The Handyguys discuss keeping critters out of you garden, mulching and considering a fence.

Critters in the garden

What kind of critters? The question that prompted this discussion was about keeping neighborhood cats out of your flower beds. What about deer? What about keeping rabbits out of your lettuce garden? We discuss several methods that will all work for different kinds of critters.

Fencing

If you put up an 8 foot chain link fence it will keep the deer out but who wants to do that. A small low wire fence may keep out rabbits, groundhogs and skunks.

Flowers

Some flowers, especially Marigolds, have been reported to keep rabbits out of vegetable gardens.

Repellents

Some repellents can be bought at the home center but Consider using cayenne pepper instead. Its been reported to work with many types of animals.

Sprinklers

Yup – How about a motion activated sprinkler to keep the cats away? You need to check out the Scarecrow Sprinkler.

What are you doing Lately

Mulch

Lots of us do it. But what are our options?

If you don’t have a pickup truck you have a few options. you can buy it by the bag and bring it home in the trunk of your car or you can have it delivered in bulk.If you have your own truck, you can inexpensively get a truck load at many nurseries. Many communities also will have free mulch program. Listen to the show as the Handyguys discuss spreading mulch and precautions that should be taken.

Tip: When dealing with mulch in bulk don’t try to shovel it. Use a pitch fork to load it into your wheelbarrow. You can use a scoop to get the last bits off the driveway but the pitchfork works great when attacking the main pile.

Fencing

The Handyguys wrap up the show briefly discussion if Handyguy Brian should consider a fence for his yard.

Related shows:

1. Episode #81 – Handyguy Vehicles, Air Conditioning and Mower Repair
2. Episode #79 – The Handyguys Rant
3. Episode #102 – Salt damage to lawns and concrete

Yet one more item to add to your handyguy list… Tree care!

Do you give your trees any attention in the fall?  The Handyguys discuss how the fall is an important time for both lawn care and tree care.  But before they discuss this topic, they respond to some listener questions and suggestions.

In response to our closet organization show, Tom suggests that we check out the closet system from www.johnlouishome.com.  You can purchase this system from Rockler.  This closet system combines the ease of a wire shelf system with the sophisticated look of a finished wood product.  You can order in several different wood varieties and pricing is much closer to the wire shelving then to wood cabinets.  Listen to the podcast for the Handyguys comments.

After listening to our Lawnmower show, Bonnie asks “How do you know what size of spark plug, and are there specific ones for lawnmowers?”.  Good question.  Brian addresses this in the podcast, his response to Bonnie is below.

Thanks for contacting The Handyguys Podcast. There are many possibilities for spark plugs. What plug you will need will depend on the manufacturer of the engine on the mower. Usually what I will do is take the old one off and bring it with me to the store to ensure I get an exact replacement. Most stores will have a chart that cross references the plug model numbers from different manufacturers. You can also look in the owners manual for what plug you need. What if you do not have the owners manual and you do not have an old plug to reference? Then you can do some Internet sleuthing.

First determine who makes the engine and what model it is. Two common engine manufacturers for push mowers are Briggs & Stratton and Tecumseh. Go to the manufacturer website and look-up the info. Here are the links for Briggs and Tecumseh.

Briggs & Stratton Spark Plug Information
http://faqs.custhelp.com/cgi-bin/faqs.cfg/php/enduser/std_adp.php?p_faqid=11
Tecumseh
http://www.tecumsehpower.com/CustomerService/BSI.pdf

Thanks again for contacting The Handyguys Podcast. We will let you know if we use your question on the air.

Lastly – Please consider doing your Amazon shopping through our store. http://www.handyguyspodcast.com/the-handy-guys-store this will help keep us on the air.

Handyguy Brian

And now for Tree care.  Trees are often neglected because the Handyguys are too worried about creating a green lawn.  But the fall is a great time to care for you trees and the handyguy or handygal can tackle this job!   It is your last chance to give your trees the care they need before the harsh winter months.

Check out these tips courtesy Home Improvement News and Information Center

1. Put composted organic mulch under your tree in the fall or early winter to help retain water and reduce temperature extremes. A thin layer of mulch will act like a blanket and give the tree’s roots a little extra winter protection.
2. Give your trees a drink. Winter droughts require watering as much as summer droughts. If temperatures permit, an occasional watering during the winter on young trees can be a life saver. But be sure to water only when soil and trees are cool but not frozen.
3. Prune your trees. Winter is actually one of the best times to prune because it is easier to see the structure of trees without their leaves. But limit pruning to deadwood and poorly placed branches in order to save as many living branches as possible.
4. Prevent mechanical injuries. Branch breakage or splitting can be caused by ice and snow accumulation, or chewing and rubbing by animals. Prevent problems from occurring on young trees by wrapping the base of trees in a hard, plastic guard or a metal hardware cloth. Wrapping trees with burlap or plastic cloth also can prevent temperature damage. Just remember to remove the wraps and guards in the spring to prevent damage when the tree begins to grow.

For more information:

The International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) is a nonprofit organization supporting tree care research around the world. Headquartered in Champaign, Ill., ISA is dedicated to the care and preservation of shade and ornamental trees. For more information, contact a local ISA Certified Arborist or visit www.isa-arbor.com.

Courtesy: Home Improvement News and Information Center

Brian wraps up the show by mentioning that you can get free trees when joining the Arbor Day Foundation or maybe even from your town. Also check if your township has a free mulch program as part of its recycling program.

Lastly – The Handyguys will be speaking at this years PodCamp, Saturday September 13th. If you will be attending or in the area stop by and meet us.

Related shows:

1. Episode #29 – Fall Lawn Care
2. Episode #89 – Fall Checklist
3. Episode #34 – Preparing Your Home For Winter