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Volume 6, Issue 8 Mitre 10 Projects How To magazine is published 11 times a year by MMS Publishing Ltd. www.nzprojects.co.nz info@nzprojects.co.nz
Managing Editor:

Scott Wilson Phone 021-725 061 Email: scott.wilson@nzprojects.co.nz

Editor:

32

Shaun Evans Mobile 021-1529136 Email: shaun.evans@nzprojects.co.nz

Sales Manager:

Chris Yates Phone: 027 573 2005 Email chris.yates@nzprojects.co.nz

Contributors:

Contributors: Shaun Evans, Scott Wilson, Je taime Hayr, Sandy Johnson.

Marketing:

Juliette Bavister Muse Marketing juliette@musemarketing.co.nz

contents
4 POWER DIY
Power tools you know you want.

54

60

Design and Layout:

Bernadette Tipene, Twist Design Phone 021 323 904

Printer:

Nicholson Print Solutions

Enquiries:

14 WARM UP THE WALLS

Whats in your walls has everything to do with keeping your heat.

MMS Publishing Ltd P O Box 14069 Five Cross Roads Hamilton 3252. 0800 NZPROJECTS (0800 697 765)
Join us on Facebook (How To Magazine) and Twitter (NZHowTo)

20 THE GEAR YOU NEED

Safety gear you need to install insulation in your walls.

22 KNOCK, KNOCK
Answer the door to new door furniture we show you How To.

New Zealand Subscriptions:

32 DYNAMIC DECKS
What a difference a stain makes so how do you get started?

36 WINDOW DRESSING
Revitalise your interiors with simple and effective blinds.

www.emags.co.nz/projects 0800 624 700 1 year (11 issues) - $49.00 (save 24% off the cover price)
NZ Projects magazine is a monthly publication, produced 11 times a year ISSN 2230-4770 (Print) ISSN 2230-4789 (Online). MMS Publishing reserves the right to accept or reject all editorial or advertising material. No part of NZ Projects How To magazine may be reproduced without express permission of the publisher. All rights rved. All letters to the magazine will be considered for publication unless clearly marked to the contrary. NZ Projects How To magazine accepts no responsibility for the return or condition of unsolicited manuscripts, art or photography material. Limitation of liability: NZ Projects How To magazine has been produced to provide the basic and general information required when undertaking home improvement projects around your home. It is not designed to replace the advice you may require in certain applications around your home. The contents of any article may need to be modified for a particular site and circumstances pertaining to some projects. Local bylaws pertaining to certain construction or home improvements should always be adhered to and we advise contacting a suitably qualified tradesperson when you require expert services or advice.

40 STYLE PLAN
We guide you through developing your own paint style.

44 NO LION, NO WITCH
We look at modern wardrobe design and stylish storage features.

48 SIX WAYS
Deciphering the jargon, six gardening terms explained.

50 CHECKLIST
Seeds, salads and spring its all here.

52 GET YOUR GREENS

Yates take us for a walk in their garden for salad greens.

54 RED, JUICY TOMATOES

Great to eat and a pleasure to grow, its a tomato How To.

60 WONDERLAND LIGHTING
Create an amazing look in your late night garden.

New colourful coverplate collection

A kaleidoscope of colours inspired the new collection of switches and powerpoints from HPM. Designed to lift and invigorate a homes dcor, the affordable Linea wall plates help to establish each rooms personality while celebrating design statements around the home. The coverplates can be easily interchanged to reect changing colour trends. Sleek and functional, the Linea collection can be used for a host of applications including light switches, extra safe power points, dimmers and internet, telephone and television outlets. And, the soft suede-like nish means they are simply a delight to touch.

easyTRAP new products

easyTRAP has added 12 new lines to their range; Codling Moth and Codling Moth Rell Kit, Sticky Tree Band, Mini-Stickies for ying insects, sticky traps for Cockroaches, Pantry Moths, Cloths Moths, Silversh & Spiders plus live-catch and multi-catch mouse traps! easyTRAP products offer a Natural Solution to Indoor and Outdoor Pest Control; Non-Toxic, no poisons or pesticides and 100% natural. Other products in the range include Wasp Traps, Slug & Snail Traps and Sticky Traps to control Aphids, Thrips, Whitey and other ying insects that damage gardens and plants. Available now at your local retailer. For more info please contact Tollesbury Enterprises; e: tollesbury@xtra.co.nz p: 09 421 0190 f: 09 421 0192

Arigo

Callisto

Exciting new lighting range

Olympus: The Olympus creates a striking visual impact with its contemporary design and smooth anthracite nish. With a durable aluminium body and energy saving LED technology, this is truly a bold statement for any environment. eel. e Arigo: A versatile and durable spotlight constructed out of marine grade stainless steel. t Light up your garden or plants from above or below the water!! With an IP68 rating the mp m Arigo spotlight can be fully submersed under the water. You can easily replace the lamp w sing with an LED alternative, great for those who are looking to light their garden while us using as little energy as possible Cylon: The natural granite nish allows the Cylon to integrate seamlessly into its mbience m environment, it provides a upward illumination highlighting a feature or creating ambience hose h in your garden. You can easily replace the lamp with an LED alternative, great for those who are looking to light their garden while using as little energy as possible te egrate Callisto: A traditional wall light with classic features and a rust brown nish will integrate tures perfectly into a natural environment. While classic in style there are many great features ec chnology including a durable aluminium body and the added benet of energy saving LED technology
Olympus

Teaching old doors new tricks

Schlage Stella sliding door locks by Ingersoll Rand give old aluminium sliding doors new life, style and security. Stella is not only secure with its twin activating jaws and stainless steel receiver plate, it also retro-ts existing location holes, including those installed from 19701990, giving you a modern design while covering previous installation holes. Available in three locking options, Schlage Stella offers all the advantages you would expect from this world leading brand; uncompromised security, simplicity, style and a high quality manufactured nish. Schlages 85 years of design and innovation produces stylish, innovative technologies that meet stringent quality and security standards.

Cylon

How To

DIY 101

DIY 101 Power tools

by Scott Wilson
Every well-stocked workshop needs a number of power tools to get projects completed accurately and professionally; however, just which tools you need depends on what jobs you are planning to do. Over the next few pages, we take a look at some of the tools you may have, want or need in your workshop and some that may be completely irrelevant but are still very cool.

The basics
Circular saw
Every workshop needs one of these. Depending on what type of job you have in mind, or whether you want a useful all-purpose circular saw, you can choose something highpowered with a large blade, or go for something more middle-of-the-road (and budget friendly) with a slightly smaller blade.

Cordless drill/driver
There is a huge range available and they have come a long way from their market release in the 1980s. In some cases, it may even pay to have two one set up to drill and one to drive screws. Grab a spare battery, so you can charge one while using the other.

Electric drill
A good electric drill will be able to handle more demanding work for longer periods of time than a battery drill. Theres no need to wait for the battery to charge as well; just plug it in and away you go. Increased power and torque mean corded drills to handle bigger bits and tackle tasks like drilling concrete.

How To

Black & Deckers key play makers

KR55CREK-XE - HAMMER DRILL 550 Watt Powerful Motor 13mm Keyless Chuck Variable Speed Side handle with Depth rod Drilling & Hammer Drilling Modes 2 year limited warranty

KG1200-XE 125mm ANGLE GRINDER 1200 Watt Powerful Motor Rubber grips add to user comfort and control Spindle Lock 3 position side handle Tool free safety guard

KS900EK-XE JIG SAW

600 Watt Powerful Motor Variable Speed On-Board Blade Storage Accu-bevel - Tool Free Bevel adjustment Orbital Action

EPC182K2-XE 18V CORDLESS DRILL Two Battery Packs Two Speed 24 Position Clutch Variable Speed Handy Kit Box 4 year limited warranty

KS1300-XE - 185mm Circular Saw 1300 Watt Powerful Motor Aluminium / Steel Blade Guard Depth Adjustment Sawdust Ejection Chute Bevel Adjustment 2 year limited warranty

Jigsaw
Such a handy little tool, a jigsaw is ideal for getting into those places inaccessible with a circular saw. They feature changeable blades for working on different materials: perfect for cutting out holes in panels for power points, plumbing fixtures and cutting curves for some of those more exotic projects.

Belt sanders are designed to remove a considerable amount of material and can quickly do a lot of damage to the surface of a project if used by someone unaware. In most cases, sanders are a way of finishing a project, so should be seen as a finishing tool. With that in mind, an orbital or random orbital sander will do the job. It can be paired with a detail sander to get into all the corners, nooks and crannies.

KA270-XE MULTI SANDER KX2000K-XE Heat Gun

Planer
This may seem like a luxury item but youll only have to use it once, in a situation where you need to remove quite a bit of material from a project, to realise just how useful an electric planer is.

Lights
Not technically classed as a power tool, but an electrical item that is a must in any good workshop (or anywhere youre working where its a little dark). Without good lighting, working with power tools isnt going to be safe. You need to see clearly to get the job done right with minimal danger to yourself or others.

Sander
Suggesting a sander is one thing, deciding which sort you need is something else entirely. There are a number of electric planers orbital sanders, belt sanders, detail sanders and random orbital sanders.

2000 Watt Element Variable Temperature Range 50C - 600C Free Stand Ability Kitbox - Conveniently stores Heatgun and Accessories

Detail + 125mm ROS 170 Watt Powerful motor 11000 rpm Finger Sanding Attachment Hook and loop paper attachment Cyclonic Dust Canister 2 year limited warranty

Freecall 0800 339 258

www.blackanddecker.co.nz

How To

POWERING YOUR TOOLS

No matter whether you have gone for the most basic of tools, or the best that money can buy; youll still need a number of power cords to supply them. Heavy-duty cords are the best bet because they stand up better to the rigors of a workshop. Its a good idea to get cords longer than you think you need, as you may need to run them around other items in your shed. Its much easier (and safer) to have one cord than multiple linked together to reach your objective. To store, coil cords loosely but tidily rather than having them tightly wound (which can cause wear to some of the wires inside the cable). If a cord does become damaged it can be a safety hazard, so get it checked or replaced. When using power tools, its also good practice to run them through a residual current device (RCD) to reduce the possibility of electric shock. Modern power tools are quite safe due to their construction however there is still some risk. An RCD provides just another safety barrier to electric shock because you can never be too careful.
Plus
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More advanced tools

Table saw
One of the real problems with a tool like a table saw is that it takes up so much room. These can be a wonderfully versatile tool, especially if you are in your shed on a regular basis, for a range of different projects. Table saws can be used for everything from accurately cutting panels to size through to ripping timber, as well as cutting grooves in timber for decorative or functional purposes.

Drop saw/draw saw

A drop saw or draw saw is a useful addition to your power tool arsenal but because of its limitations, it certainly wouldnt be the first power tool you would choose to buy. They can be unbeatable for jobs like cutting finishing trim like architraves, skirting and scotia. Most drop saws can be adjusted to cut on a mitre up to 45 degrees. Some have the option of tilting the blade as well, allowing a cut to be made in two angles at the same time (compound mitre).
V-Line Wall mount bath spout VL05
Add some sophistication to your bathroom with the elegant V-line wall mount bath spout. Check out the rest of the V-Line range on page 10

Waka Swi vel

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Nat Davis, Judge from TV2s Dreamh ome explains the ins & outs of choosing your tapware. Read on below to find out why she has chosen these products as her top 6.

How To

Drop saws work only in an up and down motion; while draw saws work with a back-and-forth motion, drawing the blade through the material being cut. It is possible to obtain a combination draw and drop saw.

Router
Often used for decorative work on the edges of timber or panels. A router can also be used for basic tasks like creating a uniform finish along the edge of a piece of timber which makes it much easier to sand a smooth rounded edge. With a change of bit a router can also be used to machine a groove or slot in pieces of timber ideal for creating strong joints between two separate sections of stock.

Reciprocating saw
Now heres a tool that has a huge range of uses. Its one of those use-one, want-one type of tools that can quickly have you searching through the power tools section at Mitre 10. The first time I used one was during a major renovation project when I had to cut some bolts holding a section of wall framing to the floor. A tedious, frustrating job normally with a hacksaw, was achieved quickly and easily using a reciprocating saw. The secret to the saws performance is the long thin blade that moves back and forth and can be squeezed into the most awkward of spots. With a range of interchangeable blades available, a reciprocating saw can be used to cut through a wide variety of materials.

Angle grinder
Heres a tool thats likely to only come out on odd occasions but, when its needed, youll find it almost invaluable. Angle grinders can be used to carefully grind down metal to a smooth surface or, with a change of disc, to cut through masonry or metal. They can even be used to get into awkward areas to cut off bolts or nails that cant be reached with the correct blade on a circular saw.

Bosch Hot Water. Delivering Peace of Mind.

Bosch has been delivering hot water to New Zealand households for over 50 years. Pioneering continuous flow water heating in the late 1800s, Bosch has secured a name synonymous with quality and innovation that continues to drive the company today. As a result, Bosch now offers the largest range of continuous flow gas hot water systems on the market today. One such product, the Bosch Highflow 25e is compact, space-saving and is easy to install. It has been designed for maximum energy efficiency and environmental protection making it a smart choice for New Zealand homes. Call Bosch on 0800 54 33 52 or visit www.bosch.co.nz/hotwater for more information.

10

How To Biscuit jointer

This is a really specialised tool designed to cut semi-circular grooves into the edge of a piece of timber into which specially made elliptical biscuits of timber are glued. A second groove can then be machined into a second section of timber, which is then glued onto the corresponding face of the biscuit, creating a strong joint. Its a method of joining a number of sections together for projects such as tabletops.
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Projects How to and nouera have teamed together to bring one lucky reader the complete bathroom package. The 900 E-Line Shower Enclosure includes a solid acrylic shower tray with 40mm upstand, a 2 sided flat acrylic wall liner and a door set which incorporates 2 sliding doors and 2 fixed return panels with white frames in a clear toughened safety glass finish. A low-profile chrome easy clean shower waste and a set of 10mm glass shower shelves will compliment the inside of this enclosure, while a beautiful bathroom mirror will do justice to any bathroom decor.

Nail gun
Although theyre not an item that most DIYers would have in their workshops and also not technically a power tool, nail guns are becoming more popular. Theyre an essential item for any serious tradesman because they increase efficiency by a remarkable rate. With nail guns available for everything from heavy-duty framing nails down to light-duty finishing tacks, they can be used on almost any section of any project. They really come into their own during house framing or laying decking. Nail guns use a combination of

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rechargeable battery and replaceable gas cartridge to provide motive power.

Bench grinder
Again, a tool that probably isnt used too much, but can prove to be quite the addition to your power tool arsenal once you have realised how handy it can be. If you work with pieces of metal, a bench grinder is the perfect tool to remove those annoying burrs or sharp edges. It can also be used to sharpen your hand tools, such as chisels, axes or even lawnmower blades, but this does take some practice and skill to get right especially when honing blades, like chisels, that require an accurate blade angle.

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SAFETY EqUIPMENT Remember you always need at least some basic safety equipment when operating power tools. Most power tools require a minimum of safety glasses or goggles as well as some form of hearing protection. Others will also require a dust mask or some form of breathing protection as well.

60

How To EnTEr THE draw Go online to www.nzprojects.co.nz and click on competitions to submit your entry or send your name, physical address, daytime phone number and email address on the back of an envelope to: projects HoW to nouera competition, 15 berne place, birkenhead, Auckland 0626 before 30 September 2011.

You must include the missing words in this phrase: do justice to your _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ with nouera

CondITIonS oF EnTrY: You may enter only once. There is 1 prize pack as outlined. Prize will be delivered to the nearest Mitre 10 to the winner to be collected. The prizes are non-refundable, non-transferable or redeemable for cash. The winners will be notified by phone or email by 31 October 2011. Employees of MMS Publishing, Nouera and their immediate families and agencies are not eligible to enter. All entrants with a valid email address will be notified of the winners of this competition. Prices quoted in this promotion were accurate recommended retail prices at time of publication. Projects HOW TO and Nouera accept no responsibility for any loss or damage incurred from the use of these products.

12

How To

Insulate Walls

Wall warmth
by Shaun Evans
New Zealand has more than its fair share of cold and draughty homes. The reason is a combination of underinvestment, poor design and poor maintenance. Home insulation only became mandatory in 1978, so if your home was constructed before then, its likely you are in need of insulation.

14

15

How To

Timber should be completely dry before installing insulation.

Build in your energy savings now...

and save up to a further 17% on your heating costs*
Building or renovating is the best time to include insulation that will future-proof your home. By using Pink Batts thermal insulation you can reduce the amount of heat loss from your home. This diagram explains where the heat is lost from a home, and what products to use where.

A minimum of R2.6 insulation in the South Island or Central Plateau. Combine this with advice from trained professionals at Mitre 10 and online resources to make choosing your wall insulation a breeze. Run through this checklist to assess your wall insulation status: Do you have wall insulation? Is your insulation gap free? Is your insulation dry? Does your insulation cover the whole area? The easiest part is down to Mitre 10 to order enough for the job!

Go beyond the minimum and save

Install insulation with higher R-values to future proof your home against rising energy costs. An R-value measures a products resistance to heat ow. By installing insulation with a high R-value such as Pink Batts Ultra into walls, ceilings and under your oors, you can create a signicantly warmer and more comfortable home thats free from mould and condensation. Also, you can reduce your homes heating costs by up to 17%* compared to installing the minimum levels required by the NZ Building Code.

Consider sound as well

Use Pink Batts Silencer acoustic insulation strategically, by building into internal walls wherever you wish to decrease sound transmission between rooms; such as bedroom and bathroom.
*Test results illustrate estimated energy savings for particular scenarios. Savings will vary dending on factors such as building design, construction and location. Building Workshop Architectural Consultants 2005.

Installation
Its important to install your insulation correctly, as even The monetary price we pay for un-insulated houses is in the form of wasted energy from heating homes that are unable to retain heat. The damp and moisture are also a drawback, but more worrying still is the toll it can take on your familys comfort and health. Installing insulation in your walls will retain heat and contribute to a warm and healthy home. Insulation will stop the cold seeping in, prevent heat escaping and stop damp rising. Wall insulation can be made from polyester, wool, fibreglass and polystyrene. R-values denote the type of fibreglass insulation perfect for your home: A minimum of R1.6 insulation in the North Island (excluding the Central Plateau) a tiny gap can make it significantly less effective. Wall insulation can be easy to install depending on the state of your walls. If you are in the process of a new build then installing insulation in your walls, prior to attaching the linings, is relatively simple. If on the other hand you need to remove your wall linings then this can create a larger project altogether. In the grand scheme of things, the cost benefit will outweigh the hassle. Pulling your linings off the framing does NOT have to involve a sledgehammer! Its possible to pull out a few nails around the perimeter of the sheet and carry away the whole piece of Gib intact. This means you can use it again to save you money or stack easily for removal. Fibreglass-based products are designed to friction fit

Licence No 2504017. Thermal (resistive type) building insulants.

24% through the wall TM Use Pink Batts Ultra

42% through the roof TM Use Pink Batts Ultra

Wed love to help you further

Our Comfort in Style brochure is full of tips and how tos for planning, buying and installing the correct insulation.

Where does the heat go?

For a FREE copy, email us on savings@pinkbatts.co.nz. Include your name and postal address and well send you a brochure.

Cut the R-value sticker off the bale and staple it to the framing for future reference.

between 600mm wall studs. Typically they measure 1140mm x 580mm, however if you find you have 400mm centered wall studs you will need a sharp Stanley knife to cut each piece to fit.

10% through the oor Use Pink Batts Cosyoor

Internal wall use Pink Batts Silencer to reduce noise transmissions

www.comfortablehomes.co.nz
Energi 83151

16

How To
Reducing the gaps between your insulation and the wall studs is not enough they must be eliminated entirely. Gaps around the edges will reduce the effective R-value of the insulation by approximately 3% for every 1mm gap. When you are retro fitting insulation into externally facing walls, the backside will be exposed to the cladding. Condensation forms here so you will need to install underlay to protect your insulation from moisture. Use building paper such as Bitumac 850 or Flamestop 650 if the cladding is not-absorbent (steel or plastic), otherwise use a synthetic wrap and simply staple it to the internal perimeter of the stud cavities. If you are using a polystyrene-based insulation, use a sharp Stanley knife to make your cuts accurate and straight this will help you fit the insulation perfectly.

Insulate Walls
All the spaces within exterior walls need to be insulated between the top and bottom plates. Where there are split-level ceilings or floors, the area above and below the split needs to be well insulated. Using your off cuts to insulate around window and door frames will also help. With fibreglass products, simply friction fit it into place to ensure there is no movement over time. However, polystyrene is more rigid and any gaps need to be filled. Polystyrene insulation also needs a protective sheathing around wiring to prevent contact. There are many great installers available if youre unsure about your skill level for this project and the Mitre 10 team has a list to help you. One thing thats for sure is once your insulation is installed, you and your family will notice the difference in terms of comfort, warmth and savings on your power bill.

BUILDING AND RENOVATING

The perfect time to make your home warm, comfortable and energy efficient is when you are building or renovating. It is your opportunity to go back to the drawing board and really think about how you can incorporate energy efficiency into your homes design.

Designing better new homes

With the right combination of materials, features and technologies you can create a stylish, warm and comfortable new home that uses relatively little energy to run and is better for the environment. Good energy efficient design neednt cost much more, but youll enjoy the benefits for many years to come. Start by reading Designing Comfortable Homes on the EECA, Energywise website - a plain English guide for anyone interested in designing comfortable, energy efficient homes. Find out more about designing an energy efficient home at www.energywise.co.nz

Renovating for warmer, drier homes

Everyone would like to live in a house that is warm, comfortable and healthy - and doesnt cost too much to run. But compared with houses in other countries with similar climates, New Zealand houses are cold, damp and unhealthy. Most of our houses are draughty, badly ventilated and under-insulated. This makes them difficult and expensive to heat. Fortunately, there are many things you can do to make your home warmer and more comfortable to live in, and its a great opportunity to do it while you are renovating.

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How To

Installation equipment

and safety

As with all DIY projects, installing insulation in your walls requires concentration, a steady hand and the right equipment. Safety equipment is paramount, as you are dealing with a product that can irritate your skin and eyes. Also, there are many potential dangers in your walls such as electrical cables, timber splinters, exposed nails and, sometimes, plumbing.

Like you ... weve been renovating too!

A

publicAtion

Here is a list of How To safety products you should have for installing insulation in your walls: Dust mask: Behind your wall linings are a dusty place and the irritation from dust particles poses a health risk, so using a disposable cotton pad mask is the very least you can do to protect your lungs. If you were going to be installing a lot of insulation, then it would pay to invest in a more robust respirator. Clothing: Loose-fitting clothing will lessen the chances of skin irritation from the insulation material. Footwear: Good shoes will make the difference in terms of grip, comfort and the prevention of abrasions or damage to your feet. The range of Bata products are ideal and can be found at Mitre 10. Lamp and extension cord: An adequately lit work area is essential; make sure you have an extension cord about 15m long. Installing sticks: These should be about 1.5m long, 50mm wide and 5-10mm thick. They will allow you to push the insulation into the corner. Knife: The sharper the knife, the better, as it will slice through insulation for a clean edge. This edge will give you the friction fit ensuring a professional and effective finish. Goggles: Due to the irritation caused by insulation it is always a great idea to wear eye protection to ensure your eyes are saved from unnecessary aggravation. Use fully enclosed goggles for this job. Gloves: Protect your hands from nails and splinters and your skin from the irritation caused by insulation. A good set of gloves will last you for many years and they will be useful for many other projects. There are some important safety precautions that are worth mentioning, specific to the installation of wall insulation: Always have sufficient lighting. This is the key to being aware of your surroundings and of threats to your safety. It also helps you carry out a professional job. Electrical hazards are everywhere and accidentally interrupting the flow could put your life in danger. Be aware of where the electrical cables are and mark the areas where hidden cables lay. Installing insulation is a great project for winter and the tools you need are easy to find. Should you need more information, talk to the team in store at your local Mitre 10.

How To is now your digital DIY partner ... Wherever you are, you can find DIY tips, links, videos and competitions; all just a click away.
Visit us on the Website (www.nzprojects.co.nz) Like us on Facebook (www.facebook.com/NZHowTo) Tweet us on Twitter (www.twitter.com/NZHowTo)

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How To

Project

ed: ls requir Basic too c drill i Electr hole saw 53mm spade bit 25mm screwdriver s Phillip easure or ruler Tape m pencil Sharp (approx. 25mm) Chisel r e Hamm

When it comes to home security, the first barrier to any intruder is your front door and the lock that secures it in place. Ideally, you want something thats going to provide some security and strength against any unwanted visitors, while retaining a welcoming aesthetic for those you do want to come in.
Schlage provides a range of high-performance front door locks and handles designed to keep intruders out, yet remain stylish enough to grace the entryway to your home. As well as a range of standard keyed locks, Schlage produces electronic versions, which offer a unique range of advantages over standard locks. For a start, you dont need a key to get in, which means you wont need to fumble around in your bag or through your pockets looking for one when you get home. Theres also no key to get lost, so you wont need to worry about where it is or whos got hold of it. Different codes can be programmed into the lock depending on who you want to have access and when. For example, if a tradesperson needs access to your home, you can programme a one-time code that automatically erases itself from the system once its been used, or you can have different entry codes for different family members. If you get to the door after the suns gone down (or shortly before its due to come up), the backlit keypad makes it easy to see what you are doing.

Lock, stock and looking good

by Scott Wilson 22

23

How To
The lock is powered by a standard nine-volt battery, which lasts up to three years in normal circumstances and gives plenty of warning when it is running low on power. Even after the initial low power warning, there are still a couple of months of normal performance left in the system. If the battery runs flat, a standard key override allows access to the house, which means you can hide the key away in a safe place, just in case the system runs out of power. A light on the keypad flashes with differing colour combinations (ie, red/green or red), indicating the battery requires replacement. Lock installation isnt difficult and if you are considering retro-fitting one to an existing door, these locks are compatible with a standard 54mm hole. As a rule of thumb, if you have a handle with a key that inserts into the front of the knob or lever, then you should be able to swap it for a new Schlage lock without any difficulties. If you have basic DIY skills and the necessary tools, you will be able to install one in a new door yourself.

Project

Step 2
Once the position of the handle has been established, drill 54mm through the door to accommodate the hardware. Using a sharp hole saw fitted to an electric drill, make a hole through from one side without going all the way through the door, then drill back through from the other side. This will prevent the saw breaking out and damaging the face of the door.

Step 3
To fit the cylinder of the latch set, a 25mm (1) hole needs to be drilled in the centre of the edge of the door lining up to the middle of the 54mm hole you have already made for the handle. Take care to keep the drill straight and level as you are drilling or this can cause problems when you fit the latch.

Step 4 & Step 5

The faceplate of the latch cylinder needs to be checked into the edge of the door so its flush with the surface. Mark around the faceplate and use a sharp chisel to carefully remove timber until the faceplate sits flush with the surface. If the plate sits above the surface when its in place, it can cause the door to bind to the frame or hit the strike plate when its closed, so continue to chisel out any extra material until the plate fits correctly and then screw it in place.

Step 3

Step 1

Step 1
The first step is to establish the correct height on the door for the handle too high and it will be difficult to reach, too low and it will feel awkward and look out of place. Around 1m up from the bottom of the door is a good starting point. At that point, mark the door based on the back set of the latch in the case of this Schlage set, it has the option of 60mm or 70mm. Because it sat nicely in the centre of the door stile, a 70mm back set was chosen in this case. Using a square, a ruler and a sharp pencil, mark this position on both sides of the door.

Step 2

Step 4

Step 5

Style.

Security.

0800 477 869 www.ingersollrand.co.nz

0800 477 869 www.ingersollrand.co.nz

How To

BRIGHT IDEAS

INJECT A LITTLE PERSONALITY INTO ONE OF YOUR HOMES OFTEN OVERLOOKED FIXTURES
hether youre renovating or simply updating the decor of a room to reflect the current season, you no longer have to settle for plain light switches. While standard white covers work in neutralcoloured rooms, the Linea Soft Touch range allows you to fuse fun with functionality and get your creative juices flowing. With 18 colours to choose from, you can mix and match Linea Soft Touch coverplates to your hearts content, using them to complement or provide contrast to your surrounds. Easy to fit, the snap-on coverplates have a super-slim profile and can be swapped as you update your colour scheme. They have a beautiful, suede-like finish and can be teamed with textured feature walls and even wallpaper to create complete hue harmony at home.

Sunshine

Cheeky Boy Blue

Bubblegum

Orange Crush

Abracadabra Saucy Red

E n e rgi s e & I n v i g o r a t e
Inspired by pop art, Linea Soft-Touch Brights add punch and a touch of fun to your interiors. Pair with textured wallpapers or match to a unique piece in the room.

Step 6 Step 6 & Step 7

Slip the handle in to place ensuring the connect wire is fed through the hole to the other side of the door. Slip the backing plate into place (this is held in position using a hands free post, which is an adjustable screw used to hold it together while you work), then connect the battery and plug in the connection wire. If correctly installed, the handle will beep to let you know its working.

Step 7

Runaway Bride

Ghost Gum

NE W!
Extra safe (ES) power points with unique rotating covers keep inquisitive young fingers extra safe.

5 OClock Olive

Ninja Khaki

Style. Security.
Real security sets you free

Midnight Dash

Wet Elephant

Na tu ra l S a n c tu a ry
Soothing elements in nature provided the inspiration for the Earth range. These neutral colours work particularly well with timber, stone and marble features in the home.

0800 477 869 www.ingersollrand.co.nz

Stocklists: Available by special order through hardware stores and electrical wholesalers. We remind you that 240V electrical accessories need to be installed by a licensed electrician. For more information visit www.lineacolours.co.nz or call HPM Legrand on 0800 476 009

How To

Of course you can make it

because GoldenEdge makes it easy with Easi-Planks, Easi-Panels and Primed HMR Mouldings

Step 8 Step 8
When everythings connected, the battery can be slipped into position in a holder on the backing plate, the wires tucked away and the inside handle screwed in. Note that this is done using a standard screwdriver and not a battery driver, as these can over tighten screws and cause damage. This is a fairly simple job but can cause some problems if its not done correctly. A striker plate thats not fitted in the right place can cause a door to either rattle in the wind (too loose) or needed to be slammed to latch into place (too tight). One way of working out the correct position is to mark the position of the latch on the doorframe, measure back from the front of the door to the backside of the bolt and then transfer this measurement to the door frame. By chiselling out a small amount of timber first and then closing the door, its easy to establish just where the strike plate needs to be fitted.

Easi-Planks
Made from 18mm GoldenEdge MDF in a range of convenient lengths and widths to suit the DIYer. Can be painted or stained. Sizes (mm)
1800x300, 1800x400, 1800x600 2400x300, 2400x400, 2400x600

Easi-Panels
These come in a range of thicknesses from 4.75 to 18mm, ideal for all sorts of projects. Sizes
4.75 and 6mm 1200x600, 1200x900, 1200x1200 9, 12 and 18mm 1200x600, 1200x900

Primed HMR Mouldings

This range of mouldings are machine coated with a premium acrylic undercoat. In 5.4m lengths.

Bevelled Architrave

Step 9
Now that the handle is all fixed in place and working properly, the strike plate needs to be fixed to the doorframe.

Bullnose Architrave

Splayed Architrave

Colonial Architrave

Square Dressed

Bevelled Cornice

GoldenEdge Medium Density Fibreboard (MDF) is the ideal material for a wide range of interior projects. Whether you are making kitchen joinery, bookcases, storage cabinets, furniture or toys, youll make it easier with GoldenEdge MDF.

Step 9
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from your nearest Mitre 10 or Mitre 10 Mega

CLAUDE 14612

How To
Once this position has been established, mark around the striker plate and remove the timber with a chisel until it sits flush with the surface before screwing it into place.

Step 10
The final step to getting your door working is to read the keypad operation instructions and establish the key codes. Its best to do it with door open and the code sheet nearby, because the last thing you want to do is lock yourself out a possibly frustrating end to your lock installation project!

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uPVC Standard Grate Grey uPVC Pedestrian Grate Galvanised Grate & uPVC Channel uPVC Standard Grate Charcoal uPVC Reinforced Grate

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200mm CHANNEL SYSTEM

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www.marley.co.nz
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Surface Drainage Solutions

30

How To
The furniture you have on the deck may also be in the same box as your deck

Prep the deck

We all know summer is coming and pretty soon it will be time to have family and friends out on the deck for the first summer barbeque. In fact with the New Zealand way of life orientated towards al fresco dining, the deck has become the environment of choice.

and may need a new lease of life using the same techniques.

So, how is your deck looking?

Has your deck lost the colour it had originally? Faded in some areas and not others? How about marks from furniture, pot plants or the barbeque? Whether you have constructed a new deck or you are looking at revitalizing the one you have, its important to make sure you have the knowledge and tools to add life to your outdoor living areas.

Getting started
Adopt a planned approach to stain your deck successfully, just as you do when painting the house. This begins with proper preparation, because if the job is not done thoroughly from the outset there is little chance of your deck ending up looking perfect for the summer of entertaining ahead. Simple preparation steps to a well-stained deck will include: Sanding off the old stain to expose the timber. Ensuring the surface is free from dirt, grime and oils. Using Wattyl Combat to reduce mould growth, warping and cracking.

The best possible start to the job.

Weathering of new timber

Allow any new dense or resinous timbers, such as jarrah, teak, kwila, cypress pine and other hardwood timbers, to weather for four to six weeks before staining. Pine treated with LOSP (Light Organic Solvent Preservative) should weather for two weeks prior to application.

Start your deck or roof job the way you mean to go on - doing the best job possible. Essential preparation products prior to using Wattyl Forestwood or Wattyl Solagard Roof.

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Excellent for Annual Cleaning Bleach Free Caustic Alkaline Free Removes Moss & Lichen
WORK2563

How To
If the timber has a shiny dressed surface or patches from the timber production process, sand using 150 grit sandpaper to allow for stain adhesion and penetration or allow to weather for six weeks.

Choosing the right product and colour

Part of the planning process is to ensure you have the right product and colour. A stain often takes on a slightly different hue on different decking timbers, so carrying out a test on a spare piece of decking or getting samples from the team at Mitre 10 is a really good idea. Major manufacturers like Wattyl help by offering test pots. Take an off cut and try several stains to be absolutely sure which will look best on the timber you have chosen. Here are a few types of stains from the Wattyl range that you will find at Mitre 10:

Wattyl Forestwood Decking Stain

A solvent-based stain that gives a matt oiled finish. Its suitable for most decking and garden timbers, including durable softwoods and close grain hardwoods. Available in a range of standard timber colours.

Surface preparation
Before you start applying the actual stain, double check to make sure youve removed all mould and stains like grease, oil or any other contaminants. You can deal to mould by using a stiff brush and stains can be removed by using a good solvent like Wattyl Deck & Timber Prep. Simply follow the instructions and allow your deck to dry before applying your stain. This preparation product can also be used to help maintain the appearance of your deck. Wash your deck with it every year following the label instructions and it will remove stains and contaminants giving life to your stained deck or furniture. From here the real work of staining your deck begins. By preparing thoroughly, the job becomes much easier and, ultimately, the result will be that much better.

Wattyl Forestwood Traditional Oil Stain

This is a rich penetrating oil stain that adds colour and allows the grain to show through. Its best used on rough sawn and smooth weathered timbers. It dries to a low sheen and is available in a beautiful range of warm, earthy colours.

Wattyl Forestwood Aquatech

A water-reduced oil stain suited for exterior surfaces, such as rough sawn and weathered smooth timbers of weatherboards, beams, pergolas, gates and windows. You will find an extensive range of standard and tinted Aquatech colours available.

Over 30 colours taken from nature

A choice of traditional oil-based and new waterbased stains that enhance the look of exterior timber in ways you will absolutely love. This superb range of colours allows the exterior of your home to be as much a fashion statement as the interior.

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How To

Blinds

Often a simple change like updating your dated curtains to modern, streamlined blinds can make a huge difference. There are a number of blind styles to choose from: tailored roller blinds, modern lined aluminium venetian blinds, warm wooden blinds or the universally popular vertical blinds. Youll find there is a blind style to cover your window and suit the style of your home. Theyre the most cost effect way to update your look and are simpler to find and install than you imagined.

So, how do you get started?

Measure your window as shown.
First decide if you want to have your blinds inside your window frame (inside fit) or outside your window frame (outside fit). For a streamlined look select an inside fit, as the blinds will sit snugly inside your window frame.

Update your
If you have been looking at your tired window coverings and thinking the hassle to update them may be too much think again! Its easy and cheap to revamp the window coverings in your house.

windows

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37

How To

Blinds

For the best light control select outside fit and add at least 20mm on each side to cover off any light gaps. This works well for childrens rooms, TV rooms or any room that you wish to eliminate light seepage around the window frame. Visit you Mitre 10 store and select the style of blind that you are after. Whether you choose aluminium, wooden, roller or vertical blinds, they are available in pre-packs as well as a custom made range. Make sure you take your measurements to the store as this will help you decide which option is the best fit

for your home. The Mitre 10 staff can help discuss your options. If you want your blinds to have an exact fit and your window measurements dont match the pre-packaged measurements, dont worry, there are some great options available to you. Mitre 10 offers a Cut-to-Size option and will cut blinds down to the exact height and drop you require. This is available on any pre-packaged aluminium venetian or wooden blind. Select the blind in the closest size, give it to Mitre 10 and it will be returned to you in a few

days, the exact size ready to hang. Just ask a Mitre 10 staff member for pricing and a timeline for these adjustments. If you have selected to outside fit your blinds then find the closest size and you might have some more overhang on the outside of your window. If you are after a more specialised option then By Request Custom Made blinds are for you. This is an easy choice to get a perfect fit. Ask a Mitre 10 staff member to view the full range of sample swatches and have your measurements handy. Once ordered, your blinds will arrive ready to be installed. It really is that simple to drastically change the look of your home. An updated, fresh, modern look is a lot cheaper than youd think.

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How To
A well-developed theme using all the painting techniques at your disposal can certainly help promote your style onto the canvas of your home. Once you have a solid theme, the choices you make will be guided by the need to fit into your look. This will apply to everything from soft furnishings and furniture to the appliances. When you are looking at improving your home, be bold and go with your own sense of style. Its your house and your home, you will living there, so best be comfortable. While the homes you see in magazines may be appealing, take into account your lifestyle and the practicalities of real life like children and pets.

Lets look at some How To rules to home design:

Develop a theme
When you pick a theme for your redecoration, stay true to it, even down to the materials, textures and colours that you use. Maintaining the theme throughout will help to achieve a harmonious and balanced environment for both the interior and exterior of your home.

Use your theme to inspire decorating choices but resist being a slave to the theme when you start choosing appliances old-fashioned washing machines look good but are not user-friendly.

Pick your
40

Your home is a reflection of your personality and achieving a style that invites you, your family and your friends into your home is the sign of style success. You want to put together a look and feel that welcomes you in at the front door, if not, then the second you pull into the driveway.

style

How To Flow
The key to good living is a good layout. Easy flow from one area to another is governed by the rooms layout. For example, its common to have the lounge, kitchen and dining room in the same area to allow for ease of use. Likewise bedrooms will be grouped in the quiet part of the house. It is important to assign a budget to the materials you will need to complete tasks during renovations. Fundamentals of any home, like the driveway, front door, insulation or bench tops should never be skimped on. These are permanent fixtures that you will have for a very long time, so care and money should be spent to make sure they stand the test of time. With regards to painting, both internally and externally, decide ahead of time on the extent of the project where it starts and where it finishes! Break the project up into manageable chunks and set limits to get the job done methodically and efficiently. While painting the interior, its better to move furniture out of one or two rooms and then paint them. Once complete, move the furniture and fittings back into place and move on to the next rooms. This helps in maintaining an efficient flow of work and will save your nerves. The team at Mitre 10 have been helping household DIYers plan and decorate their homes for a very long time this knowledge is at your disposal! In combination with their supply partners, you will find all the information, products, advice and help you will need to get the job done.

Style Guide

Get inspired with a FREE testpot

To help you splash some of the latest colours around your place, when you bring this ad into Resene well give you a FREE Resene 55ml testpot to get you started. Choose from an extensive range of colours, including our The Range fashion fandeck selection.
Offer valid until 15 October 2011 at your local Mitre 10 MEGA (excluding Rangiora), Mitre 10 Wanaka, Cromwell or Resene owned ColorShops. Limit one free testpot per coupon and per customer.

There are many themes to choose from and usually the construction of your home will dictate what is possible. From traditional villas through to contemporary apartments, once you have chosen your style, this unifying theme will help guide your decisions.

Accents
Accents can be used on both the exterior of your home and the interior. The idea here is to use a complimentary colour to highlight the main body of colour and draw the viewers eye. Accents can also be a piece of furniture or soft furnishings like curtains or a duvet on a bed. On the exterior you can create an accent simply by painting the front door or window frames. Try a Cape Cod look with a marine theme, blue grey body of the house with a crisp marine white window frames.

Environment
Take a look around your neigbourhood and see how your house fits into the grand scheme of the area. It is important to promote your individual style, but having a brightly painted home in a subdued neighbourhood may not be appropriate. Try to choose colours that compliment the site where you house is situated.

0800 RESENE (737 363) www.resene.co.nz

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How To

Wardrobe

with style
With the appropriate wardrobe system, you can add valuable storage to your home and show off clothes in style; you went to such trouble choosing them, it only seems fair!
Choosing and using a wardrobe storage system will also keep you clothes fresh and free from harmful moulds, prolonging the life of your wardrobe collection. With Elfa compatible storage systems available from Mitre 10, organising your wardrobe is fun and easy, and even your favourite trousers can have a place in the sun on the stylish and useful pants rack. Also, its just a snap to assemble any of the Elfa components. Elfa produces world-renowned modular shelving and drawer systems that can be customised to your needs and your space to help you get organised. It can be used in any room of the home, including a closet, office, garage or pantry to maximise your vertical space and bring beauty, ease and order to your home.

Storage

44

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How To

Wardrobe

Customised to suit your unique storage needs, and made of exceptionally strong epoxy-bonded steel components, you can rely on Elfa to stand the test of time. And thats not all. The true benefits come from the flexibility offered by Elfa, designed to make things easier for you throughout life. All of the drawers, pant racks and shoe racks have the same measurements and match perfectly together, which makes it a piece of cake to plan, buy and assemble a wardrobe or storage unit. This component feature allows you to rearrange your wardrobe with ease when you need to. Elfa can grow with your needs, which is a good thing if you have kids, since toys wont be the most important thing in their life forever!

and folded clothing, shoes, accessories, linens and miscellaneous items, such as sporting equipment and luggage. Donate or sell anything you dont or cant wear or use any more. Use the two-year rule if you havent worn it in two years, its time to say goodbye to it. These items take up valuable space and probably wont be missed. If you have one lone closet rod at the top of your closet to hang your clothes on remove it. One rod severely limits your ability to visualize available space and does not allow you to double-hang clothing. Measure your entire closet space from front to back, side to side and floor to ceiling. Note the height and width of doors and door frames. Also note the location of built-in shelves, fuse boxes, cables, ducts and any other obstructions that may hinder you. And heres where it gets fun! Go along to your local Mitre 10, and view the Elfa video in store. This will give you a feel for what Elfas all about and how easy it is to install. Next choose your system be it the classic white, sleek and modern platinum or the rich, subtle tones of walnut or beech dcor finishes. You can add more bits and pieces whenever you like too, so if you decide after using your system for a few weeks

you would like to add another shoe rack you can do it in a snap! Remember, what you assemble in minutes with Elfa will last a lifetime.

Installation
Remove all contents from wardrobe and take the opportunity to sell or donate items no longer required. Take out the old shelving and closet rods. You may want to store clothes you are keeping on a garment rack during the installation to keep them neat and tidy. Tape the pages of your custom space design to the corresponding wall so you can refer to this for the placement of your Elfa system. Lay all the Elfa pieces out by type and size and allocate the pieces to the wall they will be installed on. Installation is easy and using the list of tools here you want to ensure all the components are installed level and flat to ensure future additions can be made with ease. If you get stuck, always refer to the installation pamphlet or talk to the experts at Mitre 10. Theres plenty of information online at www.mitre10.co.nz in our How To guides and from the Elfa display in store.

ToolS drill and bits. Power r. e Hamm easure. Tape m or step stool. r ladde Pencil. s. r Scisso level.

Getting started
Redesigning areas to increase much-needed storage space can be a very simple process. By using custom designed storage and organisation systems, Elfa wardrobes can be transformed into multi-purpose areas, yielding up to 50% more usable space for a fraction of the cost of custom built-ins. Begin by noting everything you would like to store in a particular wardrobe or cupboard. This includes hanging

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How To

Six gardening
As well as the scientific names given to each plant, there are often more general terms written on plant labels. If you understand them, these terms can guide your choice of plant depending on where you plan to grow it and what its function will be. Here are some of the key terms you need to know:

terms

SUBSCRIBE

by Sandy Johnson

AND WIN!
MUltI-tool MAgIC
Win a handy Bahco Multi-tool worth $40 with Projects HOW to magazine. 3 lucky subscribers will each receive a pocket genius. Eighteen mini hand tools including screwdrivers, saws, wire cutters, pliers, a fish-hook remover and even a bottle opener means that this is the perfect all-in-one device. All new and renewing subscribers in the month of September will go in the draw to win. So make sure you subscribe today! www.bahco.com
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1. Annual
This is used to describe a plant that will grow, flower, set seed and die all in one season. Its most often applied to flowering bedding plants. The flowering time noted in the plants description is a guide to its life cycle, which is usually split into winter and summer. It is important to remember that a summer plant can flower through to autumn if it is planted late in the season and conditions are mild.

5. Deciduous
This is the name for all trees, climbers and shrubs that lose their leaves during the winter. Once the leaves are gone, the plant becomes dormant. Cold temperatures signal the change, which is why in a mild season you will see trees holding on to their leaves a little longer.

6. Semideciduous
Some plants dont seem to be able to make up their mind! Semi-deciduous means that a tree or shrub will partially lose its leaves or, if the season is mild, not at all. There are three other terms that you need to know in order to understand what conditions a plant likes to grow in. These terms can relate to any plant in any of the above classes. Tender plants need to be continually protected from the elements. Half-hardy plants need protection from only the severest of weather. Hardy plants will survive in all weather conditions.

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2. Biennial
This is a plant that needs two years to complete its life cycle. It will be sown in the first year, then flower and set seed in the second. Biennials are less common than annuals and perennials. Parsley is an excellent example of a biennial plant.

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3. Perennial
This is a plant that lives for more than two years. Many are propagated from the division of a larger mature clump. Often a perennial is referred to as herbaceous, which simply means that the plant will die away after flowering and reappear next spring. Remember to prune foliage between flowering.

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4. Evergreen
As the name suggests, evergreen trees, climbers and shrubs keep their leaves all year round. They develop new leaves through all seasons. These are a great addition to any garden, as they provide life in even the coldest of winter months.

If you take a course in Greek or Latin language, then the information about each plant is actually hidden in its name. A plants name will generally refer to its colour, where it was found and who found it. Further information may be contained in the name if the plant is thought to have any healing properties.

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48

How To

Checklist

September
by Sandy Johnson

checklist
Salad greens need to be staggered so that you get a continuous supply. Plant your first lot of peas straight into the ground and a second crop three weeks later. Plant celery, beetroot, spinach, cabbages, asparagus, peppers and cucumbers. Prepare your tomato beds. Beans and pea seeds can be planted straight into their permanent position. Onions are planted now for the autumn harvest. Potatoes can still be planted, but remember to mound soil up around existing potatoes to prevent them from going green. Fertilise potatoes already in the ground every two to three weeks with potato food. At this time of year, frost is a danger to your newly planted seedlings. If the night is clear and still, place a cloche or frost cloth over the most vulnerable parts of your garden. Fruit trees will be showing blossoms about now, so check the Codlin moth traps and, if necessary, apply new ones for the season. Fertilise your citrus trees and hibiscus trees with the same fertiliser.

Springs the rush hour for gardening the earlier you get started, the better prepared youll be!

Home grown
As the weather and ground warms up, its time to plant your vegetable seedlings. You will need to judge the exact planting time for yourself, as each area can differ wildly throughout the country; however, September is traditionally warm enough for most plantings. The exception here is for your tomatoes; hold off until October, unless you have a greenhouse. First off, prepare your vegetable garden by adding a layer of home-made or pre-packaged compost and sheep pellets. Make sure you dig this through well to give a consistent coverage. Hold off adding blood and bone until you are ready to plant, as it may be washed away with rain the same applies with a lot of powdered fertilisers. If you are using home-made compost, hold off planting for at least two weeks to give it time to settle. When you are ready to start planting, use a rake to level off the soil and break up any remaining lumps. Work the soil with your trowel to get a fine texture for the new seedlings and be sure to add a handful of blood and bone as you plant to give them a good start.

Flower garden
Plant summer annuals. Feed your camellias and rhododendrons.

Lawn
Top dress existing lawns with lawn fertiliser and water in well. Spray to kill any broadleaf weeds that are in the lawn. Spray for Onehunga weed as the plant is now in flower. New lawns can be seeded.

How to repair patches in the lawn

Rake over bare patches and remove any weeds or dead grass, so youre left with bare soil. Loosen the soil to a depth of 10-15cm and spread a layer of topsoil or lawn preparation mix over this bare patch. Rake it though the surrounding grass as well; it will benefit all grass and help to merge the patch better. You need to choose the best seed for your environment and purpose; the Mitre 10 staff are more than happy to help with this. Scatter the seed over the area lightly and use a rake to cover before watering the entire area. Keeping the seed wet while it germinates and establishes itself is very important. If there is no rain in the forecast, water regularly.

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51

How To

Grow your
with Yates
slightly more exotic Mesclun Mix.

own salad
Young beetroot leaves make another popular salad ingredient.

Can you rise the Challenge? to

The freshest way to serve salad is straight out of the garden and its easier than you think. Just a few pots will supply enough greens for a small family. When you visit the nearest Yates seed stand youll find a choice of leafy salad varieties, including the Salad Mix packet and the

Vary the components

Other suggestions for the salad bowl include rocket and Yates now has the richly-flavoured Wild Rocket and large, soft-leafed rocket in the range. Easy-to-grow spring onions add an onion-like piquancy and theres also the sweet-flavoured baby spinach.

Getting started
Start with a few pots filled with quality potting mix. Salad greens need plenty of water, so a potting mix like Yates Professional, with added soil wetters and water-storing crystals, will help keep them hydrated. Yates Tuscan Edge pots, with a self-watering reservoir in the base, are very forgiving if you occasionally forget to water. Sprinkle a layer of Yates Black Magic Seed Raising Mix on top of the potting mix to provide nutrients to get the seeds going. Then sow seeds according to the instructions on the pack. Dont bury them too deeply; small seeds are usually sown at, or close to, the surface. Keep the seeds consistently moist while theyre germinating. The easiest way to do this, with small seeds like lettuce, is to mist spray with a hand atomiser. If you use a hose or watering can, make sure the water flow is gentle otherwise your seeds will be flooded out of the pot!

Come join our online community of gardeners with the Yates Vegie Growing Challenge.
Simply register at the Yates website, select which vegetables you intend to grow and compete by posting regular blogs, photos and comments about your gardening journey. Every entrant receives a free packet of Tomato or Lettuce seeds, and you will be in to win a share of $4,000 worth of prizes.

Add some herbs

Herbs like basil and parsley spice up a salad. Theyre particularly good choices because their lush leaves bring a different flavour to the blend. For extra colour variety, look for the purple basil thats been added to the Yates seed range.

Other salad veggies

If you have the room and a bit more patience you might like to try slower-growing salad veggies such as tomatoes and capsicums. While these will grow in pots, they generally do better in the ground. Never plant them in the same place in successive years as tomatoes and their relatives can be troubled by a number of soil-borne diseases.

gies Grow Vedships ien and frhe Yates with t Growing Vegie enge. Chall

Youre never alone in the garden, simply visit www.yates.co.nz for advice, apps and more.

rations commence 17 September 2011 Regist

www.yates.co.nz
Follow us

52

DPP41670

How To

Terrific
by Sandy Johnson
until October before you plant.

tomatoes
C M Y CM MY CY CMY K

Tomatoes are a warm-weather crop and the plants are available to buy from late September. If you dont have a greenhouse or some other protection from the cold, wait

Tomatoes require consistent conditions to ensure a healthy harvest, so plant them in light, free-draining soil in direct sunlight out of the wind. Choose only the healthiest seedlings to transfer to the garden.

Preparation is the key to success:

Soil preparation can be done a few weeks beforehand. Just prior to planting, work the soil through with generous amounts of Results Compost and a handful of blood and bone. These extras arent needed if you are using a pre-prepared tomato soil mix. Lightly water the plant and gently tip it out of the pot, keeping the root ball intact. If you are going to use stakes, pop them in now so as not to disturb the roots later on. Remember to keep supporting the plant as it grows. McGregors plant ties are excellent, as they will not cut into the stem. Water is vital to the success of your tomatoes, so water them regularly and deeply. They require more water and food once they become established. When the fruit starts to appear, fertilise the plants more regularly with a liquid fertiliser. These can be easily mixed in a watering can and applied directly to the soil. Avoid getting too much fertiliser on the plant foliage, as it can encourage fungal disease. Apply approximately every two weeks. Laterals are the side growths that grow in the angle of each leaf on the main stem. Regularly remove side laterals when they are small to get one strong central leader.

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Tomatoes do have a few enemies, but a healthy plant will be better able to fight off bugs and diseases. The easiest way combat them is to check your plants on a regular basis and remove caterpillars and bugs by hand. There are many pesticides that are friendly to food crops available from Yates: Pyrethrum sprays are a natural insecticide derived from pyrethrum flowers, which can be used on fruit, vegetables and ornamentals. Pyrethrum sprays have a withholding period of 24 hours. Pyrethrum spray is toxic to bees avoid using it when

Tomatoes
they are around, as we need them to pollinate our plants. No Caterpillars spray is an organic certified spray that is an effective stomach poison for caterpillars. It can be used on fruit, vegetables, vines and flowers. Sticky traps work throughout the garden by luring and capturing bugs. There are many tomato varieties to choose from: heirloom, yellow, green, purple and even black. If you just want to grow a standard tomato, here are a few varieties that have stood the test of time and are still among the most popular.

VARIETY Grosse Lisse Russian Red Moneymaker Roma Sweet 100

FRUIT Medium to large-sized fruit crops well Medium-sized fruit Medium-sized fruit crops well Egg-shaped fruit Masses of tiny bite-sized fruit

NOTES Tall, vigorous growth Sturdy growth habit good for cooler climates Tall, vigorous growth Medium growth habit Grow against a fence for support, as it grows wild

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Tomatoes

Grafted tomatoes
These bear a much larger crop than normal tomatoes because they are two plant types grafted together. The top part of the plant is chosen for flavour, size and colour of the fruit and then grafted on to rootstock chosen for its vigorous growth, root development and disease resistance.

TRICKS OF THE TRADE

Tomatoes shouldnt be planted in the same place as the previous year. Crop rotation will minimise the spread of bugs and diseases that may be left in the soil. Tomatoes like onions, garlic, basil and sage as neighbours. Harvesting time is often up to personal choice but its best to pick the fruit when they are fully coloured and firm to the touch; this will allow the fruit to stay firmer longer and encourage the plant to produce more fruit.

They have a few special requirements:

The clip that you see around the plant near the bottom is where the graft has been attached. This needs to be planted above the ground, as it will fall off by itself as the stem grows. Grafted tomatoes grow large; when you plant, place them at least 1m apart to prevent overcrowding. They will also need a framework to grow up, rather than just one stake, so place 2.5m (or higher) stakes about 30cm apart. This will give you a framework to attach plastic netting to. Alternatively, grow them up a wall or trellis with string to support the plant. When your tomatoes are about 30cm high, pinch out the growing tip; this will encourage the side shoots to grow and the vigorous rootstock will provide up to ten or more leaders. Let the leaders grow without pinching out the tips, but remember to remove the side shoots or laterals.

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How To
Well-planned garden lighting will not only make your outdoor area safer, but accentuate the finest aspects of your home and garden, while providing after-dark outdoor ambiance. Thankfully, the days of mixing and matching different expensive lighting brands and figuring out tricky wiring are over. Getting your outdoor ambiance right has never been easier thanks to Mitre 10s high quality plug and play Garden Lights system.

Lighting
Before planning your outdoor lighting design, ask yourself these questions:

What are your lighting needs?

Do you have areas such as paths, steps and obstacles that need to be lit for safety? Do you spend time entertaining guests and need to enhance the atmosphere? Do you have specific features, like sculptures or trees, which deserve to be lit up after dark?

What is your home style?

Look at your home in the daylight and decide whether it has a simple design, villa or modern feel. By matching the style and design of the lighting fixtures to your house, you can create stand-out or subtle character. Outdoor torches, ornate garden lanterns, contemporary spotlights and fairy lights each lend a different style to your outdoor area.

What is the position of the viewer?

Consider the effects of your lighting design on the viewer. Make sure that the lights will not be glaring to the eyes.

All lit up
by Je taime Hayer
With a little consideration, its possible to transform your outdoor area from dark and dull to beautifully lit and elegant, simply by choosing the right lighting.

12 Volt - Simple & Safe

Quality European designs combined with a simple yet sophisticated system allows you to transform your garden quicker and easier than ever before. All our cables and transformers are pre-wired so anyone can install them..

3 Step Selection
1. Choose your Lights 2. Choose your Transformer - TIP: add up the total wattage of your lights & select a transformer with a greater wattage 3. Choose your Cables

www.12vgardenlights.co.nz
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How To

Lighting

Lighting techniques
A variety of lighting techniques can be used to achieve different effects and show off certain aspects of your home and garden.

Backlighting
Backlighting is a clever way to mimic the effect created by the setting sun. It creates a silhouette of a structural plant and is ideal for highlighting trees with large leaves.

Seasonal changes
Just as the plants change with the seasons, you can be creative with your lighting to highlight shrubs during winter or focus on blossoms during the spring.

Coloured lights
Theres no need to stick with plain white lighting; let your imagination go wild and add new dimension to your landscape design with coloured lighting. While white lighting will light up the garden in its natural colours, yellow lights can be used to brighten up your greens, red lights will add warm depth and blue lights will cool natural shades. Green light can make foliage look lush.

Down lighting
Flood lights can be used to light large outdoor entertaining areas from above, creating a daylight effect in the evening. While not the most creative lighting technique, its certainly functional for those that do a lot of outdoor entertaining. Lights can also be placed in trees and on walls to provide a hazy glow in the space below.

Lighting water features

Water features provide an opportunity to create special effects. This could be by lighting above a pond, backlighting a fall of water, or submerging lights to create a magical, shimmering effect.

Spotlights
As suggested by their name, spotlights are used to draw attention to a particular focal point. Choose narrow beam spotlights to intensely light a small area or wide beam spotlights to diffuse light over a larger area.

Landscape design lighting aspects

Create a striking outdoor area by paying attention to the following aspects of your outdoor lighting.

Up lighting
Lighting from the bottom up is a popular technique in garden lighting design. Plants are lit brightly at the bottom and the light fades naturally higher up. This soft light leads to a gentle, romantic atmosphere.

Contrast
Contrasting lighting effects in different sections creates a sense of mystique and can be used to highlight the best features of your garden.

Solar-powered garden lights

Solar garden lights are handy for well-lit areas (because they need at least 5-10 hours of sunlight to light up at night). Theres no electrical installation and theyre simply pushed into the earth. Once purchased there are no running costs and they can be moved around to light different areas as required. Mitre 10s garden lights centre offer fantastic, affordable and simple ways to transform your garden with their new

Frontal lighting
This is a dramatic lighting technique, which uses direct frontal light. It is best kept to one main feature you wish to make your focal point, particularly when the surrounding plants feature diffused lighting. Dont have more than one focal point and dont forget the diffused lighting, or the effect can become harsh.

Path lighting
Pathways and driveways should be lit for safety, either by low lighting that runs the length of the path and highlights steps or uneven terrain, or by lights higher up on posts to flood the path with light.

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THREE-STEP GARDEN LIGHTS SYSTEM

1) Choose the lights that best suit your home and garden. 2) Add the wattage of the lights together and select a transformer that is greater than the total wattage. 3) Choose your cable.

pre-wired plug and play 12-volt garden lights system. Its a quality European brand with lights priced from $19.98 to $89.98. The set-up process has never been easier. The garden lights centre at Mitre 10 offers: deck lights, wall lights, bollards and spotlights, cables, accessories and replacement globes everything you need to transform your outdoor area. Theres a guide for the selection process and a convenient in-store garden planner, which allows you to draw up your own garden plan and manage your cable considerations.

Set up tips
When positioning the transformer, aim to keep the main cable line as short as possible or select a SPT 3 cable this will ensure optimum brightness by reducing voltage drop. For best results, space lights evenly. Make sure you turn off the power supply when fitting the lights.

www.masterpet.co.nz

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