| Garden Modifications and Non-Skid Driveway Surface |
From "Enable Your Home"
episode DEYH-105 |
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The Sterman family is fortunate enough to enjoy good health -- but a few modifications to the exterior of the home can make it safer and reduce physical stress. Since the average family outgrows a home every seven years, making modifications now will ensure that the Stermans can enjoy their home for years to come.Garden Modifications Nan Sterman and her children enjoyed gardening together, but now that the children are growing in both size and interests, Nan would like to reclaim the garden as her own. First on her agenda, reconstructing the raised beds to her comfort.
Nan works in her raised bed.
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Nan's tip: Limit the width of your raised bed to less than 4 feet across. This will enable you to sit on the edge of the bed and work across to the center. Anything wider will prevent access to certain parts of the bed.Building A Raised Bed A raised bed can bring a garden up to your comfort level and also creates defined spaces. - Plan your layout with consideration to maximum sun exposure, drainage and size. Determine the dimensions, then mark out the garden with stakes and string or spray paint.
- Test your soil. A soil test will indicate the soil's need for potassium, phosphorous, magnesium or calcium. Nitrogen can be added in the form of manure or mineral fertilizer. Use 2 to 3 pounds of 10-10-10 garden fertilizer per 100 square feet. Generous amounts of compost will help improve soil structure as well.
- Using a post-hole digger, dig a hole measuring 1' deep, for each corner of the raised bed. Insert 2' posts into each of the four holes and backfill holes to secure posts.
- Enclose the beds by using planks of insect and decay-resistant woods such as cypress, redwood, cedar, or pressure-treated lumber (but avoid chemically-treated wood, which can be toxi to plants). Cut the boards to size and hold them upright using stakes, rebar or pipe.
- After the enclosure is made, add wire mesh to the bottom of the bed (this will deter rodents and wildlife from entering under the sides), then add soil inside the enclosure.
- If desired, measure, cut and secure an edge cap to the top of the sides to create work seating.
- The beds are now ready for planting.
Water Access
New water access points will prevent Nan from lugging hoses all over the garden area.
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Next on Nan's list? The creation of water access points that will prevent her from lugging heavy hoses -- an inconvenient task that is physically demanding, as well as hard on plants in the path of the hose. To remedy this, Nan worked with a local contractor to tap into existing water lines to add new spigots around the garden.
Non-Skid Driveway Surface
Cracks were growing in size in the Sterman's driveway.
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A non-skid surface gives the driveway a new appearance; more importantly, it's safer to use.
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The Sterman children use the driveway to play and to skateboard. The ever-growing driveway cracks had become a topic of concern for Nan Sterman. Not only were the cracks repaired, but a non-stick surface was added.- To begin, thoroughly clean the area to be resurfaced. Allow the area to dry completely after cleaning.
- Next, use a paint roller to apply non-skid epoxy that has been mixed to manufacturer's specifications.
- While first layer of epoxy is still wet, sprinkle a layer of non-skid sand over top of epoxy and allow to dry.
- After first coat of epoxy is completely dry, apply a second coat. Let stand undisturbed for at least 24 hours.
In addition to the new driveway surface, a garage door keyless entry system provides easy entry from the driveway to the house. This system is installed according to manufacturer's instructions.
RESOURCES :
Arch Wood Protection
Pressure-Treated Wood
NaturalSelect.com
GUESTS :
Anita Green
Environmental Designer
E-mail: greengardner@earthlink.net
Website: Meadow Designs
Robert Rogers, Handyman
The Handyman Connection
4561 Mission Gorge Place, Suite J
San Diego, CA 92120
Phone: 619-584-5555
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