Pollination can also be affected by long stretches of rainy or cold spring weather, or watering too vigorously when pollen is forming. Water at the base of the plant by the stem and try to avoid pouring water on the forming blossoms, or early in the morning when the blossoms have just opened. Many gardeners also try to protect their squash plants from squash vine borers, a pest that can decimate squash crops, by placing row covers over the plants....

The Menu Stick to a barbecue-themed menu, including burgers, hot dogs, chicken, or other favorite grilled meats. Serve traditional picnic side dishes, too, such as potato salad, baked beans, coleslaw, and potato chips. Watermelon is a must. You could also make fruit kebabs if you’re looking for an easy way to serve fruit to kids. Consider using plastic skewers with rounded tips instead of pointed wooden ones because they’re safer for young children....

This article breaks down the topic by focusing on the easiest method for training American table grapes, which are the most commonly grown grapes in home gardens, as well as the basics of grape pruning. Grapevine Terminology First, here are the key terms used in grape training and pruning, namely the different parts of the grapevine: Trunk: The permanent, upright stem of the grapevine.Shoots: The new soft, green and succulent growth on one-year old wood, with leaves, tendrils, and flowers clusters that develop into grapes....

Chainsaws are valuable for cutting large items because of their long guide bars. Electric chainsaw guide bars are available in lengths up to 18 inches. Gas chainsaws range even longer—up to 40 inches. As long as you adhere to your chainsaw’s safety precautions, there is no reason using a chainsaw should be anything but safe, even if you have never used one before. Typical Projects With a Chainsaw Chainsaws are intended only for cutting wood, in projects such as:...

Wall outletsPower cordsAppliancesConsumer electronicsVehicle electrical systems The multimeter’s impressive versatility is owed to its ability to test for the three basic units of electricity, including: Voltage: Multimeters can test two forms of voltage: alternate current (AC) and direct current (DC). AC is the voltage used in your home’s electrical wiring, while DC is used primarily in vehicles, residential solar systems, and consumer electronics. Voltage is measured in volts.Resistance: Resistance is the opposition to the flow of current through a circuit, and is measured in Ohms....

When it comes to bedroom design, though, there are unique preferences. And these preferences are largely dependent upon personality, perspective, and of course, love language. Whether you crave your alone time or moments with special people, prefer an organized space or your own version of functional chaos, here is how you design your bedroom based on your love language. Quality Time If your love language is Quality Time, your entire bedroom is based upon your interactions with others....

Other times, you might decide to install the foam board between the studs. It’s a non-standard mode of installation for rigid foam and is time-consuming. But sometimes it is your best option if existing studs are already built tightly against the exterior wall. What Foam Board Insulation Is Rigid foam board insulation is extruded polystyrene that is used in homes both above- and below-grade. Metallic reflective film is sometimes added to one side of the rigid foam....

While horseshoes are not necessarily a traditional feng shui symbol, they are a symbol of good luck in other cultures. And yes, it is absolutely possible to use items from different cultures in conjunction with feng shui to improve the energy of your home. This is especially true if the symbol is part of your background and resonates with you. Horseshoes and the Five Elements Horseshoes are objects that are made of metal, which is one of the five elements that feng shui practitioners work with....

Read on to get the low down on sugar water. The Idea Behind Sugar Water In the process of photosynthesis, plants use energy, water, and carbon dioxide to produce sugars and starches. The idea of feeding a plant sugar water is based on the assumption that sugar provides additional carbohydrates that the plant takes up with its roots. The theory is that the sugar boosts plant growth. How Sugar Water Affects Plants There are several reasons why sugar water as a plant food doesn’t work....