Archive for the 'Lawn and Garden' Category
May
8
How to choose plants for your summer garden
May 8, 2019 | Leave a Comment
(BPT) – Whether you’re new to gardening or have a green thumb, summer is the perfect season to start your own garden. Now is the time to start thinking of all the possibilities the warm weather brings!“The first step to start your summer ga…
May
8
(BPT) – Do-it-yourself projects are more popular than ever, and it’s no wonder why; they make for a great weekend activity and are a creative way to add handmade touches to your space. Whether it’s gardening, cooking, or simply being creati…
May
3
(BPT) – It’s hard to argue the popularity of cooking outdoors, with seven in ten U.S. adults owning a grill or smoker, according to the Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Association. Whether it’s entertaining friends on a holiday or cooking a casual family dinner on a weeknight, grills and smokers are transforming backyards into full-fledged outdoor kitchens. The focal point of any beautiful, functional and comfortable kitchen is the cooking area, which makes a grill station a must for any backyard.
Building your own grill station may be a simpler proposition than you thought. Stonegate from Keystone Hardscapes is a multi-piece segmental retaining wall system with a weathered stone appearance. The versatile design of the Stonegate units gives homeowners a variety of design options for his or her grill station. While more complex outdoor kitchens are probably best left to a contractor, homeowners can confidently handle a simple rectangular grill and counter design with the right materials and instruction.
Note: Wear gloves and eye protection and check local building codes.
Steps for building a grill station:
- Outline the rectangular base dimensions with paint and excavate the area with a shovel to a depth of 12 inches. Level the bottom with a hand tamper.
- Add six inches of crushed stone a few inches at a time and compact with a hand tamper.
- Install the first course by centering the blocks inside the excavated area and leave six inches from the perimeter. Check front to back and side to side for level and square. Make adjustments as necessary with a level and hammer.
- Insert pins into the center holes in each block.
- Lay the second course of block on top of the first by aligning the pins into the bottom channel.
- Remove the second course of blocks and apply two quarter-inch-wide strips of Quikrete Advanced Polymer Construction Adhesive on each block in the first course, approximately three inches away from the inside and outside edges, before attaching the second course permanently.
- Repeat the process for courses three through seven, which are designed with a compartment to house the grill and gas tank. Alternate the course layouts as indicated by the directions and use a level on each course.
- On the top of the seventh course, you will need to mark the two appropriate blocks and notch out the areas with a masonry disc attached to a wheel grinder, in order to embed the lintel that will support the grill.
- Pour and finish a three-piece countertop using Quikrete Countertop Mix to the proper dimension. Allow the countertop to cure at least 18 hours.
- While not required because of the heavy weight, the concrete countertop can be attached using construction adhesive.
- Using the same method as the previous course, install the back wall of blocks and attach the fourth piece of concrete countertop to serve as a bar.
- Install the gas grill and tank access door according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Comprehensive how-to instructions and videos are available for Stonegate outdoor kitchen designs. For these plans and other ideas on how to update your front or backyard with a fireplace, fire pit, planters, benches and other outdoor living amenities using concrete pavers and block systems, visit www.KeystoneHardscapes.com.
May
3
(BPT) – It’s hard to argue the popularity of cooking outdoors, with seven in ten U.S. adults owning a grill or smoker, according to the Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Association. Whether it’s entertaining friends on a holiday or cooking a casual family dinner on a weeknight, grills and smokers are transforming backyards into full-fledged outdoor kitchens. The focal point of any beautiful, functional and comfortable kitchen is the cooking area, which makes a grill station a must for any backyard.
Building your own grill station may be a simpler proposition than you thought. Stonegate from Keystone Hardscapes is a multi-piece segmental retaining wall system with a weathered stone appearance. The versatile design of the Stonegate units gives homeowners a variety of design options for his or her grill station. While more complex outdoor kitchens are probably best left to a contractor, homeowners can confidently handle a simple rectangular grill and counter design with the right materials and instruction.
Note: Wear gloves and eye protection and check local building codes.
Steps for building a grill station:
- Outline the rectangular base dimensions with paint and excavate the area with a shovel to a depth of 12 inches. Level the bottom with a hand tamper.
- Add six inches of crushed stone a few inches at a time and compact with a hand tamper.
- Install the first course by centering the blocks inside the excavated area and leave six inches from the perimeter. Check front to back and side to side for level and square. Make adjustments as necessary with a level and hammer.
- Insert pins into the center holes in each block.
- Lay the second course of block on top of the first by aligning the pins into the bottom channel.
- Remove the second course of blocks and apply two quarter-inch-wide strips of Quikrete Advanced Polymer Construction Adhesive on each block in the first course, approximately three inches away from the inside and outside edges, before attaching the second course permanently.
- Repeat the process for courses three through seven, which are designed with a compartment to house the grill and gas tank. Alternate the course layouts as indicated by the directions and use a level on each course.
- On the top of the seventh course, you will need to mark the two appropriate blocks and notch out the areas with a masonry disc attached to a wheel grinder, in order to embed the lintel that will support the grill.
- Pour and finish a three-piece countertop using Quikrete Countertop Mix to the proper dimension. Allow the countertop to cure at least 18 hours.
- While not required because of the heavy weight, the concrete countertop can be attached using construction adhesive.
- Using the same method as the previous course, install the back wall of blocks and attach the fourth piece of concrete countertop to serve as a bar.
- Install the gas grill and tank access door according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Comprehensive how-to instructions and videos are available for Stonegate outdoor kitchen designs. For these plans and other ideas on how to update your front or backyard with a fireplace, fire pit, planters, benches and other outdoor living amenities using concrete pavers and block systems, visit www.KeystoneHardscapes.com.
May
1
(BPT) – With temperatures rising, it’s time to get your lawn and garden in shape for spring. Do you have the right tools for the job?Choosing lawn equipment is not a one-size-fits-all task. Each lawn is different, so your approach for your person…
May
1
(BPT) – The incredible look of lush, green grass. The feel of soft lawn beneath your toes. The smell of the freshly cut yard on a warm sunny day. A healthy lawn starts with good maintenance and the most important step is mowing. Is your lawn mower ready to go?
A lawn mower is an investment, and if you take a few proactive maintenance steps, you’ll keep it running efficiently all season long. However, research from Briggs & Stratton Corp., the world’s largest manufacturer of small engines for outdoor power equipment, found that only 30 percent of mower owners are performing regular maintenance.
Think lawn mower maintenance is a time-consuming headache? It doesn’t have to be. All it takes is 10 minutes and you’ll give your gas-powered mower the tuneup it needs to run its best and extend its life. Expert tip for before you get started: Disconnect your spark plug wire and leave it disconnected for the entire tuneup.
Step 1: Lube it up
Oil is the lifeblood of the engine, so it’s essential to change it with each passing season. Over time oil gets dirty and can harm the machine components. Be sure to use new oil made specifically for small engines of outdoor power equipment. This will help ensure maximum efficiency and protect the engine.
Wondering what type of oil you need for your mower and how much to use? Access an interactive oil finder tool to help answer those questions and more at www.BRIGGSandSTRATTON.com/oilfinder.
Keep in mind, changing the oil on your mower is faster, easier and less messy when you use an affordable oil removal kit. These kits allow you to easily extract old oil and add new with minimal mess and headache.
And, Briggs & Stratton’s EXi engines never need an oil change — ever, due to Just Check & Add technology. Simply check and add oil as needed.
Step 2: Let the air flow
As you can imagine, lawn mower air filters catch all kinds of dirt and debris while you mow the lawn. Over time, this debris can block the airflow needed for your engine to run well. If you own a walk-style mower, the engine likely has a paper or foam filter.
Pleated paper air filters should always be replaced once visually dirty. If your mower uses a foam filter, you may be able to clean it by hand using dish soap and hot water, allowing it to dry completely before replacing it back in the machine.
Keep in mind, changing the air filter should be done seasonally and is surprisingly simple. Take off the filter cover using a screwdriver if necessary, remove the old filter and replace it with a new one. If your mower uses a foam filter, there are likely extra steps involved, so be sure to check your engine operator’s manual or the new filter box for instructions.
Step 3: Get fresh gas
Did you know that gas can go bad in as few as 30 days? This bad gas can potentially clog the engine’s fuel system, which could lead to your mower not starting and require costly repairs. Adding a fuel treatment like STA-BIL, the official fuel additive for Briggs & Stratton engines, to your red gas can every time you fill it can help prevent this type of damage. Learn more at keepfuelfresh.com.
Once you complete these three simple steps, reconnect the spark plug wire and you’re ready to mow. In just minutes you can tune up your mower and help it work at peak performance so you can mow efficiently and then sit back and enjoy your freshly cut lawn. For easy-to-access instruction, check out www.BRIGGSandSTRATTON.com/askalexa to have Alexa help you with an easy oil change and provide information about which oil to use.