Professional Documents
Culture Documents
publication
Getting
fixed
know your nails & screws
design tips
MDF Storage
smart water
a SO
L AR
imer
E 70
AT
PA G
Tap
T
RC
HA
SE
WEEDS!
$5
PU
FR
EE
WI
TH
Kitchen
British Paints is the trusted name in paint. Made from quality materials, British Paints
is formulated to give your home long lasting protection and good looks. The British
Paints range represents good paint at a good price. Trust British Paints? Sure Can!
Volume 6, Issue 1
Mitre 10 Projects How To magazine is
published 11 times a year by
MMS Publishing Ltd.
www.nzprojects.co.nz
info@nzprojects.co.nz
10
WALL SELECTIONS
An ultra tough hardwearing acrylic paint that is scuff
resistant and easy to clean because of its unique
polymer bead formulation.
Use on interior walls in bedrooms, hallways,
lounges, dining rooms and ceilings
Polymer Tough Formulation
Available in Low Sheen, Satin and Matt
180 colours (some colours not available in all
sheens)
Managing Editor:
28
34
Sales Manager:
50
62
contents
KITCHEN TIPS
Make the most out of your kitchen with great ideas to rejuvenate.
Take out the moisture and keep your bathroom in great shape.
22 SEALANTS
28 NAIL IT
The New Year means a new beginning for your tired rooms.
Getting clever with MDF lets you make use of unused storage.
46 SHED SHOWDOWN
50 HOW TO OIL
Expand your DIY skills to the car, we show you How To change the oil.
Great systems and strategies to keep your garden in top shape.
58 BE PREPARED
Disaster kits are serious stuff and we give you the low down on what you need.
62 CHECKLIST
64 WEED ASSASSIN
66 DESIGN SERIES
Printer:
www.emags.co.nz/projects
0800 624 700
1 year (11 issues) - $49.00
(save 24% off the cover price)
Exclusive to
We show you How To choose the right fixing for the right project.
Uplift that tired bathroom with easy steps and fresh thinking.
71 POND LIFE
Enquiries:
10 BATHROOM BEAUTY
Youve installed it, youve balanced it, now look after the pond eco-system.
AWA range
A contemporary selection of affordable tapware.
Giving plumbers, DIY renovators and builders a
cost-effective way to bring modern styling into home
improvement, the AWA range takes Methvens proven
engineering and adds a contemporary design twist.
Knock out
your weeds
naturally
Organic NO Weeds is the latest
addition to the Kiwicare range of
organic garden care products
certified by BioGro. Organic NO
Weeds kills emergent broadleaf
weeds, grass weeds, clovers and
mosses. The product is nonsystemic and is inactive in the
soil. It combines natural pine oils
and plant fatty acids that cause
rapid dehydration, wilting and
death. Weeds fall over within
hours! For more information on dealing with weeds in your
garden and lawn visit www.kiwicare.co.nz
Kitchen
Kitchen
Does your kitchen need a total transplant or just some
your kitchen.
Centre of
your home
by Pamela Southcombe
Kitchen
Wallpaper
Cabinet handles
Revitalise the kitchen cabinetry with a really simple
exercise, replace the handles with more stylish, up-todate ones. Go for a more contemporary look to appeal to
you or potential buyers.
Older kitchens will have handles with 96mm between
the screw holes. It is important to measure this before
going out to buy replacements. This measurement
can limit the choice but there are many options in the
Sylvan range.
Hafele also have longer handles available with modern
and sleek designs up to 136mm long, but with screw
holes at 96mm
For a country or cottage look kitchen, you could choose
an antiqued drawer pull, bronzed and brushed, in gold
or black, which will add real character.
or the wall behind the sink, you will need to find a new
Taps
good enough, look around for a replacement. Remember
that if the existing tap has two outlets through the bench
tap that fits the spacing or face more work to modify the
plumbing to suit. The range from Foreno is extensive,
whichever way you decide to go, and their product is
well worth investing in.
Sink
www.sylvan.co.nz
Available from
Kitchen
R
Maximising existing
storage
Take one of your cupboards and change it to a set of
three or four drawers. If the colour of the existing door
UNPLUGGED
de
Tapware Buyers Gui
ISSUE 3
LOV
your kitchen
y want
... get what you reall
Simple extras
throoms
Bold Ba
Add the WOW factor
to your bathroom
Plus
all microwave doors are hinged on the left. You will need 600mm of space,
Scheme
Efficiency Labelling
about the new Water
+ All you need to know
sometimes more, so read the manual that came with your microwave.
Where there is some spare wall space, add a timber shelf in a country-style
kitchen or a glass shelf in a sleek modern style for canisters and other
items.
If you have a breakfast bar, consider making a feature of the back panel
Rainjet features
facial spa mode for
a little luxury
at home
Nat
op 6
s T
Not enough bench space? A movable butchers table with chopping board
and drawer from Hafele could solve that problem. Add a basket on the
FSLR
A water efficient shower
that
doesnt compromise
on the
quality of your shower.
Five
different functions includin
ga
facial spa mode.
Windows
Waka Swi
vel
Curtains can be difficult to keep clean in a kitchen and you do not want them
anywhere near a cook top for safety reasons alone. If it is a sunny situation,
choose a Holland blind or a sun filter blind. These will blend into any style of
kitchen.
New Zealand
design is in a
league of
its own
Spout Sin
k Mixer
WK1
NZ designed and
manufactured.
NZ identity in your own
home
Taking your kitchen to a new level of space and style is easy and with the
great range of products and ideas at Mitre 10, youll find it hard to resist some
well-deserved DIY.
Bathroom
Bathroom
Mirror
been there too long and looks worn. Be sure to give all
Quick ideas
Alter the look of your
bathroom with shower
curtains they are easy to
clean and easy to change.
Purchase fluffy towels with
matching facecloths and
hand towels.
Put down a new floor rug in
either a bath mat style or a
rug made from man-made
fibres, which will dry easily.
Scintillating
bathrooms
by Pamela Southcombe
10
11
Bathroom
Colour
a contemporary look.
Handles
Are the main items like the vanity, shower and toilet in
Fittings
Taps, shower and bath hardware can be replaced quite
simply, providing you choose configurations compatible
with the existing ones. This will allow you to retain the
accessories.
simple.
276.
12
00
Bathroom
Bathroom
you will be able to select fittings to suit the era and style of your home, whether it is
a turn of the 20th century villa or a turn of the 21st century new build.
taste.
Take a look at the Foreno range in store and their guide Unplugged. From the latest
Waka range designed and made in NZ to the Villa series and every style in between,
To add value to the bathroom, consider installing the Autoflo hands-free mixer, as
it is hygienic, saves water can be set at a safe temperature for the children. All of
Forenos tapware has a water efficiency rating, so you will be doing your bit for the
door.
Tiles
If the budget can stretch to tiling a bathroom, do it!
planet.
Steam from the shower is a major factor in creating
As with cars, you can spend huge amounts on top of the range products or effect a
opulence.
air inside the shower from mixing with the cold air in
* Sealant will form a firm skin to be waterproof and shower-ready only 2 hours after application. The semi-cured sealant
must not be touched until fully cured (48 hours). # Sealant must be cleaned regularly to avoid build-up of soap scum.
** 25 YEAR GUARANTEE This product is guaranteed against crumbling,
cracking or drying when used as directed, for private use, and within 12 months of purchase.
14
15
Bathroom
Vanities
Selling?
two cupboards.
When making your selection, think about what you need
to store in the bathroom. The more basic items you can
store out of sight the better.
16
Ventilation
Ventilation
Most bathrooms are constructed from materials
between the ceiling and the roof. Make sure there are no
bathroom.
outside.
by Scott Wilson
fresh
Bright and
wonderful
environment
18
for
2
19
Ventilation
Ventilation
Remove the bulbs from the unit then unclip the fascia
Now slip the housing unit into the hole (pic 6) and use
Wiring
8
Aerlite Bathroom Ventilation
Shower Vent and Light
The sleek Aerlite Shower Vent and Light provides high efficiency ventilation
suitable for any bathroom. This ceiling fan with light can be safely mounted
directly over the bath or shower to remove steam and reduce condensation on
your mirrors, windows and walls. White & Silver fascias are included giving you
the option to match your preferred style.
Heat-Fan-Light 2
The stylish Aerlite Heat-Fan-Light 4 is a complete heat, fan, light unit designed to
give independent control of your bathroom ventilation, instant heat and lighting
requirements. Easy installation and a low overall height means the unit can also be
fitted between floors. Aerlite Heat-Fan-Light 2 is also available.
E
T
I
L
R
AE
our family.
u and y
o
y
r
o
ef
om
ier h
r
d
r,
Your first step in creating a healthie
Check out the complete Aerlite range
Sealants
Sealants
Mind
the gap
by Scott Wilson
Fillers
Flexible fillers
around architraves.
confusion when selecting the one for the job you are
Rigid fillers
If you have ever filled a nail or screw hole or had to
repair a blemish in a wall, ceiling or on the surface of a
panel, a rigid filler is the type of product you would have
used. Normally these come as pre-mixed products in a
tub or tin and can be used directly from the container
and applied to the affected area with a putty knife,
where they will cure (dry). They can be sanded back to
match the surrounding area. In some cases, a second
application of filler may be required.
22
23
Sealants
their home, so its a great idea to fill them and seal these
spaces off.
Foam fillers
,
s
k
c
i
t
S
s
l
a
e
S
s
l
l
i
F
&
e
t
a
m
i
t
l
U
e
h
T
y
in
t
i
l
i
t
a
s
r
e
V
Guaranteed for as long as youre living in your house. We guarantee, as long as Weathershield is applied to your house
in accordance with the instructions for use, Weathershield will not PEEL, FLAKE or BLISTER for as long as youre living in your house.
Refer to the back of the product label for more details.
To find out more information visit www.dulux.co.nz or call us on 0800 800 424
Sealants
Sealants
Sealants
There is a wide variety of sealants, with many of them
referred to generically as silicone sealants, even though
this isnt technically always correct. Silicone sealants
are primarily designed as a waterproof seal, making
them ideal for around baths, basins and showers and
roof spouting downpipes.
Putties
With the advent of both flexible and rigid fillers in
recent years, putties have become less and less common
but they still have a place. Glazing putty is still used
when glazing wooden windows and doors, while woodfilling putties and other products like Selleys Plastic
Wood are still available for a more traditional approach
to woodworking.
One recent advent has been the introduction of two-part
epoxy putties, the perfect example of which is Selleys
Knead It. Knead It (which has a couple of different
varieties) comes in a roll that allows you to cut off what
you need and then knead the two components together
to create a putty that can be used for a range of different
tasks. Knead It cures to an extremely hard, durable
finish and can be sanded, filed, sawn, screwed and
painted when dry.
Applying sealants
Sealants (apart from brushable types) are applied using
a caulking gun, which can take a little practice to use
properly. Before putting the cartridge into the gun, the
tip tube may need to be cut off to allow the sealant to
be forced into the nozzle. Once this is done, screw the
nozzle back onto the tube then clip off the end of the
nozzle at a 45-degree angle, using a sharp utility knife.
The further down the nozzle you cut it, the larger the
bead of silicone that will come out. If you only need a
very fine bead, clip it off quite close to the tip as its
always easy to make the bead larger if required.
Slide the handle of the caulking gun all the way back,
then slip the tube into place before pushing the handle
BY
HIGH PERFORMANCE
CONSTRUCTION ADHESIVE & SEALANT
ULTIMATE MS PERFORMANCE
PERFORMANCE
ALL2ALL
Sticks to almost ALL surfaces
Heavy Duty SAFE FIX adhesion
Sticks to wet surfaces
Highly flexible SAFE SEAL
Low temperature gunning
Interior Exterior UV resistant
Non yellowing Non shrink
BRANZ Appraised
Polystyrene safe
Paintable
*
FOR YOU
Low VOC Solvent & odour free
Green Star compliant
Easy cleaning
VALUE
Large 550gm cartridge
900gm sausage value
ALL WEATHER
SURFACES
26
27
Screws / Nails
Screws / Nails
Getting a fix
on fixings
by Scott Wilson
Nails
/3.
the material you are nailing and 2/3 of the nail will be
Material
available.
the application.
project.
Bright steel nails are manufactured without any form of
protection and are cheaper but will quickly start to rust
in an exterior environment. They are perfectly suited to
interior jobs like wall and floor framing right through
to smaller jobs such as shelves, chests and many other
weekend projects.
Exceptions to this rule of thumb are in wet areas of
your house like bathrooms, kitchens and laundries. In
these cases the more protected electro-galvanised or
hot-dipped galvanised should be considered. Failure to
use protected nails in wet areas may result in unsightly
timber staining.
Galvanised nails are coated with zinc, which protects
the nail from corrosion, making them the perfect choice
for outdoor work or interior wet areas.
Head
The two most common head types used in construction
are jolt head and flat head but there are a couple of
other types available as well. Flat head nails have a flat,
circular head and are great for general-purpose tasks.
However, because of the head, they are really only
suitable for jobs where the nail will be seen afterwards
or where it will be covered with other material.
Jolt head nails have a head that is only slightly larger
than the shank of the nail itself, allowing it to be
punched below the surface of the timber where it can be
covered with filler.
There are also clouts, which are shorter nails with
a larger flat head and are usually used for fixing
panel products to walls and ceilings. In many cases,
manufacturers will make clouts to suit their own
Size
Nails can range in size from 150mm long down to less
than 20mm, depending on which section of the store you
are looking in and what you require them for.
28
29
WIN: WITH
BROWNS
BRUSHWARE
Shank
While it may seem obvious, the shank is the part
between the point and the head of the nail and this is
the section that provides the holding power due to the
friction of the shank on the material its fixed into.
The larger the nail, the thicker the shank; providing
more hold strength. However, there is also more chance
of splitting timber when using larger nails, so keep this
in mind when selecting nails for your project.
GO CLEAN
PRODUCTS
Screws
version. The Microfibre glove makes for easy window cleaning and it
also has a squeegee to remove excess water. And the Go Clean multi
micro fibre wand is ideal for either damp or dry use for cleaning high,
narrow or hard to reach areas with ease.
The Go Clean radius scoop and broom set is the stylish way to collect
debris. Its designer brush head with soft, long-reach bristles and large
capacity scoop with dust cover lid provides the perfect way to pick up
debris without bending.
Material
Thread
of tasks.
Chemical _ _ _ _ cleaning
CONDITIONS OF ENTRY:
You may enter only once. There are 10 prize packs as outlined. The prizes are non-refundable, non-transferable or redeemable for cash.
The winners will be notified by phone or email by 30 April 2011. Employees of MMS Publishing, Browns and their immediate families
and agencies are not eligible to enter. All entrants with a valid email address will be notified of the winners of this competition.
Prices quoted in this promotion were accurate recommended retail prices at time of publication.
Projects HOW TO and Browns accept no responsibility for any loss or damage incurred from the use of these products.
30
Screws / Nails
with
Twinfast
woodscrews:
Designed
for
use
screws:
Hardened,
Imperial - inches
Metric (approx) - mm
13mm
5/8
16mm
19mm
25mm
1 1/8
28mm
32mm
38mm
1 5/8`
41mm
44mm
51mm
64mm
self-drilling
and
76mm
other fittings.
102mm
Head
Size
imperial measurements.
gauges.
A conversion chart for screw gauges:
Screw gauge (g)
2.74
3.10
3.45
head, but the underside is flat. These are used for fixing
3.81
4.17
4.52
10
4.88
12
5.59
14
6.30
door furniture.
Just as important when selecting the head of the screw
is the type of drive each has. Not too long ago, the two
most obvious were slotted heads or Phillips heads, but
now you can also get Pozidrive, Robertson, Torx and hex
used and the type of material they are being used on.
or remove them.
snugly into the slot and not slip around when turned.
32
Paint
Paint
New year,
new look
34
35
Paint
Get the job done in a single day with Forestwoods new water based decking stain.
Low odour stain that applies easily and dries quickly
Excellent
penetration
lasting
Get the job
done in a ensures
single day
with protection
Forestwoods new water based decking stain.
Contains
high
performance
waxes
for
water
repellence
Low odour stain that applies easilysuperior
and dries
quickly
Excellent
penetration
lasting
Resists
mould
and fungusensures
and contains
UVprotection
protection
Contains
high
performance
waxes
for
superior
In 5 litre and 1 litre cans, in five fashionable colours water repellence
Resists mold and fungus and contains UV protection
For more information go to www.wattyl.co.nz or see your nearest Wattyl stockist.
In 5 litre and 1 litre cans, in five fashionable colours
For more information go to wattyl.co.nz or see your Wattyl stockist.
Paint
Paint
For the boys, various shades of blues and greens
always work. If in doubt, look to the favourite toy for
inspiration. The good old classic themes like space, cars,
pirates and superheroes will always be a good option.
The same concept of age applies to the boys at around
seven years old, they need a more grown-up room that
reflects the changes in their personality.
The kids room is more than just a place to sleep, it is
their personal space in the house. It should reflect not
only their personality but also stimulate their creativity
by encouraging play and imagination. The right room
can be the best nanny you could ever wish for, simply
by creating a place where your kids will spend hours
playing happily.
how much time you spend in it. When you come home
and beyond.
from work, cook the evening meal, put the kids to bed
and go to your room, what kind of space do you want to
find?
interest to the room and the use of contrasting colours can be very
effective. For the more adventurous, painting scenes from movies or
cartoons on the walls will really bring the room to life and again working
with a stencil can help.
Girls aged between seven to ten are full of personality. They are growing
up fast and their room should reflect that. A good suggestion is to have
a feature wall with a slightly darker shade of purple, pink or yellow
(like mustard, for example) to create a secret cave-like feeling about the
room; a place to hide and scribble in the diary.
Use fairy lights hanging from the ceiling to give a little magical touch
and personalise the room using wood letters to write their name
right above their bed. Using a wood stain for natural effect is fine but
accentuating the letters with colour will make them stand out all the
more. Always consult your colour wheel to make sure you have colours
that compliment.
38
39
MDF Storage
MDF Storage
Stow it
by Jon Davies
but you may have other areas where this solution can
Construction
apply.
For this project, were using the space under the bed,
plan ahead.
How big is the gap? How wide, how high and how long?
how long your power lead is, how the sheet is supported,
where the cut piece is going to end up. This will allow
you to make the cut in one attempt without pause.
Materials
into the sides. If you are confident in your skills, you can
the base.
No router version
Measure and cut the height of the sides and then cut
them to length. Fix the sides to the base first and then
measure the gap for the length of the short sides. Use
50) wood screws for fixing the sides to the base and
Router version
4.
Bumpers: It is very likely the box will eventually
In our example
Box height: bed height
(space under)
Box length: bed width
Box width: bed width
40
41
MDF Storage
Of course
you can make it
Easi-Planks
Easi-Panels
DUX 1267
Primed HMR
Mouldings
This range of mouldings are
machine coated with a
premium acrylic undercoat.
In 5.4m lengths.
Sizes
4.75 and 6mm
1200x600, 1200x900, 1200x1200
9, 12 and 18mm
1200x600, 1200x900
Bevelled Architrave
Bullnose Architrave
Capture colour.
Splayed Architrave
Colonial Architrave
Square Dressed
Bevelled Cornice
MDF Storage
MDF Storage
Lay out the routed sides against the base and mark for
length (pic 3). We have marked out the short sides first
as mentioned above and then fixed the ends to the base
(pic 4). Now, measure between the ends for the length of
the long sides and cut and fix (pic 5 and 6).
Extras
To help with the movement of the box, it is a good
idea to have some handles attached to the outside; the
placement of these is up to you, as is the style. For this
project, we have opted to drill holes through the MDF to
create portals that can be used as hand holds (pic 7, 8
and 9). To avoid the hole-saw creating a messy exit, stop
cutting when part way through and continue cutting
from the other side.
Child-friendly ideas
44
9
Safety
Electrical: ensure you have an RCD as
part of your tool kit.
From this
to this!
Distributed by
Sims Distributing Company
9 Cessna Place Mt Maunganui
(07) 575 8280
sales@sims-distributing.co.nz
Sheds
Backyard
bastion
Choosing a shed for your home is a relatively simple process and has a lot to
do with what you require the shed for and how much space you have to fit it on
your property. It helps to run through what it is you will exactly be using the
shed for and what you will be storing in it. If you require the shed for storing
Turn empty
space into
storage space
large objects like bikes or lawn mowers, it really is important to ensure you
have the correct size of access to the shed is the door big enough?
Wooden sheds
Wooden garden sheds can have aesthetic appeal depending on the location
and surroundings and they are often the most expensive ones to buy. You
will also need to spend money on them to ensure that they remain in a good
condition. If you fail to varnish, paint or apply a wood preservative to them
over time, they may begin to rot and warp.
PVC sheds
Because of what we have mentioned above more and more people are buying
sheds that are made from either metal or PVC. PVC and metal sheds
generally need little or no maintenance to ensure that they remain looking
good long after they have been installed. PVC sheds again tend to be more
expensive but are resilient in highly corrosive environments.
Tools required
46
4 Battery drill
4 Drill Bits
4 Screwdriver
4 Riveter
4 Tape measure
4 Ladder
4 A good mate
Standard model:
Beige finish HDF panel hatch door.
Deluxe model:
White finish HDF panel hatch door
Safety hand rail.
www.hometech.co.nz
Available from
Sheds
Sheds
Metal sheds
Easy
here too and you need to think about the logistics of how
you will receive the shed and how you will assemble it.
Here are the options on how you can receive your shed:
Boxed
The size of your shed will depend on what you are using
you require.
shed together.
Panel
This is exactly the same shed as the boxed version,
however you will reduce the amount of time it takes to
install by over half. All the components will be received
As
in four walls and the roof. You simply join the corners
and slip on the roof.
All quality sheds will come with full instructions and
the full list of parts to ensure you have all you need to
install your very own shed properly and accurately. For
those with a general level of DIY skills this is an easy
task, however if you are short of time then there are
installation services available, ask you local Mitre 10
team member and they will help you find the right shed
for you.
Can be
NOW IN 14
COLOURS
(including Zincalume)
Quality steel Garden Sheds, Workshops & Carports for Kiwis who like to DIY.
48
SBLT_4801
Easy assembly
Superior quality that lasts
Request a quote at
www.gardenmastersheds.co.nz
GM3023 with double doors, louvre
window and skylite, in Desertsand with
Grey Friars roof and trim.
Available from
Oil Change
ired
Tools reaqnduaxle stands
4 Jack
filter
4 New oil emover
er r
4 Oil filt d wrench set
an
rain plug
4 Socket ed wrench for the d
end
4 Open- pan
in
4 Oil dra
nel
n
u
f
4 Oil
glasses
y
ex gloves
4 Safet
osable lat
p
is
d
r
o
ic
n
4 Mecha
oil
e
in
4 Eng
stands.
Step 2: Preparation
youve run the car for 10-15 minutes to bring the cars
the oil to drain properly; cold oil will not drain well.
Next, lift the bonnet and loosen the oil cap to prevent
50
more freely.
Oil Change
Irrigation
Irrigation
Kit set
irrigation
by Scott Wilson
Pipes
Fittings
heads.
In addition, nail clips and saddle clamps allow tubing
to be fixed to fences or pergolas, while ratchet clips are
essential when joining pipe to barbed fittings.
To make things really simple, a punch spanner is a
handy three-in-one tool that makes holes in garden
lines as well as fitting heads to the top of risers.
54
Micro sprays
55
Irrigation
Irrigation
Micro sprays are available in spray patterns of 90, 180
and 360 and have a range of spray distances (radius)
available. They can also be obtained as adjustable heads
that allow flow and spray distance to be altered.
Micro sprinklers
If your garden needs a larger droplet size than micro
sprays, a micro sprinkler is the Neta solution. These are
high-performance, durable sprinklers that spray in a
full circle and are really ideally suited to larger gardens.
Adjustable versions as also available to allow flow and
spray distance to be varied.
Spectrum sprays
Although only available with a 360 spray pattern,
spectrum spray heads deliver slightly more water than
micro sprays and come with an adjustable cap that
allows regulation of the pattern and volume of water.
Drippers
These come in a variety of types, depending on what
your watering requirements are. One of the most
versatile is the 360 flow dripper, which can be adjusted
to allow precise watering in a tight circular pattern.
Fix the required head to the top of the riser (or directly
into the pipe) with the punch spanner.
Neta Solar
Electronic Tap Timer
Be Prepared
Be Prepared
Be prepared
by Soraya Nicholas
When the 7.1 magnitude earthquake hit
Christchurch in early September, there
were many residents left unprepared. Some
lost their homes, nearly all were without
power and water, and plenty were left
wondering how they were going to cope.
58
emergency.
59
Be Prepared
Be Prepared
be prepared!
Whilst the contents of your kit are vital, where you
of six.
case of contamination.
www.quell.co.nz
60
Checklist
Checklist
New Year
checklist
by Sandy Johnson
Flower garden
Remove any spent heads from your flowers and mulch
to conserve water.
If you are growing flowers in pots, apply a layer of
Saturaid. Scratch it lightly into the soil and then
water in well. This will help to conserve and efficiently
use the water they do get.
Prepare soil beds for planting of spring bulbs.
Roses will benefit from a liquid feed to help them
through the dry weather.
Lawn care
Cut your grass higher over the summer months as it
will help to provide shade from the heat.
Cut the grass dry and remove the catcher to let
the clippings fall on the lawn to act as mulch. This
conserves water and helps to prevent scorching.
Water your lawns well to keep the grass green.
WORST ENEMY
Home grown
62
vegetables.
P
otatoes are dug up when the tubers are large and the
vine dies away (tubers will continue to grow until the
vine dies). Clean away the soil and discard damaged
ripening process.
SSpra
pray
raay lo
llotion
loti
oti
tion
on
Spray
On your grape vine, trim away any leaves that are
Z
ucchini need to be picked young and often one plant
BeadBag
Towelettes
Spreadable
insect repellent
H
WIT Y
DE
L
MA RAL
U
NAT RIVED
DE NIOL
A
GER
Available from:
Weedkillers
Weedkillers
Weeds away
by Sandy Johnson
control is weedkiller.
Looking at the array of weedkillers available can be
This weedkiller does just what the name infers it will very quickly knock
down green growth. However, it will leave the roots intact so the weed can
grow again.
Pre-emergent
Knockdown
This residual weedkiller acts as a barrier that covers the ground once you
have removed the weeds and prevents them from growing again. Re-growth
is prevented from 9-12 months, depending on the amount of rain. Preemergent weed spray is often used over large areas of paving or cobblestones
and is also perfect to use before laying weed mat.
Non-selective
Safety
away the weed tops first, you will need to leave some
Play it safe with the use of all chemicals by wearing protective clothing,
gloves and a respiratory mask when spraying or mixing chemicals.
Selective
These will only kill the weeds that they have been
Weed Strike
Woody Weedkiller.
Keep a separate set of mixing and measuring tools for any weed-spraying job
and ensure you label them Poison so they are not inadvertently used for
something else.
Always store your chemicals and tools used for chemicals away from children.
There is no need to double the manufacturers dosage as this is dangerous. If
you are not getting the results you want, it is probably more about how and
when you are spraying.
Mixing different chemicals together is a dangerous practice and should be
avoided.
Remove unused chemicals from the spray bottle once you have
finished and rinse out the container, tube and nozzle with water.
Keep separate sprayers for weedkillers, insecticides and fungicides
and mark them clearly.
64
Available from
65
EECA #2
EECA #2
Designing
comfortable
homes
series #2
If youre thinking about building a new home, there
are some important design elements to consider
that are key to making it comfortable and energy
efficient. Homes can be naturally warm in winter and
cool in summer if they are built with the appropriate
combinations of glass, thermal mass and insulation.
66
Thermal mass
High thermal mass materials help to maintain stable,
comfortable indoor temperatures and reduce the need
for heating and cooling.
Thermal mass works in two ways. Firstly, when the
sun shines through windows onto a high thermal mass
surface, the solar radiation is absorbed directly the
thermal mass is more effective when it receives direct
sunlight and is a dark colour, which absorbs more heat.
excess heat.
67
Timers
Smart water
by Sandy Johnson
Water is a precious commodity and
increasingly expensive, so smart water use
is not only good for the family budget, it
helps prevent wastage. Waterproof timers
can be attached to the outside of your tap
to regulate sprinklers or irrigation systems
and will fit standard 12mm hose connectors.
There are two types of timers: mechanical and electronic.
Mechanical timers feature a simple dial function that
you turn to the number of minutes required. The timer
will allow a flow of water for that time period and shut
off automatically. Mechanical timer dial settings vary
from one to two hours, allowing for plenty of time to
freshen up the garden. Twin packs that run off one tap
enable you to run dual hoses.
AREA
1m sq
2m sq
5m sq
10m sq
20m sq
LITRES
10
20
50
100
200
strike at the best time of day - just set and forget. They
also offer a locking keypad function to avoid accidently
wiping your settings.
The suggested minimum for most gardens is 10mm of water per square
metre, equating to 10 litres of water.
Spunbonded
Weedmat
Best available for low maintenance gardening
For large or small home gardens on flat or
slight slopping areas
Cuts easily with scissors or a hobby knife and
does not fray
Water and air permeable which helps to keep
the soil healthy.
Ultra Pro
Woven Weedmat
A tough durable weedmat
Many applications, steep banks or areas that
have traffic of some description
Commonly seen on sides of motorways where
strength and long life is expected
This product has been known to last over
10 years in some applications.
To prevent damage to the timer, resist pulling hard on the hose
when the timer is attached.
Set watering times for the early morning when the household water
is not being used.
68
Available from
Ponds
3 TIMERS
to be won
Pond life
70
Having
installed
your
pond
and
set
them one to three times each day and only feed them as
71
Wheatgerms exceptional
digestibility at low
temperatures is very important
since fish metabolism and the
ponds ammonia-reducing
biological activity are greatly
diminished in colder months.
Feed in spring and autumn
when water temperatures are
below 10C and above 4C
DPP40805
D
NT N E E
YOU DO CKYARD;
A
B
IG
AB
S ARE
FLOWE R ROW
G
O
T
Y
S
EA
TOO.
IN POTS