Are you ready to start planning for your spring and summer camping trips? A few months ago we showed you how to winterize your RV  to get ready for the colder months. Now, we'd like to share our best tips for de-winterizing your RV, so that you can be on the way for your next adventure.

Tips for De-Winterize Your RV

1. First, turn the valve for the front water tank off.
2. Fill the water tank 1/3 full with fresh water.
3. Take the hot water plug and put it into hot water tank. Need a hot water plug? Hot water plugs are available at Louie’s Ace Hardware.
4. Use a 16-inch socket to tighten hot water tank. Make sure that you don’t over tighten so that it does not pull the threads of hot water tank. 16 inch sockets are also available in our store.
5. Now, you can go inside your RV and fill the water tanks there. Locate the water pump and check the lines to make sure there’s no leaks.
6. Turn the water pump on. Once water pump builds pressure it’ll shut off.
7. Now, turn on one of taps. Let it run until the pink anti-freeze runs out, and nothing but water comes out.
8. Move from the kitchen and drain all of the other water sources in the trailer including the bathroom and bathtub.
9. If you have an outdoor shower, go outside to fill its tank. The shower is usually located on the outside of the RV.
10. Once you're done pumping anti-freeze, you can fill the hot water tank with water. First, find the hot water bypass valve and turn it. Let it run continuous until water tank fills with water.

Before you go out for a trip, make sure you check your RV for gaps, cracks, and tears. You’ll want to fix these before the season starts to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.

Happy Camping!

A beautiful, verdant lawn is the focal point for many gardens. Images of lush expanses of cool grass often feature in gardening magazines. However, maintaining a lawn to be proud of is significantly harder to do in northern Nevada’s desert climate.

Never fear though, it is possible! We’ve put together a list of handy hints about how to keep your lawn looking lovely throughout the summer months. Louie's Home Center offers ace hardware rentals such as batchers, aerators, high-weed mowers, and weed whackers for lawn care.

Know The Best Time To Water
This handy leaflet recommends watering at night or during the cool morning hours to minimize evaporation. It’s best to avoid the peak water consumption hours of 4 - 9 p.m.

But how often should you water? This depends on the weather, the soil and the turf type. However, a good rule of thumb is not to water more than once every three days during the summer. This will encourage your lawn to develop a deep root system. A long soak two to three times a week is definitely better than a short, daily soak- that will just create a shallow root system.

To figure out how much to water, you can check out www.wateruseitwisely.com for a helpful guide.

2. Make Your Water Count

Water is a precious resource, and too often around Reno we see people’s sprinklers watering everything but their lawn! Invest in a decent adjustable sprinkler that suits your lawn shape and size. This will save you money and ensure that the water is being directed where it's needed.

3. Let Your Lawn Breathe
Did you know that lawns need oxygen as well as water? It’s important to keep them aerated, which lets air circulate and prevents roots from getting compacted. It also makes your lawn much more efficient at absorbing that precious water!

It’s best to aerate the day after you’ve watered, so the ground is a little softer. This page recommends pushing a garden fork into the ground at about six inch intervals. However if you’re lucky enough to have a large lawn, it’s probably best to hire an aeration machine.

4. Feed Your Hungry Lawn
Regular feeding with a good fertilizer is essential for proper growth and a good green color. However be careful- an over-fertilized lawn will require more water and more frequent mowing. More is not necessarily better, so be sure to carefully follow the packet instructions!

The Desert Lawn Care Guide recommends using slow release fertilizers, as they release nutrients more efficiently and can be applied less frequently. It’s best to fertilize in the early morning or evening, then water thoroughly.

5. Mow At The Right Height
Proper mowing is crucial to maintain a healthy lawn, but don’t overdo it! A lawn cut too short requires more water. We recommend raising the cutting height of your lawnmower during summer to keep your lawn looking its best. That way, the grass won’t dry out as quickly in the hot sun and the longer blades of grass will better protect the roots.

Of course, a top quality mower is really important too. The Craftsman 6.75 Torque Rear Bag Push Mower is a real deal at $239.99 instore. With five point height adjusters with 1.1″-3.4″ range, it’s the perfect option to ensure you’re mowing at the right height.

6. Accessorise Your Lawn
After you’ve gone to all that trouble of ensuring your lawn is healthy and beautiful, you’re going to want to show it off! The Catalina six piece resin wicker bar garden furniture set with umbrella will look beautiful in your garden, and will provide a lovely shady spot from where to admire all your hard work. What’s more, it’s currently on special at $299.99- that’s $100 off!

You could also create some beautifully ambient evening lighting for summer nights in the garden, by placing tea lights in Mason Jars. We have them available in packs of twelve for just $12.99.

So there you have it: our top tips for keeping your lawn looking lovely through the Nevada summer. Why not try taking before and after pictures of your lawn so you can compare the difference? And if you have any lawn tips of your own, we’d love to hear them. Be sure to check out Louie's Home Center for all of our lawn care ACE hardware rentals. Happy gardening!

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