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Let’s talk tomatoesGrow your own salad

11

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

Managing Editor: Scott Wilson • Phone 021-725 061Email: scott.wilson@nzprojects.co.nzEditor: Shaun Evans • Mobile 021-1529136 Email: shaun.evans@nzprojects.co.nz

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

Contributors: Contributors: Shaun Evans, Scott Wilson, Je t’aime Hayr, Sandy Johnson.

Marketing:Juliette Bavister – Muse Marketing juliette@musemarketing.co.nz

Design and Layout:Bernadette Tipene, Twist DesignPhone 021 323 904

Printer: Nicholson Print Solutions

Enquiries: MMS Publishing LtdP O Box 14069Five Cross RoadsHamilton 3252.0800 NZPROJECTS (0800 697 765)

Join us on Facebook (How To Magazine) and Twitter (NZHowTo)

New Zealand Subscriptions:www.emags.co.nz/projects0800 624 7001 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.

4

32

54 60

22

4 POWER DIYPower tools you know you want.

14 WARM UP THE WALLSWhat’s in your walls has everything to do with keeping your heat.

20 THE GEAR YOU NEEDSafety gear you need to install insulation in your walls.

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

32 DYNAMIC DECKSWhat a difference a stain makes … so how do you get started?

36 WINDOW DRESSINGRevitalise your interiors with simple and effective blinds.

40 STYLE PLANWe guide you through developing your own paint style.

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

48 SIX WAYSDeciphering the jargon, six gardening terms explained.

50 CHECKLISTSeeds, salads and spring – it’s all here.

52 GET YOUR GREENSYates take us for a walk in their garden for salad greens.

54 RED, JUICY TOMATOESGreat to eat and a pleasure to grow, it’s a tomato How To.

60 WONDERLAND LIGHTINGCreate an amazing look in your late night garden.

contents

A publicAtion

NIS3307 - Navara Mitre10 Trade FP.indd 1 21/01/11 1:20 PM

New colourful coverplate collectionA kaleidoscope of colours inspired the new collection of switches and powerpoints from HPM. Designed to lift and

invigorate a home’s décor, the affordable Linea wall plates help to establish each room’s personality while celebrating

design statements around the home.

The coverplates can be easily interchanged to refl ect 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 fi nish means they are simply a delight to touch.

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-fi ts existing location holes, including those installed from 1970-

1990, 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 fi nish.

Schlage’s 85 years of design and innovation produces stylish, innovative

technologies that meet stringent quality and security standards.

Exciting new lighting rangeOlympus: The Olympus creates a striking visual impact with it’s contemporary design

and smooth anthracite fi nish. With a durable aluminium body and energy saving

LED technology, this is truly a bold statement for any environment.

Arigo: A versatile and durable spotlight constructed out of marine grade stainless steel.

Light up your garden or plants from above or below the water!! With an IP68 rating the

Arigo spotlight can be fully submersed under the water. 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…

Cylon: The natural granite fi nish allows the Cylon to integrate seamlessly into it’s

environment, it provides a upward illumination highlighting a feature or creating ambience

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…

Callisto: A traditional wall light with classic features and a rust brown fi nish will integrate

perfectly into a natural environment. While classic in style there are many great features

including a durable aluminium body and the added benefi t of energy saving LED technology…

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DIY 101

5

How To

4

DIY 101 by Scott Wilson

Power toolsEvery 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 basicsCircular 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 high-

powered 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 1980’s. 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.

There’s 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

6

www.blackanddecker.co.nzFreecall 0800 339 258

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

• Two Battery Packs• Two Speed• 24 Position Clutch• Variable Speed• Handy Kit Box• 4 year limited warranty

• 600 Watt Powerful Motor• Variable Speed• On-Board Blade Storage • Accu-bevel - Tool Free

Bevel adjustment• Orbital Action

• 550 Watt Powerful Motor• 13mm Keyless Chuck• Variable Speed• Side handle with Depth rod• Drilling & Hammer Drilling Modes• 2 year limited warranty

• 1200 Watt Powerful Motor• Rubber grips add to user comfort

and control • Spindle Lock• 3 position side handle• Tool free safety guard

• 2000 Watt Element• Variable Temperature Range

50ºC - 600ºC• Free Stand Ability• Kitbox - Conveniently stores

Heatgun and Accessories

• 1300 Watt Powerful Motor• Aluminium / Steel Blade

Guard• Depth Adjustment• Sawdust Ejection Chute• Bevel Adjustment• 2 year limited warranty

Two Battery Packs

24 Position ClutchVariable SpeedHandy Kit Box4 year limited warranty

Freecall 0800 339 258

2000 Watt Element Variable Temperature Range

Kitbox - Conveniently stores Heatgun and Accessories

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BD_M10_FathersDay_v2.indd 1 5/08/11 2:36 PM

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.

Planer

This may seem like a luxury item but you’ll 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.

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.

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.

Lights

Not technically classed as a power tool, but an

electrical item that is a must in any good workshop

(or anywhere you’re working where it’s a little dark).

Without good lighting, working with power tools isn’t

going to be safe. You need to see clearly to get the job

done right with minimal danger to yourself or others.

How To

8

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More advanced toolsTable 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

wouldn’t 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).

POWERING YOUR TOOLS

No matter whether you have gone for the most basic of tools, or the best that money can buy; you’ll 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.

It’s 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. It’s 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, it’s 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.

How To

10

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 1800’s, 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.

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.

Reciprocating saw

Now here’s a tool that has a huge range of uses. It’s 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 saw’s 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.

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.

Angle grinder

Here’s a tool that’s likely to only come out on odd

occasions but, when it’s needed, you’ll 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 can’t be reached with the correct blade on

a circular saw.

How To

12

Bench grinder

Again, a tool that probably isn’t 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.

A publicAtion

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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.

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The 900 E-Line Shower Enclosure includes a solid acrylic

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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.

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.

It’s a method of joining a number of

sections together for projects such as

tabletops.

Nail gun

Although they’re not an item that most

DIYers would have in their workshops

and also not technically a power

tool, nail guns are becoming more

popular. They’re 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

rechargeable battery and replaceable

gas cartridge to provide motive power.

Insulate Walls

15

How To

14

Wall warmthby Shaun Evans

New Zealand has more than it’s 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, it’s likely you are in need of insulation.

How To

16

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 family’s 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)

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

• 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!

InstallationIt’s important to install your insulation correctly, as even

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!

It’s 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

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.

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

Consider sound as wellUse 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.

Build in your energy savings now...and save up to a further 17% on your heating costs*

Ener

gi 8

3151

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

Internal wall use Pink® Batts® Silencer® to reduce noise transmissions

10% through the fl oor Use Pink

®

Batts® Cosyfl oor

®

42% through the roofUse Pink

® Batts

® Ultra

TM

Where doesthe heat go?

24% through the wallUse Pink

® Batts

® Ultra

TM

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.

*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.

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83151 Energy Ad.indd 1 21/3/07 11:18:22 AM

Timber should be completely dry before installing insulation.

Insulate Walls

19

How To

18

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.

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 you’re unsure

about your skill level for this project and the Mitre 10

team has a list to help you. One thing that’s 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 RENOVATINGThe 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 home’s design.

Designing better new homesWith 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 needn’t cost much more, but you’ll 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 homesEveryone would like to live in a house that is warm, comfortable and healthy - and doesn’t 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 it’s a great opportunity to do it while you are renovating.

How To

20

and safetyInstallation equipment

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.

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.

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Project

23

How To

22

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 that’s 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 don’t need a key to get in, which means you

won’t need to fumble around in your bag or through

your pockets looking for one when you get home. There’s

also no key to get lost, so you won’t need to worry about

where it is or who’s 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 it’s been used, or

you can have different entry codes for different family

members.

If you get to the door after the sun’s gone down (or

shortly before it’s due to come up), the backlit keypad

makes it easy to see what you are doing.

Lock, stock and looking good by Scott Wilson

Basic tools required:

• Electric drill

• 53mm hole saw

• 25mm spade bit

• Phillips screwdriver

• Tape measure or ruler

• Sharp pencil

• Chisel (approx. 25mm)

• Hammer

ProjectHow To

0800 477 869 www.ingersollrand.co.nz

Style.

0800 477 869 www.ingersollrand.co.nz

Security.

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 isn’t 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.

Step 1The 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 1Step 3

Step 2 Step 5Step 4

Step 2Once 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 3To 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 5The faceplate of the latch cylinder needs to be checked

into the edge of the door so it’s 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

it’s in place, it can cause the door to bind to the frame or

hit the strike plate when it’s closed, so continue to chisel

out any extra material until the plate fits correctly and

then screw it in place.

How To

0800 477 869 www.ingersollrand.co.nz

Style. Security.Real security sets you free

BRIGHT IDEASINJECT A LITTLE PERSONALITY INTO ONE OF YOUR HOME’S OFTEN OVERLOOKED FIXTURES

Whether you’re 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 neutral-coloured 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 heart’s 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.

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.

Energise & Invigorate

Abracadabra

Sunshine Cheeky Boy Blue

Saucy Red

Orange CrushBubblegum

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

NEW!

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

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.

Natural Sanctuary

Wet Elephant

Ninja Khaki

Runaway Bride

5 O’Clock Olive

Ghost Gum

Midnight Dash

Step 6 & Step 7Slip 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 it’s

working.

Step 6

Step 7

How To

28CLAUDE 14612

Easi-PlanksMade from 18mm

GoldenEdge MDF in a rangeof convenient lengths and

widths to suit the DIYer.

Can be painted or stained.

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

Of courseyou can make it

Sizes (mm)

1800x300, 1800x400, 1800x600

2400x300, 2400x400, 2400x600

Easi-PanelsThese come in a range ofthicknesses from 4.75 to18mm, ideal for all sorts

of projects.

Sizes

4.75 and 6mm1200x600, 1200x900, 1200x1200

9, 12 and 18mm1200x600, 1200x900

Bevelled Architrave

Colonial Architrave

Square Dressed

Splayed Architrave

Bullnose Architrave

Bevelled Cornice

Primed HMRMouldings

This range of mouldings aremachine coated with a

premium acrylic undercoat.

In 5.4m lengths.

GoldenEdge Medium Density Fibreboard (MDF) isthe ideal material for a wide range of interior projects.Whether you are making kitchen joinery, bookcases,

storage cabinets, furniture or toys, you’ll make iteasier with GoldenEdge MDF.

from your nearestMitre 10 or Mitre 10 Mega

Step 8When everything’s 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.

Step 9Now that the handle is all fixed in place and working

properly, the strike plate needs to be fixed to the

doorframe.

This is a fairly simple job but can cause some problems if

it’s not done correctly. A striker plate that’s 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, it’s easy to establish just where the

strike plate needs to be fitted.

Step 8

Step 9

How To

30

200mm CHANNEL SYSTEM

130mm CHANNEL SYSTEM

uPVC Standard Grate – Grey

SHALLOW CHANNEL SYSTEM

Marley Surface Drainage products remove water quickly and effectively from your property

uPVC Standard Grate – Grey

The 200mm large capacity channel makes it ideal for use in areas where large volumes of water need to be drained quickly, especially in steep areas.

Cast Iron Grate & PP Channel

Galvanised Grate & PP Channel

The shallow channel with an overall depth of 60mm is an ideal solution where there are minimum depth requirements. Suitable for apartments, terraces, patios, decks, garden walkways, swimming pools and building entrances.

Galvanised Grate & uPVC Channel

uPVC Pedestrian Grate

Made from 100% recycled polypropylene, the 130mm Channel and Grate system is ideal for use in home driveways, garage entrances, patios, gardens and outdoor entertainment areas.

For more information: 0800 MARLEY (0800 627 539)

uPVC Reinforced Grate

uPVC Standard Grate – Charcoal

Surface Drainage Solutions

www.marley.co.nz

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 10The final step to getting your door working is to read

the keypad operation instructions and establish the

key codes. It’s 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!

How To

32

Prep the deckThe furniture you have on the deck may also be in the same box as your deck

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, it’s important to make sure you have the knowledge and

tools to add life to your outdoor living areas.

Getting startedAdopt 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.

Weathering of new timberAllow 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.

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.

The best possible start to the job.

• Excellent for Annual Cleaning • Bleach Free • Caustic Alkaline Free

• Removes Moss & Lichen

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.

WORK2563

WORK2563 PrepRange HowToMag 1 8/08/11 4:06 PM

How To

34

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 colourPart 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 Traditional Oil Stain

This is a rich penetrating oil stain that adds colour and

allows the grain to show through. It’s 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.

Wattyl Forestwood Decking Stain

A solvent-based stain that gives a matt oiled finish. It’s

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 you’ve 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.

Over 30 colours taken from natureA choice of traditional oil-based and new water-

based 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.

®

WORK2571 Forestwood Tree Mag FP.indd 1 11/08/11 2:29 PM

Blinds

37

How To

36

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.

You’ll find there is a blind style to cover your window

and suit the style of your home. They’re 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 yourwindowsIf you have been looking at your tired window coverings and

thinking the hassle to update them may be too much… think again!

It’s easy and cheap to revamp the window coverings in your house.

BlindsHow To

38

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 children’s 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 don’t match the pre-packaged

measurements, don’t 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 you’d think.

How To

40

Pick yourYour 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

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.

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. It’s 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.

Let’s 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.

Style Guide

43

How To

42

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.

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.

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

viewer’s 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.

Flow

The key to good living is a good layout. Easy flow from one area to another is

governed by the room’s layout. For example, it’s 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, it’s 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 DIYer’s 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.To help you splash some of the latest colours around your place, when you bring this ad into Resene we’ll 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.

Get inspired with a FREE

testpot

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

Wardrobe

45

How To

44

Storagewith styleChoosing 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, it’s 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.

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!

Wardrobe

47

How To

46

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 that’s

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 won’t be the most important

thing in their life forever!

Getting startedRedesigning 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

and folded clothing, shoes, accessories, linens and

miscellaneous items, such as sporting equipment and

luggage.

Donate or sell anything you don’t or can’t wear or use

any more. Use the two-year rule — if you haven’t worn

it in two years, it’s time to say goodbye to it. These items

take up valuable space and probably won’t 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 here’s 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 Elfa’s 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 décor finishes.

You can add more bits and pieces whenever you like too,

so if you decide after using your system for a few weeks

ToolS• Power drill and

bits.

• Hammer.

• Tape measure.

• ladder or step stool.

• Pencil.

• Scissors.

• level.

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.

InstallationRemove 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. There’s plenty of

information online at www.mitre10.co.nz in our How To

guides and from the Elfa display in store.

How To

48

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:

1. Annual This is used to describe a plant that will grow, flower,

set seed and die all in one season. It’s most often applied

to flowering bedding plants. The flowering time noted in

the plant’s 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.

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.

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.

4. EvergreenAs 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.

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. Semi–deciduous Some plants don’t 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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Six gardeningterms by Sandy Johnson

If you take a course in Greek or Latin language, then the information about each plant is actually hidden in its name. A plant’s 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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Septemberby Sandy Johnson

checklistHome grownAs the weather and ground warms up, it’s 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.

• 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.

Spring’s the rush hour for gardening – the earlier you get started, the better prepared you’ll be!

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

you’re 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.

How To

52

Vary the componentsOther 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 there’s also the

sweet-flavoured baby spinach.

Add some herbsHerbs like basil and parsley spice up a salad. They’re

particularly good choices because their lush leaves bring

a different flavour to the blend. For extra colour variety,

look for the purple basil that’s been added to the Yates

seed range.

Other salad veggiesIf 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.

The freshest way to serve salad is straight out of the garden and it’s

easier than you think. Just a few pots will supply enough greens for a

small family. When you visit the nearest Yates seed stand you’ll find a

choice of leafy salad varieties, including the Salad Mix packet and the

slightly more exotic Mesclun Mix.

with Yates

own saladGrow your

Young beetroot leaves make another popular salad ingredient.

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

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.

Follow uswww.yates.co.nz

Registrations commence 17 September 2011

Grow Vegies

and friendships

with the Yates

Vegie Growing

Challenge.

Can you rise to the Challenge?

DP

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Getting startedStart 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. Don’t bury them too deeply; small seeds are usually sown at, or close to, the surface.

Keep the seeds consistently moist while they’re 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!

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by Sandy Johnson

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 aren’t

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. McGregor’s 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.

tomatoesTomatoes are a warm-weather crop and the plants are

available to buy from late September. If you don’t have a

greenhouse or some other protection from the cold, wait

until October before you plant.

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.

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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

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 FRUIT NOTES

Grosse Lisse Medium to large-sized fruit – crops well Tall, vigorous growth

Russian Red Medium-sized fruit Sturdy growth habit – good for cooler climates

Moneymaker Medium-sized fruit – crops well Tall, vigorous growth

Roma Egg-shaped fruit Medium growth habit

Sweet 100 Masses of tiny bite-sized fruit Grow against a fence for support, as it grows wild

Tomatoes

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How To

Grafted tomatoesThese 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.

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.

TRICKS OF THE TRADE• Tomatoes shouldn’t 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 it’s 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.

LightingHow To

60

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

10’s high quality ‘plug and play’ Garden Lights system.

12 Volt - Simple & SafeQuality 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

Techmar A5-advert.indd 1 5/08/11 8:34 AM

All lit upby Je t’aime Hayer

With a little consideration, it’s possible to transform

your outdoor area from dark and dull to beautifully lit

and elegant, simply by choosing the right 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.

Lighting

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How To

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Lighting techniques

A variety of lighting techniques can be used to achieve

different effects and show off certain aspects of your

home and garden.

Coloured lights

There’s 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.

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.

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. Don’t have

more than one focal point and don’t forget the diffused

lighting, or the effect can become harsh.

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.

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,

it’s 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.

Landscape design lighting aspects

Create a striking outdoor area by paying attention to the

following aspects of your outdoor lighting.

Contrast

Contrasting lighting effects in different sections creates

a sense of mystique and can be used to highlight the best

features of your garden.

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.

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.

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.

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). There’s no electrical installation and they’re

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 10’s garden lights centre offer fantastic, affordable

and simple ways to transform your garden with their new

How To

64

www.masterpet.co.nz

pre-wired plug and play 12-volt garden lights system. It’s

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. There’s 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.

THREE-STEP GARDEN LIGHTS SYSTEM1) 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.

Purchase 5 litres or more of Forestwood and gointo the draw to win 1 of 35 Mitre 10 Gift Cards!

$20,00020,000worth of Gift Cards to be won

Offer ends 30th September 2011 or while stocks last. 1 of 35 Mitre 10 Gift Cards to be won nationwide: 5 x $1000 Gift Cards and 30 x $500 Gift Cards. Offer not available in conjunction with any other offer. Offer excludes trade accounts.

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