Sadiq Gill: Get Ready For Spring Gardening

The first day of spring is still a little ways away, but even in the middle of winter, you can already start prepping your garden for spring and summer. In fact, now is the best time to get started on spring gardening plans. Here are some of the initial things you can do to get your yard ready for spring even before the snow melts. 

Buy your seeds 

Get some seed catalogs to browse and buy flower and fruit/vegetable seeds. You can also buy seeds online. Also read the descriptions and make sure you have everything you need to grow the plants you want for your garden. Keep in mind that cold weather crops like cabbage and spinach will need to go in the ground soon, before the weather gets too warm. 

Start germinating seeds indoors 

Once you have your seeds, you can start germinating them indoors to get your plants garden-ready before the frost date. Generally, with both flower and vegetable seeds, you want to allow two to three weeks to germinate and another two to three weeks to grow the plants large enough to transfer to the garden. Aim to start germinating your seeds by around mid-March for a late April plant date. 

Put together your spring landscaping plans 

In addition to adding plants, you may have more ambitious landscaping plans, such as outdoor construction or other projects requiring heavy equipment. These plans may range from anything from adding a fence or removing a tree stump, to building a gazebo or pouring concrete for a patio. With major projects, careful planning is key. Take some time to draft your plans (or hire a professional landscaper to do it) and secure any necessary permits. 

Reserve your gardening equipment 

Depending on what you want to do with your garden, you may need to rent some lawn and garden tools or other equipment in order to carry out your landscaping plans. This equipment may include seeders, thatchers, tillers, stump grinders, pavers, or other tools. Determine what equipment you need and reserve it in advance to make sure you have everything you need to start the project come springtime. 

Sadiq Gill - How To Install Wood Flooring

One way to change up the interior of your home is install wood flooring. It’s a classic look that you can accomplish all on your own by following a few easy steps.

Start by figuring out what kind of wood you want to install. Make note of the board widths so you can measure properly.

Next, measure the room or the area where you’ll be installing the wood. Measure the width and length of the room, and multiply those numbers to get the square footage. When you purchase the wood, allow 10-15 percent for errors.

Check your current floor to see if it squeaks. You’ll need at least a ¾” plywood subfloor. If there is a squeak, screw a long drywall screw into the subfloor and joist where you hear the noise.

Next, get rid of the shoe-molding in the room, clean and sweep the floor.

Then, roll out strips of vapor barrier paper (with some overlap) and staple it to the subfloor. Make marks on the paper where the joists are located.

Next is the installation. It’s good to begin at the longest unobstructed wall. Pick a long, straight wood board to begin the first row. Line the board up about 3/8’ away from the wall (you can make a chalk line if this helps) to allow for expansion.

Drill holes through the wood and into the subfloor and joists. You want the first boards to be perpendicular to the joists underneath to provide a solid anchor.

Nail each board at the point of every joist and set the nail with a nail-set. Complete the entire first row, remembering to pick random board lengths.  

After you install a few rows, hand nail the rolls. Then, using a nail gun and a mallet, drive the staple into the tongue of the wood.

When you get to the baseboards, you might have to cut the end so it fits. Make sure you pay attention to the way the pieces fit together (they are like puzzle pieces) so you don’t cut off the wrong side.

Once you’re nearing the last board, make sure to measure correctly and cut it length-wise if you have to. Finally, replace the shoe molding and putty any nail holes that have been face-nailed.

Sadiq Gill - Renting an Outdoor Heater

By Sadiq Gill

For anyone throwing an outdoor party – ranging from a backyard birthday party to an outdoor tent wedding – outdoor heaters are an essential item. Powered by propane, kerosene, or electricity, these appliances will keep your guests cozy and comfortable so that the party can go as late as you please!

Some types of portable heaters include forced air heaters, radiant heat panel heaters, and patio heaters (the type of heater you often see in outdoor seating areas of restaurants).

Most do-it-yourself rental and tool rental outlets offer a variety of outdoor heaters and related supplies.

Heaters, for example, typically may include:

•          Heater, 1.5m Btu Propane Forced Air
•          Heater, 125k Btu Kerosene Forced Air
•          Heater, 150k Btu Kerosene Forced Air
•          Heater, 150k Btu Propane Convection
•          Heater, 150k Btu Propane Forced Air
•          Heater, 175k Btu Propane Tent
•          Heater, 200k Btu Kerosene Forced Air Indirect
•          Heater, 200k Btu Propane Forced Air Indirect
•          Heater, 250k Btu Propane Top Hat
•          Heater, 350k Btu Propane Forced Air
•          Heater, 35k Btu Propane Forced Air
•          Heater, 35k Btu Propane Radiant
•          Heater, 400k Btu Propane Forced Air
•          Heater, 40k Btu Propane Patio
•          Heater, 50k Btu Kerosene Forced Air
•          Heater, Electric 1875 Watt

In addition, most centers will offer some additional accessories that you may need:

•          Coupler with Pigtail (used to couple multiple propane tanks together)
•          Hose, 1 1/4" X 25' Lp
•          Hose, 1 1/4" X 50' Lp
•          Hose, 1/2" X 50' Lp
•          Hose, 3/4" X 50' Lp
•          Hose, 3/8" X 30' Lp
•          Thermostat

Depending on what you are using the heater for, you may also require dehumidifiers and fans.