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Home & Garden, Uncategorized

Companion Planting In The Garden Makes “Good Neighbors”

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Mr. Cucumber and Mrs.Tomatoes would make great Neighbors.

 

 On the other side of the fence from Mrs.Tomatoes is Miss.Potatoe. They really don’t play well together. But add a Mrs.Basil in with Mr. Cucumber and Mrs.Tomatoes, and this combination will sure to give you a bumper crop.They work as a 3 plant combo very well.

You want to make sure that your veggies are happy in their neighborhoods

Here is a chart to help you find the right “Good Neighbors”

Listed from A To Z

 

Companion Planting Chart Courteous of:

Here are combinations found to be beneficial over time

from Todd Weinmann of North Dakota State University Agriculture Extension:
Plant Plant Companions Plant Allies Plant Enemies
Asparagus Basil, parsley, tomato Pot marigold deters beetles.
Beans Beet (to bush beans only), cabbage family, carrot, celery, chard, corn, cucumber, eggplant, pea, potatoes, radish, strawberry. Marigold deters Mexican bean beetles. Nasturtium and rosemary deter bean beetles. Summer savory deters bean beetles, improves growth and flavor. Garlic, onion and shallot stunt the growth of beans.
Beets Bush beans, cabbage family, lettuce, onion. Garlic improves growth and flavor. Pole beans and beets stunt each other’s growth.
Carrots Bean, lettuce, onion, pea, pepper, radish, tomato. Chives improve growth and flavor. Rosemary and sage deter carrot fly. Dill retards growth.
Celery Bean, cabbage family and tomato. Chives and garlic deter aphids. Nasturtium deters bugs and aphids.
Chard Bean, cabbage family and onion
Corn Bean, cucumber, melon, parsley, pea, potato, pumpkin, squash. Odorless marigold and white geranium deter Japanese beetles. Pigweed raises nutrients from the subsoil to where the corn can reach them. Tomatoes and corn are attacked by the same worm.
Cucumber Bean, cabbage family, corn, pea, radish, tomato Marigold deters beetles. Nasturtium deters aphids, beetles and bugs, improves growth and flavor. Oregano deters pests in general. Tansy deters ants, beetles, bugs, flying insects. Sage is generally injurious to cucumber.
Eggplant Bean, pepper. Marigold deters nematodes.
Lettuce Beet, cabbage family, carrot, onion, radish, strawberry. Chives and garlic deter aphids.
Melons Corn, pumpkin, radish, squash. Marigold deters beetles. Nasturtium deters bugs and beetles. Oregano provides general pest protection.
Onions Beet, cabbage family, carrot, chard, lettuce, pepper, strawberry, tomato. Chamomile and summer savory improve growth and flavor. Pigweed raises nutrients from subsoil and makes them available to the onions. Sow thistle improves growth and health. Onions stunt bean, pea.
Parsley Asparagus, corn, tomato
Peas Bean, carrot, corn, cucumber, radish, turnip. Chives deter aphids. Mint improves health and flavor. Garlic and onion stunt the growth of peas.
Peppers Carrot, eggplant, onion and tomato
Potatoes Beans, cabbage family, corn, eggplant, pea. Horseradish, planted at the corners of the potato patch, provides general protection. Marigold deters beetles. Tomatoes and potatoes are attacked by the same blight.
Pumpkins Corn, melon, squash. Marigold deters beetles. Nasturtium deters bugs, beetles. Oregano provides general pest protection.
Radishes Bean, carrot, cucumber, lettuce, melon, pea. Chervil and nasturtium improve growth and flavor. Hyssop
Spinach Cabbage family, strawberry
Squash Corn, melon, pumpkin. Borage deters worms, improves growth and flavor. Marigold deters beetles. Nasturtium deters squash bugs and beetles. Oregano provides general pest protection.
Strawberry Bean, lettuce, onion, spinach, thyme. Cabbage. Borage strengthens resistance to insects and disease. Thyme, as a border, deters worms.
Tomatoes Asparagus, carrot, celery, cucumber, onion, parsley, pepper. Basil repels flies and mosquitoes, improves growth and flavor. Bee balm, chives and mint improve health and flavor. Borage deters tomato worm, improves growth and flavor. Dill, until mature, improves growth and health. Once mature, it stunts tomato growth. Marigold deters nematodes. Pot marigold deters tomato worm and general garden pests. Corn and tomato are attacked by the same worm. Mature dill retards tomato growth. Kohlrabi stunts tomato growth. Potatoes and tomatoes are attacked by the same blight.
Turnips Pea
Cabbage Family (Broccoli, Brussels Sprouts, Cabbage, Cauliflower, Chinese Cabbage, Kale, and Kohlrabi) Beet, celery, chard, cucumber, lettuce, onion, potato, spinach. Chamomile and garlic improve growth and flavor. Catnip, hyssop, rosemary and sage deter cabbage moth. Dill improves growth and health. Mint deters cabbage moth and ants, improves health and flavor. Nasturtium deters bugs, beetles, aphids. Southernwood deters cabbage moth, improves growth and flavor. Tansy deters cabbageworm and cutworm. Thyme deters cabbageworm. Kohlrabi and tomato stunt each other’s growth.

 

 

Companion Planting In The Garden Makes “Good Neighbors ”

 

Home & Garden, Reviews

Dremel Saw-Max Review: Cutting Old Kitchen Floor Tile

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We had to fix a little BOOBOO I created. I was going to rip up the kitchen tile, but now have decided to wait until next summer.

I decided to cut the tile down another 1/4 inch from where it was originally for the cabinet bases to fit properly without an issue. I can always put a wider baseboard along the bottom of cabinets until next summer.

I set my blade depth so I only cut the tile.

I used water. The little bottle I snipped a little more from the tip and wet down the tile.Kept the bottle to the rear of the saw and squirt the blade from behind it.

It helped a little but not much since the exhaust comes out of the side actually.

 

 

I am very impressed with what ease I had cutting the tile today. The Dremel “Saw Max” cut right through the tile. No vibration or jerking. Cut straight and true to the line.

You might want to use the vacuum hose connector to collect the dust. That was my only issue was dust and that was limited.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Now I can take out the remaining tile without chipping into it and breaking it.

 

 

 

 

 

This is my 3rd application using the Dremel “Saw Max” and I Love It. Great tool, all in one little mighty saw Dremel “Saw Max”.

One For The “DO NOT DO THIS” FILE: What ever you do do not use the SAW MAX for drywall INSIDE the house.

That was my first experience with my “saw Max”. My regular dremel broke in the middle of the project. I ended up with the “Saw Max” and blowing drywall dust all over every thing in my house. Better to use the regular Dremel with a drywall bit for drywall applications..

 

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Product Specifications

The Dremel Saw-Max reinvents cutting as you know it. Powerful enough to cut through virtually any material and simple enough to be able to control with one hand. Its compact size and ergonomic design makes it easy to handle, easy to follow the cut line, and easy to store. The Dremel Saw-Max gives users the ability to cut easily and efficiently for a job done right. Two year warranty.

  •     Powerful 6 amp motor – easily tackles the toughest applications
  •     Make quick cuts in a wide variety of materials
  •     Superior line of sight and easy to control
  •     Perfect for straight cuts, flush cuts and plunge cuts

DIMENSIONS     

  • Cord Length:       7ft
  • Speed:   17,000 RPM
  • Dust Collection:                No
  • Amperage:          6
  • Warranty:            Limited 2 Years
  • Voltage:               120V
  • Cut Depth:           3/4″

 

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Home & Garden, Reviews

Many Home Owners Are Choosing To Remodel, Instead Of Relocation.

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REMODELING YOUR HOME?

Are you ready to take on the task of painting and a slight remodel?

Many home owners are choosing to remodel instead of relocation. I am on that journey now. WeeWHOOOOOOO!!!

BY: Cynthia Stanard    February 16, 2018

If you are remodeling please make sure to check the contractor’s license. If you are using a “Handy Man” make sure you get references and check them. Don’t get scammed or fooled because of a good “DEAL”.

Like my Daddy told me, “Just because it’s cheap, Don’t mean it’s good.

There are many scammers out there so “BE AWARE“ of who you are dealing with. You may want to check online @Google. Just enter the company name or person’s name. Check with the Better Business Bureau (www.bbb.org)  to see if they are in “good standing”.

If you are just starting to think about remodeling you might want to check out one of the many www.HGTV.com home remodeling shows. They have great ideas for all areas of the home. And if you are interested in tackling the project yourself don’t forget to check out www.youtube.com videos on DIY videos. They have step by step videos by many professionals on everything.

If you are going to do the project yourself and are using a “Warehouse” type to buy your products, I would choose my own wood and other items and have the order delivered or I would go through a reputable wood supplier to choose and deliver.

Store Comparison Home Depot Hilo Hawaii, HPM Building Supply Hilo, Hawaii and Argus Building Supply Hilo, Hawaii.

Talking about getting screwed… Today’s story starts off at receiving a sub-standard product on an order that was recently handpicked by Home Depot order pullers. Delivery was great by Hawaiian Movers; I do believe that’s who it was.

For the past 17 years I have dealt with HPM Building Supply and Argus Building Supply located in Hilo. Building my house I bought my lumber from Argus Building Supply and HPM. The lumber all came in great shape. No split pieces, end pieces or chunks of missing wood. Throughout the years I have continued to order wood from Argus and HPM. Not one time did I receive anything close to Home Depot’s poor quality. I rate Argus and HPM pickers at a 10 compared to Home Depot.

Home Depot takes a 3 on a scale of low 1 to 10 high. Not sure how they train there pullers at Home depot, but what a disappointment. Most of my 1x4x12 was scrap wood. Not one of them came with one decent face that wasn’t tore up in some fashion. That’s if it was not a first cut after the bark is stripped, banding marks, grease or oil on the boards, most of the boards had the 1” side face was ripped off. The other lumber rates about a 6. I have always gone and chosen my own wood and packed into my truck. But this time I figured they could handle it. Obviously I was wrong… And was I going to wait for another delivery… no.

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My first step in my remodeling project was to paint the exterior and replace the trim on my house. I expected to sand with 100 grit sandpaper and add minor putty as usual. I had to putty and sand every board with 40 grade sandpaper and finish with a smooth surface with 100 grade sandpaper. The wood was so bad I should have returned it. The wood actually needed to be put through a planer, sides and corners remade with wood putty. I used 3 large cans of wood putty from Ace Hardware in Keaau and 3 days of sanding @8 hours a day. Home Depot only had plastic wood putty to repair the boards. I prefer the real deal. All I can say is thank god I am very experienced in finishing carpentry.

Speaking of ACE hardware Keaau, the staff is very knowledgeable. They really know their stuff. They also carry Shindawa Weed Eaters. Best for the Jungle. I have been through 5 craftsman weed eaters. One Shindawa that was used for 7 years, until it was stolen. Also ACE brand Metal Rust paint is very good.

Now with the new exterior paint by BEHR Marque Semi-Gloss, I have confidence the exterior house paint will last another 12 Years if not more as stated. The paint guy was spot on at Home Depot I give him a 10. Also the exterior Primer and Paint in one by BEHR is awesome also. I use exterior paint for the interior also. So will see how long this paint lasts. Check out my reviews on Painting Your House 101.

The Journey living in Hawaii. I built my own house from cutting trees to clearing land and building from the ground up. Learning along the way what will withstand the harsh salty air and the brutal rain storms. I am glad I was smart when I chose stucco for my exterior walls. It seems like other materials have gone to ruin in some way or another. Every piece of metal has rusted and flaked away into dust. Any wood exposed to the elements has deteriorated into spongy nothings. Constant Maintenance, everything needs to be painted or replaced here after a few years. I can’t tell you how many BBQS that I have laid to rest because of rust. I thank my luck stars that I have plenty of experience in all facets of construction, maintenance and the remodeling trades.

Home & Garden

What is Diatomaceous Earth Used for in the Garden?

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By Orgnatlife.com

The uses for diatomaceous earth are many, but in the garden diatomaceous earth can be used as an insecticide. ants-gardenDiatomaceous earth works to get rid of insects such as:

Aphids, Thrips, Ants, Mites, Earwigs, Bedbugs, Adult Flea Beetles, Cockroaches, Snails and Slugs

To the insects, the diatomaceous earth is a lethal dust with microscopic sharp edges that cut through the insect’s protective covering, causing them to dry out, thus killing them when they are either dusted with the diatomaceous earth or applied in a wet spray form.

de-microscopeOne of the benefits of diatomaceous earth for insect control is that the insects it helps to control have no way to build up a resistance to the diatomaceous earth, like with many of the chemical control insecticides.


How to Apply Diatomaceous Earth In The Garden

Most places where you can purchase diatomaceous earth will have complete directions on the proper application of the product. As with any pesticide, be sure to read the label thoroughly and follow the directions thereon! The directions will include how to properly apply the diatomaceous earth (DE) both in the garden and indoors for the control of many insects as well as forming a barrier of sorts against them.

black-ant-on-leafIn the garden diatomaceous earth may be applied as a dust with a dust applicator approved for such use; again it is of the utmost importance to wear a dust mask during application of the diatomaceous earth in this manner and leave the mask on until you have left the dusting area. Keep pets and children clear of the dusting area until the dust has settled.

In my opinion, it is better to apply the product in a wettable form to avoid the airborne dust particles problem, even then wearing a dust mask is a garden smart action to take. When using as a dust application, you will want to cover both the top and underside of all foliage with the dust. If it rains right after the dust application, it will need to be reapplied. A great time to do the dust application is right after a light rain or in the very early morning when the dew is upon the foliage as it helps the dust to stick well to the foliage.

de-2For doing the spray application of diatomaceous earth, the mix ratio is usually one (1) cup of diatomaceous earth per ½ gallon or two (2) cups per gallon of water. Keep the mix tank agitated or stir it often to keep the diatomaceous earth powder well mixed with the water. This mix may also be applied as a paint of sorts to trees and some shrubs.

This is truly an amazing product of nature for use in our gardens and around our homes. Don’t forget that it is the “Food Grade” of diatomaceous earth that we want for our gardens and home use.