil to collapse and break over time.

10. Pump the septic tank out every one to three years, depending on the number of occupants in the residence and the size of the septic tank.

11. Avoid flushing food products, grease and oil into the septic system.

12. Do not plant trees in the vicinity of the septic tank or leaching field. Tree roots may grow long enough to disrupt the lines and cause collapse or plugging of your septic system.

Snow Removal and Lawn Maintenance

13. Purchase a riding lawn mower to cut down on the amount of time spent on yard work. A garden tractor that is capable of removing snow can double as a lawn mower and perform additional gardening functions with specialized attachments for seeding, aerating or plowing.

14. Consider having your driveway paved. Due to its smooth surface, it will be easier to keep free from snow and leaves and it will not require grading to alleviate ruts.

15. Plant trees along the edge of the property to act as both a windbreak and privacy barrier. The appropriate variety of tree to plant depends on the climate and conditions.

Tags: septic system, septic tank, leaching field, ensure that, from your, into septic, lawn mower

Convert A Beer Barrel To Gallons

Beer barrel

A barrel is a hollow cylindrical container used as a standard size of measure. Barrels are often used to store various liquids, including water, whiskey, wine and beer. The modern U.S. beer barrel holds 31 gallons. Beer is typically delivered in full, half and quarter barrels. A half barrel is often referred to as a keg of beer and equals 15.5 gallons. An online beer barrel converter or a calculator can be used to determine how many gallons of beer are left in the barrel. Add this to my Recipe Box.

Instructions

Using a Calculator

1. Determine how much beer is left in the barrel by weighing the barrel of beer on a scale. A full barrel of beer weighs between 320 and 330 pounds.

2. Divide the weight of the beer in the barrel by 330 pounds to get the percentage of beer left in the barrel.

3. Multiply the percentage from dtep 2 by 31 gallons (the number of gallons in a full barrel of beer) to get the number of gallons of beer left in the barrel.

Using an Online Conversion Tool

4. Set the barrel of beer on a scale to find its weight and determine how much beer is left in the barrel. Again, a full barrel of beer is between 320 and 330 pounds.

5. Divide the weight of the beer in the barrel by the full barrel weight to find out what percentage of beer is left in the barrel.

6. Use an online unit converter to determine the number of gallons of beer in the barrel. A simple converter can be found in the Resources section.

7. Enter the amount of beer as a fraction of the whole rather than a percentage. If you think approximately three-quarters of the barrel is left, enter ".75" in the "Barrel" field of the converter.

8. Click the "Convert" button. The number of U.S. gallons of beer left in the barrel will be displayed.

Tags: beer left, beer left barrel, left barrel, barrel beer, full barrel, number gallons, full barrel beer

Information On Rain Barrel Water Safety

A great way to save money, as well as help the environment, is by installing rain barrels around your house. Despite what some people think about using captured rainwater around your yard, the water is very safe for plants. Does this Spark an idea?

Rain barrels are a safe source of water for plants

While rainwater isn't as safe to drink as treated tap water, it's fine for plants. The chlorine in tap water can harm soil microbes that are beneficial to plants. Rainwater also contains the right pH levels, which help prevent the buildup of salt in the soil.

Rainwater is free

After the initial outlay for a rain barrel, the water used to fill it will always be free. But not only does the rain provide you with a free source of water, it can help reduce your water bill.

Rain barrels reduce pollution

A major source of water pollution comes from what is called non-point source pollution. That is when the runoff from rainwater collects trash, oil and other toxic chemicals and carries them into streams and rivers on their way to lakes and oceans. Rain barrels reduce this pollution by capturing much of the water and preventing excess runoff.

Rain barrels conserve water

According to the EPA, lawn and garden use accounts for nearly 40 percent of total household water use during the summer. A rain barrel can save you 1,300 gallons of water during the summer months.

Rain barrel safety

There are things you should do to keep your rain barrels safe. Don't drink the water or allow your pets to drink it, as it has not been treated. Keep it covered at all times in order to prevent kids and animals from falling in and accidentally drowning. And keep it covered at all times, as standing water is a breeding ground for mosquitoes.

Tags: Rain barrels, source water, around your, barrels reduce, barrels safe, covered times, during summer

Potato Barrel Construction Instructions

Potatoes are traditionally planted in hills.

Potatoes, the part we like to eat, grow underground attached to the potato plants roots. They like a deep, nutrient-rich, loose and well-drained soil. This makes them a natural for growing in a barrel or bag. Purchase potato barrels, growing bags and other garden aides or create your own potato barrel. The key is to be able to add height to the sides as the potatoes grow and you add more dirt. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Cut six holes, the right size to stick the stakes through, in the bottom of the plastic basket using a hot knife. Cut two or three more holes for drainage. Place the basket in the spot where you want to grow potatoes and drive the stakes at least 6 inches into the ground to hold it in place.

2. Poke a few holes in the bottom of a 30-gallon heavy-duty garbage bag using a stick or a cool knife. Alternatively, use a commercial growing bag or a plastic mesh cat or dog food bag. Place the bag into the basket. Weight it in place with rocks or bricks. Roll down the top and secure the sides to the stakes using twist ties.

3. Put a 2-inch layer of gravel in the bottom of the bag and follow it up with 8 inches of compost, enriched garden dirt or pre-fertilized potting soil. Cut up two seed potatoes in chunks that have one or two "eyes" on each. Place the cuts sides down on the dirt and cover the potato pieces with dirt. If the basket is not quite deep enough, gently insert the bottom edge of plastic edging strips between the top of the basket and the outside of the bag. The weight of the dirt holds them in place.

4. Keep the soil moist, but not sodden, by watering often using a watering can or hose, and feed regularly with a liquid fertilizer intended for vegetables following package directions. As the potato plants grow, periodically unroll a bit of the bag, add more dirt and another supporting edging strip. By the end of three months, you can gently roll down one side of the bag and harvest new potatoes.

Tags: more dirt, potato plants

Green Gifts For Men

Men are not the easiest creatures to buy for. But if you know a guy who's into all things green, there are lots of great green gifts you can give. Whether he's a gadget guy or an eco-fashion plate, he's sure to be pleased by the extra thought that went into his present. Does this Spark an idea?

Eco-Clothing

Get the man in your life something to wear that's not only stylish and comfortable, but also good for the planet. There are now tons of retailers that sell clothes made of bamboo, hemp and organic cotton. Fewer pesticides and more renewable resources make this green gift both thoughtful and ethical.

Green Gadgets

A low-flow showerhead, a rain barrel, a solar cell phone charger or an electricity-monitoring meter -- any of these is sure to please.

Something Old

Products made of recycled materials are very common these days. You could get your green guy a laptop bag made of recycled plastic bags, a picture frame from reclaimed tin or a cool bowl made of bike chains for his keys and other pocket litter.

Tags: made recycled

Keep A Greenhouse Heated In The Winter Cheaply

Several methods allow you to heat a greenhouse inexpensively.

A greenhouse creates a warm indoor environment that protects tender plants from outdoor conditions when the temperatures are too cold for plants to survive. A greenhouse is, by nature, poorly insulated against cold weather. Although the structures are naturally warmed through solar radiation during daylight hours, at night greenhouses can become very cold. Central-heating systems for greenhouses are one way to warm the structures, but there are several ways to heat a greenhouse that are much less expensive. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Position your greenhouse at the south side of a stone, block or brick building. The stone will absorb solar radiation during the day and radiate heat into your greenhouse at night.

2. Spray-paint rain barrels black. Place the barrels inside your greenhouse and fill them with water from a garden hose. The black barrels will create a heat sink by absorbing solar radiation during the day that will heat the water in each barrel. At night, the warm water will release this heat to warm the air around the barrels.

3. Create a tent inside your greenhouse with bubble wrap. The air pockets in each bubble have an insulating effect that helps keep the air under the tent warmer.

4. Dig a pit in the center of your greenhouse with a shovel for composting refuse. Compost piles can heat up to 150 degrees, which can raise the ambient temperature of the greenhouse. Excavate a compost pit that's 3 cubic feet in size, then fill it with alternating six-inch layers of sawdust and manure. Soak the compost with a garden hose until it is as damp as a wrung-out sponge. Cover the compost pit with a 3/4-inch sheet of plywood so you can walk over it. Check the compost with a thermometer that has a probe. Stir the compost with a shovel any time the temperature drops below 120 degrees.

Tags: your greenhouse, compost with, radiation during, solar radiation, solar radiation during, your greenhouse with, garden hose

Diy Internal Overflow & Hose For A Rain Barrel

If you can't find the classic-looking wooden barrel, a plastic one will do.

Rain barrels collect fresh rainwater for irrigation, watering animals and more. The use of rain barrels has spread even to the suburbs of many big cities and towns. Typically, the rain barrel is attached in some way to the gutter system of a house, which takes full advantage of the larger area to catch the falling rainwater. The water is then funneled into one area so the home owner can use it for their chosen purposes instead of the water they are paying for. For the barrel to be truly effective, the overflow must be utilized efficiently. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

Choosing and Prepping the Barrel

1. Choose at least a 50-gallon food-grade drum to make your rain barrel. You can find these at restaurants or a drum or barrel supplier. There are three main rules in choosing a good rain barrel. First, make sure the plastic is heavy duty and won't let light penetrate, which could cause algae growth in the water. Second, the drum should have never been used to store chemicals such as bleach or cleaner. And third, the lid must fit tightly over the barrel. If a lid is not available, you can use opaque plastic sheeting with zip ties or bungee cords to secure it to the edge of the container.

2. Wash out the barrel with a mixture of bleach and water. Use a clean scrub brush on a stick to make sure all food residue is removed. Dump out the cleaning mixture and rinse the barrel with clean water from a hose, making sure to scrape all sides with the brush. You may need to use a high-pressure hose attachment to clean the bottom of the barrel.

3. Empty the barrel completely of the rinse water and turn it on its side. You will be drilling a hole for the purpose of filling watering cans, so make sure the hole is low enough to maintain good water pressure, but high enough to fit your watering can underneath. Make sure the hole you drill is slightly smaller than the spigot you will be using. Force the spigot into the hole as far as it can go; use a rubber mallet if necessary.

4. Caulk around the edge of the spigot on the inside of the barrel. For extra protection, you may want to caulk around the outside as well. Allow the caulking to dry sufficiently before putting the barrel in use.

Installing the Filter-Diverter

5. Your downspout to fill your rain barrel may look like this.

Choose a location for the barrel. The location should be under a downspout on your house gutter system. If your house does not have a gutter system, place the barrel under a valley of your roof. (If this is the case, you will have to purchase a piece of downspout with a wide mouth on the top to catch the water from the valley and funnel it into the barrel through the lid.) The location should also be convenient to your garden or flowerbeds.

6. Install the downspout filter-diverter to the house gutter pipes. This device will keep the larger debris from clogging the downspout, the gutters and the barrel. Cut a section of your house downspout large enough for the filter to be installed. The top cut portion of the filter will slide right under the top section of the cut downspout. The bottom portion will easily insert into the bottom section of the downspout.

7. Measure the plastic tubing of the diverter and drill an identically sized hole near the top of the barrel. Insert one end of the tubing into the barrel and the other into the filter. Caulk around the inside and outside of the barrel to seal the tubing in place. The filter-diverter will send all overflow water into the yard once the barrel is full unless you use an internal overflow.

8. Drill an identical hole into the barrel on the opposite side of the barrel at the same height level. This will be your overflow for the barrel. Either place a second barrel next to the first or attach a hose that will divert overflowed water into an area where you desire more water. A pond or a trough for animals to drink from would be a good use of rainwater overflow. Attach a hose that will guide the water downward to the desired location. You may wish to use a spigot here as well that remains open so you can attach an inexpensive garden hose to it.

Tags: gutter system, into barrel, make sure, your house, barrel with, Caulk around, hose that

Clean An Empty Fish Tank

Clean an Empty Fish Tank

It's always nice to have an empty fish tank clean and ready for whatever critter may need housing. Cleaning an empty fish tank is relatively easy, though it may take a little elbow grease. Since the fish tank in this case is already empty, some of the hard work has been done. Roll up your sleeves, gather the supplies, and let's clean an empty fish tank.

Instructions

1. Rinse the empty fish tank with warm or hot water first, to loosen the soil. If the fish tank is small enough, hold it upside down over a double sink, you can balance the tank on the middle divider of the sink. Use the sprayer attachment to spray hot water up into the fish tank, forcing the soil out into the sink.If it is a large fish tank, use a new spray bottle of hot water to wet the inside.

2. Loosen as much soil as possible with algae scrub pad and water. Continue to scrub until the glass is clean, take a break and come back if you need to.

3. If the empty fish tank is not going to be a fish aquarium any longer, use a small amount of rubbing alcohol on the glass inside and out. Rubbing alcohol is cheap and evaporates quickly, use in a well-ventilated area with no open flames or sparks.

4. Completely rinse the empty fish tank until the water runs clear of any soap bubbles or debris. Wipe the tank out and rinse it well again to remove any leftover residue. Wipe the aquarium completely dry with paper towels.

5. Mix 1 capful of bleach in a 32oz. spray bottle, spray lightly inside on all sides of the empty fish tank. Wipe the fish tank completely dry with paper towels.

6. Let glass aquariums stand in the sun for several hours after bleaching. The sun will bake out any residue from the chlorine as well as lightening any stubborn stains that could not be removed by scrubbing.

Tags: fish tank, empty fish, empty fish tank, Clean Empty, Clean Empty Fish

Wash With Rain Water

Rain water is invigorating and will get you squeaky clean.

Washing with rain water has many potential benefits. Rain water is not only eco-friendly; it is also good for your skin and hair. The water that you collect after a rain storm is soft; soft water helps soaps and shampoos lather better and leaves less soap scum on your skin. You can wash with rain water with a little planning and preparation. You don't have to be on a camping trip to enjoy washing with rain. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Watch the weather forecast to determine when you will be able to gather the rain. How fast you are able to obtain rain depends on what time of year it is and where you live.

2. Place the buckets in an open spot outdoors to collect the most water. Remove the buckets soon after the storm is over. You do not want the standing water to collect dirt, debris or bacteria. If you find any leaves or other debris in the water, simply remove it by hand.

3. Heat water if necessary for a comfortable shower. Heat the water on the stove top or put it in the microwave. Get a small portion of the water very hot so that when you add it to the rest of the water, it will end up being a comfortable temperature.

4. Pour the water into a garbage bag. Stop before the garbage bag is too heavy to either hold the bag or tie it to your shower head. Transfer water to a second garbage bag if needed. Tie the tops of the garbage bags to secure them.

5. Cut off a corner of the garbage bag. Cut a small piece at first; you can always enlarge the hole if needed. A small hole will result in a slow, steady stream of water. Fasten a rubber band around the hole so that you can cut off the water flow to preserve water while soaping off.

Tags: with rain, Heat water, your skin

Collect Rainwater In A Barrel

Collecting rain in a barrel will come in handy during a drought.

Though there are some U.S. cities that rarely experience the hassle and stress that accompany a drought, many areas are susceptible to dry spells. Collecting rainwater can provide a household with much-needed water when the water supply is limited. The simplest method for collecting rainwater is by using a barrel, which may be purchased online or at most home improvement stores. Once you've got your barrel, the rainwater-collecting process is fairly simple. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Procure a 55-gallon barrel. The barrel may be made of plastic or wood. Although the 55-gallon size is the most common, any large size may be used.

2. Install a downspout from your gutter system. The downspout carries the water from the end of a gutter (usually at the end of a roof) to the ground. If you already have a downspout (many homes do), skip to Step 3.

3. Purchase and fit a downspout redirecting hose. It will help to direct the flow of water away from the foundation of your home, which will prevent water damage. The hose may be purchased online; a plastic hex hose is an available substitution.

4. Place the rain barrel where it can catch the water that flows out of the downspout redirecting hose. Anytime it rains, water will be collected. You can move and cap the barrel when it's full. Some redirecting hoses will direct water to the original spout when a barrel is full.

Tags: downspout redirecting, downspout redirecting hose, purchased online, rain barrel, redirecting hose

Rustic Patio & Deck Design

Aged, weathered items are an easy way to add to a rustic patio or deck.

Rustic patio and deck designs take advantage of earthy tones and textures in combination with secondhand items to create charming outdoor spaces loaded with personality. The choice of building materials is just as important as the accessories when it comes to creating a rustic look. Natural stone and wood are frequently merged with salvaged furniture and vintage indoor décor. When planning your own rustic patio or deck, bring your personal touch to the design. After all, one of the key elements of rustic décor is the livability of the look. Does this Spark an idea?

Materials

Aged materials are the starting point when designing a rustic style patio or deck. Natural stone pavers or reclaimed bricks are solid flooring choices, making a more personal statement than mass fabricated options. Walls can be covered with weathered wood siding or rusted metal sheeting. These materials can be found at scrap yards or garage sales for very affordable prices, and will continue to blend into the space as they weather and age outdoors.

Furniture

Rustic patio furniture can be created as simply as moving a beat-up wooden dining set outdoors. You can truly let your creativity shine. Look for potential furniture options in unlikely places, such as old wine barrels, crates and steel milk jugs. These found items can be cleaned up and painted or left in a raw state to act as chairs, tables and benches. Even better, they double as conversation pieces.

Accessories

Good accessories for rustic outdoor spaces take advantage of aged and worn materials in the same way that furniture and building supplies. Metal and wood are popular options because they tend to take on more charm with age. Even mundane items can become artistic elements when allowed to rust or bleach in the sun: vintage silverware can be hung on walls and old mirrors can open up the space. Crates, boots, bathtubs and old sinks can be turned into fun and whimsical planters with a few drainage holes.

Paint

Walls are often forgotten in efforts to liven up the rest of the outdoor space. Walls, however, are a critical component to creating a rustic look. Color-washing adds a seasoned look to the patio or deck. One color is applied to the wall and allowed to dry. A second similar color is diluted with glaze and wiped on for a streaked, aged effect. You can even allow drips and spatters to run down the wall, giving the impression that the paint has been washed away by years of rain.

Key Features

Focal points are important to any patio or deck design. Because rustic decor is all about livable space, the focal points of your rustic patio become especially important. Fireplaces, barbecue areas and water features are all common aspects of a rustic design. Each can easily be blended into the final look by selecting materials that fit the theme. Metal barrels work as homemade fire pits and grills. Old wine barrels are options for a rustic water feature.

Tags: patio deck, your rustic patio, creating rustic, creating rustic look, Natural stone, outdoor spaces

Build A Garden Water Filter

Watering the garden

Water for a garden can come from many sources, such as rainwater, gray water or a municipal water supply. However, all of these sources have some degree of contamination. If any of these water sources is used in the garden, removing any contaminants, rather than introducing them into the garden, would benefit both soil and plants. Together, gravel, sand and activated charcoal create an effective means of filtering garden water, as these materials mimic natural systems. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Cut the top out of a 5-gallon paint bucket lid, leaving the rim. Use a utility knife to cut out the top of the lid.

2. Drill a dozen holes in the bottom of the pail with a 1/8-inch drill bit. Use a pair of heavy-duty scissors to cut a piece of nylon window mesh, and place mesh inside the bottom of the pail. Perform this same operation on the remaining 5-gallon pails, discarding the lids on those pails.

3. Fill the first pail, the one that still has a lid rim, with activated charcoal. The activated charcoal will remove chlorine and other chemicals from the water. This pail will be at top of the stack of four 5-gallon pails, so you can simply remove this top pail and dump out the contents when the charcoal becomes spent.

4. Cut a piece of mesh to overlap the opening of the first pail and use the rim of the lid to seal the mesh over the top. This will keep out impurities like leaves, sticks and other large objects.

5. Fill each of the last three pails with 4 inches of washed sand. The washed sand will filter sediment and organic material.

6. Stack the four pails one inside the other, with the pail containing the activated charcoal on top. Stacking the 5-gallon pails in this manner will allow more pails of activated charcoal or sand to be added to more thoroughly filter the water if necessary.

7. Cut a hole in the top of the rain barrel that is 1 inch smaller in diameter than the bottom of the 5-gallon pail. Drill a pilot hole with a 1/4-inch spade bit, and then use a jigsaw to accurately cut the hole to the smaller diameter. Place the rain barrel under a rain gutter downspout or gray water outlet.

8. Place the four-pail filter on top of the rain barrel over the hole. Use silicon sealant to seal the bottom of the pail to the top of the rain barrel. This will keep out any impurities and unfiltered water. The silicon will hold the four-pail filter to the rain barrel with sufficient force but still allow easy removal.

9. Attach the 1/2-inch garden hose to the rain barrel spigot and run the hose down to the garden for convenience and ease of use.

10. Attach the watering wand to the garden hose and turn the shutoff valve to shut off the water. Open the spigot on the rain barrel so that you only have to turn on the wand when you need to water your garden.

Tags: rain barrel, activated charcoal, 5-gallon pails, bottom pail, barrel that

Make Things Out Of 55 Gallon Steel Drums

There are several things you can do with a 55 gallon drum.

Steel drums are excellent starting points for many projects, such as Caribbean drums, membranophones, floats, and makeshift ovens. The 55 gallon steel barrel is most commonly used to store various types of oils and corrosive products and should be thoroughly cleaned with proper cleansers before using on any project. Two projects -- a barbeque and an irrigation friendly rain-barrel -- both require very little expense and can create a useful, reusable tool to its creator. Both projects can use half of one steel 55-gallon steel drum.

Instructions

1. Cut the 55 gallon drum in half using a steel cutting saw or grinder. You will cut through the middle, giving you 2 equal-sized, round drums.

2. Use blowtorch to burn off any additional slag and leftover contaminates.

3. Cut a 1/2-inch hole on the lower side (within an inch of the bottom) of both barrels. This will allow a breathing hole for the barbeque and a faucet hole for the rain catcher.

4. Smooth out leftover steel and inside of both halves with heavy-grade sandpaper.

5. Wash out both barrels with cleanser, taking care to remove any questionable leftovers with a second or third scrubbing. Allow both barrels to fully dry.

6. Paint the barbeque barrels with several coats of barbeque/heat resistant paint. Paint the water-catcher barrel with several coats of rubberized spray paint. Allow to fully dry.

7. Place 1/2-inch faucet over rubberized barrel's hole and secure with internal fitting. Do not over-tighten or the barrel may bend and rupture the rubber.

8. Add an irrigation line to the faucet's nozzle and place barrel under active rain gutter. This completes the rain catcher.

9. Connect metal pipe to the hole in the barbeque barrel with the elbow pointed straight up. This hole can be easily covered with a cap if extra air is not needed for the coals.

10. Place four bricks at the location where you want your barbeque.

11. Add charcoal and grill. Enjoy your barbeque.

Tags: both barrels, barrel with, barrels with, gallon drum, hole barbeque, rain catcher, several coats

Grant Programs For Gardening Tools

The correct equipment eases garden labor.

When starting a school or community garden project, obtaining the necessary equipment is a top priority. Gloves, rakes and rototillers all must be purchased. Fortunately, a number of organizations provide garden grants specifically for the purchase of gardening equipment. Locate this funding and your gardening project can take root.

Fiskars Orange Thumb Grants

Fiskars is famous for its lightweight sewing shears. The company also produces reel mowers, pruners, rakes, watering cans, shovels, rain barrel systems and other gardening tools. Each year, Fiskars selects 25 grant applicants to receive the tools and materials necessary "to reach their goals for neighborhood beautification and horticulture education." Each grant includes $1,000 worth of equipment, $1,000 for other materials and Project Orange Thumb t-shirts.

National Gardening Association Mantis Awards

Project needs can be as simple as a supply of garden gloves.

Each year, the National Gardening Association assists Mantis Corporation in selecting 25 "educational garden projects that enhance the quality of life in their host communities." Any non-profit garden project may apply. Each recipient receives a Mantis tiller/cultivator with the choice of a gas-powered or electrical motor. Other organizations working with NGA to provide more general garden grants include Subaru, Syngenta and Welch's.

Grants from Home Improvement Corporations

There is no better place to find gardening equipment than at a home improvement store. Lowe's is a home improvement giant located throughout the United States and Canada. Twice a year Lowe's provides grants to projects proposed by public schools and public school parent-teacher groups. These include garden projects. Home Depot has a grant program through which it assists 100 garden projects annually in conjunction with NGA. The five top recipients each receive a $500 gift card from Home Depot and $500 in supplies from NGA's Gardening with Kids catalog. The other 95 grantees receive $500 gift cards from Home Depot. Occasionally, charitable giving is also available through smaller, regional hardware and home improvement stores.

Regional Garden Grant Programs

Seeds may be included in grants that cover tools.

Garden project organizers who research locally may find regional garden grant programs that allow funds to be spent on tools. One example is the school garden grants program of the Western Growers Foundation, which awards grants twice a year. Western Growers provides funds to schools and has one program, conducted in conjunction with California Head Start, which focuses specifically on preschool gardens. Grants include up to $1,500, an irrigation kit, seeds and teacher resources.

American Honda Youth Education Grants

Some corporate foundations sponsor educational grant programs that include garden projects in their funding. American Honda Foundation disperses grants four times a year. The grants range from $20,000 to $60,000 over the one-year grant period. Colleges and universities may apply to this program, which is interested in environmental education, as well as science, technology, engineering and math projects.

Tags: garden projects, from Home, garden grants, Home Depot, home improvement

Recycle 55 Gallon Drums

Once the pickles are gone, this food-grade barrel could be repurposed into a water-saving rain barrel.

Plastic 55-gallon drums are commonly used to transport and store all kinds of liquids, from tomato sauce to industrial chemicals. Recycling and reusing these drums has become a widespread practice both to be environmentally friendly and to reduce costs. Food-grade drums in particular are prized for their multitude of uses.

Instructions

1. Decide if the drum can be reused. Before a drum can be repurposed, you must find out what was stored in it previously. If the drum contained hazardous chemicals, it should not be reused for anything else. If the drum housed food or nonhazardous chemicals, such as water-soluble soap, then the drum can be thoroughly cleaned using the triple-rinse method and prepped for reuse.

2. Inspect the drum for damage. Check the barrel for leaks, small holes or dents. If the drum is damaged, it may not be able to hold liquids any longer. It could still be repurposed to store larger items such as rocks, compost, rags or other items.

3. Decide how you want to reuse the drum. A water-tight drum can be used as a rain barrel, while a barrel with small holes would make an excellent composter. A drum with more substantial damage could be cut down and used for container gardening.

4. If you don't want to reuse the drum, or if the drum is in poor condition for repurposing, check with your local environmental services agency or plastics recycling center. Many locations will accept clean, nonhazardous drums for recycling. If the barrel previously held hazardous material, contact your local hazardous waste agency for disposal instructions.

Tags: rain barrel, reuse drum, small holes, want reuse, want reuse drum, your local

Connect A Hose To Pvc

Connect a Hose to PVC

If you have a PVC water pipe in your yard for connecting a stream pump or a rain barrel to your garden or maybe to bring water from your house to your pool, you will want to connect it to a regular garden hose so you can direct the water where you want. One of the interesting things about working with PVC is figuring out connect the various sized pieces. There are several connectors you will need, specifically a female adapter, an adapter nipple and a hose valve. Once you know what to look for, they assemble easily and will work beautifully. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Check the measurements of your garden hose. They vary in size from thinner 1/2-inch hoses to the more rugged 1-inch hoses. You will also need to know the measurement of your PVC pipe. There are hundreds of different sizes of fittings, so you will need to know what you are working with before you try to purchase your supplies.

2. Do a dry fit first. Slide the female adapter onto the end of your PVC pipe. Screw the adapter nipple in and then the garden hose valve. Everything should fit together without any effort.

3. Take the fittings apart and then prime the outside of the end of the PVC pipe and the inside of the female adapter. Let them dry for a few seconds and then apply the glue. Slide the sections together immediately.

4. Prime the end of the female adapter and the inside adapter nipple. Apply the glue and screw together. If this is not a permanent connection, you can use Teflon plumbing tape instead by wrapping it clockwise three or four times around the female adapter threads.

5. Screw on your garden hose valve after wrapping the adapter nipple with the Teflon tape. Your connection is now ready for your garden hose. Since you added the valve, the water can be turned off and on at the connection.

Tags: female adapter, garden hose, adapter nipple, your garden, hose valve

Choose Baseball Bats

Choosing the right bat for kids is important to their skill development and to prevent injury.

Selecting the right baseball bat is important for performance, and if you are a younger player, selecting the wrong bat can be unsafe. A number of factors should be considered when choosing a bat for yourself or your child including age, size, strength, level of play, regulations and cost.

Instructions

1. Research the specific bat regulations of your baseball league. In the United States, high-school regulations require a bat barrel to be 2 5/8 inches in diameter and have a drop weight of minus-3; "drop weight" is the difference between the length and weight of the bat (for example a 32 inch bat that weighs 28 ounces has a drop weight of minus-4). The NFHS also requires that bats used in high-school leagues have a BESR sticker (Bat Exit Speed Rating). Senior amateur leagues may or may not have similar regulations. Their may also be restrictions with respect to bat materials and construction. For example professional players must use wooden bats which cannot be "corked" or hollowed out. Amateur leagues may have specific rules relating to the use of particular aluminum, composite or wood bats.

2. Decide on the bat material you are looking for. If regulations allow you to use any type of bat, consider the pros and cons of each material. Composite bats can be lighter than aluminum bats but they are more susceptible to damage in the cold and/or rain, and they are usually more expensive than aluminum bats. Wooden bats are relatively inexpensive but they will lack the "pop" or power of aluminum and composite bats.

3. Select a bat weight and length. Numerous length and weight charts are available online which will recommend particular bat specifications for different age groups and heights. Generally speaking, children under the age of 10 should be using bats in the 24 to 28 inch range. Adolescents can usually make effective swings with bats ranging from 30 to 32 inches, and adults will generally be effective with bats between 32 and 34 inches.

4. Consider cost. Prices have risen with advances in bat technology. Today a baseball bat can cost you $200 or more. When considering the cost of a bat, think about the use you will get out of it. Don't buy a really expensive bat for a 7-year-old who will grow out of it in a year or two. If baseball is your passion and you play at a relatively competitive level, you might want to invest the money in purchasing a high-end composite bat. Worked in and cared for properly, these bats can provide quite an advantage to the competitive amateur baseball player.

Tags: drop weight, leagues have, aluminum bats, aluminum composite, length weight

Move A Beer Keg

Move beer kegs into place no matter how small you are.

A bartending job might not seem to involve a lot of heavy lifting, but if you consider the beer kegs that most bartenders must move, your view on the job might change. Most bars use half barrel kegs in their tap systems, and these kegs weigh about 160 pounds when they are full. For many female bartenders, this is more than their entire body weight. You don't need amazing feats of strength to move a keg, no matter how small you may be. Bartenders and others have been using a trick to move kegs for years, moving them into place without ever having to pick them up.

Instructions

1. Check your shoes to make sure that your laces are tied and that no strings hang below the sole of your shoes. Running a keg over a shoe lace is potentially very dangerous.

2. Stand in front of the keg that you wish to move. Position yourself so that the slot in the rim of the keg is directly in front of you. Grasp the slot in the top of the keg rim firmly.

3. Step back one small step. Pull the edge of the keg toward you firmly, rocking the keg onto its rim. The far end of the keg will rise up, leaving the edge of the keg bottom closest to you near the ground.

4. Roll the keg slowly on its rim toward its destination. Keep the bottom of the keg at the same angle, halfway between flat on the ground and laying on its side. The keg will only touch the ground at the one point in the bottom rim. This is called "walking the keg."

5. Roll the keg into place under the counter, or wherever you store your active kegs, and rock it into place. Lift up one side, then the other, and move each side back slightly until the keg is exactly in its correct spot.

Tags: into place, beer kegs, matter small, your shoes

Filter Waste Water Through Peat Moss

Peat moss is an integral part of the gray water filtering system.

Filtering waste water, or gray water, for use in the garden is a win-win for the homeowner's budget and the environment. In dry climates, recycling water from showers, washing machines and kitchen sinks helps keep gardens green. The gray water contains soap and microbes, however, that may contaminate garden beds. Building a peat moss filtering system is a relatively simple project for a handy do-it-yourself gardener. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Remove the lid from the barrel. Drill a hole in the side of the barrel, 4 inches from the bottom. Insert the threaded end of the spigot through the hole and tighten the nut on the inside.

2. Arrange the cement blocks where the barrel is to stand. Make a solid base; when the barrel is full of water it is extremely heavy. Use two water heater straps to secure the barrel to the wall.

3. Fill the bottom of the barrel with 8 inches of gravel. Lay two T-shirts flat over the gravel, making sure they completely cover the gravel.

4. Pour peat moss into the barrel, within 6 inches of the top. Cover with two more T-shirts.

5. Cut the window screen into a circle slightly larger than the interior of the barrel. Lay it over the T-shirts, pressing firmly down in the middle to make a 1- to 2-inch deep depression.

6. Remove the cap on the barrel lid. Screw a threaded pipe through the hole, then screw an elbow onto the pipe. Place the lid back on the barrel.

7. Attach a garden hose to the threaded pipe and run it through a window into the house. Generally when using gray water, homeowners siphon the water from the sink or bathtub. Permanent gray water plumbing installations are not legal in many areas.

8. Attach a garden hose to the spigot on the barrel. Run it from the barrel to the soaker hose in the garden. Open the spigot slightly for drip watering or all the way to soak the garden.

Tags: gray water, Attach garden, Attach garden hose, filtering system, from barrel, garden hose

Get A Permit To Carry A Concealed Weapon In Colorado

Colorado's constitution specifically avoids the issue of concealed weapons and its various jurisdictions are inconsistent on the issue. There is no standard on firearms permits and Denver has been allowed to retain home-rule status over state law on some points. Legislation was passed in 2003, in an attempt to make firearms laws consistent. The following steps will help you carry a concealed weapon in Colorado.

Instructions

1. Take a training course in firearms. Your county sheriff's department can provide you a list of qualifying courses.

2. Fill out the application form from your county sheriff's department but do not sign it. You can download it and an information packet at www.co.boulder.co.us. Take it back to the county sheriff's department and sign it before the sheriff.

3. Submit the permit fee and fingerprint fee. The permit fee is determined by the sheriff. The fingerprint fee is determined by the FBI. Neither fee is refundable if your permit application is denied.

4. Provide your training certificate and a photograph. The sheriff's department may take your photograph when you submit your application.

5. Show a valid Colorado driver's license or military ID and have two complete sets of your fingerprints taken. You will also need to pass a criminal background check. Your permit will be good for five years. A renewal fee is charged after that period.

6. Receive a temporary emergency permit if your life is in immediate danger. An emergency permit is good for 90 days. Applicants are responsible for the permit fee and the fingerprint fee.

Tags: sheriff department, county sheriff, county sheriff department, department sign, emergency permit, permit fingerprint

Install Metal Rain Gutters

A properly installed gutter will protect your home from water damage.

Controlling rain water is the easiest and most important step in protecting your home from significant water damage. Your roof is your first line of defense, and this channels the water into a gutter system. The gutters then discharge this water away from the foundation through downspouts. A correctly graded property will move that water away from the foundation. Installing a gutter and downspout system on an existing fascia is easy with a little knowledge and some basic tools. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Set up two ladders; one on each end of the section you would like to install a gutter. With a friend, measure the total length of the section. A gutter needs to slope 1/4 inch for every 10 linear feet.

2. Divide the total length by 10 then calculate the amount of slope by multiplying 1/4 by that number. For example, 40 feet of gutter will need 4 x 1/4 = 1 inch of slope.

3. Measure the distance determined in step two on one end of the gutter location from the top of the fascia down. Mark this location. Using a friend, extend a chalk line from the top of the fascia board on one end to the mark on the other end and snap a line.

4. Measure and cut a section of gutter to the desired length with the tin snips.

5. Position the downspout sleeve in the location on the bottom of the gutter where you wish the downspout to be located and outline its circumference with a pencil on the downspout. Drill one hole on the inside of every corner large enough to fit the jigsaw blade. Cut out the outlined section with the jigsaw. Apply silicone sealant to the downspout connector and push into the cut out hole. Screw one screw into all four corners of the downspout connector in the holes provided.

6. Fasten gutter end-caps on either end of the cut gutter. They will slide onto the end and are fastened in place by crimping the ends with the pliers. Apply silicone sealant on the inside of this end cap.

7. Snap the mounting brackets into place every 18 inches along the gutter, making sure to have one within 6 inches of either end.

8. Climb up both ladders holding the gutter between you. Align the top of the gutter with the chalk line you made in step three and begin screwing in the mounting brackets into the fascia board. Work your way along until all of the screws are in place.

9. Mount the downspout to the downspout sleeve with short steel screws. Make sure the downspout extends at least 4 feet from the foundation in a location where the grade will move the water away from the house.

10. Test the gutters for leaks by using a hose to fill the system with water and observer for drips.

Tags: away from, from foundation, water away, water away from, Apply silicone, Apply silicone sealant, away from foundation

Get Rid Of Gnats In House Plants

Get Rid of Gnats in House Plants

Gnats are annoying little pests. They like to travel in packs, and they often invade our homes. Thus, it's important to quickly identify the food or plant that attracts the gnats, and remove these items from the home. In most cases, house plants are the culprit. Fortunately, there are ways to get rid of gnats, and keep house plants indoors. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Purchase a safe garden and fruit insect killer. Gnats and other insects are known to invade house plants and outdoor gardens. Yet, there's a simple solution. Visit the local home improvement store or general retail store and buy a fruit and vegetable insect killer. Spray the chemical on the house plants.

2. Remove the top layer of the soil. Since gnats generally lay their eggs on the top layer of soil, take the house plants outside. Using a shovel, remove about one inch of the soil's top layer. If necessary, place new soil in the pot.

3. Spray window sills and doors with an insect killer. Some gnats venture away from house plants and collect near windows and doors. Keep these areas sprayed with insect killer. This kills the adults, and prevents them from laying new eggs.

4. Include a tablespoon of liquid dish washing soap with water. Before watering the house plants, mix in a tablespoon of soap. The soap helps get rid of annoying gnats, and it doesn't hurt the house plants.

5. Use cider vinegar to attract gnats. Get a shallow bowl and pour about one cup of cider vinegar. Cover the bowl with a clear plastic cover, and cut a small hole in the middle. The cider vinegar attracts the gnats, and they become stuck inside the bowl. Empty the bowl as needed.

Tags: house plants, insect killer, cider vinegar, attracts gnats, Gnats House, Gnats House Plants

Make Useful Items Out Of Salvaged Items

Vintage wagons make ideal plant holders.

If you're on a tight budget, you probably already know turn trash into treasure. Reusing cast-off or vintage items cuts down on waste in landfills and allows you to be more environmentally friendly. Use your imagination to see discarded objects in new ways and to invent new uses for old things. Scour yard sales, thrift stores, flea markets, and salvage yards for items that you can use for storage or display around your house or in your yard. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Wipe down old metal wash buckets to use as planters around your yard. Drill holes into the bottoms, and fill them with one half inch of gravel for drainage. Fill the buckets with your favorite plants or shrubs, and add them to your landscape.

2. Paint (if you wish) and stack vintage wooden crates on top of one another so the openings are all facing the same direction. Nail or screw them together to keep them from toppling. Use the stacked crates as shelving or storage in your home or garage, or use them as a plant shelf in your yard.

3. Display vintage stoneware bowls around your home, and use them to hold flowers, potpourri, candles, books, magazines, yarn, or odds and ends to keep rooms clutter-free and organized.

4. Sand and refinish old drawers, and then use them to create box frames for displaying mementos or photos. Hang them on a wall so their openings face outward, and place items on the shelves the drawers create.

5. Fill an old wagon with potted plants, and park it on your porch or in your yard. A wagon is especially useful for moving plants and flowers from sun to shade during the day.

Tags: your yard, around your, your home

Make A Whiskey Barrel Fountain

Make a Whiskey Barrel Fountain

Outdoor fountains can provide a calm relaxing feel to your patio or porch. With just a few supplies you can turn your patio into a nice outdoor retreat. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Begin by deciding upon the placement of your fountain. Placing the whiskey barrel near an existing wood pole on a patio is ideal as you will see later in the article. A shady spot under a covered patio is a good spot. Place a couple of chairs nearby so that you can have a relaxation spot.

2. Set the whiskey barrel in the desired location.

3. Place the whiskey barrel liner into the whiskey barrel.

4. Purchase a small pond or fountain pump that will handle 50-80 GPH or gallons per hour. These can be found at Lowe's in the $20 - $25 dollar range. Place the pump into the barrel liner and connect the tubing. A pump this size will usually call for 3/8" rubber tubing.

5. Assemble your copper pipe and elbow pipe fittings so that it looks like the picture. The pipe should be plenty long. I cut ours at 32" for the long part and another 5 - 6" to fit between the elbow fittings.

6. Run the tubing up through your copper piping. It may be easier to disassemble the elbow fittings and run your tubing then reconnect the fittings as you go.

7. Once your tubing is through the pipe, you can hammer the 1 1/16" cable staples into the wood pole to hold the copper pipe still. If your anchor pole is something other than wood, you could use wire to affix the copper pipe to the anchor pole just under the top crook of the pipe and another wire to hold the bottom in place.

8. Now affix the tea kettle to the top of the copper pipe with wire. Make sure the water is going to make it into the kettle and that the water will not splash out the sides. You should have a straight stream into the kettle.

9. Fill the whiskey barrel with water. Then plug the pump into electricity. Wait for the kettle to fill with water before spilling over into the barrel. Check the stream. Add water plants, maybe some fish and enjoy!

Tags: whiskey barrel, copper pipe, anchor pole, Barrel Fountain, barrel liner, elbow fittings, into barrel

Reprogram A Bmw Key Fob

Reprogram a BMW Key Fob

The instructions to program the keyless entry fob on one BMW model won't necessarily work on another BMW model. You can try one of two sets of instructions and see if they work for your BMW. Your aim is to avoid resorting to the dealership, which may charge $50 to $100 for the service.

Instructions

Instruction Set One

1. Make sure that all the doors, trunk and hood are closed.

2. Open the trunk door. Open and close the driver's door.

3. Put the key in the ignition cylinder and turn it on and off five times. Don't actually start the engine. The alarm should chirp a confirmation.

4. Open and close the driver's door.

5. Press any button on the remote to program it. The alarm light will flash to acknowledge a successful programming.

6. Repeat steps 4 and 5 for any other remotes.

7. Exit the programming mode by leaving the driver's door open while closing the trunk door. Then close the driver's door. You should hear the alarm sound off to confirm that you've left the programming mode.

Instruction Set Two

8. Make sure that all the doors, trunk and hood are closed.

9. Insert the key into the ignition and switch it to position 1. Turn it back again. Repeat this four more times. Then remove the key from the ignition cylinder.

10. Press the "Lock" button three times while holding down the "Unlock" button. Then release the "Unlock" button. The door locks will then cycle to confirm that you did it correctly.

11. Repeat step 3 for each fob that you need to program.

12. Exit the programming mode by inserting the key into the ignition and turning it to position 1 and then taking it out.

Tags: driver door, close driver, close driver door, programming mode, confirm that

Make Rock Posts

Locate and collect rocks prior to constructing a rock post.

Rock posts are seen at the end of driveways, along paths, as mail box stands and as decorative yard items. Building a rock post is not as difficult as it looks. The base or inside of the post is wood. The base helps to square the post during the building process. The decision of what size rock is used to make the rock post is determined prior to making the post along with collecting an adequate amount. Choose a sunny day to construct the post so the mortar has sufficient time to dry.

Instructions

1. Dig a 3-foot deep hole for post placement with a post hole digger. Place the 6-by-6-inch post in the hole. Mix and pour fast-setting cement around the post. Allow the cement to dry for 24 hours.

2. Fill a 5-gallon bucket 1/4 full of fast-setting cement. Add water and mix until the consistency is that of cookie dough.

3. Trowel a 1/4-inch layer of cement on one side of a rock. Place the rock on the ground with the cement to the left or right side. Repeat the process with the next rock. Place the rock next to the first and push the side without wet cement into the cement on the first rock. Repeat the process for the first round of rocks.

4. Spread a layer of wet cement over the top of the first row of rocks. Repeat Step 3 to hold the edges of the rocks together to form the second row. Continue this process until the entire height of the wooden post is covered with rocks.

5. Spread a layer of wet cement over the top of the last row of rocks and over the 6-by-6-inch top of the post. Place an 8-inch diameter rock over the top to cover.

Tags: layer cement, rock post, 6-by-6-inch post, cement over, fast-setting cement

Make A Rain Barrel From A 55gallon Plastic Drum

Make an inexpensive, perhaps almost free of charge, rain barrel from a discarded 55-gallon plastic drum. These drums often originally contained foods and juices, a service that would make them a safe option for rain barrel use. Ask among area schools, bakeries or other food suppliers who work in quantities if they have used plastic drums they are willing to give away. Otherwise, drum and barrel suppliers sell 55-gallon plastic drums. Once assembled and left in place, you can begin to use rainwater not only to irrigate your yard and garden, but also to wash your car, mop your floors or even to flush your toilet, if your city permits this. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Wash the inside of the barrel with a solution of 1/8th cup of bleach added to 5 gallons of water to remove food or liquid residue. Only use a food-grade plastic drum, not one that previously contained chemicals. Preferably, opt for a dark-colored drum; clear and translucent barrels that let in light allow algae to grow.

2. Drill a hole using the 3/4-inch drill bit a few inches from the bottom of the plastic drum for the hose spigot.

3. Screw the 1/2-inch PVC male adapter into the hole. Remove the adapter and wrap the threads with Teflon tape. Apply a waterproof sealant to the threads. Screw the adapter back into the hole and let it sit for 24 hours to dry.

4. Attach the 3 1/2-foot vinyl hose to the adapter.

5. Set the plastic drum on a level platform underneath your downspout. Use a platform solidly formed from a layer of bricks or cinder blocks for a strong surface.

6. Cut or disconnect your downspout so it can be directed into the top of the drum. Disassemble the downspout at the gutter and attach a flexible downspout extender or cut off the downspout with a fine-toothed hacksaw.

7. Cut a hole with a utility knife in the top of the plastic drum just large enough for the downspout to reach and penetrate into the inside.

Tags: plastic drum, 55-gallon plastic, into hole, plastic drum, plastic drums, rain barrel

Attach A Rain Chain To A Roof

Rain chains are easy to attach to a roof

Rain chains are beautiful alternatives to downspouts to direct rain from your roof and away from your house, or into a rain collection barrel. Rain chains have been used for centuries in Japan, and are peaceful and appealing when they are filled with water. Unlike installing a downspout, attaching a rain chain can be done with minimal tools in a matter of minutes. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Climb up on the ladder and remove the downspout (which runs vertically, from the end of the rain gutter) from your rain gutter on your home's roof. Leave the gutter (which runs horizontally along the roof) intact.

2. Cut a thin metal rod or large nail with a hacksaw so that it will fit across the narrow measurement of the rain gutter (the width of the opening, not the small hole that led to the downspout).

3. Lay a piece of mesh across the small hole that led to the downspout. This will prevent leaves and other debris from getting tangled in your rain chain after you attach it to your roof.

4. Lay the piece of metal rod or nail across the width of the rain gutter, on top of the mesh.

5. Use the snips or scissors to snip a small hole in the mesh, allowing you to slip the end open link on the rain chain through the opening in the mesh.

6. Slip the open link on the end of the rain chain through the slit in the mesh. Position the opening of the link so that it is over the metal rod. Use pliers to close the open link, securing it around the metal rod. Allow the rain chain to hang freely.

Tags: rain chain, rain gutter, from your, open link, Rain chains, small hole

Build A Downdraft Gas Kiln

Downdraft gas kilns can be used to make beautiful pottery.

Ceramic kilns reach high temperatures and are used to cure clay, making it as hard as rock in some cases. They are available as electric or gas powered kilns. Traditional kilns used wood as fuel but all types are built using bricks that can withstand and contain the heat of the kiln. Simple gas kilns can be built in the shape of a box. Downdraft gas kilns have the advantage of channeling the flame through the pottery and back down to the floor of the kiln through the flu at the bottom. A simple kiln would be a top-loading kiln about 4 feet high with a lid made of refractory brick.

Instructions

1. Find a suitable area protected from rain to use as a kiln-site. Avoid building this kiln indoors because it may present a fire hazard. Prepare the ground by leveling a pad on which the kiln will be built. Scrape the ground and use the level to make sure it is completely level on all sides. Place the concrete blocks on the pad to create a solid base for the kiln. Cover the concrete blocks with a layer of ceramic insulation fiber to keep cool air from entering or hot air from exiting through the floor.

2. Mix your mortar with equal parts of cement, fire-clay and sand. Dry mix them first and then add water until it has a good consistency for brick work. Cover the cement block and fiber with a layer of

refractory bricks. Bond the sides with mortar until the floor is finished. Make sure to leave two openings for the burners in the floor at the back in both corners.

3. Build the chimney using the hollow refractory bricks. Cut away the hollow brick on one side to create the flu of the kiln. Create a big enough opening, about the size of two stacked normal sized bricks. Adjust the size of your flu by testing-firing the kiln at a later stage. Install the chimney at the back, between the two burner holes with the opening facing the inside of the kiln.

4. Build up the walls of the kiln with bricks, starting from both sides of the chimney. As you work your way up, leave two or three small openings at the front to use as peepholes for visually checking the kiln during firing. Create a slanted edge on the top row to make the flame curl inward as it shoots up from the floor towards the lid; this will make the kiln more efficient.

5. Use a level as you lay the bricks and only use a minimum amount of mortar. Build the walls until you've reached the desired height. Make sure that the top edge is completely level to create a tight seal with the lid.

6. Install the burners with valves and gas lines underneath the kiln on both sides at the back. Make the burners point upward into the kiln toward the lid. Place three bricks around the flu opening on the floor of the kiln. Leave space on the front corners for the flame to get through to the flu. Place a shelf on top of these bricks and install the lid to finish the kiln. The lid can be lifted on and off by hand or with a pulley system.

Tags: both sides, Build walls, completely level, concrete blocks, Downdraft kilns, flame through, floor kiln

Hotels In The East Hamptons New York

The Hamptons are known for their charming beaches.

East Hampton is a a favorite weekend get-a-way destination for New Yorkers. It is a popular seaside resort located at the east end of Long Island. It is accessible by train on the Long Island Railroad, by car on the Montauk Highway, and by bus, AKA the Hampton Jitney.

The Hedges

The Hedges, a historic landmark building, is a hotel comprised of 12 newly renovated rooms, front and back patios, exquisite gardens, common rooms and even a library. Each room is outfitted with flatscreen televisions, robes for the guests and Bulgari bath products, Wi-Fi and air-conditioning. A complimentary buffet breakfast is served every morning and guests have access to complimentary beach towels, chairs and umbrellas.

The Hedges Inn

74 James Lane

East Hampton, NY 11937

631-324-7101

thehedgesinn.com

1770 House

1770 House is an ultra-luxury boutique hotel in East Hampton that has just six guest rooms plus a private carriage house for its exclusive clientele. Each room has fine linens, flatscreen televisions, Internet access and Dean and DeLuca snacks. A formal restaurant is on the second floor of the hotel with fine American cuisine and downstairs is a more relaxed tavern with traditional pub fare.

1770 House

143 Main Street

East Hampton, NY 11937-2716

631-324-1770

1770house.com

East Hampton House

East Hampton House is a luxury hotel situated in the gorgeous South Fork. There are 52 guestrooms that range in size from studio to two bedrooms. The year-round resort offers amenities in each room, including a mini-refrigerator, microwave, hair dryer, ironing board and coffee maker with complimentary coffee. Some rooms also include a kitchenette. A heated pool is on the grounds as are barbecue areas for guests.

East Hampton House

226 Pantigo Road

East Hampton, NY 11937

1-800-698-WAVE

easthamptonhouseresort.com

Tags: East Hampton, 1770 House, East Hampton House, Hampton House, East Hampton 11937, flatscreen televisions

Diy Rain Collection

Don't let rain water go to waste; collect it to use in your garden during dry spells.

Collecting rain water requires adapting a suitable container and directing the downpour from your roof into it. A screen keeps large debris and animals from getting into the stored water. Even without additional filtering, you can use water collected this way in your garden. A half-inch rain will fill a 55-gallon barrel for use in watering plants, washing tools or keeping your compost pile moist. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Choose a rainwater barrel that holds at least 55 gallons. Any container will do, as long as it is food grade and has not held chemicals in the past. Many people re-purpose industrial-sized food containers into rain barrels. Commercial rain barrels are also available.

2. Drill a 5/8-inch hole near the bottom of your barrel. Insert the 1/2-inch hose bib into the hole. Use a round file to enlarge the hole if necessary. You want the fit to be as tight as possible. Use a coupling on the inside of the barrel to secure the bib in place. Run a bead of silicone gel on the inside and outside around the bib to further seal the hole.

3. Cover the top of the barrel with a large square of galvanized hardware cloth. Use pliers and a hammer to crimp the cloth around the barrel opening. This will keep debris and animals out of your stored water.

4. Build a platform to raise your rain barrel high enough to allow gravity to work when retrieving the water. Place four cinder blocks in a square where you want your barrel to sit. Top with a piece of plywood for an even surface. Place your rain barrel on top with the spout facing out.

5. Attach a downspout to your rain gutter and direct the end of it over your rain barrel. Use a hacksaw to shorten the downspout if necessary. A flexible spout attached to the end of the downspout allows for more precise direction of the rainwater.

6. Attach a hose to the faucet or use the faucet to collect rain water in a bucket or watering can for use in your garden.

Tags: your rain, barrel with, rain barrel, rain water, your garden