Tunneling for a New Soaker System 100717
The hardest part of installing a new soaker system is adding the new plumbing—especially when you need to tunnel under a driveway. Thankfully, we have […]
Design
Insteon Update 120716
The new Insteon Hub and Appliance Module are proving to be a great solution for controlling appliances remotely from by cell phone. The catch: the […]
Tesla Powerwall 2: EBG Backs Out 120716
After two years of stonewalling, Tesla finally responded to our requests for information on their Powerwall storage batteries. We made the down payment ($1100) back […]
Raised Bed Wall Correction 120616
After two years of service, several walls of our raised beds have tilted out of alignment. Repairs are relatively easy if performed surgically—don’t let the […]
Constructing Elevated Planting Beds by John L Butler, Jr. (113016)
When designing these elevated beds, my main goal was ease-of-access, mainly because my wife and I are finding it more and more difficult to crawl […]
Rainwater Tank from Tractor Supply Hardware
This 65-gallon gray poly tank from Tractor Supply Hardware was modified slightly to accept a standard downspout, and the new strainer filters. Note that it […]
Adding Tank Bank Covers
Our IBC rainwater storage tanks are wrapped in black plastic sheeting to inhibit the growth of algae. Unfortunately, this 4-mil wrapping is already showing signs […]
Constructing the Rainwater Tank Banks
One of our first projects after relocating from drought stricken Northern California was the installation of a rainwater collection system. We captured runoff from every […]
Bitter Melon (Ampalaya) Vines
Bitter Melon (ampalaya) vines from three raised beds have completely covered the West trellis, gates, and fence line. Read more about our EDEN adventures on […]
Battery Problem with PIR Sensors
The 9-volt batteries in our Voice Alert PIR sensors are advertised to last a year. Two weeks is more like it! We need a solution. […]