SUMMER LIVING
Summer is here and summer means outdoor living. There are decks to be brought to life, entertaining to be done and after all the rain has stopped, it's time to look at water conservation and how to water over the summer months. There's something in the Jan/Feb issue of HOW to magazine for everyone.
Also featured:
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Water water everywhere
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Time to water
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Stuck in the middle
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Look up, look down, look out
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Fantastic fixing
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New Year, new paint job
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Summer decks
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Outdoor entertaining
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New Year checklist
WATER WATER EVERYWHERE
All through winter we bemoan the rain. How it stops us getting outside, how it muddies our lawn and makes outdoor living impossible. Then comes summer and we spend our time in the sun with the hose out ensuring our plants get enough water to survive.
So why not get smart about water conservation and start collecting all that free falling rain to use around your house and garden.
A rain water harvesting system is the way to go. But which one for you and do you need building consent? The Jan/Feb issue of HOW to answers all your rain harvesting questions.
TIME TO WATER
Summer means hot sun and dry lawns. We've already discussed rain water harvesting systems in this issue. Now we move onto how best to use that rain water for your garden this summer.
Timers are the easiest and most economical way to ensure your garden always gets the right amount of water at the right time.
And the Jan/Feb issue of HOW to gives you all the tips and tricks on timers to ensure your garden gets the right watering this summer.
STUCK IN THE MIDDLE
Glue is not just glue. And all glues are certainly not made equal. If you've got something that needs sticking together then you need the right glue for the job.
There are a myriad of glues out there and it's hard to pick the right one. But if you know what you are working with then you have a good start.
The Jan/Feb issue of HOW to goes through the different types of glues in the market, and helps you to pick the right one for your job.
LOOK UP, LOOK DOWN, LOOK OUT
Summer means DIY around the house. And DIY means accidents, so HOW to have teamed up with Vector to bring you this timely reminder on how to stay safe this summer by Looking up, looking down and looking out.
According to ACC figures more than 11,000 people were seriously injured around the home last year. And 9,800 were hurt through falls in the Christmas period alone last year. This number is much too high. When carrying out your DIY this summer you need to remember the safety mantra 'Look up, look down, look out'.
FANTASTIC FIXING
Screws are used for a wide range of jobs. So it's no surprise that there are a huge number of different types out there. Each one can vary greatly in terms of size, purpose and appearance. So which one do you need?
As usual, knowing what you need to do in the first place is important, as is knowing what material you are working with.
The Jan/Feb issue of HOW to takes you through the different types of screw that are out there and helps you to pick the right type for your DIY.
NEW YEAR, NEW PAINT JOB

Summer is the perfect time of year to tackle that biggest of paint jobs. The exterior of your house. Depending on what your house is built with will determine how to tackle the job. Weatherboard homes have a unique set of rules, as to masonry homes.
As always with painting, preparation is the key. Prepare the surface to be painted correctly, and the finish will last longer, look better, and protect as it should.
The Jan/Feb issue of HOW to takes you step-by-step through how to paint your house this summer.
SUMMER DECKS
Summer is here so we head outdoors to entertain. The bbq is ready, the guests are on the way. Only problem is the deck and outdoor furniture have seen better days. They have been ravaged by rain and the elements. So how to bring them back to life?
The Jan/Feb issue of HOW to shows you how to revive your deck and outdoor furniture this summer. As usual, preparation is the key, so make sure you read it all to ensure your outdoors look the part this summer.
OUTDOOR ENTERTAINING
Even though summer is here and it's hot during the day. It can still get a bit cool in the evenings. Especially if it's been a clear sunny day. So what better than an outdoor heater to warm up your guests at night. But which one?
The Jan/Feb issue of HOW to takes a look at four different types of outdoor heating. Patio heaters, wood burners, wall mounted heaters and gas fires. Make sure you get the right outdoor heater for you and you can extend your evening bbq well into the night. Just make sure you invite the neighbours!
NEW YEAR CHECKLIST
New Year, new you, new garden. And while we wait for the harvesting to begin and then the really fun part (the eating!) to start, you need to ensure your garden is getting what it needs to ensure all that hard work hasn't gone to waste.
It's essential to ensure that your garden is getting the right water at the right time and that your plants are not stressed. Believe it or not, stressed plants are more vulnerable to pests and disease.
The New Year checklist is essential reading to ensure you reap the rewards of your hard work in the garden.