Replacement Bird Feeder Perch

Our squirrels are fat, happy sumo squirrels that love to practice their sumo moves on our bird feeder. As a result, the plastic perches were all broken off. We decided to replace them.

Materials

• Long drywall screws
• Packing tape

Directions

• Wrap each screw in packing tape several times. Make sure the tape is well secured.
• Screw the screws into the points where their used to be perches.
  
• Voila. Birdies have a new perch and the squirrels have a new challenge.

Tiki Torch Snuffer

We use tiki torches to bugs away. Putting out a tiki torch now is easier with our handy-dandy tiki torch snuffer.

Materials:

• Empty clean soda or beer can
• Knife, snips, or large scissors
• Wooden handle
• Screw and screwdriver

Directions

• Carefully, using a knife, snips, or large scissors, cut off the bottom of the can. Be very careful that you don't cut yourself. Try to make the edge 'curve in' to the can so there are no exposed sharp edges.
• Use the screw to attach the can to the handle.
• Snuff tiki torches to your delight. Both the top and bottom of the snuffer work effectively, depending on the size of tiki torch.
  

Herb Garden

There is an awkward spot between the stairs to my deck and our house. We decided to use this space for our new herb garden.



Materials:

• 1 inch drywall screws and large washers for them
• Wooden crates (I picked mine up for $10 at a craft store)
• Water proofing sealer
• Landscape fabric or other outdoor fabric
• Soil or soil mix
• Herbs
• Staple gun and staples
  

First I waterproofed the wooden crates thoroughly. My crates weren't exactly designed for the elements, so I gave them several coats. You might want to avoid wooden crates that are treated or that have cedar wood, as they usually aren't recommended for growing edibles.

I then lined the crates with landscape fabric with the help of my wife and stapled them in place. I left the fabric down a bit from the top so I could mostly cover it.

My wife then held the crates in place while I screwed them to the deck stairs. Use as many screws and attachments points as you need. I had to add a couple more after filling with soil since they were sagging a bit.



Fill with soil or soil mix. I prefer to use composted manure.

Add herbs. Lavender, sage, parsley, chives, rosemary, etc. I also planted onions sets between the plants.




Keep watered well. Because of the use of porous fabric and light soil mix, they will needed watered frequently during hot weather. A drip irrigation system will be attached to mine soon.