Handyguys Podcast - Home Improvement and DIY Advice show

Handyguys Podcast - Home Improvement and DIY Advice

Summary: The Handyguys are two avid DIYers sharing their experiences working around the house. ````Our podcast feature answers to your questions, head-to-head tool tests and other DIY and home improvement topics. If you have a question regarding your home, let us know using the “contact” tab on our site or call us at (615) 676-0877. We respond to all questions and may use your question on-the-air in a future broadcast.````Our weekly podcasts are posted every Thursday at 5PM Eastern Time. We look forward to answering your questions and helping you around the home!

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Podcasts:

 Toolbox Choices | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: 11:14

There are hundreds of toolbox choices on the market. The Handyguys discuss the big and small, soft and hard, tool specific or generic toolbox choices in this video. http://youtu.be/n5-h-ss56yk Toolbox Choices Small Portable toolboxes These types of toolboxes are very common when you only need to carry around a few small tools. The Handyguys like their Bucket Boss system for carry tools to the job but also find use for a 'normal' small toolbox. Tool Specific toolboxes Blow-mold tool specific tool cases are loved or hated. Many people will discard them, others can't live without them. Both Handyguy Brian and Handyguy Paul keep these tool specific tool cases around for when they need to protect the tool during transport. Soft toolbox choices Some tools come with soft cases but you can also buy soft sides toolboxes. Soft sided toolboxes are lighter and easier to pack in the trunk of a car. There are tons of sizes, styles, colors and features. Click on the picture to see a bunch of them. Large toolbox choices As your tool collection grows or as the complexity of the project dictates a more varied tool collection it may be nice to have one large, rolling, tool kit that contains all the tools needed for the job. Just be careful. Some rolling toolboxes can be TOO big. Make sure it fits in the trunk of your car if needed or that you can actually lift it when its full. Thanks for reading, listening and watching. If you like our content please do not forget to subscribe  You can sign up for our email list and be notified of new shows, you can subscribe in YouTube, iTunes and many other places. If you have a question for The Handyguys then drop us a line. All our contact information can be found on our contact page.  

 Smoke alarm no smoke – What to do | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: 5:54

It doesn't happen too often but it CAN happen - smoke alarm no smoke. Yes, your smoke alarm can go off when there is no smoke. One possibility is dust. http://youtu.be/zPX5Z3T3ASs Smoke alarm no smoke The Handyguys discuss how to deal with a Smoke alarm no smoke situation cause by dust.

 Installing a faucet and water filter | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: 5:48

Installing a faucet and water filter doesn't need to be hard, in this new video from The Handyguys we show you the basic steps to installing a faucet and water filter. http://youtu.be/EWj0K9RgMIc Installing a new kitchen Faucet In this video The Handyguys install the new Pfister Pasadena Kitchen faucet featuring: Install Tool included two-function spray-head integrated flexible supply lines Installing a water filter The Handyguys also add The Filtrete High Performance Drinking Water System with Maximum Filtration Plus featuring: Mounts under your kitchen sink A dedicated faucet Reduces contaminants from water including select VOCs, select pharmaceuticals, microbial cysts and lead No tools required for filter changes Installing a faucet and water filter required only basic tools and the ability to read directions. If you take your time you can upgrade the look of your kitchen and also have filtered water when you want it. The products used in this production have been provided by their respective vendors. However, the opinions of The Handyguys are entirely our own and we have not been paid to make positive comments.

 Garage Cabinets & Garage Organization | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: 9:55

Garage Organization Handyguy Brian's garage a disaster, he has a mix of recycled cabinets, home-made shelving, pegboard and cheap, rusty metal shelves. In this episode The Handyguys discuss garage organization and show off their new set. http://youtu.be/hZtlkRz0cV0 Redline Garage Organization offerings Here are a few of the advantages of using Redline's Garage Organization offerings discussed in this video: These cabinets are not just closet systems repurposed. Paul discuss redline versus your easyclosets. Custom Cabinet options are available  11 colors, rolling work benches, slatwall, everything you would need for getting completely organized.  These features insure a very customized system to insure you have a place for everything which is the key to keeping the garage organized. Buying Process - Easy for customer Redline sells through a dealer network, if there is not a dealer in their area they will assign one of their project managers at Redline Garagegear to their project. The first step is thorough discusion of what your needs are and what the space is we have to work with. A cabinet layout is drawn based on your needs are and the space you have Modifications to the layout can be made After the order is placed Redline Garage Gear will then manufacture the cabinets in 3-5 days and ship them. Typically if a customer buys from a dealer it is a “turn key” solution meaning they will install the system. If the customer does not have a dealer in their area and they work with Redline directly who can provide an installation DVD to show how to install. Many times people will hire a handyman / carpenter to install rather than doing it themselves Depth of offerings Over 500 different cabinets Custom sized cabinets 11 colors Quality & construction Top of workbench has a heavy-duty impact coating Powder coated paint finish holds up well Drawer slides are full extension allowing easy access to the contents Hinges are heavy-duty euro style hinges Basic installation overview Wall hanger - The cabinets install easily by hanging on a wall mounted rail. Cam lock devices hold the cabinet carcases together Hinges install into pre-drilled recesses and doors attach easily Drawers com pre-assembled, just attach the slides. Go to http://www.redlinegaragegear.com/ and click on “Win a custom workbench”

 Electric Snowblowers | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: 7:35

In this episode The Handyguys try out electric snowblowers, discuss advantages of electric versus gas snowblowers, and why they may be the right tool for a homeowner and why they might not be the right tool for some people. http://youtu.be/nV2GRYvPg1o Electric Snowblowers - Advantages Always start No need to store gas Lightweight Easy to store Electric Snowblowers - Disadvantages Limited by cord length Limited to light snows Narrower path If you want to try one of these Toro Power Curve electric snowblowers for your self then head on over to Amazon and pick one up. Toro has provided The Handyguys products used in this evaluation. However, the opinions of The Handyguys are entirely our own and we have not been paid to make positive comments.

 Stocking Stuffers | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: 9:30

http://youtu.be/GrywQUFmMLs The Handyguys discuss inexpensive home improvement stocking stuffers, for the handyguy or handygal in your life, in this new video. Brian Suggests these home improvement stocking stuffers 6-in-1 screwdriver - Not the 11 in 1 or 32 in 1 or 945973495 in 1 screwdrivers. Keep it simple and get the 6 in 1 screwdriver that has 1/4" & 5/16" Nut Setter, 2 PHILLIPS & 2 SLOTTED bits. Driver bits - A pack of driver bits to use with your drill or impact driver is also very handy. Mini MagLight - These are handy to have around, get one for each glove box and a kitchen drawer. Paul Recommends these home improvement stocking stuffers A paint brush cover - Handyguy Brian hasn't tried this cool new tool but Paul says it's a must have. Utility Knife - Another handy tool, despite Brian's claim its one of the most dangerous tools in a Handyguys arsenal. Dog bone wrench - Multiple sizes in one for this wrench! Lastly, CLOTHES Yeah, the Handyguys want to look stylish on and off the set. The Handyguys wardrobe is provided by Duluth Trading Company. They have lots of hard-wearing cloths and lots of great gifts. Check them out.  

 Wired Networking | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: 10:28

http://youtu.be/Oq2KaRKaFMk Wired networking has been around a long time and has progressed through many topologies and technologies. The Handyguys discuss the advantages of wired networking, when to use wired networking and what the pieces of a complete solution look like. Components of a wired networking solution Hub or switch The hub or switch is the central component of a wired networking solution. It acts a traffic cop for all networking in a home. Typically a switch is used. Get one with enough ports for your needs plus a few for future use. An 8 port switch is relatively inexpensive. You do not need a super fast switch if your only use is for your device to access the Internet. For example, if you have a 5 MB internet connection then a 10MB, 100MB and 1000MB switch will give you the same performance for internet browsing because the bottle neck is your Internet connection. If you are moving files or streaming video between devices inside your home network then you can benefit from 100MB or 1000MB (1GB) networking. Plates and jacks By using plates and jacks you make for a much more streamlined and professional install. If you are wiring up a house put a plate and jack in each home office location as well as any areas where you have multimedia (behind the TV). Punchdown block A punchdown block is used where all the wires run from the plates and jacks connect. From the punch down block you run a short cable to your switch. Cable You will likely use cat-5 ethernet cable. There is also cat-5e, cat-6 and someday cat-4783 (kidding). Use a cable that is rated for the switch you have. Match that to the jacks you use. If you have cat-5e jacks use cat-5e cable. Standards When you hard wire things in your house you have many standards to consider. Pick one and stay consistent. For example, jacks can be wired up in different ways. A common configuration is called T568B another is called T568A. Read up on it if you want.  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/TIA/EIA-568 When buying jacks and punchdown blocks just make sue you are consistent, pick one and stick with it. The Handyguys both have wired networking with the T568B standard. Tools You will want a few tools for your wired networking project: Punchdown tool for making connections to the punchdown block and the jacks. A crimp tool if you make your own cables. // <A HREF="http://ws.amazon.com/widgets/q?rt=ss_mfw&ServiceVersion=20070822&MarketPlace=US&ID=V20070822%2FUS%2Fthehanguypod-20%2F8001%2F70a547d0-b07d-4b27-aaec-5363314a9e5a&Operation=NoScript">Amazon.com Widgets</A>

 Selecting Pneumatic Nailers | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: 14:59

http://youtu.be/NbMTWDI3KfA In this show The Handyguys discuss selecting pneumatic nailers also known as nail guns. Nail Gun Choices Below is a listing of different nail guns from small to large to specialty, this list will help you in Selecting Pneumatic Nailers. Pin Nailers 23 gauge pin nailers are the smallest of the lot. They are used when you need to nail small, delicate, parts and want the smallest nail hole possible. This type of nailer is usually used in furniture building. An Uffy Tools TH-T-CZ10 is shown in the video. Brad nailers 18 gauge brad nailers are usually used for small moldings and small trim pieces. Nailing things like shoe moulding and screen moulding are best done with an 18g brad nailer, larger nails will cause splits. Finish nailers Finish nailers come in two sized. 16g and 15g. Both will do the job for most trim work like window and door trim and some crown moulding. The 15g nailer is angled and the 16g nailer is straight. The angle of the 15g nailer makes it easier to get into corners but the 16g makes a slightly smaller hole. Framing nailers These are the 'big boys'. They are, obviously, used for framing. What many people don't realize is framing nailers can accommodate many other style nails as well. Things like ring shank nails, decking nails and more. You can use a framing nailer (with the correct nails) for putting down subfloor, roof sheathing, some siding and other building tasks. Specialty nailers There are specialty nailers for specific purposes as well. Selecting pneumatic nailers specific to the task at hand will help your project go faster. Roofing nailers make fast work of installing shingles. Flooring nailers are made for installing hardwood floors. There are 'cap nailers' made for installing felt paper and house wrap. There are various pneumatic staplers for upholstery, wire fence installation and other tasks. Selecting Pneumatic Nailers How do you select your first nailer? It depends on the task at hand. If you are finishing a basement then you may want to consider a kit that includes a framing nailer, finish nailer and maybe a brad nailer. If you are installing crown moulding then go with a 15g finish nailer. The bottom line, let your project dictate the nailer choice. The nailer choice will drive your air compressor choice (a future topic). Watch the video to learn about selecting pneumatic nailers for your project. You can also listen to our older audio podcast on the subject of nailers here or watch a video of The Handyguys using a nail gun for target practice!

 Announcing Handyguys 2012/13 Season with Home Improvement Videos | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: 1:07

http://youtu.be/-aO_vZH20BY Moving to Home Improvement Videos and Youtube Then Handyguys Podcast is now moving primarily to a video format. To get all of our latest content and to see our home improvement videos, please subscribe to our youtube channel.  We will begin uploading new content in the next week or so and have already filmed 5 new episodes in the updated Handyguys Productions studio. Why the Change? We moved to home improvement videos because our content benefits from our ability to visually demonstrate our topic at hand. We tried to make the move to video a couple of years ago but we did not have the resources or organization necessary at the time to make the leap. We now have a production crew, a wardrobe, set, lights and access to multiple cameras. Of course that requires significant capital investment. We hope to recoup some of that cost through youtube's monetization system but also through other video production ventures.  We think that our new-found ability to help out both our regular listeners and occasional visitors through short, targeted home improvement videos will benefit the DIY community. Get ready for shows on pneumatic nailers, garage shelving and cabinets, Ipe Decking, cutting the cable and more!  As always, we encourage our listeners to provide feedback for our content. If you have questions or would like us to cover a specific topic, please use the contact form. As always...thank you for listening viewing the Handyguys Podacast and enjoy the show.

 Drought Lawn Care | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: 15:28

Over 70% of the country has been classified as abnormally dry, or worse. What about the oasis in your own backyard? Lawn Care Do’s and Don’ts During a Drought DON’T Water your lawn at night. Grass left wet overnight, or for long periods of time, can encourage fungal diseases that cause discoloration. Water in the early morning so your lawn isn’t damp for long periods, but the sun isn’t high enough to evaporate the water before it penetrates the soil. DO Raise your mower deck. Cut at the maximum height to enhance stress tolerance. Mowing on the high side encourages roots to grow deeper into the soil, absorbing water from the insulated soil. As a rule of thumb, remove only about 1/3 of the grass blade each time you mow. If you cut too much at one time, the long clippings can cause stress on the grass, inhibiting healthy growth. DON’T Water a little bit every day. The water will not be able to penetrate deep enough into the soil to maintain moisture and promote greater root depth. This will also encourage weed growth and spread of disease. Instead, water infrequently, but deeply, to encourage a strong root system. Aim to apply about an inch of water to the soil each week – but always be mindful of local watering restrictions if in place. DO Let it go dormant. During drought, always follow local water restrictions when applicable. It is ok to let your lawn go dormant, as most turf species can tolerate some periods oftime without water from rainfall or irrigation. Most species will recover relatively quickly when water is applied from rain or irrigation. During any period of dormancy caused by drought, monitor the turf to ensure that it shows some sign of green color, though it may be faint. During this period, waterless frequently for longer periods of time, as possible and as allowed by any local watering restrictions. If you have questions about your type of grass or its drought tolerance, the local university extension service or landscaper are great resources. DON’T Fertilize your grass. Though it may seem like it needs more nutrients at this time of year, putting fertilizer down on dry soil can actually burn the grass. Improper fertilization can also help promote disease, so always follow proper fertilization practices for your area and the time of year. DO Plan for next year. In the fall however, one of the best practices to follow is proper fertilization. If you have a cool season lawn that is breaking dormancy from the summer stress, fall is a great time to prepare it for the potential stresses of next summer. Similarly, early fall is also a good time for a final fertilizer application on warm season grasses for the same reason. Regardless of your turf type, be sure to follow recommended fertilization practices for your specific grass and climate to provide the best possible benefit. If needed, your local garden center can be a good source of advice on how fall fertilization can promote root growth and dense turf coverage to help it withstand any potential stress in the coming year. Thanks to our friends at John Deere for these  lawn care tips during a drought!

 Building an Azek Cellular PVC Deck | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: 23:06

In this audio podcast The Handyguys discuss Building an Azek Cellular PVC Deck. The Handyguys discuss when to DIY and when not to DIY, design considerations, choosing a contractor and materials selection. To DIY or not to DIY a Cellular PVC Deck Handyguy Paul decided not to DIY this Cellular PVC Deck. Listen to the podcast for why. Design Considerations Think about how you will use your new deck. Plan for the space. Think about furniture and traffic flow. Materials such as Cellular PVC are a great, low maintenance choice. Choosing a contractor for a Cellular PVC Deck Handyguy Paul picked a contractor that was highly respected in his area. He was able to inspect several decks built by his contractor up close. When he met with the designer he was able to see pictures of almost exactly what he had in mind. Listen to the podcast for more on the contractor, Decks-R-Us, and what set them apart from other builders. Materials Selection Handyguy Paul went with an Azek Cellular PVC Deck. The material is low maintenance and was also what his contractor was most familiar with.

 When to prime before painting | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: 11:15

A Primer on When to Prime Much of the cost of a paint job actually comes from the labor, that is why it is important to know when to prime. When having a repainting job done, it involves scraping the old paint, priming - spot priming or priming the entire surface - and then painting. So, when a contractor specifies re-priming the entire house for a painting job, that also means having to double your budget. In this audio podcast, Handyguys Paul and Brian respond to a question sent in by one of their listeners via e-mail about the importance of priming, what and how much you prime and when to prime the entire house. Mike writes: I have a question about painting and when to prime. I'm having the exterior of our house painted. The house is already painted (11 years ago) and it doesn't have any real paint issues, like cracking and peeling (some but not much). I've gotten a couple of bids and each contractor has a different approach to painting. One will scrape and spot prime, then paint the house. The other says they will scrape and prime the whole house, then paint. The question is do you need need to prime the whole house, if the existing paint is still in "good" shape? When to prime is a great question Mike. The Handyguys share these tips on when to prime when repainting your home: When you are doing a major color change Basically, a primer helps you get the correct color that you want, especially if you are shifting from one “wild” color to another. Handyguy Brian explains that the old color can bleed through to the new paint if not first primed. Changing from one kind of paint to another Handyguy Paul suggests against changing from a latex-based paint to a oil paint as this can ruin the quality of the finished paint job. Doing it the other way around, from oil to latex-based paint, should be okay, but it does require you to prime the surface you’re going to paint. Painting over a glossy paint To help the new paint adhere to the surface well, Handyguy Brian advises to prime when painting over a glossy paint. Although the traditional way is to de-gloss by sanding priming is an easy way to put down a low gloss base before you paint. Bare wood You always prime bare wood, new wood and areas where old paint has been scraped off. If you have additional questions about when to prime or anything else for The Handyguys, simply go to the Contact Us tab of www.handyguyspodcast.com. Additionally, you can view some of our videos in our YouTube channel and subscribe to the show in iTunes.

 Energy Efficient Air Conditioning | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: 17:04

Handyguys Brian and Paul bring in HVAC (Heating/Ventilation/Air Conditioning) expert and the co-owner of Interstate Air Conditioning and Heating, Raymond Kishk, to talk about energy efficient air conditioning systems. As a leading New York City air conditioning installation company, we at Interstate Air Conditioning & Heating can show you how this rating can save you some big-time cash each month. This information will help you choose an energy efficient air conditioning system and keep your current unit running efficiently. Invest in Energy Efficient Air Conditioning with Higher SEER Rating SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) simply indicates how much energy is required to run the unit. Many appliances like air conditioners and refrigerators have SEER ratings. The higher the SEER rating the more efficiently your appliance runs. According to Raymond, the lowest SEER rating is about 8; but some states require a SEER rating of at least 12 or 13. He adds that although two different brands may have the same SEER rating, you may want to compare the features that each has to offer. An air conditioner with a timer, for example, also contributes in saving energy. Consider an Energy Efficient Air Conditioning unit with VRV system Air condition units with VRV (Variable Refrigerant Volume) system are especially advantageous if you’re looking to provide air conditioning to several rooms in one house or building. Raymond explains that this system has one condensing unit and allows you to set up 10 to 15 blowers for different rooms, which lets you adjust the temperature individually. Plus, if one blower breaks down, the air conditioning in the other rooms will not be affected. Maintain, maintain, maintain for Energy Efficient Air Conditioning No matter how high the SEER rating of your air conditioning unit, failing to perform proper maintenance will still add expenses. Raymond mentions that a dirty filter adds at least five dollars a month to your bills. A dirty coil makes your air condition work 30% harder. The good news about the new energy efficient air conditions we have today is that maintenance is not any more difficult than old units despite the new technology that it has. With proper maintenance, you can keep your costs at a minimum. Hopefully Raymond  has shown you that it is cost-effective to purchase an air conditioner with a high SEER rating. If you are in NYC and need an AC expert visit http://www.interstateair.com

 Chainsaw Safety | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: 22:50

The Handyguys discuss chainsaw safety in this audio podcast. If you rent, borrow or buy a chainsaw you will still need to be aware of proper chainsaw safety. In the summer many areas are effected by thunderstorms, in the late summer and fall some contend with hurricanes, others tornadoes and may need to put a chainsaw to use for cleanup of debris. Others people may be cutting and splitting wood for heat, some people are clearing their property. Regardless of how and when you use a chainsaw safety must always come first. We can't cover every aspect of chainsaw safety in this show. Please read, understand and follow all the safety precautions outlined by the manufacturer of your chainsaw. Use common sense. Do not push yourself or your chainsaw beyond what you can handle. WARNING! A chain saw is a dangerous tool if used carelessly or incorrectly and can cause serious, even fatal injuries. It is very important that you read and understand the contents of your operator’s manual. Here are the basics of chainsaw safety: Common sense It is not possible to cover every conceivable chainsaw safety situation you can face when using a chain saw. Always exercise care and use your common sense. Avoid all situations which you consider to be beyond your capability. Personal protective equipment for chainsaw safety Approved protective helmet Hearing protection Protective goggles or a visor Gloves with saw protection Trousers with saw protection Boots with saw protection, steel toe-cap and non-slip sole Always have a first aid kit nearby Machine's chainsaw safety equipment Your saw will have several chainsaw safety devices built into the design. These will vary by manufacturer. Ensure they are properly attached and operational. Anti-kickback features, bar tip, safety chain Throttle lockout Chain catcher Hand guards  Fuel handling Do not smoke and do not place any hot objects in the vicinity of fuel. Never refuel the machine while the engine is running Always stop the engine and let it cool for a few minutes before refuelling. When refuelling, open the fuel cap slowly so that any excess pressure is released gently. Tighten the fuel cap carefully after refuelling. Always move the machine away from the refuelling area before starting. Starting and stopping a chainsaw safely Never start a chain saw unless the bar, chain and all covers are fitted correctly The chain brake should be activated when starting Never start the machine indoors Observe your surroundings and make sure that there is no risk of people or animals coming into contact with the cutting equipment. Always hold the saw with both hands. Start the saw on the ground. Grip the front handle with your left hand. Hold the chain saw on the ground by placing your right foot through the rear handle. Pull the starter handle Chainsaw safety working techniques Look around you, and above you. Ensure nothing in the area will affect your control of the saw. Do not use the saw in bad weather Make sure you can move and stand safely Take great care when cutting a tree that is under tension Understand the causes of kickback so you can avoid it Two hands, always Never use the saw above your shoulders Always cut with a sharp blade, properly fitted for your particular saw The chainsaw safety information in this post and in the podcast is never a substitute for professional skills and experience. If you get into a situation where you feel unsafe, stop and seek expert advice. Here are some helpful links to manuals containing chainsaw safety information. Most manufacturers will have their manuals online. If you do not have a manual you should find one. Husqvarna http://www.husqvarna.com/us/forest/support/download-manuals/ http://www.husqvarna.com/us/support/how-to-videos/chain-saw-videos-how-to-use/ Stihl http://www.stihlusa.com/manuals/product-instruction-manuals/ Craftsman

 Planting Grass Seed, Strategies for Success | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: 23:02

While planting and growing grass is not difficult--I once heard that it could be planted on concrete--there are strategies for successfully planting grass seed to ensure the most success. Listen to this audio podcast to hear the discussion about all these topics. When planting grass, you have several decisions to make: When is the best time for planting grass seed? Fall - The best time for planting grass seed is fall. Early enough so it becomes established before the first frost bot not too early that the heat will hinder growth. What variety to seed to plant? Plant what grows best for your part of the country and the site conditions. Your local seed supplier will carry what you need. Companies like Pennington Seed ship different varieties to different parts of the country. What brand of seed to plant? Yes, brand does matter. You want a quality seed that will have a deep root system and look nice. Do grass mixtures matter when planting grass seed? Yes, a blend of varieties will offer multiple benefits. Some grasses take a long time to germinate, others germinate quickly. Some spread and some are bunch grasses. Using a blend when planting grass seed gives you benefits of multiple varieties. How much fertilizer do you need? As little as possible. Deep roots from quality seed will lower the need for fertilizers. How often to water when planting grass seed? As needed, follow the instructions for the variety you plant and keep well watered until the grass seed is established. Handyguy Brian discussed some of the things he learned about Pennington Grass. He visited Pennington's R&D facility in Oregon earlier this year and has some interesting insight into seed varieties. Pennington® Smart Seed™ Hands-On Experiment At Pennington’s “Seed for Yourself” Summit, Handyguy Brian was given the opportunity to try planting grass seed in a small plot using Pennington® Smart Seed™ to learn about the benefits of using a high-quality, pure seed product. Seed products are most appropriate for use when planting grass seed for a new lawn or re-seeding large areas. Every bag of Pennington® Smart Seed™ contains pure seed and no filler. The seed varieties used in Pennington® Smart Seed™ are some of the most advanced varieties available and have been developed for their drought tolerance. At least 60 percent of the seed in every bag of Pennington® Smart Seed™ has been qualified by the Turfgrass Water Conservation Alliance (TWCA) for its drought tolerance. Pennington Seed is one of the three founding members of the TWCA, which works with state university systems and private research enterprises to develop turfgrasses that use less water. In addition to using only the most advanced varieties, each seed is further enhanced with Pennington’s exclusive MYCO Advantage™ seed technology, which helps to introduce beneficial micro-organisms that attach themselves to the emerging seed roots for a denser, deeper root system. After minimal soil tilling, Brian evenly spread fertilizer and Pennington® Smart Seed™ across his plots. Over the next several weeks, each plot received regular watering as appropriate.* DAY 1 *Watering requirements can vary dramatically between germination, establishment and ongoing maintenance. During germination, homeowners should water to keep the soil moist. Following the first two weeks, homeowners should then water their lawn every third day for 15-20 minutes until established. As part of ongoing maintenance, watering should occur every fourth day for 20-30 minutes. At this stage, the main goal is to maintain a healthy lawn. This can be primarily accomplished by monitoring for color changes. A lawn does not need water until the color falls by 50 percent, at which time one inch of water should be added. To determine the length of irrigation, place plastic cups or small tins to observe waterfall in a given area.  DAY 14 AND DAY 28 During the first days of planting grass seed ,

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