Build A Garden Fountain With Whiskey Barrels

Garden fountains can add character to your outdoor space, especially if you build them with eclectic items. Add rustic charm to your garden with a fountain made from a whiskey barrel. Select full or half barrels for the project. Enhance the design of a whiskey barrel garden fountain by cycling the water through an old pump or water spigot that spills back into the barrel reservoir. You also can direct the water through stair-stepped bamboo stalks inside the barrel for a different appeal. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Cut a sheet of thick plastic pond liner to fit inside the half whiskey barrel. Line the barrel with the pond liner. Use waterproof construction adhesive or staples to attach the liner to the inside rim of the half whiskey barrel. The barrel is the reservoir for the garden fountain; the plastic liner makes it watertight.

2. Cut a 4-foot long section of copper pipe. The pipe is the conduit to direct the water from the whiskey barrel to the water faucet.

3. Measure the height of the half whiskey barrel. Measure the copper pipe from one end, equal to the height of the whiskey barrel plus 2 inches. Drill a 3/8 diameter hole through one side of the copper pipe at the measurement. The plastic tubing from the submersible fountain pump will fit through the hole and into the copper pipe.

4. Solder the copper fitting to the top end of the copper pipe using flux, solder and a propane torch. Solder the old water faucet to the copper fitting.

5. Place the whiskey barrel in the desired location for the garden fountain. Insert a 3-foot long section of #4 rebar 18 inches into the ground beside the whiskey barrel. Fit the open end of the copper pipe over the rebar. The water faucet should be facing directly above the whiskey barrel.

6. Position the submersible fountain pump inside the whiskey barrel on the side adjacent to the copper pipe. Measure the distance from the fountain pump to the water faucet. Cut a length of plastic tubing to fit the distance.

7. Attach the tube to the fountain pump spout. Feed the free end of the tube through the hole and up the copper pipe. When the pump is running, it will force water through the plastic tube, up through the pipe, out through the water faucet and back into the whiskey barrel. Fill the whiskey barrel with water.

Tags: whiskey barrel, copper pipe, water faucet, fountain pump, half whiskey, half whiskey barrel

Build An Oldfashioned Hand Water Pump

An early old-fashioned hand water pump.

A homemade water pump is a convenience. Building one is an interesting project to make with children to teach some basic ideas about physics, and the principles used in making a water pump can be applied to other science-based projects. You can make an old-fashioned water pump using everyday parts from hardware and home stores. A water pump can form a practical addition to your garden as well, reducing the necessity for filling and carrying buckets of water. Creating a manual water pump requires only an hour or two of your time. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Cut a 4-foot piece of PVC pipe with PVC cutters. Cut the remaining leftover piece of PVC pipe in half, creating two 2-foot lengths.

2. Fit your pipe against a piece of craft foam. Lay the foam down on something hard; put the circular end of a piece of pipe against it and then press down on the foam, as if pressing a cookie cutter into dough. Repeat three times.

3. Cut out the pieces of craft foam, cutting just slightly outside the circle you made. Your three circles should be about 3/4 of an inch around. These will form your gaskets.

4. Drill a hole exactly in the center of one flat end of the dowel rod. This rod will be the piston.

5. Apply the gaskets over the hole you made on the end of the dowel rod. Place the washer over them, centering it carefully. Insert the screw into the washer. Tighten it with the screwdriver to fasten the gaskets and the washer to the dowel rod.

6. Glue one piece of pipe to each side of the T-fitting, and wait until dry. Glue one check valve onto each pipe that is now attached to the T-fitting. Add a threaded hose fitting to the opening of each valve when it is dry. Ensure that the arrows on the check valves are both pointing in the same direction, showing the way the water will flow. Let dry thoroughly, or joints will be fragile.

7. Glue the 4-foot piece of PVC to the side opening on the T-fitting. After the glue dries, insert the gasket end of the dowel rod into the same pipe.

8. Pull the dowel rod to draw water in one direction into the pump, and push the dowel rod to force it out. This is the principle by which old-fashioned water pumps worked. Install your pump in your garden where you can both use it and enjoy its visual appeal.

Tags: piece pipe, water pump, water pump, 4-foot piece, craft foam, old-fashioned water

Store Water In Barrels Safely For Drinking

Storing safe drinking water for an emergency situation makes good sense.

Storing water is a proactive way to prepare for emergency situations. Water is the one necessity that people cannot live without for more than three or four days at most. In the case of contamination or some other disaster, having water on hand can make the difference between life and death. Storing water in barrels is a practical way to prepare for a future emergency. The suggested amount of water to keep in storage is two gallons per day per person (See Reference 1).

Instructions

1. Purchase and thoroughly clean an FDA approved water barrel. A 30 to 55-gallon barrel is best for the primary, stationary water source (See Reference 1). Provide smaller water containers for easy use and mobility; they can be filled from the primary water barrel. Rinse the barrel and smaller containers with bleach prior to usage. Dry them completely.

2. Place the empty barrel in a cool, dry location, and fill it with clean water. Keep the barrel away from sunlight and heat. Use water from a trusted public water source to fill the barrel. Limit human contact with the water while filling the barrel to minimize contamination. Screw the top onto the container tightly to keep out germs, bacteria and debris. Clean containers with bleach each time before refilling them with water.

3. Treat the water for storage purposes. Use a medicine dropper to add common household chlorine bleach to the water. Ensure that the bleach is 5.25% sodium hypochlorite that does not have soap or scent additives. Add a one-fourth-teaspoon of bleach per gallon. Stir the water, and check it 30 minutes later for a chlorine odor. If there is no chlorine odor, add the same amount again and check it in 15 minutes for a chlorine odor (See Reference 2).

4. Label the container with the date stored. For an improved taste after a long storage, pour the water into one clean container and then another, back and forth. For best quality, replace the water every six months. If you have any worries that the container may have been contaminated, clean the barrel again before refilling.

Tags: chlorine odor, before refilling, check minutes, containers with, containers with bleach, Storing water, water barrel

About Rain Barrels

About Rain Barrels

Rain barrels, or rainwater tanks, are used to collect and store rainwater. Homeowners can use smaller-scale tanks to store the rainwater that runs off the roof or out of rain gutters. The collected water can be used for a variety of things, and it helps homeowners preserve the water from the faucet. Does this Spark an idea?

Significance

Water is an essential resource that must be preserved. Rain barrels enable people to take advantage of the rain during the wet season. Collecting rainwater can be especially important if you live in a dry climate or if a drought occurs. If the world finds itself lacking quality drinking water, rainwater can be used for drinking purposes as long as it's filtered through reverse osmosis or ultrafiltration.

Function

The water that is collected in rain barrels can be used in a variety of ways. If you have a garden or landscaping in your yard, you can water crops and plants. When you wash your car, bike or boat outside, use the water from the rain barrels. Some types of barrels can be easily hooked up to a hose. When you use the rain water instead of what comes out of your faucet, you help recharge the groundwater, which in turn feeds local rivers.

Features

Rainwater tanks can be large plastic containers, oak barrels or stylish urns. Some are specifically designed to hook up to your rain gutters; others can be placed by the side of your home to catch the water running of the roof. Many also have a hose and shut-off valve attached to make its use more convenient. If you have children, you might want to consider buying one that has a child-resistant locking lid.

Size

The 65- to 80-gallon rain barrels are sufficient for homeowners looking to use the water for the garden and lawn. However, if you want to store water for a longer period, you will probably need a 150-gallon one. Medium-sized rain barrels are usually between 25 and 35 feet tall.

Benefits

Collecting rain enables you to store water temporarily, so you have water during a dry season or drought. Rain barrels can also help you save money when you water your landscaping or garden, because you don't have to use the water from your faucet. Storing rainwater is also beneficial for the environment, because you recharge groundwater and prevent rainwater runoff. This can cause contamination.

Tags: rain barrels, water from, About Rain, About Rain Barrels, during season

Make A Rain Barrel

A rain barrel at one time was a main source of water for the family home. Today, the same concept can be used for watering gardens, potted flowers or anywhere gray water can be used. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Purchase a plastic storage drum. These can be found at salvage or military surplus stores. Remove the lid and set aside. Drums sold without lids are generally several dollars less, and if you don’t plan to store the water, are a very good deal.

2. Build a screen frame. Start by attaching the 1 x 1 lumber together in a square shape. Lay out the square and attach using the drill and a screw for each corner.

3. Lay the frame over the window screen material. Pull up the sides and staple the screen onto the frame using the staple gun. Trim off any excess material using scissors or a razor knife.

4. Lay the frame over the opening of the rain barrel. This will keep leaves and other debris out of the water.

5. Place the rain barrel under a downspout of your house guttering system. If needed, use tin snips to cut the downspout to an appropriate length.

6. Allow the water to collect and use as needed.

Tags: rain barrel, frame over

Capture & Reuse Rainwater On My Property

Rain barrels are ideal for collecting free water for your yard and plants.

Conservation of natural resources, like water, on your property is not only the "green" thing to do in terms of the environment, but also a cost and labor saving strategy. Our ancestors did this regularly in the past. If you live in an area that has ample rainfall or snow fall, you can capture and use that free water in your lawn and garden. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Create rainwater capturing devices, starting with the roof of your house or outbuildings. Your roof and gutter system is a rain gathering device, obviously. Make sure your gutters are clean and properly installed to channel rainwater towards downspouts. Rather than allow rainwater to simply flow away from the house and into the street or storm sewers, collect the water in rain barrels. The downspout should feed directly into the rain barrel, and through a rain barrel cover. The rain barrel must be covered to prevent mosquito breeding. Purchase or create rain barrels that have a faucet outlet near the bottom of the barrel for easiest redistribution of the water. Rain barrels can be attached to drip irrigation lines, too.

2. Install a series of dry wells on your property. A dry well consists of an underground storage tank that collects runoff water from downspouts, french drains and sump pumps. Most dry wells today are made of plastic, but they can also be constructed using concrete. Old fashioned dry wells were made of masonry brick. Water collects in the well, then seeps out of small holes drilled into the side of the tank. The result is a more even, and slower, distribution of runoff that prevents puddles and lakes from forming in the yard. But dry wells can also be engineered to store water underground and deliver it to the surface using electric or manual pumps and siphons.

3. Devise smaller water collection centers in planting areas around your yard or garden. You can create miniature raised "water towers" near thirsty vegetables, for example, made of large tin cans or buckets. Mount the can on some sort of scaffold or a stake. Devise a funnel that fits into the top of the can, with the narrow part of the funnel facing down into the can, to restrict entry by mosquitoes. You can install drip lines leading from the cans to the root systems, or mount the cans on pivots so they can be easily tipped over, like a teapot, distributing water over plants.

4. Gravity and osmosis-fed glass or fired-clay water cups can be installed in container plants. Rain collects in the decorative cup, then travels down the stem and directly into the ground. The water is only dispersed when the earth around the stem is dry.

5. Set out small rain collecting containers near potted plant groups. A vintage china tea pot, with its lid removed, can be placed near potted plants on your deck or patio to collect rain water. The teapot or other decorative vessel will look like part of the potted plant vignette. You can accomplish the same effect with vintage or decorative watering cans. Make the cans "part of the scene." Pour the water that collects in the vessel over the plants during a dry interlude. This equipment will save you the steps and inconvenience of setting up a garden hose or watering can and dragging it from container to container.

Tags: rain barrel, water your, directly into, free water, free water your, near potted, over plants

Make A Drip System From A Barrel

Give new life to a rain barrel by converting it into a drip irrigation system.

Collecting rainwater in a barrel and installing a drip system to distribute the collected water is an efficient form of garden irrigation. With a barrel drip system, there is no need to purchase or maintain costly, underground watering systems. Collecting water in a barrel also eliminates or reduces the amount of well or city water needed to keep a garden thriving. Gardeners can position collection barrels as near as possible to the plants that require watering, avoiding the expense of long drip lines. It requires only a few hours and minimal maintenance to transform a barrel into a drip system. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

Preparing the Barrel

1. Select a barrel that can withstand constant water exposure, such as plastic. Scrub away all contaminants with a wire brush.

2. Attach a faucet if the barrel did not come with one. Lay the barrel on its side. Drill a hole near the bottom with a hole cutting attachment sized to your faucet. Thread the hole by screwing the threaded faucet bib into the hole. This requires firm pressure, but do not break the barrel or threads. Remove the faucet.

3. Run a thin line of caulk along the outside edge of the hole. Press the raised lip of a reducing washer against the barrel. Screw the faucet back in. Reach or crawl into the barrel to caulk and attach another reducing washer to the inside. Secure the faucet in place by using a wrench to tighten a locknut onto the faucet section inside the barrel.

4. Use a permanent marker to trace the open end of the rain barrel onto the wire mesh or chicken wire. Using a ruler or your hand-width, extend all ends of the circle roughly four inches. Cut the circle out with a wire cutter.

5. Measure and cut out a 4-inch wedge in one side of the mesh lid.

6. Wrap the mesh circle snugly over the open end of the barrel to prevent leaves and debris from entering the barrel and clogging the system.

Installing the Barrel

7. Shorten a downspout in the desired location for the barrel. Remove the lower elbow of the spout. Cut the attached spout at the desired length with a wire cutter. Reattach the lower elbow.

8. Elevate the barrel as much as possible beneath the shortened downspout. The higher the elevation, the more efficiently the system will run. A simple method of elevation is to center the barrel on cinder blocks positioned on a flat surface. Test for stability, bearing in mind that the barrel will be dangerously heavy when full.

9. Drill a hole two inches from the end of the downspout. Insert an eye bolt inside the spout, securing it with a nut tightened on the outside of the spout.

10. Hook a chain to the eye bolt and run it through the wedge in the mesh and into the rain barrel to serve as a track for water and increase collection efficiency.

Installing the Drip System

11. Connect one end of the drip irrigation system pump to the barrel spigot and the other end to the main tubing or a hose. Run the tubing to the location needing irrigation.

12. Cut the main tubing, slide on a connecting tee and reattach the main hose. Attach sub-hoses or soaker hoses to the end of the tee. Do this as often as required for your garden layout. If you are using soaker hoses, you are finished with the tubing and may cap the ends.

13. Attach emitters to the smaller hoses by puncturing the tubing with an awl or puncture tool. Insert the hooked end of an emitter into each hole.

14. Cap all open tubing ends. Fill the rain barrel halfway. Open the spigot and turn on the pump. Check for leaks.

Tags: rain barrel, with wire, Drill hole, drip irrigation, drip irrigation system, drip system, into drip

What Is The Easiest & Simplest Way To Plant A Rain Garden

A rain garden is an attractive and eco-friendly addition to the landscape.

A rain garden can be an easy garden project that beautifies your yard and helps the environment by filtering chemicals and pollutants from stormwater runoff. As the cost of dealing with stormwater increases, many cities and towns are encouraging homeowners to retain their stormwater runoff on their property in simple rain gardens. The construction of a rain garden can be accomplished by most homeowners with common garden tools and readily available garden plants. Does this Spark an idea?

Choosing the Proper Site

Dig a hole to test the drainage of your intended site.

A rain garden collecting roof runoff should be located about 10 feet from the house foundation and the downspout, on a flat or slightly sloping site; do not locate the rain garden in a wet area, over a septic field, over a well or near large trees.

Since good drainage is the most important factor in constructing a rain garden, conduct a simple drainage test at your site. Dig an 8-inch deep hole and fill it with water. Let the water drain out then refill it. If the refill water drains out within a few hours, your site is suitable for the rain garden.

Construction

River stone slows the water flowing into the rain garden.

According to the Fall, 2010 newsletter of the Native Plant Society of New Jersey, a rain garden of approximately 4 feet by 7 feet should be sufficient to collect the water from one roof downspout Mark out the garden on the ground with marking paint or a rope.

Slice off the sod with a shovel and dig the garden area down 6 to 9 inches, setting aside the soil. The bottom should be flat with sloping sides. Create a mound or berm on the back and sides with the extra soil, leaving an area open toward the downspout. The berm will help retain rainwater in the garden. Construct a low area in one part of the berm to allow for overflow in periods of high rain. Locate this overflow so it drains into an existing drainage area in your yard.

To prevent soil washout, place some flat stones or river rock where the water enters the garden from the downspout and where it leaves through the overflow. Dig a shallow trench or swale to direct water from the downspout to the garden and line it with river rock, stone or the sod removed from the garden area.

Planting

Cardinal flower can be used in a sun to part shade rain garden.

It is important to select plants that can tolerate both wet and dry conditions. Native plants are the best choice since they are adapted to your local environment, but non-native garden plants can also be used. Use a variety of shrubs and perennials of differing heights and colors to add variety. Also add perennials or grass to the berm to prevent it from washing out. After planting, mulch the garden with 2 to 3 inches of shredded hardwood mulch.

The following plants are suitable for a rain garden:

Perennials: cardinal flower (Lobelia cardinalis), turtlehead (Chelone glabra), blue flag iris (Iris versicolor), black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta), blazing star (Liatris spicata), swamp milkweed (Asclepias incarnata).

Grasses: sedges (Carex sp.), switchgrass (Panicum sp.).

Shrubs: inkberry (Ilex glabra), Virginia sweetspire (Itea virginica), fragrant sumac (Rhus aromatica), spicebush (Lindera benzoin).

Maintenance

Water your plants immediately after planting and every two to three days for the first season depending on rainfall and temperature. After they are established, water in times of drought and/or high temperatures as needed. Regular weeding, pruning and mulching will also be necessary.

Tags: rain garden, rain garden, garden area, from downspout, garden plants, river rock, stormwater runoff

Build A Rain Barrel

Photo by akeg/flikr

If you water your garden or lawn during the summer, a rain barrel is a great way to conserve water while keeping your lawn green. Building your own rain barrel is an easy, fast, and low-cost project that will save money on your water bill. One light rain shower can result in full rain barrels within minutes. You may even want to place a rain barrel (or two) under every downspout of your roof's gutter system. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Obtain a 55-gallon plastic food-grade drum, preferably never used. This is the best material for a rain barrel. If your drum has been used, clean and rinse it thoroughly. Never use a drum that has held toxic chemicals or petroleum products.

2. Use the skimmer basket (available at gardening or pool supply stores) to draw a circle on the top of the barrel. Draw another circle 1/2 inch smaller inside the first circle. Drill a hole in the center of the circles using the 1-inch drill bit. With a utility knife, expand the hole to the size of the smaller circle you've drawn. Place the basket in the hole you've cut and using a 1/8-inch drill bit, drill pilot holes through the rim of the basket and barrel. Attach the basket with small screws. Apply caulk along the rim of the basket to create a seal. Cut a square of window screening to cover the basket and attach with more small screws.

3. Drill a 1-inch hole in the side of the barrel 1 to 2 inches from the top and another hole 1 to 2 inches from the bottom. These are your top and bottom drains. Screw the plastic spigots into these holes, then remove them, wrap plumbing tape around the threads and reattach the spigots. Caulk along the seams where the spigots meet the barrel. The top spigot should be left in the open or "On" position to allow overflow water to drain out. Keep the bottom spigot in the "Closed" or "Off" position until it's ready to use. A garden hose can be attached to the bottom drain when you are ready to use the collected rain water.

4. Build a stable platform for your rain barrel with cinder blocks. Keep in mind that a full rain barrel will be very heavy. The barrel should sit at least 12 inches off the ground and should be placed under a downspout on your roof's gutter system to collect the optimal amount of rain water. You may need to adjust your downspout to direct water run-off into the skimmer basket. There should be at least 4 inches of space between the downspout and the barrel.

Tags: rain barrel, downspout your, downspout your roof, full rain, gutter system, inches from, least inches

Parts Required For A Rain Barrel

Your roof can be a funnel to collect rainwater.

There's no better water for your garden and landscape plants than rainwater. The problem is that Mother Nature tends to supply it on an irregular basis. Still, it's possible to use the roof and gutter system on your roof to funnel rainwater into a storage barrel so you can meter it out to your plants during periodic dry spells. Does this Spark an idea?

Location

Choose the location for your rain barrel carefully. You will want it to be fed by one of the largest expanses of roof on your home because the larger the roof, the more water it will collect. Choose a location where the presence of the barrel won't look out of place and is as close as practical to the garden or flower beds that will use the water.

Barrel

The larger the barrel, the more water you can store. Common sizes are 30- and 55-gallon. Steel, plastic and wooden barrels are available. You may be able to find used plastic or steel barrels, but you will likely have to purchase a wooden barrel.

Platform

The easiest way for you to deliver the water to your plants is to elevate the barrel high enough so that the water can gravity-flow from the barrel. A stout platform 2 feet high will do the trick for most homes. A full 55-gallon barrel will weigh more than 450 lbs. when full.

Connections

You will need to purchase fittings for your gutter down-spout pipe to channel the water into the top of the barrel. A garden hose shut-off valve will need to be plumbed into the bottom of the barrel so you can attach a hose to deliver the water where it's needed.

Tags: Choose location, deliver water, more water, roof funnel, water your, will need, your plants

Downspout Options

Many downspouts deposit water right next to the wall of a building.

Downspouts carry water accumulated in gutters on the roof of the home away from the foundation or septic tanks. While all downspout options perform the same basic duty, they vary greatly in style, aesthetic value and uses. Annual rainfall amounts will affect which downspout option works best for your home. Low annual rainfall works best with decorative or water-storing downspouts, while heavy rainfall may require sturdier materials. Does this Spark an idea?

Rain Barrel

A rain barrel is a large plastic container that fits onto an existing metal or plastic downspout and saves rainwater for use on a garden or lawn. Rain barrels prevent erosion around the downspout and water damage to the foundation of your home, as well as saving money by conserving water in the summer when your plants need it the most. Quality rain barrels feature screens or filters to trap leaves, insects and other debris that is washed off of your home's roof by the rain.

Corrugated Plastic Pipe

Directing water away from your home, especially in areas with heavy or regular rainfall, is best accomplished with corrugated plastic pipe, according to the North Carolina Cooperative Extension. Round and square plastic connectors make attaching these pipes to your existing downspout easy. Holes can be drilled into the piping to slowly release water as it is drained away from the home, or it can be left intact to flush rainwater into a pond or garden area that needs it.

Pressed Metal Downspout

Metal downspouts are the most common choice for both residential and commercial buildings, but they are not always the best choice. Open downspouts that are missing the front panel of metal avoid damage from ice freezing inside the tube, suggests the University of Minnesota Department of Environmental Health and Safety, and should be used in colder climates. However, this downspout option often dumps rainwater too close to the foundation of the building or allows erosion to occur.

Rain Chains

Constructed of metal links or cups, a rain chain draws rainwater down its length from the edge of a gutter without the need for an enclosed length of pipe like traditional downspouts use. Heavy rainfall may overwhelm some smaller rain chains and overflow the gutters, says the University of Arizona Cooperative Extension, but homeowners in dry climates may prefer the musical sound of water running down the chain to the sounds of a enclosed metal downspout. Decorative rain chains offer a visually pleasing alternative to plastic pipes and can be used to direct water to a rain barrel or cistern.

Tags: your home, away from, Cooperative Extension, downspout option, rain barrel, rain chains, works best

Convert Inches Of Rain To Gallons Of Water

An inch of rain can provide a large amount of water.

Rainfall is measured in inches, and a large storm may drop several inches of rain on an area. To convert inches of rainfall to gallons, it will be necessary to specify the area in which are making the measurement. This article will allow you to calculate the gallons of rainwater which accumulate as a result of an inch of rain falling on a square mile of area. This result can be extended to provide the number of gallons over any area and for any amount of rainfall.

Instructions

1. Calculate the number of square inches in a square mile by muliplying 5,280 feet per mile by 12 inches per foot. Multiply this result by itself, which yields an answer of 4,014,489,600 square inches per square mile.

2. Multiply the previous result by one inch of rainfall. The result is that one inch of rain yields 4,014,489,600 cubic inches of water per square mile.

3. Divide the result by 231 cubic inches per gallon, and obtain the result of 17,378,743 gallons per square mile for an inch of rainfall.

4. Calculate the rainfall over any area by multiplying the result in step three by the number of square miles.you are interested in.

5. Calculate the result of rainfall of greater than one inch by multiplying the previous result by the number of inches of rainfall received.

Tags: square mile, inch rain, cubic inches, inch rainfall, inches rainfall

Barrel Cactus Root Structure

Barrel cacti have adapted to survive with little available moisture.

The barrel cactus (Ferocactus spp.) is one of several plants associated with the Sonoran and Chihuahuan deserts. Like other desert plants, the barrel cactus is well-adapted to survive over extended periods with little available moisture. This adaptation to arid conditions is reflected in the root system of the barrel cactus. Does this Spark an idea?

General Structure

Barrel cacti, as well as most opuntoids and columnar cacti, have shallow, fibrous roots that radiate horizontally from the cactus in all directions. Roots are close to the surface so that cacti can absorb water from light rains that does not deeply penetrate the soil. Barrel cactus roots may be exposed after heavy rain.

Depth

Most roots within a barrel cactus' root system are located within the upper few inches of soil, but certain species may have roots that extend up to 2 feet deep. On rare occasion, barrel cacti have been observed having a slightly longer, central main root with lateral roots designed to anchor the cactus.

Response to Water

During periods when little or no water is available for the roots to uptake, the root system has few new lateral branches or new, whitish roots that perform most of the absorption and nearly all of the root system is covered by a periderm, or flaky bark. When water is applied to these roots, root buds inside the root expand quickly to form rain roots and old roots are rehydrated, greatly increasing the plant's ability to absorb water. When the amount of available water decreases again, rain roots wither and shed and main roots return to their low-conductance state.

Transplanting

When salvaging or transplanting a barrel cactus, proper treatment of the root system is key to ensuring cactus survival. Upon digging out, barrel cactus roots can be trimmed back to about 6 inches, depending upon cactus size, and damaged roots removed just above the injury. The trimmed roots should be treated with sulfur or left in the shade for a few weeks to callous over. New roots often grow underneath the plant or directly out of cut root tips. Barrel cacti should be stored for no more than six months before transplant in a final location. The cactus roots, once transplanted, will benefit from occasional irrigation until the plant becomes established. Water the plant thoroughly about two weeks after transplant and every three weeks or so after that for about a year.

Tags: barrel cactus, root system, Barrel cacti, cacti have, cactus roots

Recycle Wash Water

Reuse your bath water on your plants.

According to the UMass extension, wash water (also called gray water) can be leftover water from a bathtub, kitchen sink, bathroom sink, dishwasher, shower, or washing machine. Wash water can be collected and used to water indoor plants, outdoor gardens, and even entire lawns. This process allows homeowners to conserve water, and save money, although collecting the water can sometimes be considered a chore. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Plug or cover the drain in your bathtub before you turn the water on to take a bath or shower.

2. Set a bucket in the shower while you are waiting for the water to heat up and then remove it. Transfer this clean water to a watering can and use it to water your indoor plants.

3. Take your shower or bath as you normally would, but don't unplug the drain when you are finished. Step out, dry off, and get dressed. Come back to the water and carry it out to your outdoor plants using a bucket.

4. Use a dish pan to collect the dish water you use to wash your dishes. When you are done, you can carry the dish pan outside and pour it on the plants you need to water.

5. Set up a rain barrel outside. Pour any water that is leftover and not needed for the day in the rain barrel. Rain barrels have spouts that you can connect your garden hose to. Use this spout to release the wash water inside if you need to water a large area, such as your entire lawn.

Tags: indoor plants, need water, rain barrel, water your

Make Outdoor Water Features

Wishing well

Creating a water feature for your yard or garden is an easy craft project that you can complete quickly with the right tools and materials. You can make outdoor water features from flower pots, stones or with pond liners. You can also transform windmills or wishing wells into unique focal points for your landscape. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

Wishing Well

1. Purchase a medium-size wishing well from your local craft store or artisan. Find the remaining items at a landscape or discount supply store. The river rock should be small stones, as you will be gluing them to the outside of the wishing well.

2. Line the inside of the wishing well with pond liner, securing it to the sides of the well with a staple gun.

3. Place the wishing well on its side and apply a small amount of Liquid Nails or other waterproof adhesive to the surface of the side facing up. Press the river rock firmly into the adhesive until the side is covered. Let the adhesive dry before turning the wishing well over and covering the next side with river rock. Repeat this process until all four sides of your wishing well are covered.

4. Attach the hook to the inside of the wishing well halfway up the brace that connects the top to the base. Hang the ladle on the hook at an angle so that the water will run off it. Use the waterproof adhesive and a river rock to prop the ladle securely against the side of the wishing well brace. If your wishing well has a dowel across the middle, hang a decorative watering can or ladle from the dowel.

5. Cut the copper sheeting to fit the top of your wishing well. Nail the copper to the wood top.

6. Attach the pump to the brick with the rubber band. This will prevent the pump from moving around inside the well. Attach the plastic tubing to the pump and place the pump inside the wishing well. Run the plastic tubing up to the ladle as unobtrusively as possible. The water should flow from the tubing, over the ladle and back into the wishing well.

7. Fill your wishing well with water before you turn on the pump.

Outdoor Goldfish Pond

8. Dig a hole the size you would like for your goldfish pond to be. You don't need a large pond, a 2-foot-diameter space is sufficient for goldfish.

9. Line the hole with pond liner and surround it with large stones to hold the liner in place and to camouflage the perimeter.

10. Add water to the liner and you're ready for your goldfish.

Tags: wishing well, river rock, your wishing, your wishing well, inside wishing

Install A Flexible Downspout Extension

Keep rainwater away from the foundation of your home.

If you bought a flexible downspout extension chances are you're trying to redirect rainwater from making a puddle at the base of your foundation. With a flexible downspout extension you can redirect rainwater around bushes and cement to have it flow into your garden, to a flowerbed or just away from your house. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Find the end of the downspout extension that fits on the downspout. Most flexible downspout extensions have smooth ends on either side of the accordion-pleated center section. Hold the ends up to your downspout to see which end matches the downspout size.

2. Stretch out the downspout extension until it is fully extended. Unkink and straighten before installation to avoid breaking the extension or pulling it off the downspout.

3. Cut the end off the extension that will not be connecting to the downspout. Use utility scissors or a box cutter to cut along the line that's factory marked on the extension. Once the downspout extension is cut it is ready to connect.

4. Take the side that fits around the drainpipe and slip it around the drainpipe. It should slide right on. Bend the downspout extension where it hits the grass to flow into your garden or where ever you want. It should fit snugly, without any need to clip it on further.

Tags: downspout extension, around drainpipe, away from, downspout extension, downspout extension that, extension that

Working With Pvc Piping

PVC pipe provides a simple alternative to metal piping for plumbing and other uses.

Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) pipe was designed to simplify labor and to provide a more inexpensive method for establishing water and sewage plumbing at a premises. Although the pipe was designed for plumbing, it has found its way into the construction of outdoor lawn sheds, patio furniture frames and a host of other non-intended uses. With all of these things for which PVC pipe has found uses, all that is left for the user is to understand cut and to connect different-length pieces together for the job at hand. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Measure a section of PVC pipe to the needed length, plus an additional four inches. An extra two inches on each end of each pipe segment is necessary since the ends of the pipe must slide into the barrel or elbow (angle) connectors. Mark the cutting location with a permanent marker.

2. Cut the pipe with a hack saw at the mark. Saw until completely severed from the remaining pipe. Perform this step for all lengths of PVC pipe needed.

3. Slide the PVC pipe segments into the connectors as far as each will insert to test whether they all fit together as needed. If any length is a bit too long, trim off 1/4 inch at a time and reassemble. Continue until the entire assembly fits together as needed.

4. Disconnect one section of pipe from the connectors at a time and apply enough PVC connector cement to the two inches on the end of the pipe to be connected and also to the inside wall of the connector. Do the same for the other end of the pipe section and the connector on that end. Slide the pipe ends into the connectors and rotate any elbow connectors to their proper angles immediately before the cement begins to set. Perform this step for all remaining pipe ends and connectors.

5. Allow at least 8 to 10 hours for the cemented joints to set and to dry, longer if the cement packaging specifically states. If the cement was used on plumbing which will deliver drinking water, an additional 10 to 12 hours may be necessary, after which water should be run from faucets for at least a half hour before using any of the water for drinking. This will flush any toxic cement residue and other contaminants from the interior of the newly assembled pipe system.

Tags: into connectors, needed length, Perform this, Perform this step, pipe designed, pipe ends

Clean Rainwater Tanks

Rain barrels are a good way to collect run off water for use in gardening, pet care, cleaning and toilet flushing. The best way to keep a rainwater tank clean is to maintain the tank and keep it from getting dirty in the first place. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Avoid water contamination by placing a fence or other barrier around the tank to prevent human and animal contamination of the water. The harder it is to get near to the tank, the less chance anyone or anything will try.

2. Detach the down spout from the tank before the first rain of the season to prevent accumulated winter debris from getting into the tank. The first heavy rain of the season will push sticks, mud and rotten leaves off the roof and down the drain pipes. Detaching the spout in advance makes cleaning out the tank at this point unnecessary.

3. Consider adding half a cup of bleach to a full barrel or tank of rainwater to minimize odor and dissuade insect infestation. This small amount of bleach mixed with a full barrel of water will greatly improve the cleanliness of the water.

4. Utilize pre and post water filtration systems. Filtration kits can be purchased at home and garden stores nationwide and be fitted to your tank to improve the quality of the water, remove debris and clean the water of impurities. The pre-filtration system helps maintain a cleaner water tank.

5. Cover the tank with a mesh screen to prevent leaves and mosquitoes from entering the water. This is especially important for natural rain barrels that do not come with a air tight lid. Although the water may only be used for plant watering, it is important to avoid the buildup of mosquito larvae in any type of stagnant water.

6. Clean the tank thoroughly once a year, either just before winter storage or spring setup. Draining, scrubbing and disinfecting the tank provides a clean container to begin the new season's collection. Professional companies exist that provide annual tank cleaning systems. Cleaning kits can be purchased at large home supply stores.

7. Keep the rain barrel indoors during the winter. This will prevent the buildup of dirt and debris in the tank, avoid cracking of the plastic or warping of the wood and keep the barrel in a clean cool environment until its next use. Make sure the barrel is thoroughly drained and dry before storing.

Tags: from getting, full barrel, kits purchased, rain season

Make A Rain Barrel Out Of A Trash Can

A rain barrel can save a large sum of money each year off the cost of watering outdoor pets, gardens and trees. The Rain Barrel Manual notes that 600 gallos of water can be captured forevery inch of rain that falls in 1,000 square feet of catchment area. Your actual savings are dependent on the catchment area leading to the rain barrel and your cost per gallon of water. Rain is a renewable item that is useful in many applications in the correct quantities at the correct time. Making a rain barrel from a trash can is inexpensive, economical and a conservationist technology for water usage that you store up and use on demand by attaching a garden hose on the bottom. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Drill a hole with a 1-inch drill bit about two inches from the bottom of the trash can. A large outdoor trash can will hold more water and has thicker walls to hold the pressure of the water inside. This will be the area for the spigot. Drill a hole with a 1-inch drill bit about 1 inch below the rim of the trash can in any position around the edge. This will house the overflow assembly. Drill about 12 holes 1 inch in diameter in various positions in the lid. Use a pocketknife or utility knife to remove plastic burrs from around and inside of each hole.

2. Wrap Teflon tape at least three revolutions in a clockwise direction around the hose spigot threads. Insert the hose spigot into the bottom hole by hand making sure that the end the hose fits onto is pointing down towards the ground.

3. Apply silicone caulk liberally onto one side of the 1-inch rubber washer, insert it from the inside of the trash can so that it fits over the spigot on the inside and press it flat against the trash can. Screw a 1-inch plastic locknut over the washer and hand tighten. Hold the spigot straight with one adjustable wrench and turn the locknut with the second adjustable wrench until the locknut is completely tight.

4. Wrap Teflon tape at least three revolutions around the 3/4-inch overflow valve on the end opposite from where a garden hose connects. Always wrap Teflon tape in a clockwise direction so that it does not unwrap when screwing on fittings. Place the overflow valve into the top hole in the trash can.

5. Coat the second 1-inch rubber washer liberally on one side with silicone caulk. Insert on the inside of the trash can over the overflow valve, attach a 1-inch locknut and screw tightly together in the junction as in the bottom junction.

6. Apply silicone caulk liberally on both the inside and outside of the trash can on the spigot and overflow valve in all areas that touch the trash can.

7. Place the trash can lid with the opening down onto a sheet of mesh screen and trace the outline with a marker. Add 1 inch to the measurements all around and cut out with scissors. Set the screen on top of the trash can and bend the extra 1-inch screen down onto the trash can. Place the metal band with snap closure around the screen and snap closed. This type of metal band is available at packaging stores to seal metal and plastic drum lids.

Tags: overflow valve, rain barrel, silicone caulk, Teflon tape, 1-inch drill

Store A Water Barrel

Storage of water in water storage barrels is a matter of life and death during an emergency situation when municipal water supplies are interrupted. The barrels must be USDA-certified for water storage since certain plastics can leach chemicals into water over long-term storage. All water has a percentage of bacteria within it which may multiply over time, causing the water to become unfit for human consumption. Storage of water barrels requires a cool location as well as proper treatment of the water itself to prevent contamination. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Set each barrel on a wooden pallet in a cool, dark location where they are to be stored and sterilize each barrel in place by pouring boiling water--which has been at a hard boil for a minimum of 20 minutes--into the barrel, filling it half full. The water must have been boiled for at least 20 minutes. Add 1/4 cup of 35 percent strength food-grade hydrogen peroxide per gallon of this water. Place the lid on the top of the barrel to contain the steam and allow to sit for four to six hours.

2. Boil enough water to fill the remaining empty space in each barrel to within one inch from the top. Boil the water to a hard boil for a minimum of 20 minutes, just as you did with the first fill. Calculate the number of gallons of this second batch of water and add an additional 1/4 cup of 35 percent strength food-grade hydrogen peroxide per gallon.

3. Fill the remaining empty space of each barrel with the second batch of peroxide-treated boiling water.

4. Rinse each water barrel lid with full-strength, undiluted hydrogen peroxide to sanitize and then place the lids on the tops of the water barrels tightly. Allow the barrels to remain in their cool, dark resting places indefinitely.

Tags: each barrel, hydrogen peroxide, barrel with, boil minimum, cool dark, empty space, empty space each

About Decorative Gutter Chains

About Decorative Gutter Chains

Decorative gutter chains, or rain chains, are a whimsical way to add curb appeal to a home. Gutter chains are typically made from copper and provide a beautiful alternative to the traditional downspouts. The gutter chains attach to gutters and carry the water down the chain to the ground or a waiting receptacle. The melody created by the falling rain and the tinkling copper is a very pleasant addition to any home. Does this Spark an idea?

Function

Decorative gutter chains replace traditional metal downspouts as they transport the rainwater from the roof to the ground. Many people choose to collect the rain water in a receptacle at the end of the rain chain for household and landscaping uses. The gutter chain link design simply runs the water downward, while other, more decorative cup, flower or basin designs look whole, but have openings in the bottom so that the rain can flow to the ground.

Selection

Decorative gutter chains come in a variety of styles from a large, link type design to all shapes and sizes of cups, bells, flowers and birds. Copper is a popular choice of both color and material, but you will find decorative gutter chains made from other metals like brass, aluminum and iron. Prices vary by manufacturer, but the chain styles are usually sold by the foot while the more decorative styles are sold in standard 8 ½ feet lengths.

Installation

Installing your decorative gutter chains is a simple, straightforward process. They hang from the downspout hole using the gutter piece included with the chain. The purpose of a gutter chain is to carry the water to the ground, so you want your chain to come as close to the ground as possible. If you prefer to collect your rainwater, you may want your gutter chain to fall just inside of the collection receptacle. You can always remove links or cups from the decorative gutter chain if it is too long for your purposes.

Considerations

Selecting your particular style of decorative gutter chain may depend on the amount of rainfall you typically receive. Though all of the gutter chains are designed to handle the flow of rainwater, decorative cup designs actually focus the water into the cup beneath it, so that the flow of water is more concentrated than with the link design.

Benefits

Decorative gutter chains add curb appeal to your home with a touch of style to an otherwise dreary downspout. Functional beauty with the added impact of pleasant sounds during a rain storm will make you wish you had more downspouts to replace.

Tags: gutter chain, gutter chains, decorative gutter, gutter chains, About Decorative, About Decorative Gutter, carry water

Diy Roof Coating

Roof Coating Business Card

Covering a roof with a protective layer is a common procedure for some houses, mobile homes and recreational vehicles. Roof coating seals the roof and prevents any leaks, so it lowers your overall energy costs. Keeping a few things in mind can make this DIY project easier to accomplish. Does this Spark an idea?

Properly Prepare the Roof

Clean the roof thoroughly with a large broom to remove old leaves, branches and other debris. Use smaller wire brushes, a putty knife or sand paper to remove old roof coating. Make sure you do not leave any loose or flaking coating on the roof. Check the roof for any visible leaks. Look carefully around any seams, vents, or air conditioners. Get rid of any mildew buildup using a solution of water and chlorine. Use a pressure washer, if you have one and are sure there are no leaks, or use a garden hose to clean off the roof. Repair any holes or splits in the roof. Cover the usual leakage areas--such as roof seams, flashing, vents and other protrusions--with patching cement. Cover areas where water ponds or other problem parts with primer. Allow the roof to dry thoroughly.

Use the Best Roof Coating For Your Roof

Depending on your type of roof, find the best product for it. Elastomeric roof coatings are commonly used on metal, concrete, aged aluminum, brick, foam and flat & barrel cement tile. These are the most common roof types coated. Roof coating can be purchased at hardware stores in five-gallon containers at various prices. Check for warranty information or life of product. The typical gray and white coatings will reflect the sunlight, keeping the inside cooler in the summer. Find the correct type of roof coating for your specific roof. Read the label to make sure you get enough for two full coatings.

Apply Roof Coating Correctly

Plan your project ahead of time, making sure you have several hours of daylight and good weather. Study the directions on the roof coating container. Use a long-handled, soft roof rolling brush to apply a thin layer evenly on the roof in small sections. Start at one end of the roof and slowly work toward the other end, and make sure you have a way to get down there. Do not overcoat or undercoat any areas. Allow the coating to dry thoroughly (about four to six hours) and then apply a second coat.

Tags: make sure, roof coating, roof thoroughly, sure have, type roof

Extend A Downspout Under The Ground

Downspouts that drain too close to a house may cause the water to back up and fill crawlspaces and basements, or damage the external structure. Extending home downspouts under the ground enables the water to travel a sufficient distance from the house to reduce the risk of back up. With the pipe buried, the water discharges below the ground surface level and makes dispersal easier. Materials for extending the downspout are available at most home improvement or hardware stores. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Tie a length of string around the downspout and run it out approximately 8 feet away from the house and tie it to a wooden stake hammered into the ground. Place a line of spray paint under the string line on the ground. Remove the line and the string and set them aside.

2. Remove the sod in pieces and retain it for later use. Dig a trench with a shovel following the line of the spray paint. Make the trench 2 feet deep and 2 feet wide along the entire length.

3. Tie the string around the downspout again and place the stake at the far end of the trench. Tie the string to the top of the stake so it is a taught line. Measure the total length of the stretched string and lower the string on the stake 1 inch for every foot of string.

4. Dig the trench deeper beneath the string so there is 2 feet of clearance between the string and the bottom of the trench. This allows the pipe to slope downward as it moves away from the house and create the proper grade.

5. Unroll and spread landscaping fabric along the bottom of the trench. Use a utility knife to cut it to fit the trench width. Shovel crushed stone into the trench so there is a 2-inch layer covering the fabric. Level the stone with a metal rake and remove the stake and string from the trench.

6. Place a length of perforated pipe at the bottom of the trench on the stone base. Lay one end of the pipe just below the bottom of the downspout and the other at the opposite end of the trench. Insert a curved adapter into the end of the pipe under the downspout, and a mesh grate at the opposite end to keep things from entering the pipe from the yard.

7. Measure the length of additional downspout needed to reach the perforated pipe and cut a piece with a hacksaw. Add the new piece to the existing house downspout using an adapter and use a screwdriver to tighten the set screws that hold the two pieces together.

8. Fit the extended downspout onto the open end of the pipe adaptor and tighten the set screws to link all the pieces together securely. Check all connections to ensure they are tight.

9. Add additional crushed stone over the pipe and extending 2 inches above the pipe throughout the trench. Rake the stone smooth again and lay another layer of the fabric across the surface. Fill the trench with soil to its prior level and replace the sod.

Tags: bottom trench, from house, around downspout, away from, away from house, crushed stone

Make Jewelry Out Of A Spoon

Spoons can be made into jewelry.

Making jewelry out of spoons is a unique craft and a good way to recycle spoons that are no longer part of a set. Spoons can be used to make rings, bracelets earrings and pendants. Jewelry can be made with any metal spoons, but sterling silver and stainless steel spoons are the most popular since they are easier to find. Spoons can be found at flea markets, discount stores and estate sales, and even your own kitchen.

Instructions

1. Wrap a rubber band around the spoon just below the spoon bucket. Place the spoon in the vise, closing the vise around the rubber band. This will protect the spoon from being scratched or dented.

2. Saw the spoon bucket away from the spoon handle with the hack saw.

3. Smooth the rough edges on the spoon handle and spoon bucket using the emory paper or file.

4. To make a ring, wrap the spoon handle around the mandrel at the desired ring size. Use a rubber mallet, if needed. Remove the spoon handle from the mandrel, place the rubber band back on the spoon handle and place the ring back into the vise. Saw away the excess spoon handle with the hack saw. Smooth rough edges using the emory paper or file.

5. To make a cuff bracelet, place the spoon handle on a bracelet-sized mandrel. Use the rubber mallet to round the spoon handle around the mandrel to complete the shape.

6. To make a pendant, choose the beads, crystals and other decorative jewels you would like to use to decorate the spoon barrel. Drill a 1/8-inch hole in the spoon barrel 1/4 inch from the saw cut (the flat edge of the barrel). Apply instant adhesive to the decorative pieces and attach them to the spoon barrel in a pattern of your choice. Attach the bail to the spoon barrel by sliding the bail pointer through the hole in the spoon barrel and clamping the teeth to the other side of the barrel with flat-nosed pliers.

Tags: spoon handle, spoon barrel, rubber band, spoon bucket, around mandrel

Decorate Water Barrels

Water barrels are practical and economical, but they are not always visually pleasing. Painting nature's pictures on the sides of water barrels can turn them into pieces of art to dress up your yard. You can apply paint to any type of water barrel, whether it is made from resin, plastic or wood. You do not have to be an artist to transform one of these barrels. With some paints and stencils, anyone can do it. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

Lady Bug and Ivy Rain Barrel

1. Before painting the empty barrels, wash them off completely with dish detergent and water. If they are the older style made of wood, give them a light sanding with sandpaper--just enough so paint will easily adhere to them. Rinse well and let them dry completely before painting.

2. Next, choose the paint; make sure it is the correct type for the material that your water barrel is made of. Paints that adhere to resin are different from those used for wood. Use brown spray paint to cover the complete outside of the barrel. Give it a second coat once it has dried, to hit any thin or bare spots. Let this dry overnight in a garage or an area shielded from rain.

3. The next day, place a stencil of a large ivy vine on the bottom of barrel with masking tape to hold it into place. Spray paint this an evergreen color, moving the stencil each time so it will look as if the vine is crawling around the entire barrel and up towards the top rim. Continue coiling the ivy painting until the water barrel is covered with the green foliage. There should be brown showing through, but the majority of the barrel should be covered in the ivy vines.

4. Let the ivy dry for a few hours and then take a smaller stencil of one ivy leaf, about half the size of the ivy vine and randomly spray leaves of black all over the rain barrel. Spray the black leaves about six inches apart from each other. Let this dry for a few hours.

5. Next, paint lady bugs on your rain barrel. Use a paint brush and red paint to make ten to 12 large red circles or ovals randomly all over the barrel. The circles should be about the size of coffee can lids. When those are dry, go back and paint a little less than one quarter of each circle black, which will represent the lady bugs' heads. Paint four to six small black dots on the red to be the spots on the lady bugs. Finish them off with two black antennae each and four small quarter moon black shaped legs. It will be helpful if you print a picture of a lady bug from your computer and use this as a model.

Tags: lady bugs, water barrel, four small, paint make, them completely

Start A Beer Brewery Business

Making consistently good beer can be tricky.

Setting up breweries was one of the earliest activities of some of the original colonists, and drinking beer has consistently been a favorite pastime. It isn't hard to brew beer, but consistently making good beer can be tricky. Thus, it's not easy to start a brewery business, but it can be rewarding if you have the patience and the proper resources. Get it right, and not only will you have all the free beer you can drink, you could make a lot of money, too.

Instructions

1. Perfect the brew. A successful brewery business has to sell beer to stay alive, and that means having a good quality beer that stands out from the crowd. A quality beer doesn't have to be of a rare style or have some other sort of gimmick, but it has to be good. Perfecting the art of brewing, from gathering ingredients to serving up the finished product, is essential.

2. Line up financing. If you've got the passion and the skills to make great beer, the next thing you need to make it into a business is money. A home still simply isn't going to be able to handle the volume needed to generate any significant income. That means you need a warehouse and the expensive brewing systems, kegs, tubing and other equipment to fill it in addition to the cost of ingredients and bottling. Write a solid business plan and don't be afraid to show it to friends, family and private investors as well as banks and other professional lenders.

3. Learn the laws. Beer is a heavily taxed commodity, and the brewer bears much of the burden. State and local laws also govern where and by whom beer can be brewed and sold. It might be helpful to consult a local lawyer to find out what permits and licenses you need and for a survey of the legal landscape.

4. Package the beer. Once the large-scale brewing begins, it's important to start thinking about bottle and market your beer. Distinctive bottle shapes or colorful labels can catch people's eyes, but that can be expensive. You'll at least need a name (ideally, something informative and distinctive), a label design and a marketing angle. Bottling and labeling usually are handled by private specialty companies.

5. Get people to drink. From as early as possible in the process, put your beer in front of people and get them to drink it. Investors are much more likely to put their money behind something with quality they can taste, and a local bar is much more likely to devote one of their taps to your brew if they know it's a winner. Take your brew to parties and outdoor events. Set up booths at farmer's markets; give it away if you have to. There's no better way to get the word out about a new beer than to put it in people's mouths.

Tags: beer consistently, beer tricky, brewery business, good beer, good beer tricky, more likely

The Difference Between A Ruger Sp101 And A Gp100

A .357 Magnum cartridge, the round chambered in both guns

The Ruger GP100 and SP101 revolvers are both manufactured by US-based firearms manufacturer Sturm, Ruger & Company, Inc. Both are double-action, all-steel revolvers usually chambered in the venerable .357 Magnum cartridge. It is here, however, that the similarities end. The GP100 and SP101 have a number of differences, ranging from size and weight to intended use.

Size and Weight

In its heaviest configuration, the Ruger GP100 weighs in at 45 ounces. The Ruger SP101, on the other hand, weighs 28 ounces. Despite this weight difference, both guns are considered heavy for their class. The Ruger GP100 has an average overall length of 10 inches, while the Ruger SP101 has an average overall length of 7 inches. Because the GP100 is chambered to accommodate more firepower than the SP101, it is significantly wider than its smaller counterpart.

Intended Use

The Ruger GP100 was originally introduced to be a sturdier alternative to Ruger's previous "Six" line of revolvers. The GP100 is significantly overbuilt when compared to some of the other guns in its class. More recently, the GP100 has proven popular with handgun hunters and silhouette shooters. The Ruger SP101 was designed as a sturdy, easy-to-use compact revolver for self-defense and law-enforcement purposes. For this reason it is significantly smaller than the GP100, but is usually chambered for the same powerful .357 Magnum round.

Available Configurations

The GP100 is currently available with 3-inch, 4-inch and 6-inch barrels, with the 6-inch models being by far the most popular. It comes in both blue and stainless finishes. The 3-inch model is available only with fixed sights, while the 4-inch and 6-inch models are available with adjustable sights. The SP101 is available only in 2-inch or 3-inch barrel configurations, and only in a satin stainless finish. The SP101 also can be purchased with the option of a Crimson Trace Lasergrip instead of the rubber grip normally provided.

Capacity

The Ruger GP100 will hold 6 rounds of .357 Magnum or .38 Special, while the Ruger SP101 will only hold 5 rounds of the same cartridge. Both the Ruger GP100 and the Ruger SP101 are now available chambered in the new .327 Federal Magnum cartridge. This cartridge offers similar muzzle velocity to the .357 Magnum, but shoots a smaller bullet. This reduction in size means that it increases the capacity of a gun normally chambered for the .357 Magnum by one cartridge.

Tags: Ruger GP100, Magnum cartridge, Ruger SP101, 4-inch 6-inch, 6-inch models, available only

Homemade Grills From 55gallon Steel Barrels

Grill food on your very own homemade 55-gallon barrel grill.

A homemade grill is the perfect backyard accessory for summer, offering a whole range of tasty cuisine, with that smoky, tender flavor that only a barbecue grill can give. Using a 55-gallon steel barrel is a popular way to make a homemade grill, whole roaster or even smoker. When sourcing your 55-gallon steel barrel, make sure to find one that previously housed foodstuffs, rather than chemicals or oils to avoid hazardous materials contaminating your grill and your food. Add this to my Recipe Box.

Instructions

1. Cut the barrel lengthwise in half with the jigsaw. File along the cut edges with the metal file to dull any sharp points and jagged patches.

2. Fill the two halves with newspaper and kindling and light with the matches. This is to cure the drum and burn out any remnants of material previously stored inside.

3. Place one half of the drum atop the metal cart, open side up. The cart should be around the same length as the drum and around 35 to 40 inches high for easy cooking. Metal carts can be found at most home improvement stores and even at thrift stores. If you can't find a cart, a simple metal table can easily be constructed by bolting four metal legs onto a sturdy metal tray.

4. Drill four equally spaced holes through the barrel bottom and through the cart, then bolt the barrel down onto the cart. Drill four more small holes, this time on the bottom sides of the barrel, to aid ventilation of the grill fire.

5. Cut a metal grate with the jigsaw to fit inside the barrel, around two inches from the bottom. The coals will sit on top of the grate with the ventilation space underneath.

6. Space the angle brackets about five inches in from the sides of the barrel, so that their horizontal portion is facing inwards and is flush with the top of the barrel. Mark the screw holes with the black marker, then pre-drill the holes, before screwing them in place.

7. Space the metal hinges about eight inches in from the sides of the remaining half of the barrel, on the barrel edge. Mark the screw holes, drill the holes, then screw the hinges down. Mark the screw holes for the wood grip handle on the rounded top of the barrel half, pre-drill and screw down. This is the grill lid.

8. Line up the second half of the barrel, hinges attached, with the first half of the barrel, so that their edges touch, and the full barrel shape is reformed. Mark the screw holes for the other side of the hinges with the marker. Drill and screw in the hinges, so that the lid is attached and opens on the hinges.

9. Place the grill plate over the bottom portion of the barrel grill, resting on the horizontals of the angle brackets.

Tags: Mark screw, Mark screw holes, screw holes, half barrel, inches from, 55-gallon steel

Clean Steel Barrels

Rifle barrels need regular cleaning.

Rifles and firearms are liable to cost you anywhere from $100 to $1,000. To keep your firearms in tip-top shape, you must properly clean the steel barrels. According to custompistols.com, proper and regular cleaning will keep your firearm "at its peak accuracy potential." Cleaning the steel barrels in your guns will prevent rust, improve the weapon's overall safety and reduce recoil. Be sure to properly clean the barrel of your weapon after you use it.

Instructions

1. Push the rod through the barrel; according to potfire.com, this should be done in the same direction as the bullet travels.

2. Pour a small amount of mild bore solvent onto your bronze brush. Brush up and down the barrel several times, and then wait for a few minutes. Take a clean flannelette patch and dry the barrel.

3. Pour stronger bore solvent onto a flannelette patch. Pass the patch through the barrel several times and let the barrel sit for at least 10 minutes. Mop dry with a clean flannette patch.

4. Prevent rust by coating a clean flannette patch with gun oil. Pass the oil through the barrel. The next time you plan on shooting your rifle, use a clean flannette patch and remove the oil from the steel barrel.

Tags: clean flannette, clean flannette patch, flannette patch, through barrel, barrel several

Garden Club Program Ideas

Focus on flowers for your next garden club program.

Whether you enjoy digging and planting or just creating arrangements from cut flowers, the delicate petals and fragrant aromas of flowers may bring beauty to your day. When you’re brainstorming ideas for your next garden club program or event, consider flower power as your inspiration. No matter if your garden club meets once per week or only a few times a year, you can come up with fresh, blooming ideas for members of the club to enjoy. Does this Spark an idea?

State Pride

Let the focus of your next event be on your state’s officially designated flower. Many options are available when you make your state’s flower the centerpiece. Residents of an Ohio garden club, for example, have the scarlet carnation as their state flower. If scarlet carnations aren’t available, a few drops of red food coloring may be mixed with water and sprayed onto the flowers with a mister. After they dry, the garden club can offer these state-specific flowers at its next sale. Another idea is to feature the flower in other ways. Vermont, for example, lists the red clover as its state flower. Crafty and creative members of your club can produce handmade items for your next sale, such as hand-knit clovers, watercolor red clovers and even stationery and hand-lettered envelopes with red clovers.

Eco Conscious

The next time your garden club is called upon to make a presentation or conduct a program, consider providing information on how residents can not only keep their gardens green with plants, but environmentally-friendly green as well. Offer information about composting (suggest that members of the club who live close to each other go in on a composter together), stress the importance of not plucking wild flowers or plants, and demonstrate and discuss the different "green" chemicals available. Members of the club can weigh in on the different products they use in their gardens, such as bug sprays, sod, plant food and peat moss, explaining how each affects the environment.

Road Trip

Gardens around the country may serve as inspiration for your members’ own gardens when you take a road trip to visit other flowering areas. Whether you drive just a couple of minutes to a garden in your town or offer a road trip package to your club to view renowned gardens states away, your next garden club program will have you learning the history and culture of flowers, as well as admiring them. Longwood Gardens in Pennsylvania, for example, offers 1,500 acres of plants and flowers, with 20 indoor and outdoor gardens each, plus fountains, a conservatory, outdoor concerts and special events such as a touch and taste of lavender celebration.

Tags: your next, garden club, garden club, garden club program, next garden

Make A Wooden Rain Barrel

Recycled wooden rain barrels are inexpensive and easy to make.

Recycling is important, and homeowners are constantly seeking sustainable alternatives for their homes. Rain can be harvested with a wooden rain barrel, which collects the water for use in other areas of the home and garden. When it rains, the water is usually wasted, going into the storm drains. Building your own wooden rain barrel can help lower your utility bills by providing water for things such as washing your car, watering plants, etc. Wooden rain barrels are affordable (you can pick up a used barrel at a variety of places) and easy to build. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Cut a perfectly round 6-inch hole on the top of your wooden rain barrel, using a 6-inch hole saw, keyhole saw, saber saw or drywall saw. Then drill two holes in the barrel using the 29/32-inch drill bit. One near the top will be used as an overflow; the one toward the bottom is to place the faucet.

2. Twist a ¾-inch NPT pipe tap into the upper hole, then untwist the tap and back it out of the hole. Do the same for the lower hole.

3. Rinse out the wooden barrel using 2 tsp. of mild soap and 2 tsp. of vinegar (or lemon juice) per gallon of water.

4. A brass faucet will withstand years of sustained use.

Twist the threaded side of the hose adapter into the top 3/4-inch hole. Wrap the threaded side of the brass fauct with Teflon tape, with enough rotations to cover all the threads.Twist the prepared end of the faucet into the hole towards at the bottom of the barrel.

5. Cover the 6-inch hole in the top of the barrel with a 6-inch louvered screen, screen side down. This will help prevent mosquitoes from breeding in your rain barrel.

6. A hose adapter will direct the overflow away from your home.

Place a hose onto the adapter at the top of the barrel; this will direct the overflow water away from your home.

7. Put the cinder blocks under the gutter downspout and place the barrel on top of them. Then cut the downspout about 4 inches above the top of the wooden barrel before adding the elbow and making any final adjustments that are needed.

8. Place a hose on the faucet for redirecting the water to a watering can or other container.

Tags: 6-inch hole, barrel using, rain barrel, wooden rain, your wooden rain, away from

Calculate Tank Overflow Pipe Size

Know exactly how much fluid your water or fuel tank overflow pipe can carry before a malfunction occurs. The overflow pipe takes fluid out of the tank when the system backs up to prevent spillage out of the top or bottom of the tank onto the floor. The size of the overflow pipe is found by determining the volume of a cylinder, since pipes have a cylindrical shape. Measurements of the physical dimensions of the pipe allow calculation of volume.

Instructions

1. Measure the distance around the curved side of the pipe in inches. Be sure to measure along a straight path. This distance is the circumference. For this example, assume a circumference of 15.0 inches.

2. Measure the length of the pipe in inches. For example, the length might be 30.0 inches.

3. Dividing the circumference by 2 times the number pi arrives at the pipe radius. Radius measures the distance from the center of the circular end of the pipe to its side. Use 3.14 for pi. Completing this step leads to 15.0 inches divided by the product of 2 and 3.14, or 6.28, which equals 2.4 inches.

4. Multiply pi times the length times the square of the radius to get the volume of the pipe in cubic inches. Continuing the example, you have 3.14 times 15.0 inches times 2.4 inches times 2.4 inches, or a volume of 271.3 cubic inches.

5. Divide the volume in cubic inches by 231 to change to gallons, since a single gallon equals 231 cubic inches. Completing the example yields 271.3 cubic inches divided by 231 cubic inches per gallon, or 1.2 gallons.

Tags: cubic inches, times inches, inches divided, inches times, inches times inches, overflow pipe, pipe inches

Instructions For Building An Inexpensive Garden Cistern

Cisterns collect rain for your garden.

Cisterns are basically just very large rain barrels. They can be above or below ground, and provide a free, plentiful source of water for your gardens. They can also solve drainage problems if your downspouts create marshy areas in your yard. Simply direct the downspout into the cistern instead. While cisterns can be very high-tech and expensive, high-tech features aren't necessary. You can build an inexpensive cistern in your backyard with just a few supplies from the hardware store. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Choose an area for your cistern "downstream" from one of your home's downspouts. Track the water flow and pick an area that the water flows to naturally.

2. Dig a circular hole about 3 feet wide and 4 feet deep with a large shovel. Work slowly and tamp the shovel against the walls of the hole to keep them stable and solid.

3. Add about 6 inches each of small gravel and sand to the bottom of the cistern. This keeps holes from wearing in the bottom of the cistern and allows for drainage if holes do develop.

4. Curl a piece of mesh fencing into a 3-foot diameter cylinder and snip away the excess fencing with bull cutters. Press the edges of the fencing together and secure them with zip ties. Nip away the tails of all of the zip ties.

5. Slide the cylinder down into the cistern hole, pushing the bottom edge into the sand and gravel.

6. Line the hole with clean plastic pool liner. Push the liner all the way to the bottom of the hole, pressing it into the edges around the bottom. Tuck the top edges of the liner down behind the wire fencing.

7. Punch a bull's eye of holes into a new, clean plastic trashcan lid with an awl. Push the lid firmly over the cistern. The holes allow water to drain into the cistern, but prevent animals, insects and children from falling into it.

Tags: into cistern, bottom cistern, clean plastic

Make A Threebarrel Brewing System

Brew your own beer to enjoy a higher quality beer.

Beer has been brewed for thousands of years, and for much of that time, it was brewed at home. Brewing at home can be an interesting hobby or just a way to make custom beer for yourself, but in either case, you need the right equipment. Investing in beer-making equipment involves an initial cash outlay, but the more beer you make, the sooner you will recoup equipment investment costs. One method of brewing is the "three barrel" gravity-assisted method. Add this to my Recipe Box.

Instructions

1. Purchase three metal industrial shelving units with dimensions at least 2 feet deep by 2 feet wide and 5 feet high. One unit will need at least three adjustable shelves, one will need at least two adjustable shelves and the last unit will only require one adjustable shelf.

2. Assemble each shelving unit according to the manufacturer's instructions. The first unit should have a shelf at floor level, one about 2 1/2-feet high and one at 5 feet, the second unit should have a shelf at floor level and one at about 3 feet high and the third unit should have one shelf at about 1 foot high. Set the shelving units in a row from tallest to shortest.

3. Place a propane-powered cooker on the top shelf of each shelving unit, which will be used as your heat source at each step in the brewing process. Place a propane tank on each of the shelves at floor level and the shelf half way up the tallest shelf unit and connect each to the propane cookers.

4. Place empty kegs onto each of the three cookers. The topmost keg will be for heating your mash and sparge water, the second will be your mashing vessel and the third will be the brew kettle.

5. Install valves to the two topmost beer kegs, which will be used to stop and start the transfer of liquid from the first keg to the second, then from the second to the third. Onto the third keg, install a valve to transfer the wort to whatever type of fermenter you choose to use.

6. Slide piping or hose onto each of the valves on your two topmost kegs, long enough to reach the bottom of the next container in line. This is both to avoid splashing hot liquid and to prevent oxidation of the beer. Depending on what container you use for fermentation, you may need to install piping to the last valve as well.

Tags: floor level, have shelf, should have, should have shelf, unit should

Build A Water Tank

Your garden will benefit from water stored in a water tank.

Building a water tank is one of the easiest ways to save money and the environment and keep your garden watered. During months when lots of rain falls, the water tank fills up. Later, during the hottest summer months, you can use the water for your garden. Making a water tank requires only some netting and a barrel with a lid. The project takes less than an hour. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Place the barrel next to a downspout of your gutter. Although you can place the water tank anywhere, positioning it under a gutter means that it will fill up faster. Using the box cutter, cut the spout so that it ends about 6 inches above the barrel. Take the lid off the barrel and store for later.

2. Pull the netting tight over the barrel opening and staple it in place. Place the barrel under the downspout.

3. Check the barrel after heavy rain to see if it is nearly full. Clean the leaves off the netting and place these in your compost bin if you have one. When the barrel is full, place the lid on.

4. Fill your watering can from the barrel. If you have a barrel with a tap, you can draw the water without taking off the lid.

Tags: water tank, barrel with, Place barrel, your garden

Fix Floating Docks In Rockaway New Jersey

Floating docks sometimes need repairs.

Rockaway, New Jersey, is home to many lakes. Water-based recreation is a noted part of community life for homeowners, hospitality businesses, and marinas. Flexibility, durability and convenience on water surfaces make floating docks popular in the Rockaway area. Most dock styles are relatively easy to install and are built to last, but there is ample access to parts, materials and service suppliers in case the floating docks need repair. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Evaluate dock damage. Winter lake freeze, normal wear and tear, and boating accidents are all causes of damage to floating docks. Inspect your dock regularly for safety hazards and cosmetic scars. Flotation often erodes much faster than walking surface wear and tear. Be sure you check both topside and underside for possible repair needs.

2. Review repair options. Docks using traditional planking systems may only require replacement of surface planks and hardware. Newer systems using full length composite materials, however, may need to have a section or two replaced completely. In most cases, flotation can be replaced independently from surface components. Based on these assessments, decide if you will need help with the work, or if you can repair the dock yourself.

3. Choose an appropriate vendor. Some floating docks can only be repaired using parts from the original manufacturer. Some vendors specialize in aluminum planked docks, while others only service composite section or wooden products. If you have an older dock, research may be necessary to find exactly what you need, but most vendors will be able to help you find the right source for your repair.

Tags: floating docks, Rockaway Jersey, wear tear

Remove Rust From A Gun Barrel

Gun maintenance is essential for the firearm to operate at its optimal performance level. Rust and rust pits, if not removed, can build up and ruin the accuracy of the weapon or create hazards when firing. Properly cleaning your gun barrel-inside and out-periodically will help you avoid such problems. A rusty finish is also unsightly, and makes the weapon appear poorly maintained, and can ruin the overall value should you wish to trade or sell the weapon. Removing rust form the barrel of your firearm isn't difficult if you have an appropriate gun-cleaning kit.

Instructions

1. Unload your weapon completely. Remove the magazine if applicable, then visually inspect the chamber to ensure that no live ammo is present in the weapon.

2. Look down the bore to check for corrosion and rust pits. If the barrel has a lot of rust, remove the barrel completely, then spray the barrel-inside and out-with CLP. Place the barrel in a plastic bag to let the barrel soak. Let it soak for about a week to help loosen the rust.

3. Coat the metal brush tip of a bore plunger with a few drops of CLP, then plunge the barrel, from receiver end to muzzle, in and out for as long as it takes to remove any rust.

4. Replace the metal brush tip with a cloth-buffing tip on the bore plunger. Coat the tip with CLP, then plunge the bore again in the same manner as with the metal tip. This will remove any rust or debris loosened by the metal tip. Rinse the tip off and dry thoroughly, then reapply the CLP and plunge the bore until no residue remains on the brush tip.

5. Coat the outside of the barrel with CLP, and use a soft-texture steel wool pad to remove rusted areas along the length of the barrel. Note that you must use extremely light pressure when using steel wool to avoid scratching the finish. If you don't feel comfortable using steel wool, use a nylon bristle gun-cleaning brush. The brush can be used with hard pressure, though it will take longer to remove rust.

Tags: remove rust, steel wool, bore plunger, metal brush, plunge bore, rust pits

Make A Barrel Into A Lily Pond

Water lilies need sunshine to bloom.

Water features add interest to a back yard. They also take up space and can be a safety hazard if the pond is in the ground. A half barrel, available at nurseries and home improvement stores, is a safer alternative. Transforming the barrel into a lily pond takes a little planning but not a lot of work. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Put the half barrel where it will receive a minimum of six hours of sunlight. Water lilies require at least that amount of sunlight to bloom. They will grow and produce lily pads -- leaves -- with less light but will not bloom.

2. Put the liner in the barrel. The liner will ensure that the barrel is waterproof. Wood expands when wet, and eventually the barrel would become watertight without the liner. But the liner also prevents any contaminants from the wood in the barrel or the stays that hold the barrel in place from entering the water.

3. Lay gravel in bottom of barrel. Since the barrel is not very deep, it's easy to see the bottom. A layer of gravel makes the bottom more aesthetically pleasing. It also hides debris from the fish or plant matter.

4. Fill the lined barrel with water. Fill a bucket with water as well. Wait 24 hours for the chlorine to evaporate. City water is treated with chlorine to kill off bacteria. While the water lily would survive in plain tap water, the goldfish won't.

5. Choose pygmy water lilies to plant. Standard-sized lilies require the water to be at least 24 inches deep and preferably deeper. The pygmy lilies have slightly smaller leaves and flowers but will do better in shallower water.

6. Put the water lily in a planting basket filled with garden soil appropriate for a water garden. Potting soil is too light and bits and pieces will float to the top of the barrel, which is unattractive.

7. Place the planted basket in the bucket. Wait for it to stop bubbling. Remove and place in the barrel. It's easier to hold the basket underwater in a bucket than it is in the barrel. When the bubbling stops, that means the soil has absorbed all the water it can. The lily and basket won't float to the top.

8. Add fish. You won't need a filter for just a few fish. The fish eat any mosquito eggs. Add no more than four or five goldfish. They will continue to grow and get bigger.

Tags: water lily, half barrel, lilies require, They will, with water

Advantages & Disadvantages Of A Rain Water Harvesting Project

Landscape irrigation costs can be significantly reduced with a rainwater harvesting project.

Rainwater harvesting is a process dating back to ancient times. It uses building roofs and other man-made surfaces to catch and redirect water into a holding container. The water can be used for irrigation or consumption for both animals and people. Today, the "back-to-the-land" and green movements have brought back rainwater harvesting and it is becoming more popular than ever. Modern designs of rainwater harvesting projects usually utilize gutters on houses to move water into cisterns. Water is filtered and then used as water in home or gardens. Does this Spark an idea?

Advantage: Low Maintenance

One reason people of both developing and developed countries seek out rainwater harvesting systems is the relatively small amount of maintenance required to obtain free water for drinking and household use. Annual gutter, down-pipe and tank cleaning is needed. This is usually limited to removing leaves, dirt and other debris before the major rainfall season. Filters need to be inspected every three months or so and the tanks should be monitored for cracks. These low-cost tasks are simple to do for the average person with minimal skills.

Disadvantage: Unpredicatable Rainfall

Rainfall is often hard to predict and usually comes and goes. This is the main downfall of rainwater harvesting. Unless many large storage tanks are used, it can be hard to store enough water to get through dry spells. If an area has limited rainfall, depending on rainwater harvesting for all water needs is not recommended.

Advantage: Eco-Friendly

Sustainability is one reason rainwater harvesting has become more popular in recent years. It is an environmentally responsible way to landscape plants, garden and lawns. The presence of rainwater harvesting projects helps limit soil erosion, storm water runoff and surface water contamination. It is a step in local self-sufficiency, reducing the need to import water from unsustainable outside sources. In addition, it gives people a concrete lesson in water use and conservation, as they can plainly see how much water the local climate produces.

Disadvantage: Cost

Cost is one factor slowing down the proliferation of rainwater harvesting projects. A new installation can cost anywhere from $200 to $2,000 or more, depending on the system's size and technology level. Like solar panels, rainwater harvesting setups do eventually pay for themselves, but can take anywhere from 10 to 20 years, depending on the system and rainfall.

Tags: rainwater harvesting, rainwater harvesting, harvesting projects, rainwater harvesting projects, anywhere from

Gorilla Games That Can Be Taught To Kids

Kids have no live-action gorilla danger when playing online gorilla games.

Gorillas may inspire contrasting reactions with kids. Some children find them daunting and scary, like those depicted in movies like "King Kong" or "Congo," while others find them cute and harmless, like the title character in Hanna-Barbera's "Magilla Gorilla" cartoon or gorillas at the zoo. If kids are intrigued by gorillas, they can play it safe by learning to play online games featuring the primates.

'Banana Barrage'

Kids learn toss bananas with accuracy in "Banana Barrage," accessible at the Yupis site. To aim bananas, players press the "Left" and "Right" arrow keys, and press the space bar to toss bananas. The longer players hold down the space bar, the harder the toss. Barrels appear for a limited time and then disappear; at the end of a round, players receive a penalty for missed barrels. Players earn 100 points per banana that lands in a barrel, as well as bonus points for accuracy and finishing a round before time elapses.

Banana Barrage

en.yupis.org/games/banana-barrage/

'Gorilla'

Taking turns---even in the context of battle---features in the "Gorilla" game, accessible at the Play it on the Web site. As gorilla characters, players take turns tossing bananas toward an opponent (either another player at the same computer, or the computer itself), choosing the right angle and power to get the best shot. Before the game begins, players select the "Points to Win" number (from 1 to 9). At any time, players may adjust their angle and velocity by pressing the corresponding arrows on the screen, or pressing "A" and "D" to rotate left or right, respectively, and "W" and "S," to increase or decrease velocity, respectively. Players score points whenever a banana hits the opponent; the game ends when one player reaches the "points to win" target.

Gorilla

playitontheweb.com/games/Gorilla-game.htm

'The Gorilla Tough Arm Challenge'

Kids get the opportunity to arm wrestle a gorilla in "The Gorilla Tough Arm Challenge," accessible at the FlashGames247 site. Prior to the game, players select the type of arm they want to use for battle. To build strength and try to overpower the gorilla, players alternate pressing the left and right arrows; the faster they alternate pressing the arrows, the more points they accumulate. Players pinning the gorilla's arm before time elapses receive points based on the amount of time left on the clock.

The Gorilla Tough Arm Challenge

flashgames247.com/game/other-games/the-gorilla-tough-arm-challenge.html

'Grammar Gorillas'

"Grammar Gorillas" lets kids practice identifying parts of speech. Players can choose "Beginner" (nouns and verbs) or "Advanced" (all parts of speech). When prompted to identify a part of speech in a sentence, they click on one of the underlined words; if kids choose the correct answer, the gorillas get a banana. The game ends after the players answer 10 questions.

Grammar Gorillas

funbrain.com/grammar/

'Pyramid Runner'

Gorillas try thwarting players' efforts to collect riches from the ancient pyramids in "Pyramid Runner," accessible at the Game Fools site. Players try collecting a target number of gold bars in each level, while avoiding the wrath of a relentless gorilla. Should the gorilla corner and catch them, players lose one life. Players press the "Z" and "X" keys to dig holes, and press the space bar to preview the level. The game ends when players lose all of their lives.

Pyramid Runner

gamefools.com/onlinegames/play/PyramidRunner.html

Tags: Banana Barrage, game ends, Gorilla Tough, Gorilla Tough Challenge, Grammar Gorillas, Pyramid Runner, Tough Challenge