How to Meet Someone Without Online Dating

So you're ready to meet that special someone, but you're tired of the constant swiping of dating apps. Or maybe you can't stand another date with someone who only wants to hook up or doesn't look like their profile picture. Ditch the algorithm! The best way to show off your great personality is to get out there and meet people in real life. Chatting in person is easier than it might seem at first, and we're here to help with plenty of suggestions on how and where to meet people!

[Edit]Steps

[Edit]Change up your routine to meet new people.

1. Going to familiar spots usually means you'll be around familiar people. You're way more likely to meet people by going somewhere you've never been before. Head to karaoke night at a spot across town you've never been to before, or take up your coworker's invitation to meet up for a spin class at their gym. Anything that breaks you out of your routine is another chance at finding love!^[1]
   
   • Think about the type of person you want to meet, then spend time in places where they're likely to hang out. If being a dog lover is a non-negotiable, hang out at the dog park. If you want someone who shares your passion for fitness, spend more time at the gym.^[2]

[Edit]Head to a bar or coffee shop solo.

1. You're more likely to be approached by someone if you're alone. It can take a little practice to get comfortable going out on your own, but luckily, it gets easier the more you do it. Channel your most confident attitude and bring along a book or magazine. Just remember to glance up every so often to see if anyone's checking you out.^[3]
   
   • Don't forget about the staff—that cute barista or bartender might be interested in chatting during their down-time.

[Edit]Take a class or lesson to get out of your comfort zone.

1. You might meet someone while you learn something new. This is a total win-win, because not only will you be growing and learning, but you'll also be surrounded by a whole new group of people. Be friendly with anyone you meet in your class—even if they're not the match for you, they might eventually introduce you to someone who is!^[4]
   
   • Get out of your comfort zone by taking classes or lessons to learn something you've always wanted to do—like kickboxing, painting, or cooking. You may meet someone you can practice with!

[Edit]Pursue hobbies you're passionate about.

1. You'll have a common interest with anyone else who's participating. If you're doing something that really excites you, you're going to light up and look like you're having a good time. That type of glow is super attractive on anyone, so you might actually be more likely to meet people when you're having fun. And as a bonus, even if you don't meet anyone, it will still be a great time!^[5]
   
   • For instance, if you're really into skateboarding, go spend the day hanging out at the skate park.^[6]
   • If you love art, check out the museums and galleries near you.
   • Is music basically your lifeline? Attend free outdoor concerts when the weather is nice.^[7]
   • If you're passionate about others, try volunteering! It's a great way to give back to your community, and you might meet new people while you're doing it.

[Edit]Ask your friends to play Cupid.

1. Lean into your network to meet new people. Let your friends know you're hoping to meet someone, and ask if they have any acquaintances they think you'd be a good match with. If your friends are paired up, you can even ask if their significant other has any single friends you might like. This can be a great way to meet someone—and as a bonus, you already know you'll like their friends!^[8]
   
   • To help your first meeting be less awkward, have your friend come along. For instance, you might all meet up at a bar for drinks, or your friend could host a cookout at their house where you're both invited.^[9]

[Edit]Attend meet-up groups and singles events in your area.

1. Look for groups and clubs that match your interests. Depending on where you live, you may be able to find all sorts of local meet-up groups. These can be based on specific interests, like running, model building, or acapella singing, which is awesome if you're into those things. However, there are also meet-up groups that are more like a social club where you can mingle and meet people. You can even look for groups in your area that host singles nights—they're all about getting dates!^[10]
   
   • It might feel a little awkward to go to one of these at first, but you may be surprised how much fun you have!
   • It can help to prepare ahead of time with a few ice breakers and conversation topics so you don't have to think of what to say on the spot.

[Edit]Try speed dating to meet a lot of people quickly.

1. Speed dating gives you a chance to gauge your chemistry instantly. At a speed dating event, you usually have about 3 minutes to chat with someone. Afterward, both of you indicate whether you felt like you were a match or not. If you both want to see each other again, the organizers will put you in contact with each other so you can make a date.^[11]
   
   • Try searching for "speed dating near me" to get a list of upcoming events in your area!

[Edit]Make eye contact with people while you're out.

1. You have to notice someone to meet them. Make eye contact and smile this will get someone to notice you.^[12] It can be tempting to use your phone as a way to pass the time when you're out somewhere by yourself, but this can actually backfire if you're trying to meet someone. Staring at your phone sends a signal that you don't want to be bothered. Not to mention that if you're busy watching TikTok videos, you won't notice if the cutie across the room keeps giving you flirtatious looks.^[13]
   
   • Even if you're not on your phone, keep your head up rather than staring at the ground. That way, your posture will show others that you're confident and open to chatting.^[14]

[Edit]Introduce yourself to people who seem interesting.

1. Don't just wait for them to talk to you! Okay, it's true, this can be challenging at first, but the good news is that the more you do it, the easier it will get! So take a deep breath to steady those butterflies, walk up to someone you want to meet, and say hi. They might just start chatting with you!^[15]
   
   • If you're totally nervous about this, lower the stakes. Start by introducing yourself to people you don't want to date. That will help you feel more confident the next time you see someone you're interested in.

[Edit]Strike up a conversation about what's happening around you.

1. Use your environment as a casual lead-in. Once you find someone cute and introduce yourself, look for ways to keep the conversation going. Don't worry about corny pick-up lines—the easiest and most natural way to talk to someone is just to make an observation or ask a question about something that's around you.^[16]
   
   • For instance, if you're at a bar and someone orders a craft beer you've never tried, you might say, "I've never had that one, but that brewery makes my favorite raspberry sour."
   • If you're at the grocery store, you might point to what someone is buying and say, "I've been wanting to try a new laundry detergent but I'm not sure what to get. Do you like that one?"
   • At a vintage shop, you might ask someone as they pass by, "Do you know what era this table is from?"^[17]

[Edit]Read their body language to see if they're interested.

1. Check out their facial expression and eye contact, in particular. If you're chatting with someone and they're making eye contact and smiling, their body is turned toward you, and they're giving you detailed answers, congrats!^[18] Even if it's not a love match, you've successfully started chatting with someone you think is cute.^[19]
   
   • On the other hand, if their arms are crossed or they turn away from you, they're frowning or looking away, or they're only giving one- or two-word answers to your questions, they're probably not open to talking. Don't take it personally!

[Edit]Lose the fear of hearing "no."

1. Some people won't be interested, and that's okay. In fact, it's kind of a good thing. It means you're trying to meet people, and that's something to be proud of. Even better, you're getting practice at starting a conversation with strangers—and in today's digital world, that puts you way ahead of the game when it comes to meeting people in person.^[20]
   
   • Push yourself out of your comfort zone by setting a goal of how many people to introduce yourself to. You might decide you have to introduce yourself to 3 people over the next 2 weeks, for instance.

[Edit]References

1. ↑ https://www.thecut.com/2018/03/a-guide-to-meeting-people-without-dating-apps.html
2. ↑ https://www.abc.net.au/everyday/finding-love-when-dating-apps-are-not-your-thing/10423530
3. ↑ https://www.cosmopolitan.com/sex-love/a25801751/delete-dating-apps/
4. ↑ https://www.wired.com/story/is-it-possible-to-find-love-without-dating-apps/
5. ↑ https://www.abc.net.au/everyday/finding-love-when-dating-apps-are-not-your-thing/10423530
6. ↑ https://www.gq-magazine.co.uk/article/how-to-meet-someone
7. ↑ https://www.wired.com/story/is-it-possible-to-find-love-without-dating-apps/
8. ↑ https://www.cosmopolitan.com/sex-love/a25801751/delete-dating-apps/
9. ↑ https://www.thecut.com/2018/03/a-guide-to-meeting-people-without-dating-apps.html
10. ↑ https://www.abc.net.au/everyday/finding-love-when-dating-apps-are-not-your-thing/10423530
11. ↑ https://www.wired.com/story/is-it-possible-to-find-love-without-dating-apps/
12. ↑ [v161266_b01]. 11 February 2020.
13. ↑ https://www.thecut.com/2018/03/a-guide-to-meeting-people-without-dating-apps.html
14. ↑ https://www.abc.net.au/everyday/finding-love-when-dating-apps-are-not-your-thing/10423530
15. ↑ https://www.thecut.com/2018/03/a-guide-to-meeting-people-without-dating-apps.html
16. ↑ https://www.abc.net.au/everyday/finding-love-when-dating-apps-are-not-your-thing/10423530
17. ↑ https://www.gq-magazine.co.uk/article/how-to-meet-someone
18. ↑ [v161266_b01]. 11 February 2020.
19. ↑ https://www.abc.net.au/everyday/finding-love-when-dating-apps-are-not-your-thing/10423530
20. ↑ https://www.cosmopolitan.com/sex-love/a25801751/delete-dating-apps/

from How to of the Day https://ift.tt/UBf180q

How to Clean a Kitchen Drain

Over time, your kitchen drain can collect food debris, grime, dirt, and other residue. This can make the drain smell bad and lead to clogged pipes in your kitchen. To clean a kitchen drain, you can flush it with hot water or deodorize it with baking soda and white vinegar. You can also try using a professional drain cleaner to remove residue and grime.

[Edit]Steps

[Edit]Flushing the Drain with Water

1. Boil the water. Start by boiling of water in a kettle or in a pot over the stove. Bring the water to boiling temperature (212 degrees Fahrenheit, 100 degrees Celsius).^[1]
   
   
   
   • If your pipes are PVC or plastic, 140 degrees Fahrenheit (60 degrees Celcius) is the hottest temperature water you can pour down the drain to prevent damage.
2. Pour the hot water down the drain. Do this slowly and carefully, making sure not to spill any of the water on you. Pour all of the water down the drain to flush it out.^[2]
   
   
   • Adding a bit of dish soap to the hot water can help to break down grease in the pipes.
3. Pour cold water down the drain. Once you have poured the hot water down the drain, let it work through the drain for five minutes. Then, pour of cold water down the drain to help congeal and remove any remaining debris or grease in the drain.^[3]
   
   
4. Flush the drain with hot water again. Do a final flush of the drain with of boiling hot water. This should remove any remaining grime or debris in the drain.^[4]
   
   
   • You can flush the drain with hot water on a weekly basis to keep it clean.

[Edit]Using Baking Soda and White Vinegar

1. Put of baking soda down the drain. Baking soda is a great way to remove bad odors and build up in your kitchen drain. It is a great way to clean out the drain.^[5]
   
   
2. Boil of white vinegar. White vinegar is also a great way to deodorize the kitchen drain. Pour white distilled vinegar into a pot and bring it to a boil.^[6]
   
   
3. Pour the vinegar down the drain. Combining hot vinegar with baking soda will help to clean the drain and remove any bad smells. Carefully pour the hot vinegar down the drain. It may start to fizzle or foam as it mixes with the baking soda.^[7]
   
   
4. Let the mixture sit for one hour. This will give the baking soda and the vinegar time to deodorize and clean the drain.^[8]
   
   
5. Flush the drain with hot water. Once the mixture has sat for one hour in the drain, use hot boiling water to flush the drain. This will remove any remaining scum or debris in the drain and rinse it out.^[9]
   
   
   • To prevent a smelly drain, you can deodorize it with baking soda and hot vinegar on a weekly basis.

[Edit]Using a Professional Drain Cleaner

1. Use a bio-friendly drain cleaner. Bio-friendly cleaners contain natural enzymes that will help to remove grease, soap, and debris without the use of toxic chemicals. They are the best option if you do not want to risk damaging your kitchen pipes. You can find bio-friendly drain cleaners online or at your local hardware store.
   
   • Most of these cleaners take 24 hours or more to clean the drain. They may not clean out any mineral deposits in the drain.
2. Apply chemical drain cleaners with caution. Chemical drain cleaners often contain very strong or toxic ingredients. They can damage your pipes and discolor surfaces by the drain. Use chemical drain cleaners with caution. You can find chemical drain cleaners online or at your local hardware store.
   
   • If you are worried about sustaining damage to the drain, you may want to contact a plumber.
3. Hire a plumber. If you are worried about damaging the drain and you require a deep clean of the drain, contact a plumber. The plumber can do a full clean of the drain safely and effectively. This may be a good option if the kitchen drain is overdue for a cleaning and is at risk of getting clogged or plugged.
   
   • If you notice bad smells regularly from your kitchen drain, and you have old metal drain pipes under the sink, replacing them with PVC may solve the problem. Slick PVC pipes won't clog as easily, since food and grease will have a harder time sticking.
   • You can look for a plumber in your area online or in your local newspaper. You can also ask friends or neighbors for recommendations on a good plumber in the area.

[Edit]Video

[Edit]Tips

• If you have a disposal and are noticing bad smells, you can get rid of it by running a mix of ice, coarse salt and lemon peels through it. If your disposal is broken, either replace it or remove it, since a non-functional disposal will not be able to empty out rotten food.

[Edit]Things You’ll Need

• Hot water
• Cold water
• Baking soda
• White vinegar
• Bio-friendly drain cleaner
• Chemical drain cleaner

[Edit]References

[Edit]Quick Summary

1. ↑ http://www.thekitchn.com/10-ways-to-get-rid-of-that-awful-smell-in-your-kitchen-sink-223627
2. ↑ http://www.thekitchn.com/10-ways-to-get-rid-of-that-awful-smell-in-your-kitchen-sink-223627
3. ↑ http://housewifehowtos.com/clean/how-to-clean-stinky-drains/
4. ↑ http://housewifehowtos.com/clean/how-to-clean-stinky-drains/
5. ↑ http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2015/11/05/kitchen-sink-smell_n_6110346.html
6. ↑ http://www.thekitchn.com/10-ways-to-get-rid-of-that-awful-smell-in-your-kitchen-sink-223627
7. ↑ http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2015/11/05/kitchen-sink-smell_n_6110346.html
8. ↑ http://www.thekitchn.com/10-ways-to-get-rid-of-that-awful-smell-in-your-kitchen-sink-223627
9. ↑ http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2015/11/05/kitchen-sink-smell_n_6110346.html

from How to of the Day https://ift.tt/tsc59Xw

How to Trim Overgrown Boxwoods

Boxwoods are hardy, durable shrubs. If your boxwood has become overgrown, all you'll need is a pair of sharp, clean pruning shears or loppers. Before shaping the shrub, make sure you remove all of the dead or damaged sections of the plant. Thinning boxwoods so that air and light can reach the middle of the shrub is the most important thing you can do, as they tend to become very thick.

[Edit]Steps

[Edit]Removing Dead or Damaged Foliage

1. Remove dead or damaged branches from the shrub first. These branches should be easy to spot—the leaves will be shriveled up and brown, and the stems will snap easily. Use sharp, clean pruning shears to snip off the dead sections, making the cut at the base of the branch.^[1]
   
   • Make sure you look at the interior of the shrub for dead or damaged sections, not just the outer parts of the shrub.
2. Watch out for signs of boxwood blight. If your branches are diseased, you might see brown spots on the leaves or leaves that are almost entirely brown. Look for black cankers on stems as well. If you see boxwood blight, try using fungicides to help control the disease, change the soil around the shrub, or try putting down mulch to stop the spread of the disease.
   
   • Fungicides are usually applied directly to the plant, either remaining on the surface or being absorbed into the plant.
   • Make sure you read the instructions on the fungicide carefully to ensure you're applying the right amount to the plant and following proper safety protocol. ^[2]
   • If your boxwood blight is serious, do a quick search online to find the best strategy for fixing your shrubs.
3. Remove any plant debris that accumulates in the center of the shrub. Use your hands to separate the uppermost branches, allowing you to see inside of the shrub. If there are any leaves that have fallen off of branches or branches that have snapped off and are stuck in other branches, remove all of the debris from the plant with your hands.^[3]
   
   • Removing leaves and branches that have fallen off will allow more light and air to reach the middle of the shrub.

[Edit]Cutting Back the Shrub

1. Thin the plant to allow more light and air to reach the middle. Look for particularly bulky sets of leaves and branches or branches that should be shortened, and follow these down to the main branch. You should be cutting as far down as you see greenery using pruning shears, making a cut at the base of a branch if possible.^[4]
   
   • To cut down as far as you see greenery, look at the branch and see where the leaves are growing on it. Only cut as far down as the greenery is growing.
   • Overgrown boxwoods become super thick, not allowing light or air to reach the middle of the shrub, which results in an unhealthy plant.
   • On boxwoods that have not been trimmed in several years, decrease the size of the shrub over many growing seasons. Only cut ⅓ of the total shrub so it stays healthy.
2. Trim off branches that are sticking out above the shrub. This will help tame the shrub while also making the boxwood look better for the viewer. Use pruning shears to clip off stray taller branches so that the shrub is level and rounded.^[5]
   
   • Many times, the stems sticking out will be new growth showing lighter green colored leaves.
3. Prune the whole plant, not just the tops that are easily accessible. Instead of focusing on making the outer layer of the shrub look its best, pull aside the branches of the boxwood to look inside. Make sure you’re pruning branches that you can’t easily see as well as the ones that you can.^[6]
   
4. Use loppers if the growth of your boxwoods are out of control. If your boxwoods have grown an incredible amount and a simple pruning won’t suffice, get a pair of pruning loppers. Cut back the main limbs so that they’re at a reasonable height, and work on maintaining the rounded shape of the bush.^[7]
   
   • In this case, some of your branches may be leafless when you cut them back.
   • Remember not to cut off more than one-third of the shrub each growing season.
   • Pruning loppers have a longer handle and are great for more heavy-duty pruning.

[Edit]Video

[Edit]Things You'll Need

• Pruning shears
• Pruning loppers (optional)
• Gardening gloves
• Fungicide (optional)
• Soil (optional)
• Mulch (optional)

[Edit]Tips

• While late February is best, you can prune boxwoods anytime except for late summer or early fall.
• Wait for the threat of frost to pass before pruning boxwoods.
• Always use sharp, clean pruning shears or loppers when cutting back shrubs.
• Most boxwoods will only need 1 pruning a year to keep them well-groomed.

[Edit]Warnings

• Never remove more than one-third of the plant at a time.

[Edit]References

[Edit]Quick Summary

1. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2U46_6bvkIA
2. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2U46_6bvkIA
3. ↑ https://www.southernliving.com/garden/grumpy-gardener/pruning-big-boxwoods-when-how
4. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2U46_6bvkIA
5. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2U46_6bvkIA
6. ↑ http://www.thepruningschool.com/Articles/boxwoodPruning.htm
7. ↑ https://www.southernliving.com/garden/grumpy-gardener/pruning-big-boxwoods-when-how

from How to of the Day https://ift.tt/LyIzh8t

How to Calculate Growth Rate

To many readers, "Calculating a growth rate" may sound like an intimidating mathematical process. In actuality, growth rate calculation can be remarkably simple. Basic growth rates are simply expressed as the difference between two values in time in terms of a percentage of the first value. Below, you'll find simple instructions for this basic calculation as well as information about more complicated measures of growth.

[Edit]Steps

[Edit]Sample Growth Rate Calculator

Growth Rate Calculator

Growth Rate Calculator

[Edit]Calculating Basic Growth Rates

1. Obtain data that shows a change in a quantity over time. All you need to calculate a basic growth rate are two numbers - one that represents a certain quantity's starting value and another that represents is ending value. For instance, if your business was worth $1,000 at the beginning of the month and it's worth $1,200 today, you'll calculate growth rate with 1,000 as your starting (or "past") value and 1,200 as your ending (or "present") value. Let's do a simple example problem. In this case, we will use the two numbers 205 (as our past value) and 310 (as our present value).
   
   • If both values are the same, there is no growth - the growth rate is 0.
2. Apply the growth rate formula. Simply insert your past and present values into the following formula: (Present) - (Past) / (Past) . You'll get a fraction as an answer - divide this fraction to get a decimal value.^[1]
   
   • In our example, we'll insert 310 as our present value and 205 as our past value. Our formula will look like this: (310 - 205)/205 = 105/205 = 0.51
3. Express your decimal answer as a percentage. Most growth rates are written as percents. To convert your decimal answer to a percentage, simply multiply it by 100, then add a percentage sign ("%"). Percentages are an easy-to-digest, universally-understood way to express change between two numbers.^[2]
   
   • So, for our example, we would multiply 0.51 by 100, then add a percent sign. 0.51 x 100 = 51%.
   • Our answer means our growth rate is 51%. In other words, our present value is 51% bigger than our past value. If our present value was smaller than our past value, our growth rate would be negative.

[Edit]Calculating Average Growth Rate Over Regular Time Intervals

1. Organize your data in a table. This isn't absolutely necessary, but it's useful, as it allows you to visualize your given data as a range of values over a length of time. For our purposes, simple tables will usually suffice - simply use two columns, listing your values for time in the left column and the corresponding values for your quantity in the right column, as above.
   
2. Use a growth rate equation which takes into account the number of time intervals in your data. Your data should have regular values for time, each with a corresponding value for your quantity. The units for these time values aren't important - this method will work for data collected over spans of minutes, seconds, days, etc. In our case, our data is expressed in terms of years. Insert your past and present values into a new formula: (present) = (past) * (1 + growth rate)ⁿ where n = number of time periods. ^[3]
   
   • This method will give us an average growth rate for each time interval given past and present figures and assuming a steady rate of growth. Because our example uses years, this means we'll get an average annual growth rate.
3. Isolate the "growth rate" variable. Manipulate the equation via algebra to get "growth rate" by itself on one side of the equal sign. To do this, divide both sides by the past figure, take the exponent to 1/n, then subtract 1.
   
   • If your algebra works out, you should get: growth rate = (present / past)^1/n - 1 .
4. Solve for your growth rate. Insert values for your past and present values, as well as a value for n (which will be the number of time intervals in your data, including your past and present values.) Solve according to basic principles of algebra, order of operations, etc.
   
   • In our example, we'll use our present figure of 310 and our past figure of 205, along with a time period of 9 years for n. In this case, the average annual growth rate is simply (310/205)^1/9 - 1 = .0422
   • 0.0422 x 100 = 4.22%. On average, our value grew by 4.22 percent each year.

[Edit]Video

[Edit]Tips

• The entire formula reads as: ((Present - Past) / Past) * 100
• This works both ways. You use the same formula whether or not the number goes up or down. It would be a growth reduction in there is a decrease.

[Edit]Related wikiHows

• Calculate an Annual Percentage Growth Rate

[Edit]References

[Edit]Quick Summary

1. ↑ https://pages.uoregon.edu/rgp/PPPM613/class8a.htm
2. ↑ https://pages.uoregon.edu/rgp/PPPM613/class8a.htm
3. ↑ https://pages.uoregon.edu/rgp/PPPM613/class8a.htm

from How to of the Day https://ift.tt/8xnjOIL

How to Build a Raised Garden Bed with Legs

Building a raised garden bed with legs allows you to protect your garden from animals and weeds, and it can even make gardening a little easier since you don't have to stoop down to reach the plants. Making a raised garden bed with legs is a simple DIY project you can do on your own. Keep reading to learn everything you need to know about building a raised garden bed with legs, including how to prepare the bed for a thriving garden.

[Edit]Steps

[Edit]Constructing a Raised Garden Bed with Legs

1. Purchase cedar wood planks. To construct a durable raised bed that is resistant to rot, use cedar wood planks.^[1] For this guide, purchase ten 8 ft. 1 in. by 4 in. cedar wood planks and four 8 ft. 2 in. by 4 in. cedar wood planks.^[2]
   
   • If you'd rather purchase cedar wood planks in person, visit a home improvement store like Lowe's or Home Depot.
2. Cut your cedar wood planks using a saw or other wood cutting tool. First, cut the 8 ft. 1 in. by 4 in. cedar planks so that you have ten 4 ft. long side planks and ten 2 ft. short side planks. Then, cut four 30 in. legs from the four 8 ft. 2 in. by 4 in. planks.^[3]
   
   • If you don't have a saw or other cutting tool, ask for your cedar planks to be cut by a professional at a home improvement store.^[4]
   • After making these cuts, save the remaining cedar wood to use as your support pieces and bottom slats.
3. Secure the short sides to the legs. First, drill 2 holes into each end of one of your 2 ft. planks (4 holes in total). Repeat the process so that all ten of your 2 ft. planks have 2 holes on each end. Then, attach five planks in an even row to one of the 30 in. legs with screws. After, attach the other side of these five planks to the opposite leg with screws. Repeat this step for the other five planks so that you have the two short sides of your garden box completed.^[5]
   
4. Fasten the long sides to the legs. Drill 2 holes on each end of one of your ten 4 ft. long side planks (4 holes in total). Repeat the process for all ten of your 4 ft. long side planks. Then, attach five long side planks to the short side by screwing them in place on each end. Repeat the process for the opposite five planks so that your garden box officially has all of its sides securely in place.^[6]
   
   • To make sure the box is straight before securing the long side planks in place, use a speed square.
5. Attach support pieces along the bottom of the garden bed. These will hold up the bottom slats of your garden bed. To construct the bottom support pieces, use your remaining 2 in. by 4 in. planks. Using wood glue, place these supports in an even line along the long and short sides of the garden box. Since your bottom slats will rest on the support pieces, place them right below where you would like the bottom of your garden bed to be.^[7]
   
6. Cut identical wooden slats to line the bottom of the box. To construct the bottom of your garden box, measure the length between the two long sides of your garden box. Then, cut your remaining cedar plank scraps to that size.^[8]
   
7. Attach each slat to the supports along the bottom with a nail gun. First, place the slats over the supports on the bottom of the box. Leave a slight gap between each slat so that the soil in your garden bed can drain. Then, attach either side of each slat to the supports underneath with a nail gun.^[9]
   
8. Stain or paint the planter if you would like. Staining or painting can add more personality to your garden bed. To paint or stain your garden bed, first sand down the surface with 120-grit sandpaper. Then, wipe down the surface with a clean cloth. If you're staining the wood, apply the stain and let it sit for 5-10 minutes (the longer you wait, the darker your stain will be).^[10] Then, wipe off the stain. If you're painting, apply a layer of paint, then wait for it to dry.^[11]
   
   • If you plan on eating the veggies in your garden, go for a non-toxic, water-based polyurethane stain.^[12] For paint, choose exterior acrylic paint to be extra safe.^[13]
   • After the stain or paint dries, consider adding a second coat.

[Edit]Prepping the Garden Bed for Planting

1. Lay out landscape fabric over the bottom. Landscape fabric is a perforated fabric that protects the wooden slats of your garden bed while also allowing the soil to drain. To make your raised garden bed last as long as possible, line the bottom of the box with the landscape fabric before adding your soil.^[14]
   
2. Place your garden bed in an even location with lots of sunlight. Many vegetables and flowers need at least 6 to 8 hours of sunlight a day (A.K.A. full sunlight). To ensure that your plants get all the sunlight they need, place your raised garden bed in an area with access to direct sunlight. To ensure that your garden bed is secure, place it on an even, level surface in your yard or on your porch.^[15]
   
3. Add of good-quality soil. In general, plants need about of soil to thrive. If you're planting vegetables in your raised garden bed, fill your raised garden bed with of soil. This will be plenty of soil to allow the roots to grow strong.^[16]
   
   • To give your plants all the nutrients they need, consider adding a layer of compost over the soil.^[17]
4. Plant the flowers, vegetables, and herbs of your choice. Grow plants and vegetables like radishes, tomatoes, and leafy greens.^[18] If you're interested in planting flowers, try poppies, nasturtium, or marigolds. Though you can fit many varieties of vegetables, flowers, and herbs in your garden bed, leave some space in between each seed so that each has enough room to grow.^[19]
   
   • To ensure a thriving garden in the spring and summer, try planting after the last frost.^[20]
   • If you'd like to plant flowers in the fall or winter, try planting Hellebore.^[21]

[Edit]Things You’ll Need

• Ten 8 ft. 1 in. by 4 in. cedar wood planks
• Four 8 ft. 2 in. by 4 in. cedar wood planks
• Drill
• Screws
• Tape measure
• Woodcutting tool (Miter saw, circular saw, jigsaw, etc.)
• Nail gun
• Wood glue
• Exterior acrylic paint (optional)
• Non-toxic, water-based polyurethane stain (optional)
• Landscape fabric
• Flower, vegetable, and herb seeds of your choice

[Edit]References

1. ↑ https://extension.uga.edu/publications/detail.html?number=C1027-4&title=Raised%20Garden%20Bed%20Dimensions
2. ↑ https://www.loveandrenovations.com/diy-elevated-garden-bed/
3. ↑ https://www.loveandrenovations.com/diy-elevated-garden-bed/
4. ↑ https://www.almanac.com/content/how-build-raised-garden-bed
5. ↑ https://www.loveandrenovations.com/diy-elevated-garden-bed/
6. ↑ https://www.loveandrenovations.com/diy-elevated-garden-bed/
7. ↑ https://www.loveandrenovations.com/diy-elevated-garden-bed/
8. ↑ https://www.addicted2decorating.com/how-to-build-an-elevated-garden.html
9. ↑ https://www.loveandrenovations.com/diy-elevated-garden-bed/
10. ↑ https://www.homedit.com/how-to-stain-wood/
11. ↑ https://www.gfloutdoors.com/paint-for-raised-garden-beds-which-type-of-paint-to-use/
12. ↑ https://www.finewoodworking.com/2004/11/01/selecting-a-finish
13. ↑ https://www.gfloutdoors.com/paint-for-raised-garden-beds-which-type-of-paint-to-use/
14. ↑ https://www.sunset.com/home-garden/garden-basics/how-to-build-raised-bed-gardening-diy
15. ↑ https://www.almanac.com/content/how-build-raised-garden-bed
16. ↑ https://www.sunset.com/home-garden/garden-basics/how-to-build-raised-bed-gardening-diy
17. ↑ [v161358_b02]. 14 April 2020.
18. ↑ [v160960_b01]. 20 March 2019.
19. ↑ [v161358_b02]. 14 April 2020.
20. ↑ [v160960_b01]. 20 March 2019.
21. ↑ https://ipm.missouri.edu/MEG/2019/12/christmasRose/

from How to of the Day https://ift.tt/vAekqRK