G.K. Bayne

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Stories By G.K. Bayne

  • Cutting Cedar Trees To Use As Fence Posts

    Cutting Cedar Trees to Use As Fence Posts. Cedar posts have been used as fence posts for centuries. Cedar is resistant to rot and therefore makes it a good material for anything built outside. If you are cutting down your own cedar trees for use as posts, keep in mind that you will need to let them cure, or dry, for at least a year before use. You will also need basic tree felling knowledge before attempting to accomplish this task.

    By G.K. Bayne November 4th, 2022 Read More
  • Using Black Plastic To Kill Grass The Natural Way

    Using Black Plastic to Kill Grass the Natural Way. Thick black plastic sheets are an effective natural method for killing grass. The thick plastic will kill the grass through high temperatures during the summer season. Plastic applied to lawns in late fall or early spring will heat the soil to prematurely germinate unwanted weed and lawn grass seeds. According to Ohio State University, tarping or covering the lawn with black plastic in summer heat can be used to kill the grass in a lawn without the use of herbicides.

    By G.K. Bayne November 4th, 2022 Read More
  • How To Lay St. Augustine Sod In Texas

    How to Lay St. Augustine Sod in Texas. St. Augustine grass is a warm weather perennial that will turn brown during colder winter weather. The thick turf is propagated through plugs and sod. Laying St. Augustine sod will take soil bed preparation. Once established, the grass grows so thick that in most applications it can remain weed-free when properly cared and maintained. Laying St. Augustine sod is best done in early spring at the beginning of the growing season when adequate rainfall can benefit irrigation methods.

    By G.K. Bayne November 4th, 2022 Read More
  • How To Repot Lucky Bamboo Plants

    How to Repot Lucky Bamboo Plants. The lucky bamboo plants that commonly are sold at both garden centers and convenience stores are not bamboo plants at all. A member of the Dracaena genus, the lucky bamboo is more related to the corn plant and is simply the stalk of the plant grown in water. Once planted in soil, lucky bamboo is referred to by its common name, the ribbon plant. An easy to care for plant, lucky bamboo is a good starter plant for those who do not feel they have a green thumb.

    By G.K. Bayne November 4th, 2022 Read More
  • How To Attach A Planter Box To A Fence

    How to Attach a Planter Box to a Fence. Attaching a planter box to a fence adds interest and color to the fence. The planter box allows you to grow annuals along the fence without having to make a suitable growing bed for the plants. Once you've attached the planter box, fill it with potting soil for the specific plants you want to grow. Mount the planter box while it is empty. Soil will add weight that can make the planter box difficult to maneuver.

    By G.K. Bayne November 4th, 2022 Read More
  • How To Split Lilac Bushes

    How to Split Lilac Bushes. Lilac bushes are spring blooming plants with aromatic flowers. The densely growing limbs of the bush are propagated through division. According to the North Dakota Extension Service, the best time to split and transplant a lilac bush will be in the late fall or early spring. If transplanting in the early spring, division should be completed prior to the leaves fully emerging from tight buds. The new location must have access to full sun to enhance blooming. The soil must also be well drained, preferably with a rich soil content.

    By G.K. Bayne November 4th, 2022 Read More
  • How To Mix Bone & Blood Meal For Potting Soil

    How to Mix Bone & Blood Meal for Potting Soil. Bone and blood meal are organic nutrients added to potting soil mix for optimal plant growth and health. Blood meal is a natural form of nitrogen readily absorbed into the roots of plants. Caution must be exercised when using it, however, as raw blood meal can burn the leaves of plants. Bone meal, on the other hand, is extremely safe for plants and provides the needed level of phosphate and potash. Mixing bone and blood meal into your potting soil is simple and requires only a few garden tools, but you should still have your soil tested through your local agricultural extension service.

    By G.K. Bayne November 4th, 2022 Read More
  • How To Mix Fertilizer With Grass Seed

    How to Mix Fertilizer With Grass Seed. Rejuvenating a lawn after the winter season often requires reseeding. Mixing a granular fertilizer with the grass seed is an efficient method for lawn propagation. The fertilizer will give the grass seed an extra boost after it has germinated. You might notice enhanced weed growth, too, as the fertilizer could boost undesired growth. Using the proper method for mixing fertilizer with grass seed can give you a lush lawn.

    By G.K. Bayne November 4th, 2022 Read More
  • How To Save Delicata Squash Seeds

    How to Save Delicata Squash Seeds. Delicata squash is moderate in size with a deep yellow flesh and a yellow to green exterior skin. When prepared, the sweet flavor of the interior flesh is as succulent as a sweet butternut. Saving squash seeds is not much different of a process than saving most other seeds. The best vegetables must be chosen; the seeds removed and thoroughly cured. The most difficult portion of the task is waiting until the next growing season to witness the results of your effort. In some cases, due to cross-pollination, there is no telling what exact species of squash may be the result.

    By G.K. Bayne November 4th, 2022 Read More
  • How To Get Rid Of Earthworms In Lawns

    How to Get Rid of Earthworms in Lawns. Earthworms in lawns might be an indication of improper maintenance. According to the North Dakota extension service, night crawlers and earthworms can be a sign of lawns that are in need of thatching, raking and proper fertilization. Although some earthworms are good for the soil under the grass, too many can attract predators such as moles, skunks and raccoons. There are some chemical applications that will eradicate the earthworms, but correct lawn care generally will rid your lawn of any earthworm problem.

    By G.K. Bayne November 4th, 2022 Read More
  • How You Plant Ryegrass In Florida

    How You Plant Ryegrass in Florida. Ryegrass is a cool weather annual grass. Plant annual ryegrass in warm weather grass lawns that turn brown in the fall season to add color. According to the University of Florida, perennial ryegrass is seldom planted in the Southern coastal areas because of poor adaptability. Annual ryegrass is typically overseeded on top of the existing warm weather grasses from the first of October to mid-November.

    By G.K. Bayne November 4th, 2022 Read More
  • How To Train Honeysuckle

    How to Train Honeysuckle. Nothing can say springtime better than the sweet scent of honeysuckle flowers. This vine plant not only attracts butterflies, but hummingbirds will compete for the sweet nectar. Honeysuckle is a perennial plant that will withstand cold temperatures during the winter. Once established, the climbing plant may prove invasive for some landscapes. According to the University of Illinois, vining plants such as honeysuckle should be planted in areas in which the plant is controllable. In other words, due to the spreading nature of honeysuckle, the plant will have to be pruned on a regular basis to control growth.

    By G.K. Bayne November 4th, 2022 Read More
  • How To Root Vinca Vines

    How to Root Vinca Vines. Perennial vinca, or blue periwinkle, is a ground vining plant. If left undisturbed, this shade-loving creeper will take over almost any area. Small plants will self-propagate in a few short years, through the creeping ground vines. The small blue flowers are prolific in the summer months. During the winter, the vinca vine will hold onto its leaves, providing a ground landscape of green during the colder months. Vinca can be propagated into other areas by taking cuttings and then rooting the small stems.

    By G.K. Bayne November 4th, 2022 Read More
  • How To Dethatch A Centipede Lawn

    How to Dethatch a Centipede Lawn. Centipede grass is a low-maintenance, warm-season perennial plant. According to North Carolina State University, the centipede species of grass will only require de-thatching once there is a ½ inch layer of material on the soil surface. Annual thatch removal will cause damage to the grass. The optimum time for thatching is late May through July, when the grass is just beginning the growth cycle for the roots system and minimal damage will occur.

    By G.K. Bayne November 4th, 2022 Read More
  • How To Adjust A Briggs & Stratton Pulsa Jet Carburetor

    How to Adjust a Briggs & Stratton Pulsa Jet Carburetor. The Briggs and Stratton Pulsa Jet carburetor regulates fuel flow on the aluminum series of engines. The most common application of this carburetor is for small horsepower lawn mowers and rototillers. The Pulsa Jet carburetor resides above the on-board gasoline tank. Fuel is drawn up into the device through two fuel suction lines. A single needle valve resides near the rear of the carburetor unit, that faces the push handles of the mower or rototiller. The needle valve has a slot-type screw head.

    By G.K. Bayne November 4th, 2022 Read More
  • How To Transplant Black Walnut Trees

    How to Transplant Black Walnut Trees. Black walnut trees are tricky to transplant due to a taproot system. The taproot projects directly below the main trunk. Older black walnut tress may have a taproot that is half the length of the tree's upper trunk. Only small saplings or seedlings can be transplanted. The size of the 1-year-old seeding should be in the range of ¼ inch to 3/8 inch diameter 1 inch up from the soil line.

    By G.K. Bayne November 4th, 2022 Read More
  • How To Replace The Fuel Line On A Riding Lawn Mower

    How to Replace the Fuel Line on a Riding Lawn Mower. Riding lawn mowers, along with all gasoline engines, require a fuel line that is free of cracks or any defects. Over time, these rubber-based hoses will succumb to weather elements and chemicals in the gasoline. When this occurs, the fuel line will need replacing. While the fuel line is being replaced, it's good to replace the inline fuel filter as well. Replacing these items will not take long to perform if you have the correct fuel hose, the proper filter and a couple of hand tools.

    By G.K. Bayne November 4th, 2022 Read More
  • How To Kill Johnson Grass In A Hay Field

    How to Kill Johnson Grass in a Hay Field. Johnson grass self propagates through seeds and large rooting rhizomes. This troublesome plant will quickly spread through a hayfield when left uncontrolled. Several states have legislated requirements for control of this noxious weed. The best defense against Johnson grass infestation is to begin a control program as soon as the plant is identified. Often once the plant becomes firmly established, it becomes difficult to kill in a hayfield without damaging the main hay crop.

    By G.K. Bayne November 4th, 2022 Read More
  • How To Countertop Compost

    How to Countertop Compost. Countertop composting is a way to collect vegetable and fruit waste that would normally go down the disposal and use it to help grow and maintain an outdoor compost pile. While you can purchase decorative countertop compost containers, any large container with a lid will work just as well. Composting kitchen waste, along with other organic material, is a simple first step to going green, and your vegetable or flower garden or containers will love the results.

    By G.K. Bayne November 4th, 2022 Read More
  • Instructions For Replacing The Fuel Line On A Poulan Weed Eater

    Instructions for Replacing the Fuel Line on a Poulan Weed Eater. Plastic fuel lines for small engines will eventually break. When this occurs, the fuel line must be replaced to avoid hazardous leaks. Replacing a fuel line on a Poulan Weed Eater will not take much time. In fact, the process takes less than one hour. It may be a good idea to replace the internal fuel filter while you are replacing the line. The filter sets inside the fuel tank, and on the end of the fuel line.

    By G.K. Bayne November 4th, 2022 Read More
  • How To Use Potash On Grapevines

    How to Use Potash on Grapevines. Grapevines that show signs of potash deficiency will have yellowing leaves near the outer margins. This will especially hold true during the summer months on a mature plant. Severe potash deficiency will reduce the plant's vigor, growth and fruit yield. According to Ohio State University, potash can be applied through a foliar spray or into the soil around the grape plant. The foliar spray is a temporary fix, while adding the potash to the soil will give sustained nutrients during the growing season.

    By G.K. Bayne November 4th, 2022 Read More
  • How To Kill Datura Inoxia

    How to Kill Datura Inoxia. While pretty when in bloom, Datura inoxia is considered by the USDA to be a noxious weed. Banned in many areas, Datura inoxia is deadly to many animals and is highly poisonous to people. Known by many different names, including downy thorn apple, jimson weed and moonflower, Datura inoxia once established is hard to eradicate. Datura inoxia grows in almost any soil type and becomes invasive quickly.

    By G.K. Bayne November 4th, 2022 Read More
  • How To Replace A Lawn Mower Fuel Line

    How to Replace a Lawn Mower Fuel Line. Over time the rubber fuel line on most all gasoline engines will crack and break. When this occurs, the fuel line must be replaced to reduce a flammable hazard. Changing out a fuel line is a basic process of removing the old line, and installing a new one to the same length. The engine manufacturer specifications should be consulted as to the type and size of fuel line utilized. While the fuel line is being replaced, you may want to consider installing a new fuel filter as well.

    By G.K. Bayne November 4th, 2022 Read More
  • How To Start Cuttings From An Olive Tree

    How to Start Cuttings From an Olive Tree. Rooting from cuttings of a parent olive tree is the most popular method for olive tree propagation. According to Texas A&M University, climate is the most important limiting factor in olive tree propagation and production. Growth of olives trees will begin only after the temperature exceeds 70 degrees F. When temperatures fall below this point, growth and olive production ceases. Consult your local agricultural extension service to determine if your area is suitable for growing olive trees.

    By G.K. Bayne November 4th, 2022 Read More
  • Rye Grass Planting In Louisiana

    Rye Grass Planting in Louisiana. Ryegrass is a cool weather annual that grows well from late autumn to early spring in Louisiana. According to Keith Collins of the Louisiana State University agricultural center, the peak growth for ryegrass, when planted in Louisiana, comes in the late winter. Heavy fall growth can be expected if the grass is planted in the early fall window between September 20 and October 15, especially for the northern half of the state. The ryegrass can be used as a cool weather seasonal grass and a garden cover crop.

    By G.K. Bayne November 4th, 2022 Read More
  • How To Cover A Fig Tree For Winter

    How to Cover a Fig Tree for Winter. Fig trees will die back to the ground without winter protection. According to New Mexico State University's website, fig trees that are shielded from winter weather will produce fruit on the older stems. Covering fig trees will entail, at the bare minimum, an insulated tree blanket. These blankets are found at most home garden stores in the fall of the year. Covering of the fig tree must be done after all leaves have fallen from the upper limbs.

    By G.K. Bayne November 4th, 2022 Read More