Keeping the Lights On: Backup Power Options for Load Shedding
A tired garden can come back to life with a few simple changes. Start by clearing weeds, loosening the soil and adding compost. Choose plants that cope with heat and little rain, such as aloes and indigenous grasses. Mulch the beds so the soil keeps its moisture through the long Limpopo summer.
Fit a digital tap timer so watering happens early in the morning, when less water is lost. A small change like this can cut your water use and keep your plants healthy.
Choose your fixings
Brick, drywall and concrete each need a different plug, so check before you buy.
Bring your measurements and a photo of the space and we will help you choose.
Before you cut anything, measure the space twice and write the numbers down. Mark your cutting lines with a sharp pencil and a straight edge. Clamp the piece firmly so it cannot move. Good preparation takes a few minutes and saves you from wasting expensive timber or paint on the job.
Measure twice, cut once
Pine is a good starting point for beginners because it is affordable, easy to cut and takes paint or stain well. Buy straight lengths and check each board by looking down its edge. Store the timber flat and dry until you are ready to work, so it does not warp before you begin.
Treated timber is best for anything outdoors, since it resists rot and insects. Always wear a dust mask when you sand, and seal every cut end so moisture cannot get in.
