While it’s too cold to actually start gardening in winter, this is the perfect time to start planning for your spring garden. And of course you could simply buy seeds, soil, and other gardening supplies right before you decide it’s time to plant. However, planning for your spring garden in the winter will help you create the best garden you’ve ever had. You’ll be better prepared, better equipped, and more confident in your gardening abilities. So, check out some of these helpful tips for planning your spring garden in the middle of winter.
To get the most beautiful garden, you should start preparing yourself and your yard during the winter months. Start by assessing the weather you’ve had this past winter. Was it colder than normal? Did it snow more than it typically does in your area? Is it more mild than usual? All of these things may affect the longevity of your plants life and should be dealt with before you start gardening. If it’s especially cold this winter, you’ll need to take extra precautions to protect your plants from freezing temperatures.
Also be sure to assess the area you intend to plant your garden. Look for any damage to your yard that may need to be fixed before you start digging your gardening supplies into the ground.
Gathering all of your materials, such as seed catalogs and gardening supplies, will help get you excited about your future garden. Since it’s still too cold out to begin planting right away, having the tools you need before hand are a good way to start the process. Also keep in mind that seed catalogs provide a great advantage to gardeners. Using seed catalogs to find the plants you’ll use in your garden will usually ensure that you’re getting high-quality seeds. And don’t forget to stop by Louie’s ACE Home Center for all of your gardening tools! We have a great selection to choose from and our friendly staff is always happy to help our customers find the right tools for their projects.
Consider Using Cold FramesCold frames are very popular in areas, such as Reno, that experience severe cold weather. They’re transparent-roofed enclosures that are built low to the ground and help protect plants from excessive cold or wet weather. The transparent roof allows sunlight to enter while also effectively trapping in heat. The roofs can be taken on and off and are perfect for controlling temperatures and climate that your plant will have to endure. Essentially cold frames help the gardener extend their growing season.
A seed germination test will help you determine if the seeds you’re using for your garden will produce thriving, beautiful flowers and plants or not. To do this, start by taking a few seeds from the package and planting them in small pots. Next, place those pots in conditions that will most likely make your seeds germinate. Lastly, watch them as they grow to determine whether or not they grow healthy sprouts.
After all of the prep-work you’ve completed, you’re finally ready to start planning your garden and picking out your plants! This is easily the most fun part of the preparation process and will help to bring your garden to life - literally. Be sure to check the grow zone of the area you live in. This will help you determine which plants will do better in the type of living condition they’ll be in. This tool will help your garden thrive, and prevents you from having to buy more seeds and other gardening materials later on.
At Louie’s Home Center, we have a wide variety of gardening supplies available. From soil and fertilizer, to shovels and rakes, we have just about everything you need to get the garden of your dreams. Our knowledgeable staff is always willing to guide you in the right direction when you come into visit. Connect with us today!
If you’re preparing for a new DIY project or home renovation, having the right tools is essential. While tools like hammers, screwdrivers, and tape measures are household staples, more specialized equipment like paint sprayers and jackhammers may not be as common. Fortunately, hardware rentals make it easy to access these tools without committing to a purchase. If you’re considering options like a paint sprayer rental, read on to explore the advantages of renting hardware and discover why it might be the best solution for your project.
One significant benefit of renting hardware is the opportunity to test different products. For example, if you’re considering purchasing a paint sprayer for your home renovation, renting one first lets you see how it performs. Different brands and models offer unique features, and testing a paint sprayer rental ensures you find the right fit for your needs. Renting gives you the chance to evaluate the tool firsthand, saving you from making a costly purchase that might not meet your expectations.
A paint sprayer rental is an excellent option if you only need the tool for a single project or occasional use. Purchasing a paint sprayer can be expensive, especially if it’s something you won’t use frequently. Renting allows you to complete your project without the upfront cost of buying new equipment. Plus, if you find yourself needing the tool more often in the future, you can always invest in your own at a later time.
Some tools, like paint sprayers or large equipment, take up valuable storage space in your home. For those with limited storage options, renting tools eliminates the hassle of finding a permanent place to keep them. A paint sprayer rental provides the perfect solution—allowing you to complete your project while keeping your home free of clutter.
At Louie’s ACE Home Center, we make tool rentals simple and convenient. Whether you need a paint sprayer rental for a weekend painting project or a jackhammer for a larger renovation, we have a wide selection of tools available for daily, weekly, or monthly rental. Our friendly and knowledgeable team is always ready to help you choose the best tool for your specific needs.
Don’t let the lack of a tool hold you back from completing your next DIY project. Contact Louie’s ACE Home Center today and learn more about our paint sprayer rentals and other equipment. Let us help make your home improvement projects easier and more affordable!
With the spring season in full bloom, gardening is becoming a common past time. Even more so for those who are self-isolating at home and want a beautiful garden to enjoy while they wait out the lockdown. While gardening can be fun and relaxing, not having the proper tools and materials can make the process less pleasant and even difficult or frustrating. In order to have a successful, peaceful gardening experience, be sure to get proper hardware and garden supplies to help you out. Take a look below at some of the gardening products every gardener should own, and come get yours from Louie’s ACE Home Center!
One of the most essential gardening tools you’ll use over and over again is gloves. Proper gardening gloves are usually made from leather or synthetic material such as nitrile. These gloves are durable and thick, and are designed to prevent thorns or sharp stems from causing injuries to your hands. So, you can see just how important gloves are when it comes to gardening. And remember, the type of gardening you’re doing, such as pruning or planting, will help you determine which gloves will work best for your project. Fortunately, our friendly staff is always happy to help you make the best choice.
Another product that avid gardeners swear by are clog/waterproof shoes. Clogs are quite common because they are easy to slip on and off, and are quite smooth, making them easy to clean. However, any waterproof shoe will be beneficial to someone working away in the garden. Beware, as you’re gardening your shoes are going to get wet and dirty, regardless of how hard you try to avoid it. So, be sure to wear proper footwear to prevent ruining a good pair of shoes.
If you plan on gardening often and in rough terrain, then a garden seat or garden kneeler could save your body a lot of aches and pains. Kneeling on hard surfaces or in dirt or rocks can take a heavy toll on your knees and other parts of your body. And continuously exposing your body to this sort of pain can have serious consequences later in life. Luckily, garden seats and kneelers are there to prevent such problems. They provide an adequately cushioned spot for you to rest your knees or bottom on so that you don’t have to feel the repercussions later.
Gardening usually requires a delicate touch and careful hands. Remember, your plants are living things and they need to be handled with proper care. Unlike your typical shovels and rakes which are often too large to use in a garden, ACE hardware garden hand tools are made much smaller and with a more specific purpose in mind. Any gardener should be equipped with the following hand tools:
Some other gardening tools that you must have are a wheelbarrow for transferring dirt and other debris, and a gardening tool belt or supply cart. A supply cart helps keep all your gardening tools organized and out of the elements for better storage and easy clean-up.
Some planting accessories such as edging, mulch and markers are crucial to a successful garden. Edging helps keep mulch and plants in one secluded area and helps prevent overgrowth and weeds from penetrating your garden. Also, edging can help give your garden and your yard a clean, polished look. Mulch is used to cover the soil of your garden and acts as a protective layer that keeps soil cool, moist and unharmed by weeds and pests. Also, mulch can be used to make your garden look more appealing and some mulches even give vital nutrients to the soil underneath. Lastly, consider using markers in your garden to label all the different plants and to keep track of their growing habits and needs. The markers we’re talking about are stakes you put in the ground that have a sign on the top which you can use to write down your plant information on.
Gardening would be nothing without the plants, so be sure to stock up on seeds and any plants that you may want to plant into the ground! Often, seeds and plants are separated into two groups; annual and perennial. Annual plants need to be planted annually, meaning with each new season, you’re going to need to replant the same plants if you want them back in your garden. Perennials, however, only need to be planted once and the plants will regrow on their own in the next season. So, be sure you know the difference between annual and perennial plants, and get the ones that will work best for you!
And lastly, be sure to gather an adequate amount of watering and irrigation supplies. Plants need water in order to grow and live, but too much water can be problematic as well. Watering hoses and nozzles with different spray settings are always recommended, but be sure to give your plants the necessary irrigation required to keep them healthy and thriving.
If you’re getting ready to spruce up your garden but need some supplies to get you started, head on over to Louie’s ACE Home Center! As Fallon’s hardware store specialists, we’re confident in our products and our ability to guide you through your next DIY or home project. So, take a look at some of our garden supplies, or connect with us to get some advice or help with your next project!
The summer months bring later sunsets, bluer skies, and of course, the heat. You quickly begin to rely on your air conditioner to keep you cool and refreshed, but we've all dealt with air conditioner troubles. Louie's Home Center has some tips to keep your AC running smoothly this summer:
The purpose of an air filter is to keep fresh, clean air circulating throughout your AC. Air filters trap in dust, dirt, bacteria, and pollen that is trying to make its way into your home. It's important to replace your air filters on a regular basis to keep everyone in your home healthy.
How often you change your air filters depends on the type of filter that is required for your home. Depending on how many people you have living in your home, if you have pets, etc. will dictate when you need to replace your air filters.
One of the most effective ways to keep your air conditioner running smoothly is to check and clean the outdoor unit. Over time, leaves, dirt, and other various objects can collect in your outdoor filter and need to be removed. Outdoor air units take in refrigerants, these refrigerants flow throughout the unit and turn hot air into cold air. It is recommended that you clean your outdoor air unit every year.
We've all been in a situation where you turn on your air conditioner and a terrible odor emits and spreads throughout your home. There are various smells that dictate what is wrong with your air unit.
If you begin to smell an egg-like odor coming from your air conditioner, it is likely that there is a deceased animal in your air ducts. The solution to this problem is to either remove or have someone else remove the animal from the air ducts.
If you turn on your AC and it smells like a group of teenagers who have been at soccer practice all day, it means that you have mildew growing on your evaporator coil. To get rid of this smell, you will need to give your evaporator coil and ducts a thorough cleaning. This, however, can be a temporary solution. Some air units are prone to developing mildew.
While you can go in and tackle some of the maintenance projects yourself, every year you should have a professional come and deep clean your air conditioning unit.
If you are in the market for a new air conditioning unit or would simply like more information on how to maintain your current air conditioning unit head over to Louie's Home Center today!
Although mason jars were originally created as a means to preserve food, these molded glass jars have a wide range of uses. Over the years, the number of different uses has grown exponentially and will continue to grow. Mason jars have been used in every area of the home, for parties, given as gifts, and so much more. Louie's ACE Home Center has a great selection of mason jars for all of your home decor needs!
1. Canning Produce & JamsCanning produce and jams are one of the most popular uses for mason jars. From pickles to peaches, you have the ability to can just about anything. Homemade jams are also a great thing to store in mason jars because they are portable, easy to store, and stay fresh longer.
Make cooking a breeze with a magnetic spice rack comprised of mini mason jars. To re-create this magnetic spice rack, simply attach a magnet to the top of the mason jar, fill with desired spices, and label it. You can either add a stainless steel piece to any wall in your kitchen or place them on any stainless steel appliance.
Mason jars can serve as a quick fix for desktop clutter. You can have one mason jar for all of your writing utensils or several depending on your level of organization. Not only is this a great way to de-clutter your workspace, but it also adds a decorative touch!
Ditch the plastic soap dispensers and opt for a homemade mason jar dispenser. It's an environmentally friendly, inexpensive, and simple way to store and use soap. So rather than purchasing a new soap bottle every couple of months, you can buy a large quantity of soap and refill your jar when it's running low.
Add chic, rustic vibes to your bathroom by building your own bathroom storage unit. All you need is a wooden plank, wood stain, a few mason jars, and metal picture hangers. This is a creative way to decorate and store your bathroom necessities!
Similar to the DIY bathroom storage shelf, you can use this same technique to create your own herb garden! All you will need is a mason jar, wooden plank, metal fixtures, soil, and the herbs of your choice. Simply hang the wooden plank up on the wall, attach the mason jars to the wood with the metal fixtures, and plant your herbs!
Whether you are hosting a party, planning a wedding, or just want to spruce up your home, a floral centerpiece is a go-to choice. Using a mason jar, pick or purchase your favorite flowers and you're good to go!
Reusable cups and mugs are the newest trend in drinkware. Mason jars are the best option, the removable lid is ideal for hanging out at home or taking on the go.
Mason jars are a great way to take snacks on the go! There are endless possibilities for these snacks; they are portable, easy to make and quick. A few of these include salads, parfaits, and overnight oats.
Building a DIY bird feeder can be a fun and affordable activity for anyone. The best part is you only need a few supplies! You'll need a mason jar, twine, a round chicken feeder, and birdseed. Once you've gathered all of the necessary supplies, you can begin to assemble your bird feeder.
With a few simple supplies, you can create a cute decoration or gift! Using a mason jar, glitter, glycerin drops, water, and your favorite figurine, you can make your own DIY snowglobe. This is a great activity for the kids to do during the holidays.
Once you open a bag of candy, it is always difficult to find a container that will keep it fresh. Mason jars are a great solution to this problem! They come in all different sizes to fit a wide variety of candies and seal in the freshness. In addition, these candy jars are great for parties, gifts, centerpieces, and more!
Oil lamps are a great way to decorate for an outdoor event or simply to spice up your backyard! All you need is a mason jar, lamp oil, and a cotton wick. Simply fill the jar two-thirds of the way with lamp oil, puncture a hole in the lid, and thread the cotton wick through. Let the wick sit for about an hour and then it is ready to light!
Hot chocolate, cupcake and s'mores mix are just a few holiday gift ideas. You can place the ingredients inside of a mason jar, attach a label and a bow and bring it to any holiday party or gift exchange. Your friends and family will love it!
15. Decorative LightingWhy spend up to hundreds of dollars on outdoor or decorative lighting, when you can make it yourself! Whether you want to string lights, candle holders, or table lighting, a mason jar can help bring your vision to life.
Now that you know all of the uses for mason jars, you're ready to try them out for yourself. Louie's Ace Home Center has a great selection of mason jars, so come on by our store to get your own. Contact us today!
Winter has come, but it's never too late to pick up the essentials. Louie's ACE Home Center has all of the tools, heaters, and more to get you through the season. Check out our list to see if you have all of the necessary winter essentials for home!
Living in Reno, Nevada, you're never really sure what the winter will bring. For the days where the temperature is below freezing and dumping snow, our vent-free stoves are the perfect addition to your home. They are easy to install and bring all of the beauty and warmth of a fireplace to your home without the maintenance.
For the warmer winter days (aka anything over 45 degrees), our outdoor fire pits are a must-have! You and your friends can gather around the fire pit, roast marshmallows, and enjoy the "warm" winter's night.
Snow shovels are the go-to winter essentials for home during those winter storms. There are three types of snow shovels, and each of them has a specific function.
Plastic Shovels: Plastic snow shovels are an excellent choice if you are looking for something that is easy to use and lightweight. A common misconception about plastic snow shovels is that they're flimsy, but in actuality, they are able to hold and dispose of snow better than a metal snow shovel. Because plastic shovels can become worn down over time (depending on how much it snows in your area), it is recommended that you don't use this shovel to scrape ice.
Steel Shovels: If you are looking for a shovel that will last you through several winters, a steel snow shovel is the way to go. They are optimal for scraping both the ice and snow from your driveway and pathway. However, because they are made of steel, these shovels are heavier and require more energy to operate than a plastic or aluminum shovel.
Aluminum Shovels: Aluminum snow shovels are a happy medium between plastic and steel shovels. While they are more durable than plastic shovels and much lighter than steel shovels, they tend to bend easily. When you are shoveling your driveway or scraping away at the ice, make sure that you aren't putting in too much force to prevent bending your shovel.
With the temperatures dropping lower and lower, it is time to think about purchasing a standby or a portable generator for your home. Here are a few reasons why a generator should be a winter essential for your home:
Backup Heater: Nothing is worse than your thermostat deciding to bite the bullet just as the cold weather begins to set in. In this situation, you have the ability to call your local repair service and have them send someone over to fix it. But when you are left without power, a huge concern is how you're going to keep your family and yourself warm. These are the times when owning a backup generator comes in handy.
Keep Appliances Running: In the event of a power outage, you want to ensure that all of your appliances, primarily your refrigerator, keep running. Purchasing a generator will not only supply power to your home appliances, but also supply power to your home security system, computers, cell phones, and more.
Winter is in full swing here in Nevada, and we at Louie's ACE Home Center want to make sure that the residents of Reno are fully prepared for the chilly season. Come on in and grab your winter home essentials!
As the seasons change, you might realize you need a different look in your home. A room can lose its luster when it has old paint or wallpaper on it. A proper coat of paint can truly light up a room. This can pair with any style you might like and there are many fun things you can do with paint. For a first timer, things can get confusing which is why we composed a list of painting tips for your home's walls.
You might not realize, but like anything else, walls can get dirty. In most cases, they are left without being cleaned for years (who has that kind of time). As you plan to create a new look in your home the first step is to wipe down those walls. You can remove dirt/lint/dust with a tack cloth. After grabbing a bucket, water, and a cleaner give your wall a well-deserved wipe down. Give your walls a chance to air dry by removing all outlet and light switch covers. Lastly, we don’t want you to get anything on your furniture. One of the most important painting tips is make sure to cover anything and everything!
We all have different styles and ideas of how our houses should look. One of the most important painting tips for walls is making sure you get the right paint. Most hardware stores have services to match your paint. Along with getting the right color to know the difference between oil and water based paints, use denatured alcohol on a rag to wipe existing paint. If paint comes off on the rag the paint is water based. If there is no residue that comes off then you will have an oil based paint.
When you think about paint in a house I’m sure your first thoughts are different colors or plain neutral color. The last thing on your mind is about the different sheens incorporated into colors. This feature is actually very important for certain areas in your house. It either brightens and enhances how your wall looks, giving more detail (shinier sheen). Flat paint is good for a low traffic room such as bedrooms and hallways.
Paint is definitely needed in order to paint a house. However, the tools to apply the product are also extremely important. Having quality materials can help decrease streaks and help apply a smoother finish. When buying your materials, it is better to buy more. The reason is you will spend less time cleaning rollers and less money on running water. If you need a break once you start painting, a painting tip is to cover your brush or roller with plastic bags and keep them in the fridge. This will keep the paint fresh and ready to use once you start your project again. Once the project is finally finished, store your brushes in a plastic baggie. This way the next time you use them they won’t be dried out.
Don’t be fooled, taking on a painting project can be exciting. However, it is a long process and knowing some painting tips for walls will help make this adventure a little easier. First, use low odor and VOC (Volatile Organic Compound) paints for a safer environment for you and your family. When you finally choose a color make sure to use contrasting trims to make the room pop. Also, if you are using dark paints make sure you let the wall dry for 6 hours between coats. This way you won’t rewet the paint causing streaks and patches to happen during your next coat. Lastly, make sure to save some of your paint for future touch-ups throughout your house.
Looking for a paint match or materials in order to paint your home? Check out Fallon's local hardware store, Louie's Ace Hardware. We will have everything you need to get you started on your next project! We offer ACE hardware rentals such as paint sprayers and fixture sprayer rentals for your painting project.
At Louie's ACE Home Center, we do more than just supply you with all of your hardware needs, we also provide ACE Hardware party rentals for special events. Are you planning a party and want to liven it up with an ACE bounce house or cotton candy machine? Well, let us help you with that. We make the process easy and painless, allowing you to enjoy your special event!
You may know that Louie's provides several types of ACE Hardware rentals in their store, but did you know about their party rentals? Elevate your special event with any of these items provided by ACE Hardware:
Party tents are perfect for big outdoor events that could use a little extra coverage. Don't let your party guests sit outside in the hot sun while they fight off bugs and wind, give them some protection. A tent can be a nice area for guests to escape the sun, cool down for a bit, or just get away from the party commotion.
Planning a party for your little one? Or just want to plan a nonconventional adult party? Don't miss out on the chance to enhance the fun with an ACE bounce house! The addition of a bounce house will give any party the extra pizzaz it needs to make your special event stand out from the rest.
Cotton candy is a kid classic, and even some adults can't contain their sweet tooth when this treat comes around. Make your party unique with freshly made cotton candy right at your fingertips.
Are you low on seating for your guests? Don't make them stand, just call Louie's Home Center. We have tables and chairs available for rent so all of your guests can feel comfortable.
Louie's ACE Hardware Home Center has always been there for you when you needed to make a home repair or had a question about which gardening tools are best. Not only do we provide ACE Hardware rentals but let us help you with your party planning too with ACE Hardware party rentals! We are open Monday through Sunday from 7 am to 7 pm, meaning you have access to party rentals 7 days a week! And don't feel stressed about having to pick up equipment and set it up alone because ACE has that covered too. You can either pick up in store or schedule delivery and set up at your desired location. Call and ask about our competitive pricing which includes all sales tax and has no additional fees. If you're looking to enhance your special event, give Louie's ACE Hardware Home Center a call at 775.423.7008!
For those on the fence, we put together a list of four of the best reasons to buy a swamp cooler this summer.
Let’s be honest, sometimes one of the best reasons to get a swamp cooler in Fallon is to save money. According to ConsumerEnergyCenter.org, swamp coolers use up to 75 percent less energy than air conditioning, saving on average about $150 a year. Use those savings for the next vacation with family and friends.
An air conditioner will generally take longer to cool the house and it may take a while to meet your level of comfort and satisfaction. Mobile swamp coolers eliminate that problem by targeting your area of recreation, cooling the air in a few minutes.
This benefit is for those choosing a mobile swamp cooling system.
For those considering a big swamp cooler to replace an air conditioning unit, you’ll find the savings to be worth it. According to the National Association of Home Builders, a big swamp cooler costs between $700 and $1,000, whereas central air conditioning units tend to cost several thousand dollars.
Simply put, swamp coolers use moisture to produce fresh, clean air. Nevada has always been a dry climate, but adding a little moisture to your room can benefit your skin’s complexion.
If you’re ready to join the swamp cooler revolution, come in to Louie’s ACE Home Center today and ask us how we can keep you cool this summer.
Long a tradition for some families, canning has seen resurgence in popularity alongside the growing admiration for mason jars. Food that has been canned can last for years, extending the life of your food and preventing waste, and now even more so than ever there are great ways to add personal touches to your canned food making them great gifts for friends and family.
Methods of CanningThere are two methods of canning, each corresponding to the type of food you are looking to can. It is important that you choose the correct method for what you want to can. This can be crucial in ensuring your food isn’t susceptible to bacteria.
Water Bath Canning: This method is used for foods and vegetables with acidic content. This is what you use for jams and jellies as well as for pickles. The process of water bath canning is fairly easy, and is a great starting point for beginner canners.
Pressure Canning: Using the pressure canning method is for foods with low acidic content including vegetables, meats and poultry, and seafood. This particular method requires a lot of attention because if the process is done incorrectly, this food can spoil very easily.
While there are two different methods depending on what you’re planning to can, there are things to keep in mind with both methods that are important to making sure your food is properly canned, thus making sure your food is optimally protected.
For both methods, be sure to select your favorite recipe and follow those instructions carefully. It is important to reduce the entry points for bacteria before the food is placed within the jars. When done correctly, food is edible for one to five years depending on what you’ve canned.
With the Mason jar trend at a peak, there are more options than ever to add a personal touch to your canned foods. Lots of DIY elements including chalkboard paint on the lids or die-cut labels are great ways to add a personal touch, especially when gifting things such as jams to friends and family.
One thing we have here at Louie’s ACE that we love are the purple heritage jars; they resemble desert glass and are special edition, which means as soon as they sell out, they’re gone!
Visit Louie’s ACE today to see all of our food canning supplies!
