The Basics of Repointing Brick | Ep. 173

<p>Repointing is the process of renewing the pointing, or external mortar joints, in masonry construction. Learn more about it in this week's podcast!</p> <p><strong>Best New Product</strong></p> <p>LG's new convection oven with air fry capability saves on counter space and can cook for a crowd.</p> <p><strong>Simple Solutions</strong></p> <p><!-- wp:paragraph --></p> <p><strong>Epsom Salt in the Garden</strong> — Epsom salt is magnesium sulfate, which is rich in minerals that plants need. </p> <p><!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --></p> <p>By adding Epsom salt to your garden, the plants will absorb much more nutrients from the soil and fertilizer. </p> <p><!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --></p> <p>Here are three ways to grow healthy plants with Epsom salt:  </p> <p><!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --></p> <p>1) Plants in the nightshade family — tomatoes, peppers, eggplants, potatoes — need magnesium to produce greater yields and more flavorful fruits and vegetables. Sprinkle 1 tablespoon of Epsom salt around the base of your plants. Or, mix the salt with a gallon of water and water the plants with the mixture. Repeat every two weeks. </p> <p><!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --></p> <p>2) Is your lawn looking dull? Add three pounds of Epsom salt for every 1,250 square feet of grass and then water your lawn. </p> <p><!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --></p> <p>3) Want robust roses? Sprinkle Epsom salt at the time of planting and when the flowers are in bloom. The salt encourages the rose bushes to produce larger flowers with deeper colors. </p> <p><!-- /wp:paragraph --></p> <p><!-- wp:paragraph --></p> <p><strong>Storing Garden Tools</strong> — Here’s an easy and effective way to store long-handled garden tools in a shed or garage: </p> <p><!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --></p> <ul> <li>Drill a pilot hole in an overhead joist and twist in a screw hook. </li> <li>Then, drill a pilot hole in every end of the tool’s handle, and twist in a screw eye. </li> </ul> <p><!-- /wp