Make A Flattop Roof Garden

A flat roof is ideal for a rooftop garden.

Roof gardens, or green roofs, are growing in popularity among municipalities and homeowners interested in improving the visual appeal, environmental benefit and economic value of their roofs. Flat-top roofs in particular are well-suited to roof gardens, since they have fewer problems with soil and water runoff than a roof with a steep incline. Consult a structural architect to ascertain the load capacity of any type of roof before designing and installing a green roof. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

Planting the Whole Roof

1. Decide whether you will plant an extensive green roof garden with small, low maintenance plants and very little roof access or an intensive green roof garden with deeper rooted plants and an area for people to enjoy the garden. A structural architect can tell you whether or not the roof can handle an intensive garden. You must decide if you're willing to take the extra time to water and tend it.

2. Design the roof garden in detail. Choose all plants, make any modifications to railing or roof access, include plans for irrigation, exact soil composition and mechanisms for proper drainage. Your municipality may require this information for permits, where applicable.

3. Install protective layers. Lay rigid synthetic board foam or polyurethane board with a one-inch overlap as insulation if the building is heated during the winter. Stretch waterproof membrane such as thermal plastic sheeting over the insulation, overlapping the edges by at least eight inches.

4. Install specially designed root barrier sheeting to protect your waterproof layer. The waterproof layer alone will not prevent root punctures. Consult a roof garden specialist about how far to overlap this layer depending on the plants you will install, since plants have varying root lengths and can creep between the overlap. Use cardboard to protect this layer from the drainage layer.

5. Select a drainage system that will work for your green roof type, intensive or extensive. Expanded clay or volcanic rock work well for any system but a prefabricated plastic drainage system may not handle the weight of an intensive system with heavy soil. This layer guides water to drainage areas from the roof. Lay burlap, jute, or old blankets across this layer to separate it from the soil layer.

6. Install the soil, irrigation system, if used, and plants. Water the plants deeply and continue to water on a schedule until they are established or until the irrigation system is programmed to take care of them.

Container Roof Garden

7. Determine the variety of plants you can install based on your roof's load capacity. For example, dwarf trees can be planted in a container but your roof may not be able to handle the load of watered soil required to house the roots of a dwarf tree. Choose plants that are very drought-tolerant, since the combination of sun, wind and the limits of a container dry plants out quickly.

8. Purchase or construct containers sized to not only fit the root system of your plants but with extra room to hold moisture and nutrients longer. This gives your plants a buffer against the extremes of the roof environment.

9. Install wind breaks or shade structures as space, municipal permits and budget allows to ease environmental stresses on your plants. Arrange your containers, fill them with soil that retains moisture well and plant them. Keep them watered thoroughly by hand with a garden hose or install a drip irrigation system.

Tags: green roof, irrigation system, this layer, your plants, Choose plants, drainage system

Install A Rain Drain

The gutter on the side of your house can actually direct too much rain toward the foundation and basement of your home.

If you are a home owner, it is in your best interest to keep your property value as high as possible. Keeping your property value up will require a lot of maintenance. Rain can often cause issues in homes in a variety of ways. Excessive rain can cause damage to your basement and foundation of your house if it does not drain properly. If you are experiencing draining problems in your home, you can install a rain drain in your yard that will help filter excess water away from your basement and foundation. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Layout your drain. Using a tape measure, measure four to six feet out from your house and into your yard. Mark this spot by placing a shim in the ground. Then, from that shim, measure six inches over and mark that spot with another shim. This represents the width of your rain drain. Next, mark the six-inch width of your drain every foot with another set of shims until you make your way to the lowest part of your yard. Then measure from the beginning and end of your drain system and write down how long your system is.

2. Dig your trench. Using a shovel and a pair of gloves, dig a 24-inch deep trench that follows the shim layout from step one. Place the dirt you remove in a wheelbarrow and find another part of your yard, perhaps the garden, where you can reuse the excess soil.

3. Compress the soil in the trench. Using a 6-foot-long 4x4 piece of wood, compress the soil at the bottom of the trench so it is relatively flat and firm.

4. Fill the trench with two inches of washed gravel. While wearing gloves, evenly disperse two inches of gravel throughout the entire length of your trench. It is important to lay out this gravel prior to installing the drain pipe because this layer of gravel will serve as a buffer for the pipe.

5. Drill holes into your PVC pipe. Purchase enough 4-inch PVC pipe to fill the length of your drain system and then, using a 1/16-inch drill bit and a power drill, drill a two lines of holes a foot apart down the length of your PVC pipe. The holes should sit on the same side of the PVC pipe so that they can both face downward to drain out excess water.

6. Lay your pipe in your trench and fill the trench with gravel. As you lay your pipe, face the drilled side of your PVC pipe toward the ground. this will help the pipe drain water more efficiently away from your house and place it back into the ground. Then fill the trench with washed gravel up to one inch from the top of the trench.

7. Cover the trench with sod. Because your gravel trench will most likely serve as an eyesore, it is recommended that you cover your trench with sod. Use the shovel to cut out pieces of sod that fit the size of your trench and, using gloves, install the sod on top of the trench.

Tags: trench with, your pipe, your trench, your drain, your house, your yard

How Much Money Does A Barrel Racer Make

Top barrel racers earn six-figure salaries.

The iconic image of the rodeo cowboy holds a special place in the cultural fabric of the American West but what about the cowgirl? The reputation of the iconic cowboy is well established as a cow rustling, bronco busting rodeo star but women also play an important role in the world of rodeo. Barrel racing draws some of the largest crowds in the all of rodeo and is a traditionally female competition. While compensation varies widely across the sport the top-earning barrel racers today can earn millions over their career.

Barrel Racing

According to barrel racing authority and historian Gail Hughbanks Woerner, organized barrel racing was first seen in Texas in the 1930s. Over the decades this sport, which requires riders to circle a course of barrels positioned in a cloverleaf configuration, has evolved from a little-recognized pastime to highly professional and well-compensated profession for a handful of top barrel racers.

Top WPRA Earnings

The Women's Professional Rodeo Association (WPRA) represents the highest level of barrel racing competition on the planet. Members often compete at WPRA exclusive events or with male rodeo performers on the Professional Rodeo Cowboy Association (PRCA) rodeo circuit. As of August 2011, the top earning barrel racer, Brittany Pozzi, earned a total of $111,838 in the sport. Lindsay Sears followed with $94,343 in annual earnings and Brenda Mays ranked third on the money-list with $87,960.

Average WPRA Earnings

Through the first eight months of 2011 the top 500 WPRA barrel racers won $3.867 million in combined prize money. That breaks down to an average annual compensation of $7,734 per WPRA barrel racer. The top 10 racers all earned more than $58,000 while the bottom 10 all earned less than $517. The WPRA consists of the best barrel racers in the world and the women are compensated as such. Most women barrel racers compete at local or regional levels and earn only several hundred dollars for a top performance at best.

Top Career Earnings

In 2010 Sherry Cervi set the record for career race earnings with $1,964,821 over her 25-year career. Eleven-time world champion Charmayne James holds the second-place spot on the career money list and became the first women to win over $1 million in a career in 1990. Lindsay Sears holds the single season earnings record of $184,756.

Tags: barrel racers, barrel racer, barrel racing, Lindsay Sears, Professional Rodeo

Hook A Pressure Washer To A Water Tank

Pressure washers are motor-driven hoses used to wash cars, sidewalks and buildings. Usually, you connect a pressure washer to a standard garden hose. However, if you have a water tank equipped with a tapped faucet, you can connect your power washer to the water tank. However, be very careful not to run the water tank dry. Running the power washer without water can damage the power washer. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Thread the female end of a standard garden hose onto the faucet or drain valve installed in the water tank. If the water tank does not have a drain valve, purchase a standard water hose faucet (the kind that you see on the outside of most homes). Remove the drain plug on the bottom of the water tank and thread the faucet into place.

2. Thread the female-to-female-hose coupler onto the male end of the garden hose if the coupler on your power washer is a male coupler. If the coupler on the power sprayer is already female, skip this step.

3. Thread the hose coupler or hose onto the coupler on the pressure washer.

4. Turn the water shut-off valve to the "on" position on the water tank.

5. Turn on the power washer. Again, keep an eye on the water levels inside the water tank. Do not run the tank dry while the power washer is on.

Tags: power washer, water tank, garden hose, your power washer, drain valve

Diy Downspout

DIY repairs are needed on this downspout.

Gutters and downspouts direct rain away from the house, protecting siding, windows, doors and the garden from water damage. Most importantly, they help prevent basement flooding. They are inconspicuous until they stop functioning properly due to clogging or lack of maintenance. Does this Spark an idea?

Downspout Position

No one wants to splash through water or slide on an icy patch from a gushing downspout, so be sure it is not positioned on or near sidewalks. To prevent soil erosion and to keep water away from the foundation, position a cement splash block under a 2-foot-long horizontal downspout extender.

Blocked Downspout

Keep the ladder in the garage, but get out the plumber's snake. Working from the bottom of the clogged downspout, feed in some coil. Turn the handle until it moves easily, then feed in some more coil. Leaves and silt should fall out from the bottom of the downspout. Repeat until all of the debris is removed.

Easy Cleaning

Grab your ladder and a hose with strong water pressure. From the roof, blast water from the hose through the downspout. This will loosen tough clogs.

Leaks

Try some leak-sealing compound on minor cracks. Clean the leaking area, then spray on the sealer.

For significant leaks, metal-patching compound is recommended. Instructions come with the do-it-yourself kit, which can be purchased at home improvement centers.

Install a New Downspout

If the downspout has suffered damage that can't be patched, it is time to install a new one. You will need a ladder, level, nails, screws or masonry fasteners, a drill, tape measure, metal snips or hacksaw, two metal elbows, a downspout and straps or brackets.

Attach an elbow to the drop outlet of the gutter and another elbow to the downspout. Have a helper hold the downspout against the house, then measure the distance between the ends of the two elbows. Cut a piece of downspout a few inches longer than needed and, doing the assembly on the ground, slide it into the inside of the downspout elbows. Position a longer piece of downspout against the house. Every 6 to 8 feet, fasten the downspout to the house with straps or brackets. Attach a downspout extender to the bottom with a splash block underneath.

Tags: against house, away from, brackets Attach, downspout against, downspout against house

Protect Our Water & Environmental Resources

Community recycling programs make conservation more accessible.

Protecting our water and natural resources is essential because of their finite nature. Healthy biological ecosystems can start to be maintained by the responsibility of protection being placed on individuals and communities. In addition to the consequences of the physical depletion of natural resources such as water and timber, conflicts over the depletion of oil and other petroleum products has led to violent civil conflict in many nations. Forming a community that depends less on these nonrenewable resources has proved to mitigate the escalation of these conflicts. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

Things you can do

1. Conserve water. Toilets that were installed before 1992 lack a toilet dam that is now installed during production. If toilets in your house are of this era, buy a toilet dam to reduce water flow by as much as 35 percent. Install low-flow shower heads in your home; the heads can reduce home water usage by as much as 60 percent. Check your appliances and pipes for leaks, and fix or replace any leaking ones. If you decide to replace your appliances, buy water-saving models. Use a rain barrel to collect rain water for lawn irrigation.

2. Do not use dangerous pesticides that can contaminate the local water supply. Research natural ways to deal with pests and problems with weeds in your lawn or garden. For example, many native insect species can be introduced into a lawn or garden to help quell a pest population. Detrimental fungus can often be killed by using natural food additives, such as cinnamon.

3. Buy local and organic food. Buying local meats and cheeses will help quell the high environmental cost of transporting these foods in petroleum-fueled convoys. Organic produce is often grown without the use of pesticides, and if pesticides must be used, they are natural and do not cause substantial water contamination.

4. Encourage your power company to begin to use renewable power, such as wind and geothermal. Begin the transition yourself by installing a home solar power system. Conserve carbon-based energy by turning off appliances when they are not in use and keeping all your home appliances running efficiently. Paint the exterior of your home in a light color to reduce air conditioning in warm weather. Open window blinds during the day instead of turning on electric lights.

5. Recycle paper products, and buy paper products made from recycled paper. Use a computer as much as possible to do business and pay bills. Make a habit of using totes as shopping bags and use the community recycling program to recycle any other paper or plastic wastes.

Tags: your home, help quell, lawn garden, much percent, natural resources, paper products, your appliances

Reuse A 55 Gallon Drum

A 55-gallon drum provides many opportunities for reuse.

With the rising popularity of environmental sustainability, the lifespan of a 55-gallon drum often goes well beyond its initial use. The durability of both steel and plastic drums provides many opportunities for reuse. These drums are commonly used for the storage of industrial products, and are frequently available for free or at a low cost from a variety of sources.

Instructions

1. Find a used 55-gallon drum that hasn't been used for hazardous materials. Check with soda bottling plants, car washes and farm supply stores for availability. Reconditioned food-grade drums can also be found for sale online.

2. Check the drum for leaks or other damage. If the drum has holes or cracks, it won't hold liquids and any new uses for it could be limited.

3. Clean the 55-gallon drum by rinsing it three times with water, using the hose and pressure nozzle. Don't leave any residue inside or on the drum's surface.

4. Choose a new use for the drum, such as a rain barrel or a composting bin. You can connect multiple plastic drums to create a floating dock.

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Cut A Plastic Barrel Top

Hard plastic can be a challenge to saw, since the material bends under pressure. You'll need to know cut a plastic barrel top when you're making a rain barrel. If you have scrap plastic around, you may want to practice on that. Careless errors could ruin the top of your 55-gallon rain barrel or, at the least, present you with an interesting project to patch up. When working with tools, always use care and wear eye protection. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Determine how large you want your hole to be. To adequately harvest rainwater, your hole should be at least 3 inches in diameter. You may choose to expose half of the barrel or you might prefer a small hole. Whatever your preference, you will need to cover the hole with mesh screen to prevent debris from falling in and contaminating your water harvest.

2. Draw a guideline directly on the surface of your plastic barrel using a permanent marker. You may wish to trace a round object, such as a paint can or wine bottle, to obtain a perfect circle.

3. Drill a starter hole using a drill fitted with a small bit. Make sure to drill inside your guide line, not outside or on the line. This will allow you to slip your saw's blade inside and begin cutting the barrel top.

4. Insert an electric jigsaw into the barrel using the hole you just created. Place one hand on the side of the saw to guide it and the other on the top of the saw. Before you begin, make sure the barrel is steady and will not move. Work your way around the barrel top, cutting on the guideline. Stop your saw just before you have made a complete circle, then turn off and remove the saw.

5. Grasp the cutout, which should be hanging by a small plastic bit. Pull up to remove the plastic. If it doesn't come out readily, work a small utility knife along the connected edge until it comes loose.

6. Clean up any rough spots with your utility knife. If any plastic pieces fall into the rain barrel, turn it upside down and shake until they come loose. Once you have finished cleaning up the hole, you can tape mesh screen over the inside lip.

Tags: rain barrel, barrel using, mesh screen, plastic barrel, utility knife

Catch Rainwater Inside A Screened Porch

Rain barrels can be placed inside screened-in areas for easy access.

Collecting rainwater runoff from a roof of a home or structure is one way those with green thumbs water their gardens. It's a cost-effective and environmentally efficient method, but rain barrels, large reservoirs that collect the water, are usually placed outside near a gutter spout. However, do-it-yourselfers can rig up a system that delivers water directly into an area such as a screened-in porch. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Measure the circumference of the guttering on your home. Jot the number down. Take down the guttering at the spout where the spout adjoins the rest of the gutter -- leave the actual guttering that channels water along the drip edge alone, as you need only the spout that runs vertically along one wall of the home.

2. Cut a hole in the screen at the top of the porch on the side that's facing the wall where the spout once was located. Positioning the hole in this manner aids in ensuring the flow of water is channeled between the shortest distances. Use a crafter's knife to make the cut so that mesh is cut cleanly and precisely. Measure about a quarter inch down from the hole in the mesh from inside the porch and mark the measurement on an adjacent wooden beam.

3. Screw in a small plank of wood, about a 1-by-1-inch plank or a similarly sized dowel rod, horizontally across the area you marked in step 2. This wood serves as a moderate support beam for the gutter spout. Slide the gutter spout through the hole, going from inside the porch to the outside, across the support beam you installed. Leave about a foot of gutter spout still inside the porch with the rest jutting out of the porch. Measure the distance from the free end of the spout to where it once connected to the drip edging.

4. Cut a section of guttering that measures this distance and connect the ends of the gutter piping together via the appropriate connectors. Seal the joint connectors between the spout, the guttering and the new section with waterproof sealant that prevents leakages. Slide the rain barrel or plastic tub underneath the open end of the spout inside the porch area. Monitor the barrel closely during heavy rains to guard against overspill.

Tags: gutter spout, inside porch, from inside, from inside porch, guttering that, spout where

Make Casts Of Termite Tunnels

Termite mounds are impressive feats of technology.

Some natural objects cry out to be cast in stone, or at least plaster. The paw prints of a bear, a handprint of your child, or the footprints of prehistoric man all deserve preservation for future generations. A few are so intricate and alien that making a cast is the only way to thoroughly study them. Termites create large intricate mounds laced with complex tunnels that provide air circulation and environmental control. To study the termite's remarkable engineering feat, biologists and engineers create an endocasting of the inside of the termite mound. Endocasting uses the exterior structure as a mold and makes a form of the inside of the object of interest. This project will require several days and a skilled team to accomplish. These mounds only exist in remote areas such as Africa and Australia.

Instructions

1. Cut away a small, 6-inch-square section of the termite mound a foot off the ground with the metal spatula. Don't cut more than one-third of the way through any column and select where to cut with an eye towards the stability of the mound.

2. Mix dental stone plaster and water in the portable cement mixer. Add the water to the dry plaster and adjust the water by trial and error to a thin, watery pancake batter consistency. The amount of water will vary, so a hard and fast rule cannot not be given, but 1.5 times more water than dry plaster is a good starting place.

3. Transfer the plaster from the cement mixer to a large bucket. Dip a quart of plaster at a time out of the bucket with a plastic container.

4. Pour the plaster slurry into the hole you cut near the bottom of the mound until the plaster fills the hole. This step requires a significant amount of plaster slurry.

5. Carefully pour the plaster into the natural openings in the upper part of the termite hill once the lower section is full.

6. Fill any side openings or sister hills with the plaster slurry.

7. Allow the plaster to dry overnight. In inclimate weather, cover the termite hill with a tarp.

8. Rinse the termite hill away from the endocasting with water from the hose. Start at the top of the termite hill and work your way to the bottom. Unless there is a well or a lake nearby, bring a water buffalo to provide sufficient water. A water buffalo is a tanker truck with water.

Tags: termite hill, plaster slurry, cement mixer, termite mound, water buffalo, with water

Save And Recycle Water At Home

Every drop of water is important to both your water bill and the environment.

Water is a precious resource. Water-saving tips for use at home can contribute to the conservation of this valuable resource and reduce monthly water bills. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Turn off the water run while you brush your teeth, wash your hands or shave. If you're shaving, rather fill the sink or basin with the required amount of water.

2. Shower rather than bathe. Install low-flow shower heads to reduce your water consumption. Consider installing low-flow or dual-flush toilets.

3. Use or invest in a dishwasher. They use far less water than washing dishes by hand.

4. Invest in a high-efficiency front-loading washing machine. These machines are environmentally friendly, using water (and energy) more efficiently, thereby reducing household costs.

5. Run your washing machine and dishwasher only when you have a full load.

6. Check for any leaking or dripping faucets. After noting that all the faucets are closed and no one is using any water, watch the water meter; if it ticks over, you have a leak. Locate the source of the leak and fix it immediately.

7. Collect all the cold water for showering, bathing or washing dishes in a bucket or watering can. Even water left over from boiling eggs can be recycled. Use the collected or stored water to irrigate indoor plants, the garden or lawn; handwash clothes or shoes; wash the car.

8. Collect water from overflow pipes from hot water tanks or geysers and from air-conditioning outlets to water the lawn or garden.

9. Mulch your garden with wood chips or grass cuttings to prevent water loss.

10. Plant a water-wise garden by selecting plants that grow under dry conditions.

11. Irrigate in the early morning or late evening, otherwise most of the applied water will be evaporated before the plant roots have access to them. If irrigating the garden with a hosepipe, ensure there are no holes or leaks in the pipe.

12. Invest in a rain barrel connected to a downpipe that collects water from the roof after rainfall events.

Tags: garden with, using water, washing dishes, washing machine, water from

Katadyn Hiker Pro Instructions

Potable water is crucial on any hiking or camping trip.

The Katadyn Hiker Pro is a portable water-filtration system. The system can be carried on a hike, camping trip or any adventure where fresh water is scarce. The Katadyn Hiker Pro allows untreated water to be made potable by pumping it through a carbon-granulate filter. Drinking treated water helps avoid consumption of harmful microorganisms found in contaminated water.

Instructions

Assembly

1. Remove the caps from the input and output barbs. The input barb is located at the base of the Katadyn Hiker Pro's pump housing. The output barb is found at the top of the cartridge. Store the barbs in the the Katadyn Hiker Pro carrying bag.

2. Connect the input hose -- which contains the pre-filter -- to the input barb. Connect the output hose to the output barb, atop the cartridge.

3. Connect the output hose to the Katadyn Hiker Pro bottle-adapter. Connect the output hose to the hydration connector if using the optional hydration pack. The bottle adapter allows filtered water from the output hose to empty into a water bottle. The hydration connector is compatible with a hydration pack containing a 1/4-inch drink tube.

4. Immerse the end of the input hose in a water source. Place the output hose over a sink or other vessel to collect water. Operate the Katadyn Hiker Pro pump-handle to move roughly 1 L of water through the system; This removes any carbon dust prior to normal use.

Operation

5. Immerse the input hose in an untreated source of water. Adjust the rubber float at the end of the input hose to prevent it from coming in contact with sediment and sand.

6. Fit the output-hose bottle adapter on a clean water bottle. Connect the output hose -- with the 1/4-inch hydration-pack drink tube -- if using a hydration pack.

7. Pump the handle slowly. Stroking the handle 48 times results in 1 L of potable water.

8. Disconnect the output hose from the water bottle or hydration pack. Remove the input hose from the water source.

9. Pump the Katadyn Hiker Pro to remove any water lingering inside the pump body.

Tags: Katadyn Hiker, output hose, input hose, Connect output, Connect output hose, hydration pack, water bottle

Build A Rain Collection System

Rain collection systems provide water for garden plants while lessening pollution.

People collected rainwater for gardening as much as 4,000 years ago, with the practice arising in the Middle East. Today, with fresh water at a premium, rainwater collection systems have experienced a revival in cities across the United States, according to Brooklyn Botanic Garden. Using rainwater conserves water and reduces environmental pollution. Your own rain collection system also provides your garden with water free of salt, pollution and chemical additives such as chlorine that are harmful to healthy plant growth. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Purchase a barrel to hold the rainwater. The barrel should have a 30- to 80-gallon capacity and include a tight-fitting lid. Consider using more than one barrel to increase the water-holding ability of your collection system.

2. Drill a hole in the side of the barrel near the bottom. Make the hole smaller than the spigot to avoid leaking. The exact placement of the hole and spigot depends on how you plan to move the water from the barrel to the garden for watering. Many people place the barrel on a platform, using gravity to move the water through a hose, according to Brooklyn Botanic Garden. If you simply plan to use a watering can, leave enough room under the spigot to fit the can for filling.

3. Screw the spigot into the drilled hole and test the barrel for leakage. Correct leaking around the spigot by applying Teflon tape to the threaded spigot end. Screw it back in and test again. Repeat as necessary, until the spigot hole stops leaking.

4. Put screening over the holes at the top of the barrel. Secure these in place with wire. This keeps insects, leaves and other items out of the collected rainwater.

5. Place cinder blocks next to a downspout on the house or other structure from which you will collect the rainwater. Place the barrel on this raised platform. Cut the downspout with a hacksaw to stop directly above the top of the barrel. Attach a hose to the spigot on the barrel, if desired.

Tags: according Brooklyn, according Brooklyn Botanic, Botanic Garden, Brooklyn Botanic, Brooklyn Botanic Garden

Build & Use A Rain Barrel

An easy way to conserve water at your house is to build and use a rain barrel. A rain barrel collects water and holds it there for later use. This naturally soft water can be used to water your flower and vegetable gardens, wash your car, and more. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

Build a Rain Barrel

1. Use your power drill to make an inch hole in the rain barrel a couple inches above the bottom. Drill an inch hole a couple inches down from the top of the barrel. Remove the lid and rinse the plastic shavings out of the rain barrel.

2. Wrap Teflon tape around the threaded end of the plastic spigot to form a watertight seal. Screw the spigot securely into the bottom hole you drilled in the rain barrel.

3. Wrap Teflon tape around the threaded end of the overflow valve. Screw the valve securely into the top hole you drilled in the rain barrel.

4. Draw a circle on the lid of the rain barrel a few inches in from the edge. The hole needs to be large enough for the downspout to fit completely over it. Drill a pilot hole first. Then, use a jigsaw to cut the hole out. Cut a piece of the window screen to fit over the hole. Secure it into place with the waterproof adhesive. Replace the lid on the rain barrel.

5. Choose an area to set the rain barrel beside your house. It will have to be where a downspout runs down. (You'll need to disconnect part of the pipe so the barrel can fit underneath.) Make sure the ground is level. Then, place a couple cement blocks side-by-side for the rain barrel to sit on.

6. Set the rain barrel on the cement blocks. Turn it so the downspout is centered over the hole in the lid.

Use the Rain Barrel

7. Screw a long piece of garden hose onto the spigot so you can easily retrieve the rain water.

8. Make sure the overflow valve is always turned on. The bottom spigot should be turned off when not in use.

9. Periodically check the filter to make sure it stays free of leaves, limbs and other obstructions. Clean the filter by removing the lid. Turn it upside down and run water through the screen.

Tags: rain barrel, rain barrel, around threaded, barrel rain, barrel rain barrel, barrel Wrap

Myths About The Hoover Dam

At 726 feet, the Hoover Dam is the highest concrete arch dam in America and one of the seven engineering wonders of the United States. It created Lake Mead, the country's largest man-made reservoir, by blocking the Colorado River between Nevada and Arizona. The world's largest electric power generating station and concrete structure when it opened in 1936, Hoover Dam made the development of Las Vegas possible. Through its history, it has also accumulated a few myths.

Who's Buried in Hoover Dam

According to retired state archivist Guy Rocha, the biggest myth is that workers on several occasions during the dam's construction slipped and were buried in its 5 million barrels of concrete. Victims were left entombed, says the myth, because supervisors were unable to stop the pouring before the workers were completely buried. The myth may have been inspired by the truth that the human cost of the 6.6 million-ton dam was high. Of more than 21,000 workers, 96 officially died (although some accounts put this number as high as 114). Rocha debunked the burial myth with the fact that concrete was poured in small 1,000 cubic yard sections. All a worker had to do was stand up to get out. There is no record of anyone falling in. Any human body left in the concrete would have created an unstable foundation and risked the entire project.

U-Boat Target?

A new myth came from a story in the newsletter of the USS Shaw in 1996. It claimed the last mission of the German U-Boat U-133 was a daring raid to blow up the Hoover Dam during the Second World War. The U-boat was said to have traveled up the Baja Peninsula to the Colorado River, then up the river to Laughlin, Nevada. It was stopped by sandbars, and the captain, named Peter Pfau in the story, with 54 sailors, scuttled it. The truth is that a VIIC type U-boat could never have traveled from Europe around the Cape of Good Hope to California; it didn't have the fuel range. This type of U-boat had to use some of its water tank storage for extra fuel to make it to the east coast of North America from Europe. There is also no record of a U-board commander named Pfau.

The Myth of Its Name

The dam was initially called the Boulder Canyon Project. It followed the standard procedure of being named after Hoover, the sitting president in 1930. Many people, though, including critics of its high cost in both money and lives, called it the Boulder Dam. The Boulder Dam Hotel was built in Boulder City in 1933. The mythical name persisted even after Congress officially named it after Hoover in 1947. The myth has caused tourists to arrive in Las Vegas and ask to see the Boulder Dam.

Tags: after Hoover, called Boulder, Colorado River, from Europe, have traveled, named after, named after Hoover

Black Worms Grown From Mildew

Of all the insect pests that invade indoor spaces, drain flies may be among the most curious. These tiny flies live and breed in moist areas in and around the home. They tend to stay there unless given a compelling reason to leave. Because drain flies prefer areas with excessive moisture, locating that moisture as well as things that result from it, such as mold and mildew, can help in the control of drain flies. Does this Spark an idea?

Drain Flies

Adult drain flies seek out areas of standing water (water that has been contaminated with bacteria, fungi or other microorganisms is particularly attractive) and lay eggs there. The eggs hatch in as little as 32 to 48 hours, and the resulting larvae grow into small, black, worm-like larvae, causing some homeowners to mistakenly believe that their plumbing is infested with worms when they are actually observing drain fly maggots.

Mildew and Drain Flies

Drain flies most commonly are found in the gelatinous film that develops on the inside of plumbing as well as in overflow pipes, sewage disposal beds, septic tanks, moist compost, dirty garbage containers, rain barrels and tree holes. Their larvae feed on micro-organisms and organic material in contaminated water as they grow, so drain flies are always more likely to lay eggs in leaky appliances that have begun to grow mildew and mold. In the absence of organic material and contaminants in water, the drain flies are more likely to move to a different breeding site.

Exclusion

Their tendency for mildewy, moist environments can greatly increase the effectiveness of a drain fly control program. Look for areas inside and out with mildew growth, and inspect for adult drain flies hovering around the area. If adult drain flies are evident, the best control method is to eliminate the source of extra moisture (repair a leaky plumbing pipe, for instance) and to remove the mildew growth. Because drain flies tend to accumulate on the gelatinous film inside plumbing, total control may require the inside of the pipe be cleaned with a pipe cleaner or an active bacterial complex gel.

Control

Occasionally the contamination and decay that houses the drain flies may be too deep inside plumbing to completely eradicate. In these case, control mildew growth and other contamination wherever possible. Contact insecticides containing pyrethrins or resmethrin will kill adult drain flies on contact, but as long as the contamination remains in place, more drain flies will continue to live and breed there until sanitation and exclusion measures force them to leave.

Tags: drain flies, drain flies, adult drain, drain flies, inside plumbing, mildew growth

The Best Way To Clean 55 Gallon Plastic Barrels

Large 55-gallon plastic barrels are commonly used to create compost and collect rainwater. These barrels are large, and can be difficult to clean, as it is hard to reach the interior bottom of the barrel. By choosing the correct cleaning product to clean the barrel, you can effectively clean, disinfect and deodorize the barrel, without much effort. Does this Spark an idea?

Vinegar

Vinegar is a natural cleaning solution that will clean and disinfect these large barrels, without harming outdoor soil or any items that you store inside the barrel. Fill the container halfway, add 2 gallons of apple cider vinegar, and stir the solution to break up any residue or dirt buildup. Use a sponge or cloth to scrub the upper half of the barrel, let the solution sit in the container for a few hours, then dump the solution, rinse with a hose, and allow the barrel too air dry.

Borax

Borax will remove mold and mildew from plastic barrels. Borax is good for barrels that previously stored liquids that caused mildew to develop. Fill the barrel halfway with water, pour in 5 cups of borax and 1 gallon of apple cider vinegar, then stir. Use a sponge or scrub brush to wash the upper half of the barrel, let the solution stand for a few hours, then dump. Rinse with a hose to remove any excess buildup, and air dry the barrel.

Dish Detergent

Liquid dish detergent works well in removing greasy residue, and is harmless to ground soil. Pour 1/2 cup of liquid dish detergent into the bottom of the barrel, then use a hose to fill the container halfway with water. Use a brush or cloth to scrub the upper half of the container, let the solution stand for a few hours, then dump. Rinse the barrel to remove any residue, leave it to dry.

Baking Soda

Baking soda works to deodorize surfaces, making this the perfect solution for plastic barrels that have an unpleasant odor. Pour 5 cups of baking soda into the bottom of the barrel, then use a hose to fill the barrel halfway with water. Add an optional 1 gallon of apple cider vinegar to disinfect the barrel. Scrub the upper half of the barrel with a brush or sponge, and let the solution sit for a few hours. Dump the solution, then rinse with a hose to remove any residue. Let air dry.

Tags: upper half, apple cider, apple cider vinegar, bottom barrel, cider vinegar

Garden Irrigation Methods

Plants Need Water to Live

It is essential that plants receive adequate water during all phases of their growth and blooming cycles. For some plants, watering every day or so just isn't enough, but for all plants, getting the right amount of water and in the right process can make the difference between success and failure of a crop or garden. Many gardeners choose to streamline the watering process and make it more efficient by installing an irrigation system. Depending on the water source, type of climate and type of plants being cared for, one of several systems should work for you. Does this Spark an idea?

Planning the Garden Appropriately for Your Climate

All gardens need water, but depending on the climate and what kind of plants you intend to water, the delivery system can be changed to accommodate several factors. In areas that are very hot and dry, or where water supplies may be limited, planning your garden with drought tolerant plants might help to keep your garden healthy over the long summers. Planting native plants is always a safe bet for ensuring the health and vitality of a garden. This allows the gardener to irrigate regularly without having to fight the elements quite as much as trying to deliver the amounts of water required for water-hungry plants that are planted in a desert.

Assessing the Water Supply

An irrigation system is only as good as its water source. If you are using rain barrels for your irrigation, be sure you have enough barrels to supply your garden with ample water or a back-up means of distributing water during dry seasons. the simplest way to design an irrigation system is to hook it up to an existing outside plumbed spigot or faucet. Many homeowners use this method of watering because of its convenience.

If you don't have an outdoor faucet already installed you can either hire a plumber or install one yourself, but be sure to use materials that are recommended for your living conditions and climate, such as appropriate fittings or insulation for cold weather situations. Some homeowners choose to hook up their irrigation systems to old well pumps that exist on their property after they have hooked up to city-supplied water systems. If you choose to do this, you may want to have a professional come out and check the pump to be sure it is ready to handle the water flow, especially if it has been sitting for a while, unused.

Drip Irrigation or Sprinklers

Drip irrigation systems are systems that pump water slowly through plastic tubing or hoses with tiny holes running through them, allowing the water to trickle out of them at these various points. There are also systems that incorporate sweating hoses that allow water to seep out and gently water the ground around them. These types of systems deliver water directly to the roots, where it is needed most and prevent the leaves from getting overly moist, which is very beneficial to plants such as squash, melons and cucumbers which are prone to debilitating mildew. These systems also have a convenience factor because they can be used at any time of the day and can be used even when the gardener is in the garden working.

Sprinkler systems run the water through garden hoses or permanent pipes into sprinkler heads, shooting it out into the air to allow it to gently fall on the plants. This is a simple to set up and can be a very inexpensive system to install. Portable sprinkler heads cost an average of five to twenty dollars and depending on the length of the garden hose, it will only cost a few dollars as well. These portable systems are very convenient for spot watering and can be utilized in several parts of a yard with the convenience of flexibility. Place the sprinkler in the middle of your garden, turn on the hose and let it run for 30 minutes a day. An added bonus for a sprinkler system is the entertainment factor for children on a hot summer day--simply set it up in a sunny part of the yard, and let the children run and jump through it. Try that with a drip irrigation system! The downside to sprinklers is that they tend to waste a lot of water through evaporation in the air before they even get to the plants, and when it sits on the leaves. Some water can be absorbed through plants leaves, but it does the most good when it is taken in by the roots.

Irrigation can also be done by digging trenches around each plant or row and filling them with water. In some sandy areas, this trenching system doesn't work well because the water drains off too fast to be useful and doesn't make it to the root system. This does work well in other soils, though and delivers the water to the deep roots where it is most effective. Trenches must be dug within 12 to 18 inches of the plants, though, for them to be effective.

Tags: irrigation system, your garden, garden with, irrigation systems, process make

Kill Mosquitoes In Standing Water

Summer time and relaxing evenings spent in the backyard listening to the sounds of nature seem to go hand in hand. Unfortunately so does the droning buzz of the mosquito. No amount of slapping, whacking, or zapping seems to control the onslaught of these bloodsucking little creatures. You need to hit them where it hurts and kill them off before they have time to breed.

Instructions

1. Practice good preventive measures by eliminating any areas of standing water that aren't necessary in your yard. Check for buckets, plant pots, forgotten soda bottles or any other container that may have filled from rain and discard the water.

2. Check inside tires of children's toys, old wagons or any other object that has a cavity that may hold water and provide a breeding ground for mosquitoes.

3. Remove all debris from the edges of your property. Even an old plastic bag can work as a reservoir for water and create an area for mosquitoes to breed.

4. Clean swimming pools and wading pools to prevent mosquitoes from breeding in them. Purchase a cover for children's wading pools and cover them when not in use.

5. Add fish to your pond or aquatic pools. Gold fish and minnows will do a nice job of eating mosquito larvae, but Gambusia affinis, commonly called the mosquito fish, will do even better. If provided with adequate plants for the young to hide in, mosquito fish will reproduce quickly, providing you with a host of fish to take care of your mosquito larvae.

6. Drop mosquito dunks containing Bacillus thuringiensis into the breeding area. These dunks will last up to 30 days and are safe for animals and children. They can even be used in watering troughs and water bowls. It may take up to 2 weeks before you see results, as these dunks target the larvae and prevent the larvae from hatching, interrupting the breeding cycle.

7. Use mosquito bits for immediate results. These work quickly, but their residual effects only last for 48 hours. They are a good choice for severe mosquito infestations and are best when used in conjunction with mosquito dunks.

Tags: fish will, mosquito dunks, mosquito fish, mosquito fish will, mosquito larvae

Build A Grease Trap For A House

Clogged drains are a common home kitchen problem. Grease and food debris stick together as the water cools father down the drain, forming clumps that often need chemical or mechanical dissolution. Simply preventing these grease clogs from occurring can be much cheaper than repairing the damage after the fact. By converting a 55-galllon plastic water barrel, you can easily build a grease trap for a house. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Draw a straight line all the way around the drum six inches from the top. Cut the top off of the barrel with the hand saw, carefully following the drawn line. Set the removed top aside. This portion will serve as the removable lid, allowing easy access for cleaning.

2. Measure the outside diameter of your sink's outtake pipe at the point where you are going to install the trap. Draw circles as wide as the pipe on two opposite sides (east and west) of the barrel, 6 inches from the open rim of the drum. Then cut around the outside of the outlines with the razor pen - the holes left in the barrel should be just slightly larger than the pipe.

3. Measure both the height and width of the inside of the barrel. Cut the plastic sheet to the barrel's inside width, and a height six inches shorter than the barrel. Position the sheet in the barrel so that it hangs straight down the middle of the space between the intake and outtake holes and the top edge is flush with the rim of the barrel. Seal its side edges to the inner sides of the barrel with plumbing sealant.

4. Set the barrel in its install point, as close to the sink as possible. Reroute the pipe from the sink to the intake (west) side and from the soil line to the outtake (east) side and insert the pipes into the holes in the trap. Use plumbing sealant to seal any open space between the holes and the pipes.

5. Attach an elbow joint to the end of outtake pipe inside the trap, with the opening of the joint facing the bottom of the barrel. Add a 6-inch length of pipe to open end of the joint. Place the top onto the barrel and close.

Tags: barrel with, inches from, outtake pipe, plumbing sealant, sheet barrel

Measure Algae Growth

Excessive algae growth is detrimental to water health.

Algae is common in aquatic environments. It grows and reproduces in the photic zones of ponds and lakes. This zone is the upper part of a body of water where sunlight penetrates. Algae growth, or bloom, is accelerated by human activities. Too much phosphorus and nitrogen entering waterways causes excessive algae growth. This affects a lake's water clarity, or the amount of particles in the water. It is an indicator of ecosystem health. It is important to monitor algae growth to ensure that lakes and ponds remain healthy.

Instructions

1. Label opaque and brown water sample bottles using permanent ink with the lake name and the date. Place the sample bottles in plastic bags and place in a clean cooler for the trip.

2. Attach a Secchi disk to a measured line marked off in meters (subdivided into tenths of a meter). This is a weighted circular disk 20 centimeters in diameter with four alternating black and white sections painted on its surface.

3. Lower the disk into the water until you can't see it.

4. Raise the disk until it reappears. The water level where the disk vanishes and reappears is the Secchi disk reading. Record the data on a field sheet

5. Wash your hands with lake water before collecting water samples for chlorophyll a testing. Use the opaque water sample bottles. Remove the bottle cap and rinse the cap and bottle. Do not touch the inner surface or mouth of the bottle to avoid contamination.

6. Invert the bottle and submerge it to a depth of six inches. Angle the mouth of the bottle toward the surface of the water, scooping it full of water. Place the cap on the bottle, making sure it is secure. Use permanent ink to label the bottles with the sample depth.

7. Place the sample bottles in a dark cooler. Record the location where the sample was taken on a sampling form. Sign and date the form.

8. Pack the cooler with ice. Place the sample form in a sealed zip-close plastic bag and tape it to the underside of the cooler lid. Secure the cooler with strapping tape; affix a shipping label and ship to a lab within 48 hours.

9. Follow the above procedures when collecting water samples for phosphorus testing. Use the brown water sample bottles.

Tags: sample bottles, algae growth, Place sample, water sample, water sample bottles

Leaking Roof Tiles

Clay roof tiles hook over a wooden ridge or batten to hang in place.

A leaky roof is not something a homeowner wants to find. It causes major damage if not corrected, and can be expensive to repair. If you have spotted a small leak in the roof, then you have probably caught it in time. Small leaks are normally caused by minimal damage such as a single tile, and you might be able to avoid major repairs by fixing the problem yourself. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Look in the attic or roof crawl space area to locate the leaky area. Note about where on the roof this would be.

2. Climb on the roof to find the tiles that are an issue. Go to the general area where you know the leak is and look for missing, broken, chipped or cracked tiles. Also look for tiles that might have shifted slightly out of place.

If they are asphalt tiles, straighten them up and staple into place with roofing staples. You will need to lift the tiles above slightly so that you can reattach them at the top edge of the tile. For clay-type tiles, just push them back into position. They are hooked over ridge that keeps them from sliding down.

3. Seal split or cracked asphalt tiles if you don't want to pull them off and replace them. Use roofing cement for these quick repairs. Clay tiles with cracks will need to be replaced.

4. Pull up asphalt shingle tiles to replace. Rock the tiles back and forth to loosen the staples. Slip new shingles in place, making sure to align them the same as the old ones. Lift the shingles above the ones you just put in place and staple the top of the new shingles to attach them to the roof.

5. Remove broken and cracked clay roof tiles. You might need to push up on the tile to release it from the ridging it is hooked onto. Lift the tile above it slightly so that you can get the tile out. Slip a new tile in its place by lifting the one above, and sliding the top of the tile in under it. Lay the tile down and pull down on the tile to hook it onto the ridging. There are notches in the tile that will rest on the ridging.

Tags: above slightly, above slightly that, asphalt tiles, slightly that, tiles that

Directions For Making Rain Chains

Rain chain by Contraption

Rain chains, or kusari doi, have been used in Japan for hundreds of years to direct and collect water runoff. Rain chains are installed in place of downspouts, contributing both beauty and functionality. Aesthetically, rain chains are appreciated for their sight and their sound as water trickles and flows to the ground. Does this Spark an idea?

Rain Chain Basics

Rain chains hang from the gutter to the ground. Measure this distance so that your chain will be the appropriate length. To attach your rain chain, remove the downspout. If the hole for the downspout is large, you may need to purchase an installation kit, which comes with a reducer to direct the water to the rain chain.

Hang your chain by placing it on a straight piece of metal that spans the downspout hole, or purchase a gutter strap or rain chain hanger. Anchoring the chain to the ground will help the water flow in the direction you desire.

Simple Options for Rain Chains

Any weather-durable item that can be joined with like items can be used to make a rain chain. Examples include shower curtain rings and book rings. One simple option is to buy a length of chain, which are sold at home improvement stores by the foot in a variety of sizes and colors. If a smaller chain size appeals to you, consider hanging two or three together to form your rain chain. Even old bike chains can be re-purposed as rain chains.

Making a Copper Rain Chain

Traditional rain chains are made of copper. To make one at home, you need 6 gauge copper electric wire or 1/4-inch copper tubing. Wrap the tubing tightly around a length of 3-inch PVC pipe or an aerosol can. Cut through the tubing to make rings. Join the rings into either a double or single chain. Solder the rings together or wrap them with thin copper wire at the joints. If you don't like the natural patina that develops as copper ages, coat your chain with shellac to keep it shiny.

Rain Chain Base

A finished look at the base of your rain chain is both practical and pretty. Something as simple as a grouping of medium-sized rocks helps direct the water and prevent erosion. A more elaborate rock garden adds flair .

Traditionally, rain chains are used to help collect water. This could be as complex as feeding water into an underground collection tank, or as simple as finding an appealing basin, pot or barrel that can hold water for use in your garden or flower bed. You could use a outdoor fountain as a catch basin, or add a fountain pump to a barrel or pot. If the collection container is liable to overflow, be certain to tilt it away from the foundation of your home.

Tags: your rain chain, your chain, your rain, collect water, direct water

Plant Flowers In Wine Barrels

Pansies add bright color to a wine barrel.

Wooden wine barrels, sometimes referred to as half barrels, provide a decorative planter for your summer flowers. Wine barrels give you a large planting space, allowing you to grow more than one variety of flower in the container. Use the barrels as accent plantings in your landscaping or set them on patios, walkways or driveways to add some color and greenery to these areas. There are special considerations when planting wine barrels because of their size and the porosity of the wood. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Flip the wine barrel upside down and inspect it for drainage holes--all planters require at least one hole to prevent excess water in the soil. Drill four three-quarter-inch holes in the of the barrel if there are no pre-drilled holes, spacing them apart evenly.

2. Set the barrel in the area you wish to display it, as it is difficult to move the heavy barrel after planting. Choose an area that receives the amount of sunlight recommended for your chosen plants. Many flowers require six hours of direct sun daily.

3. Place filler material into the bottom of the barrel if it is more than 12 inches deep, as flowers rarely require more than 12 inches of soil to thrive. Use foam packing pellets, crushed cans or plastic bottles to fill in the excess space. Filler lightens the planter and allows you to use less soil.

4. Combine one part peat moss, one part coarse sand and one part compost. Mix in a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate recommended on the label. Place this potting mixture into the barrel, filling it to within 2 inches of the rim.

5. Plant the flower seedlings or transplants into the container, setting them at the same depth they were growing at in their nursery pots. Space the seedlings at half the recommended spacing distance on the plant label. Set taller growing plants near the center of the barrel and place lower-growing or trailing plants near the edge of the barrel.

6. Water the soil from the top until it begins to drain out the bottom of the barrel. Check soil moisture daily and water when the top inch of soil just begins to feel dry. Barrels dry out quickly as the water evaporates through the porous wood. Water barrels daily or twice daily during hot weather.

Tags: more than, bottom barrel, more than inches, plants near, than inches

Make Rain Barrels

Capture rainwater in a rain barrel for later use.

The purpose of a rain barrel is to capture rainfall runoff to use for irrigation. The ideal place for a rain barrel is under the rain gutter downspout from the roof. When making a homemade rain barrel, use a food grade container, around 55 gallons in size. Before making the rain barrel, prepare its site by leveling the ground, allowing a very slight slope away from the building, so that any water overflow from the barrel runs away from the building. Add several inches of gravel to the area and arrange bricks on the gravel, on which to set the finished rain barrel. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Remove the barrel lid and clean the container thoroughly using soap and hot water. Rinse the soap completely.

2. Drill a hole, using the 15/16-inch drill bit on one side of the barrel. Position the hole about 7 inches from the bottom of the barrel.

3. Screw the spigot into the hole, about half way.

4. Cover the exposed threads of the spigot with the PVC cement.

5. Screw the spigot completely into the hole. Use a spigot with a slant head.

6. Drill a second hole in the side of the barrel for water overflow. Position this hole above your desired water level for a full barrel of water. When selecting the location for this hole, consider what direction you want the water to flow.

7. Attach the second spigot to the second hole, using the same instructions from Steps 3 to 5.

8. Place a sheet of mesh screen over the top of the barrel. It should be larger than the diameter of the barrel, extending about 7 inches over the rim, around the entire diameter. The screen is necessary to filter out debris coming into the barrel.

9. Cut a large hole in the middle of the lid. The type of cutting tool used depends on the material of the lid. This hole is where the water pours into the barrel from the rain gutter.

10. Screw the lid back onto the top of the barrel, with the mesh screen locked between the lid rim and the barrel. Set the barrel on the prepared site.

Tags: rain barrel, about inches, away from, away from building, barrel water, from building, hole about

Homemade Rainbarrels

Rain barrels are an easy and eco-friendly way to save water for use in your garden.

Rain barrels are a simple and eco-friendly way to collect and save water for use in your home gardens. Making a rain barrel is easy, so why pay $80 or more when you can customize your own barrel for a fraction of the cost? Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

Modifying Your Barrel

1. Obtain a barrel. You can spend about $50 on a new one; but industries, warehouses, recyclers and even your neighbors may be throwing away a barrel, so ask around before settling on a new one.

Make sure that your barrel is large (55 gallons or more), made of wood, metal or, preferably, plastic, and that it has never held any type of toxin or chemical. And, of course, check that your barrel is well-sealed, as it will be holding water.

2. Find a location for your barrel just under your house's downspout. If the downspout is too long, you will have to trim it to the appropriate length with metal shears.

3. Cut a hole in the top center of your barrel using the keyhole saw. The water from the downspout will fall through this into the barrel, so make it about 6 inches in diameter. If you're working with a 55-gallon plastic drum, cut the hole between the two small spouts that are on the drum top.

To make things easier and more accurate, be sure to outline the hole before cutting.

4. Drill a 1-inch hole near the base of your barrel. Outline the hole before drilling it to make the process easier.

Attaching the Hose and Screen

5. Acquire a garden hose with valve, adapter and washer. Pick up these items at a local hardware or garden store.

6. Attach hose valve, adapter and washer to the barrel at the 1-inch hole near the base. Place the adapter and washer on the inside of the barrel and position the valve on the outside; screw them together. A helper could simplify this procedure.

7. Attach the garden hose to the hose valve. Be sure that your hose is long enough to reach the areas and gardens you will want to water.

8. Place a screen or filter on the top of your barrel. You can purchase a screen or filter or use something as simple as an old window screen. Just be sure that the screen is large enough to cover the hole at the top of your barrel.

The screen will keep leaves, insects and other creatures out of your collected water. Take care to clean off the screen regularly.

9. Place your barrel under the downspout and wait for rain!

Tags: your barrel, your barrel, adapter washer, sure that, that your, 1-inch hole

Compare Solar Water Pumps

Solar power is soaring in popularity.

Solar pumps are popular because they are affordable and allow water to be accessed where there isn't access to electricity. A common application in the United States is supplying water to livestock in remote pastures. They use solar panels that absorb sunlight and convert it to energy. The panel you choose will depend upon the pump you've selected, but 75 watt panels are most commonly used for a pump application and are capable of pumping 75 gallons of water per hour. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Determine how much water you need to pump. According to Oasis Montana Inc., one person requires about 75 gallons of water a day for eating, drinking and bathing. One hundred head of cattle consume in the range of 2,000 gallons per day.

2. Look at the distance you will need to pump the water--for instance, how far the source is from the application and how deep beneath the ground your source lies. This is known as the total dynamic head and is measured in either feet or meters, or in psi, according to Oasis Montana. Most well pumps work best if the water's surface level is no deeper than 10 feet below ground.

3. Decide on the type of pump. Positive displacement pumps, which are usually placed into the water, and centrifugal pumps, which pull water up and into itself, are the two main types. The type you need depends on your application, but typically centrifugal pumps are more common for regular use, providing high flow rates (good pressure) at lesser depths. According to the USDA Agriculture Research Center, positive displacement pumps are good for pumping water at greater depths, but at the expense of high water pressure.

4. Consider the amount of total sunlight your area receives in a year. Areas of the Northwest and Northeast receive an average of four hours of sunlight a day, according to Free Sun Power, while areas in the South receive up to seven hours a day. If you live in the North, a backup battery may be necessary to run your solar pump.

Tags: centrifugal pumps, displacement pumps, gallons water, need pump, Oasis Montana, pumps which

Facts On Save Water

Population growth stretches finite water supplies.

Saving water is a key component to becoming a more environmentally conscious consumer, as rapidly increasing populations and regional climate issues stress finite water resources. In the West and Southwest, for example, consumers contend with limited ground and surface water and quality issues, while in the Pacific Northwest, residents face changes in winter and spring snow levels along with increased use of hydropower for electricity. It's easy to incorporate even just a few water-saving techniques into your household routine, saving hundreds of gallons and perhaps a little money on your water bill. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

Home

1. Turn off the tap when you brush your teeth or shave.

2. Take short showers instead of baths.

3. Install water-saving accessories in your bathroom, such as low-flow shower heads and low-flow or dual-flush toilets. You can also fill a plastic bottle or bag with water and some gravel or other heavy items and put it in your toilet tank. This displaces and reduces the water used per flush.

4. Repair leaks in faucets, toilets and other plumbing. According to California-based Mono Lake Committee, this can save up to 600 gallons monthly.

5. Replace older water-consuming appliances, such as the dishwasher or washing machine, with those that are more efficient. Look for appliances tagged with the Energy Star label, which are vetted to the U.S. government's standards of efficiency.

6. Scrape, rather than rinse, dishes before putting them in your dishwasher.

7. Run the dishwasher or washing machine only with full loads.

Garden

8. Make sure your sprinklers are aimed only at what needs to be watered, such as your lawn and garden, rather than the sidewalk and driveway.

9. Try soaker hoses or drip irrigation systems for your plants.

10. Look into rain garden techniques, which collect and filter rainwater and runoff that come into your garden naturally. You can then reuse this water source.

11. Consider rain barrels, which collect and store rain water that you can later use to water your garden.

12. Water during the coolest part of the day, such as the early morning.

Tags: dishwasher washing, dishwasher washing machine, finite water, into your, rather than, washing machine, which collect

Ideas For Rain Barrels

Ideas for Rain Barrels

Collecting rain as an additional source of water is a centuries-old practice. While catching rain in a rain barrel in the wet months of the year was once a necessity, it is now a green alternative to watering plants, washing the car and saving on the city water bill. The average runoff from a 1,000-square-foot sloped roof that gets one inch of rain is approximately 500 to 600 gallons of water, enough to fill several rain barrels. All it takes is a roof, a gutter and downspout, rain and the rain barrel to get started. Does this Spark an idea?

Wooden Barrels

Old-fashioned wooden whiskey barrels make charming rain barrels. Re-purpose an old one for collecting rain. There are few manufacturers of whiskey barrels. You can buy one, but they are expensive, starting at around $250 for a 50-gallon barrel. With the right plans, you can make your own; however, compare the cost of materials and sealants against buying one already made. Wooden barrels will leak faster than plastic ones.

Plastic Barrels

Sturdy, heavy-duty plastic-rain barrels are less expensive than wood barrels and readily available at local home improvement or rural feed stores. Common sizes are 55- to 85-gallon drums, with or without spigots attached. Also, check with your local municipality to find out if they are giving away or offering rebates on the purchase of a rain-barrel system. Recycled plastic barrels are an option, provided they haven't been used for chemical or petroleum products. A beverage manufacturer or bottling company may have excess barrels they want to get rid of.

Getting Water In

A sealed-top rain barrel system is best and prevents mosquitoes from breeding. Otherwise, use a screen on top of the barrel to keep insects and debris out of the water. To get the rain to flow into the barrel, adjust the length of your down spout to flow into the barrel. If the barrel can't sit flush against the spout, cut into it to redirect the water flow. A flexible plastic hose can add length and adaptability to the spout.

Getting Water Out

The rain barrel has to be elevated and a spigot for releasing the water needs to be at the bottom. Placing cement blocks under barrel will give it height and support its weight. Gravity will then work its magic and the water will flow from the spigot or into an attached hose. You can also chain several rain barrels together this way if where you need to use the water is far away from the rain source.

Make it Pretty

Though practical and conservation-minded, sometimes a rain barrel may not be as attractive as the rest of the house. Some useful disguises such as hiding it behind tall plants or placing it in the garage can help with appearances. Build a wooden fence around it or make a lattice-work box to go over it. Wooden or plastic barrels can be painted the same color as your house to blend in, or paint it with whimsical designs or stencils to stand out.

Tags: rain barrel, rain barrels, barrels they, flow into, flow into barrel, Getting Water, Ideas Rain

Install Rain Barrels

Install Rain Barrels

Properly installed rain barrels save water and money, and help your garden grow. Typically, rain barrels are made from recycled 55-gallon barrels. The top and bottom have fitted spigots. Inside the barrel you will find a screen fitted over an aluminum louver. Rain barrels come with five-foot hoses with shutoff fittings. Vessels are filled using the hose on the rain barrel, and the water is used to water the garden. In order to install a rain barrel, your home must have gutters and a downspout. If your home is lacking these, you must install them first. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Connect the rain barrel's universal downspout adapter to the gutter's downspout tube.

2. Make a rain barrel stand about six inches tall and level. Use cinder blocks or some other hard surface. Rain barrels are heavy when full and can fall over if their base is not level.

3. Mark the downspout tube at the appropriate height and cut it with a hacksaw. Make sure to leave six extra inches so the tube has room to fit down inside the barrel.

4. Slide the rain barrel up into the downspout. Use a pair of pliers to crimp the edges of the downspout if it doesn't fit easily into the barrel opening.

5. Direct the overflow hose toward the lawn or a landscaping area so runoff can occur harmlessly, if necessary.

Tags: rain barrel, downspout tube, Install Rain Barrels, rain barrels, your home

Two Wheel Garden Cart Diy

Gardener with Wheelbarrow

The wheelbarrow has been a gardening staple for centuries. Variations on the theme of one wheel, two handles and two legs have been around since at least the middle ages. Gardeners and landscapers have wrestled with these unwieldy beasts just because they have always been the traditional method for carrying tools, dirt and plants. Enter the two-wheeled cart. Does this Spark an idea?

Comparison

The traditional wheelbarrow does have its merits. The one-wheeled design makes it quite maneuverable when you have to get between garden rows or around trees and other obstructions. However, the balancing act required can be difficult to master. Even experienced gardeners dump their wheelbarrows at times if they don't pay attention. A cart with two wheels provides an extra level of stability for hauling heavy supplies or piles of compost. It can be dragged behind you via a tractor if you add a tow bar, making your job a little easier on the back. The boxy design can also mean carrying a larger payload.

Build Your Own

One thing about garden tools is that they don't have to be pretty. The two-wheel cart you build yourself can be as quick and dirty or aesthetically pleasing as you like. You will need either wood (two-by-twos work well) or PVC pipe to make a frame for the box. Plywood is a popular and inexpensive choice for the sides and bottom of the box. Bicycle or lawnmower wheels can be used depending on availability and your terrain. If your yard or garden area has lots of bumps and things to roll over, you may choose to go with bicycle wheels. The axle for either type of wheel can be as simple as using the axle or bolt that they originally turned on. To support the bottom frame, use two or four lengths of 1-by-1-inch angle iron, about 36 inches long. Drill a hole in the middle of the outer pieces to attach the axles. To brace the handles to the legs, use 1-inch strap iron. Detailed plans can be purchased or found online. Gardening is rewarding work, but it is work. A two-wheel cart can help make it a little easier.

Tags: handles legs, little easier, that they, they have, two-wheel cart

Store Rainwater

Store Rainwater

Harvesting rainwater is becoming popular due to water shortages in certain parts of the country. Rainwater is most often harvested for non-potable uses such a flushing toilets, washing clothes, watering lawns and gardens, washing vehicles and general household cleaning. Rainwater can be stored in any type of barrel or tank for non-potable uses. For drinking water (potable uses), storage containers and liners must satisfy public health and EPA standards. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Determine what the rainwater will be used for. For watering the lawn and garden or washing vehicles, rain barrels placed under the downspouts of your house are what you need. The water can be stored in the barrels until used. If you intend to use it in the house for washing cloths, flushing toilets and bathing, you need a more elaborate system. The rainwater should be channeled to one downspout that drains into a larger tank which is connected to the plumbing of the house. The rainwater is stored in the tank until used.

2. Determine the location of the tank in regards to the house and your needs. The tank can be above ground or below ground, depending on your preference and budget. Dirt and debris should be filtered away before the water gets to the tank. You can periodically test the water for bacteria or other pollutants that would make it unsafe for drinking.

3. Make sure the materials in the harvesting system do not contaminate the water with harmful substances. For example, an older roof might have been built with asbestos materials and the flashing could contain lead. As the water runs across these areas, it could pick up these harmful materials and be contaminated when it reaches the barrel or tank.

4. Ensure the materials and coating used to build the storage tank have been tested to ensure they do not release anything harmful into water being stored if you intend to use harvested rainwater for drinking. The manufacturer should provide this type of information.

Tags: barrel tank, flushing toilets, have been, non-potable uses, Store Rainwater, until used, washing vehicles

Train A Thoroughbred Horse For Flat Racing

Horses seem to love nothing more than to feel the wind in their hair as they run through the pastures. Thoroughbreds in particular are made for running, since their strong, sleek bodies have the ability to propel them forward at remarkable speeds. Of course a lot of effort goes into training a Thoroughbred horse for flat racing, which is the kind of racing that involves a full-speed run on a flat surface with no obstacles to overcome. Typically, this is the most popular kind of racing since it is the most advertised and many people bet on the outcomes. Though it seems like a relatively straightforward practice, training a thoroughbred for flat racing can be daunting if you don't know a few basic tips.

Instructions

1. Allow your young Thoroughbred to run free in any safe location as much as possible. This will allow him to develop a sense of his own natural ability, and will give him more confidence when you begin to train him.

2. Ride your Thoroughbred for a minimum of 3 miles, but only about every 3 days. A young race horse must slowly build up the muscle, tone and control to exert the huge amount of effort that flat racing requires. A good session of building up the muscle should be followed by an appropriate period of rest.

3. Invest in equine massage. Massage will help your Thoroughbred develop his muscles in a more evenly distributed and healthy manner. It also helps increase the circulation, which is extremely helpful in reducing any inflammation of the ankle, which is extremely common in horses during this stage of training.

4. Increase the distance you ride your Thoroughbred in steady increments. Be sure the horse can handle the increase in distance before forcing it on him. The key is slow, deliberate building of muscle and body control.

5. Introduce your horse to the race track once he is at least 32 months old, and is ready to begin speed training.

6. Train your Thoroughbred to run at full speed for short bursts. As he improves in speed, he will also improve in endurance and distance.

7. Allow the horse's true speed to evolve and blossom over time. Pushing the horse to train to speed under duress or violence will not only sour the horse to racing, but it may cause serious behavioral flaws as well.

Tags: your Thoroughbred, flat racing, building muscle, kind racing, which extremely

Buy Oak Barrels

There is a surprising amount of variety when it comes to oak barrels. There are different sizes, capacities, and looks. There are barrels sold expressly for use in making your own wine, hard cider, and other fermented beverages, and there are barrels sold for display only. There are barrels that are cut in half for planters, and those with shelves inserted for wine bottles. In short, there isn't much you could think to do with an oak barrel that someone else hasn't already found a use for and put on the market. Good news for you when you want one!

Instructions

Online Buying

1. Search for oak barrels on the Internet, specifying the use (e.g., "oak barrel for wine rack"), and price barrels from different sites. As of December 2009, the price points are around $30 for a 1 liter barrel up to $100 and more for 20 liter barrels. One company sells a barrel wine rack for $799! If you're looking for a barrel to use for fermentation, oaksbarerelsltd.com has a fine selection that is reasonably priced.

2. Use instructions on the site to place your order once you've found the barrel you're looking for. Many barrel sites are independent retailers and accept credit cards and PayPal.

3. You may want to research used or "green" barrels. Many discarded barrels from wineries and vineyards are available online. Be sure to contact the seller and find the out the condition of the barrel before you buy. If you want to cut it in half to make a display piece, it may be the perfect option. If you want to use it to make your own wine, it's important to know what was in it before you take ownership.

Buying in Person

4. Do research online first to find the prices for barrels with the capacity you're looking for.

5. Visit or call a winery or vineyard, and ask the proprietor about their sources for barrels; they may be able to point you to a good supplier that can beat the prices of online vendors, particularly if you will be buying in bulk.

6. Buy from a winery or vineyard itself. Most buy barrels in bulk for a discount, and they may have a few extra on hand they're willing to sell you. If you want to stay "green," ask for used barrels.

Tags: barrel wine, barrel wine rack, barrels from, barrels sold, There barrels

Convert A Whiskey Barrel To A Rain Barrel

Whether you're watering a garden or washing a car, using a rain barrel will save money on your water bill and help the environment at the same time. This fairly simple conversion has the added benefit of recycling the used whiskey barrel so that it doesn't end up in a landfill. According to Better Homes and Gardens, if your roof is 500 square feet and you collect the runoff from 1 inch of rainfall, you'll have 300 gallons of water to use in your garden. Since a whiskey barrel will hold 50 gallons or so, you may want to eventually connect multiple barrels, but a single barrel will give you a great start. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Measure the size and shape of your filter basket and mark cut lines on the top of the barrel. Filter baskets are available at many hardware stores and online at rain barrel supply stores.

2. Cut a hole in the top of the barrel to snugly fit your filter basket. Sand any rough edges, then insert the filter.

3. Determine the desired height of your water flow spigot (keeping in mind plans to elevate the barrel, height of your favorite watering can, etc.) and drill a 15/16-inch hole.

4. Thread a washer onto the spigot and screw it into the drilled hole. Use caulk to help create a tight seal. Tighten with pliers.

5. Cut a 15/16-inch hole near the top of the barrel at least 2 to 3 inches from the bottom of your filter screen. This overflow valve can be anywhere around the barrel. Use it to direct water overflow into a nearby water garden, a second rain barrel, or just away from the house foundation.

6. Add a washer to the 3/4-inch valve and screw into the hole tightly, using caulk to ensure a secure fit. Tighten with pliers.

7. Determine the height of your barrel, including any platform you plan to use, and the height of your drainpipe diverter, and cut the existing drainpipe at that point.

8. Install the drainpipe diverter (installation instructions will be included with your specific model) and place the barrel underneath the newly diverted flow.

Tags: height your, barrel will, rain barrel, your filter, 16-inch hole, drainpipe diverter

Rain Barrel Information

Through the centuries, people have often collected rain water using a variety of vessels--bowls, tubs and barrels, just to name a few. Rain barrels in the past couple of centuries were often made of recycled whiskey casks. Now rain barrels are more frequently made of heavy duty plastic, although you can still find wood rain barrels. However, plastic barrels have a big advantage over wood ones--they do not rot. Does this Spark an idea?

Size

If you don't need a large barrel, you can buy small rain barrels that hold about 55 gallons of water. Most sold for residential use hold between 50 and 100 gallons. You can, however, find extra large rain barrels that can hold a few hundred gallons of water.

Features

Whether made of wood or plastic, most rain barrels have an opening at the top, allowing rain to enter, and a spigot at the bottom. You can usually (especially with modern rain barrels) attach a hose to this spigot to divert water to your lawn or garden. Many modern barrels have two spigots--one at the bottom and one at the top.

Some barrels come with a screen or filter to keep insects and debris out of the barrel. Many have an overflow mechanism and attachments--usually sold separately--that allow you to connect several barrels together.

Benefits

Use water collected in rain barrels for watering your lawn and garden or for washing your car. This can reduce your water bill and help conserve water. In many cases, pure rain water--as it has none of the chemical additives used for purification in treated water--may be better for your lawn and garden.

Price

As of August 2009, 55-gallon plastic rain barrels ranged from around $100 to $200. Price will vary according to where you buy the barrel, the size and special features.

Although these are not cheap, a rain barrel should save you money through time--by saving you money on your water bill.

Warning

Unfiltered and untreated rain water from a rain barrel, although fine for watering the lawn and garden, is rarely suitable for drinking.

Keep the lid securely in place at all times to prevent pets or kids from climbing inside (and accidentally drowning). Most, but not all, modern barrels are built to prevent such accidents.

Tags: rain barrels, lawn garden, barrels have, rain barrels, your lawn

Make Scotch Whiskey At Home

Whiskey is an alcohol distilled by fermenting grain mashes. Barley is the grain primarily used in the creation of whiskey, especially Scotch whisky. In order to be dubbed "whiskey," the alcohol must be fermented in a wooden cask, usually oak, for a minimum of three years. Any less than three years and the beverage cannot be called whiskey. In order to be classified as Scotch whisky, the cask-contained alcohol must remain on Scottish ground for the durations of those three years. To make Scotch whisky, you will have to move to Scotland and remain there for three years, or you can simply make your own non-Scotch whiskey. Add this to my Recipe Box.

Instructions

Getting Started

1. Turn your barely into malt. You must transform your barley into malt in order to make whiskey. You can do this by spreading the barley out into the metal cake pans and covering them in water. You may use the spoon to stir the barley once or twice a day for even malting.

2. Allow the barley to soak in the water until it begins to produce sprouts, and then drain off the water. The germination of the barley grains should take a week to three weeks. Dry out the barley and remove the sprouts. Place the dried barley in a pepper mill, and grind into a powder.

3. Place the newly ground powder, also called grist, into the still container. Boil five gallons of water, and pour into the still while stirring. Allow the mixture to cool, and then add one cup of brewer's yeast, unless directed otherwise by the yeast packaging.

4. Close off the still, and assemble the attachments according to the enclosed directions. The alcohol will rise into the attachments connected to the barrel while the water will remain in the barrel. This is how the whiskey is distilled.

5. Remove the alcohol from the still when the process is complete, and place in the oak barrel. Age the whiskey inside the barrel for a minimum of three years. The aging time and type of wood used for the barrel are only two of many factors that will affect the taste of the final product.

Tags: three years, Scotch whisky, alcohol must, barley into, into malt

Convert Cubic Feet To Gallons

Convert Cubic Feet to Gallons

Knowing the formula for converting cubic feet to gallons can be useful, whether you're adding a small water feature to your yard or calculating the water bill for a new above-ground swimming pool. All it takes is an understanding of some simple rules and procedures.

Instructions

1. Learn the basic formula for a cube: Cubic footage equals length times width times height, or CF = L * W * H. The CF equals cubic feet, L equals length, W equals width and H equals height. The * sign means to multiply.

2. Calculate the example of a rectangular cube that is 10 feet long, 10 feet wide and 5 feet deep or high. This could be a small swimming pool. Using the above formula, it would read as CF = 10 * 10 * 5, which is equal to 500 cubic feet.

3. Find the cubic footage of a round pool or shape. The formula for the area of a circle--the first measurement we must figure out--is as follows: Area is equal to Pi (3.1416) times the radius squared. Radius squared is a simple calculation in which the diameter of the circle is divided by 2 and then multiplied by itself. The actual formula looks like this:

A = 3.1416 * R2

A is equal to area, 3.1416 is Pi (a constant), R is equal to radius (or half the diameter) and 2 means to square the number.

4. Calculate the example of a round pool that is 20 feet in diameter and 5 feet deep. Using the formula A = 3.1416 * R2, it would look like this:

A = 3.1416 * (10) 2

The 10 comes from taking half the diameter of the pool (20 feet). Ten feet squared is equal to 100 square feet. Then multiply Pi or 3.1416 by 100 to get 314.16 square feet. Multiply 314.16 square feet times the 5-foot depth to get the cubic footage. The answer is 1570.8 cubic feet.

5. Convert cubic footage into gallons. The formula for conversion into gallons teaches that 7.48 gallons is equal to 1 cubic foot. In the case of the rectangular pool, multiply 500 cubic feet times 7.48, which equals 3,740 gallons. The round pool will hold a lot more than that: when you multiply 1570.8 cubic feet times 7.48, you get 11,749.5 gallons.

Tags: cubic feet, cubic footage, feet times, round pool, square feet, 1570 cubic

Make A Three Tier Fountain

Terra-cotta fountain

Decorative three tier fountains are focal points in any landscape. Make a three tier fountain with a terra-cotta planter and staggered sizes of terra-cotta saucers. This fountain is simple to construct with limited building skills. Paint the terra-cotta or cover it with tile before you make the fountain for added color and design. Stand the three tier fountain in the center of the yard, on the patio or in a corner of the garden. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Cut a length of copper pipe the desired height of the three tier fountain. Drill a 3/4-inch hole 6 inches from one end of the pipe. This end of the pipe will stand inside the planter reservoir.

2. Place the 24-inch terra-cotta planter in the location for the fountain. Place the fountain pump inside the planter, off to one side. Thread the cord through the planter's drain opening. Seal around the cord with silicone.

3. Place two stacks of three to four bricks side by side in the center of the planter. Separate the bricks by 3/4 inch. Glue the bricks to the planter and to each other with waterproof construction adhesive.

4. Stand the copper pipe between the two brick stacks. Make sure that the drilled hole in the pipe is facing the pump, not the bricks. Glue the pipe to the brick. Allow the adhesive and the silicone to dry.

5. Cut three 6-inch strips of copper tubing. Wrap one strip around the copper pipe as a brace for the bottom tier of the fountain. Place the brace on the copper pipe between 4 and 8 inches above the rim of the planter. Solder the copper tubing to the copper pipe.

6. Drill 3/4-inch holes in the center of each terra-cotta saucer. Thread the 18-inch saucer over the copper pipe to the brace.

7. Wrap a second strip of copper tubing around the copper pipe as a brace for the middle tier of the fountain. Place the middle tier between 4 and 12 inches from the bottom tier. Solder the copper tubing to the copper pipe. Thread the 14-inch saucer over the pipe to the second brace.

8. Wrap the third strip of copper tubing around the copper pipe 6 inches from the top end of the pipe. Solder the tubing to the pipe. Thread the 10-inch saucer over the pipe to the top brace.

9. Run a bead of silicone sealant between the copper pipe and the drilled openings in each saucer. Allow the silicone to dry.

10. Cut a length of plastic tubing equal to the length of the copper pipe. Attach one end to the pump. Thread one end through the drilled hole in the copper pipe. Feed the tube as far as possible into the pipe.

11. Fill the planter and each of the saucers with water. Start the pump.

Tags: copper pipe, copper tubing, pipe brace, three tier, around copper, around copper pipe