Spring is in the air, and it's the perfect time to start planning your garden. Starting plants from seeds can be a fulfilling and cost-effective way to cultivate your garden. At Louie's Ace Home Center, we’re here to guide you through each step, from selecting seeds to nurturing your seedlings into flourishing plants.
The first step in your seed starting adventure is selecting the right seeds. Different seeds have unique germination requirements based on temperature. For instance, heat-loving plants like tomatoes, peppers, and eggplants need warmer soil temperatures to sprout effectively. On the flip side, cool-season crops such as spinach, lettuce, and cabbage have lower temperature requirements. It's essential to follow the instructions on the seed packet to ensure the best start for your seeds.
Whether you're a seasoned gardener or just starting, choosing the right seeds is crucial. Consider starting with easy-to-grow varieties like basil, zinnias, or sunflowers, which are more forgiving and perfect for beginners. As you gain confidence, you can explore more diverse and challenging varieties.
Once your seeds are selected, it's time to consider where they will grow. You can start seeds in various containers – from DIY recycled yogurt cups to specialized seed trays. The key is ensuring they have adequate drainage and are deep enough for root development.
When it comes to potting mix, opt for a sterile, seed-starting mix. This helps prevent disease and provides the ideal texture and moisture retention for your seeds. Avoid using soil from your garden or reusing potting soil from houseplants, as these may contain pathogens harmful to seedlings.
Planting seeds is more than just burying them in soil. The depth at which you sow your seeds is critical – a general rule is to plant them four times as deep as their diameter. For seeds that need light to germinate, use a thin layer of vermiculite to cover them. This ensures they get the light they need while keeping the soil moist.
Spacing is another crucial aspect. If using trays without individual cells, ensure seeds are sown 1-2 inches apart to provide adequate growing space. Remember to label your seeds accurately to track their progress and provide the necessary care as they grow.
Adequate lighting is vital for healthy seedling growth. If you're growing indoors, consider using fluorescent or LED grow lights, and adjust them to be just a few inches above the tops of the seedlings. Rotate the pots regularly to ensure even light exposure.
Watering is equally important. Keep the soil moist but not soggy, using a mister or small watering can. Overwatering can lead to issues like root rot, so it's essential to find the right balance.
Ready to start your seedling adventure? Visit us at Louie's Ace Home Center for all your seed starting needs. We have a wide selection of seeds, potting mixes, containers, and grow lights to help you get started. Our friendly staff is always here to offer advice and support as you embark on your gardening journey.
In a landscape cluttered with gas-powered snow blowers that often bring with them a fair share of fuss and environmental concerns, the EGO Power+ Power SNT2405 stands as a shining beacon of innovation and efficiency. Not only does it promise to give its gas-powered counterparts a run for their money, but it also redefines what users can expect from an electric snow blower.
When it comes to clearing snow, we've often been subjected to choices that are loud, messy, and not particularly eco-friendly. The EGO Power+ SNT2405 challenges this paradigm by offering performance that exceeds even gas-powered alternatives. The key to this superior capability lies in its Peak Power technology, utilizing two EGO 56V ARC Lithium batteries to handle the harshest of snow conditions. Simply put, this snow blower doesn’t just clear snow—it owns it.
Where many electric snow blowers fall short is in their inability to manage deeper layers of snow. The EGO Power+ is a standout in this regard with a 24-inch clearing width and a 20-inch intake height. This machine isn't just for light dustings; it's built for winters that don't play nice.
Moreover, this isn't a machine that will call it quits midway through the job. It can clear an 18-car driveway blanketed with 8 inches of snow all on a single charge, thanks to the powerhouse that is the dual 7.5Ah batteries. That’s right, this is an electric snow blower with endurance to boot.
While raw power is crucial, ease of use is equally important. With variable-speed self-propulsion and an additional reverse gear, you can maneuver this machine with a level of control that many other models simply can't offer. The variable auger speed lets you decide the snow throwing distance, effectively allowing you to customize your snow removal experience.
Let's not overlook the LED lights. These four beacons of brightness ensure that you can operate the snow blower at any time, day or night, without compromising on visibility.
Robustness in design rounds out the EGO Power+ offering. Composed of heavy-duty steel and composite materials, this snow blower promises to withstand the trials of many winters to come. It's not just a tool for a season; it’s an investment for several years.
The EGO Power+ Power SNT2405 24 in. Two-Stage 56 V Battery Snow Blower Kit isn't just another entrant in the world of snow blowers. It's a technological leap forward. It effectively balances incredible power and user-friendly features, all backed by a 5-year warranty. It doesn’t just make the task of snow removal easier; it turns it into something approaching a pleasure.
Whether you’re a first-time buyer or considering a switch from a gas-powered model, the EGO Power+ Power SNT2405, available at Louie's Ace, provides a compelling case for why electric is the future of snow removal.
Disclaimer: Before committing to any purchase, it's advisable to personally test equipment and ensure its suitability for your specific needs and environmental conditions.
Available now at Louie’s Ace, this model doesn't just promise change; it delivers it. If you've been on the fence about the transition to electric snow blowers, this could very well be the push you need. So why wait? Make your winters not just bearable but downright manageable with the EGO Power+ SNT2405.
DIY projects have become increasingly popular among people of all ages and skill levels. There’s nothing like the feeling you get after completing a task that you worked hard to finish. And not only are hands-on DIY activities fun, but they also provide added benefits for your mind, body, and even your wallet. Here are some benefits of DIY projects that may get you excited about tackling your next project all on your own.
Being engaged in a DIY project can give you a sense of pleasure and satisfaction. Finishing a DIY project can help you feel accomplished and happy with your hard work and dedication, and leaves you with something you can be proud to show off. A 2016 study done by Occupational Therapy International showed that participants of the study who took part in creative activities, including DIY projects, felt a boost in mood and happiness.
Another benefit DIY projects can have on your mental health is that it helps reduce stress and anxiety. Focusing on a hands-on project can help you disengage from any life stressors you may be facing. Some even consider DIY projects to be “meditative”. This comes from the similarities people feel between hands-on projects and meditation such as deep concentration and heightened awareness.
Diving right into a DIY project can provide you with an opportunity to learn a new skill and sharpen your mind. Because DIY projects require you to use your hands, you’ll be able to learn new techniques and methods to put something together. This could also help you with future projects and you can even teach others how to use those skills as well. And if you find that you really enjoyed the activity, you can turn it into a fun hobby or even sell your work.
DIY projects are a great way to spend more time with your family. Kids will not only feel involved, but will also be learning new things as well. And having some helping hands could make the project go more smoothly, and will speed up the process to give you a finished product sooner than anticipated. Quite often families will form strong bonds while working on hands-on projects together that you can’t get from other activities.
This benefit is fairly self-explanatory, but you’ll end up saving money by working on projects yourself as opposed to paying someone else to it. You’ll also be able to add personal touches that professionals wouldn’t normally include. Not only do you get to save money on labor by putting something together yourself, but you’ll also feel a sense of pride and accomplishment from doing it yourself.
Some DIY projects require some manual labor, but this can actually be a great form of exercise for some. It can be more fun than going to the gym, and you’ll be rewarded in the end with a finished product created all on your own. Imagine the sweat you’ll work up from ripping out the floors in your home or even repainting an entire room. And if you need to keep the exercise to a minimum, you can find more simple DIY projects to take part in.
There’s no better place to get DIY advice other than Louie’s Ace Hardware. Their team will not only help you find the right items to use for your project, but they can also provide you with insider tips and knowledge to help your project go more smoothly. Louie’s ACE Home Center has an extensive selection of hardware tools and equipment to buy or rent that are essential to any DIY project. Now that you know the benefits of DIY projects, see how Louie’s products and knowledgeable team will help benefit your next project. Connect with us today!
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.
There 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!
If you can’t remember the last time you tested or replaced your carbon monoxide or smoke detectors, then you’re likely putting your home, and most importantly your family at risk.
Both your smoke detector and carbon monoxide detectors follow a similar testing schedule. These safety devices should be tested monthly, and if they are not hardwired, should have their batteries replaced twice a year. Even some of the hardwired devices will have backup batteries that allow for them to continue keeping your family safe even in the event of a power outage.
It is likely that some devices require less frequent checking, as per the directions in their manual, but it is always best to aim on the side of caution and check more often then not.
1. Have a family member stand in a distant location from the device in your home, this will help you ensure the volume of the smoke detector is loud enough.
2. Press and hold the test button hopefully producing a loud, piercing noise. If it sounds faint or non-existent, then try replacing the batteries and try pressing the test button again.
3. Clear any dust or cobwebs that may be on the smoke detector, these can muffle the sound, and reduce the alarm’s effectiveness.
4. Try testing it with real smoke by lighting a match and blowing it out directly below the safety device. If it doesn’t go off, consider replacing the batteries.
1. Hold down on the testing button
2. Wait for the beeping noise
3. Release the button
4. Replace the batteries if you hear no beeping
No matter how strict you are in keeping a maintenance schedule for these safety devices, your smoke detector and carbon monoxide detector are not everlasting. If any of these tests are conducted and batteries do not fix the issue, it is likely time to replace the safety device.
It is also important to replace these items according to the standards within their manual, with a general rule of replacing:
Smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors are important safety devices for your home. They can detect the undetected and can let you know of danger before it’s too late.
If you think your safety devices are past their prime and its time to replace them, then stop by Louie’s ACE Home Center today! We are more than happy to help you find the right replacements that will guarantee your family is safe.
Whether you are looking for a bounce house or cotton candy machine for your child’s birthday party, or tables and chairs for your next big family gathering, the last place you may think to look is your local ACE Home Center. Although we do offer ACE hardware rentals, we offer ACE hardware party rentals as well.
But, there is a little known secret to throwing any kind of party in and around Fallon. Louie’s ACE Home Center is more than a hardware store. We offer ACE hardware rentals and ACE hardware party rentals. It has tents, bounce houses, tables, chairs, and even cotton candy machines to rent. Locals know Louie’s is the best place to get rentals in Fallon.
You can plan a party on budget when you go to Louie’s ACE Home Center for your party rental needs. Here are just a few creative ways you can use party rentals to add happiness to any type of gathering.
Bounce Houses are lots of fun. But, did you know adults can enjoy them too? Consider adding a bounce house to your company event and giving adults permission to jump. At Louie’s ACE Home Center, you can find bounce houses that are rated for all ages fun.
The temperature is dropping, but that doesn’t end your ability to have an outdoor event. Tents with walls hold heat well. Or, place the tent against a structure during the day for shade and residual warmth.
Tables and chairs can be used year-round. Expand your indoor space by adding tables and chairs in your living room for Thanksgiving dinner. Or, pair up tables and chairs with one of our tents for a comfortable fall outdoor luncheon.
Cotton Candy Machines: Cotton candy machines make great party additions. They are also good for fundraisers. School is back in session and your fall fundraiser could include delicious cotton candy with one of the machine rentals from Louie’s ACE Home Center.
So, you see, there are many creative uses for ACE hardware party rentals and you can get all of them at Louie’s ACE Home Center in Fallon. We have also expanded our party department to include balloons, pinatas, tablecloths, napkins, plates, and much more!
The Reno Tahoe area has had one of the most extreme winters that we have had in years. With a flurry of winter storms, it has become even more important to build a winter emergency car kit. If you end up stuck in a storm, slid off the road, or in an accident, you may end up stranded in severe temperatures. In these situations, it’s important to prepare beforehand with the proper winter emergency car kit.
At Louie’s Ace Hardware, we carry all the essentials that you need to create an emergency kit for your car. Here’s the items we recommend carrying for winter safety in case you get stuck in a blizzard.
This is the basic kit that we recommend having in your car year-round. These essentials also serve in cold weather too. If you need to replenish your safety kit, it’s a good idea to do this before heading out into any kind of severe weather.
In addition to your basics, we also recommend having a cold weather bag, specifically stocked with emergency items needed in a blizzard. Here’s some items that you should keep in your vehicle this winter:
In the case of an emergency, you may not be able to access all areas of your car. Keeping your glove box stocked with safety items can give you quicker access to a few basics.
In case you must exit your car or walk to get help, it’s important to have proper winter clothing and layers that can keep you warm in freezing temperatures.
We hope this check-list helps you prepare for winter storms. Stop by Louie’s for all your winterizing needs. We’d love to help you put together your next emergency kit and choose the right items for your vehicle.
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.
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.
Louie’s ACE Home Center carries all of the products you need for trailer brake controller installation, especially if it has electric brakes. There are two main items that will ensure that your breaks and lights work correctly, while also maintaining safety on the road...an electronic break controller and a safety device.
A lot of people have the misconception that if you simply plug in your trailer with the cord it comes with, all of the lights in your trailer will come on, and you will have access to your breaks and lights. Unfortunately, that’s not true.
You actually need an electronic break controller or module to control the lights and breaks. There are several different types that you can install in your truck. Don’t know where to start? Check out Louie’s ACE Home Center located in Fallon, NV to find the best trailer brake controller for your vehicle.
How does it work? A break controller sends power to your trailer and electric breaks, to make both features work when you’re driving your truck.
The next thing you need to consider for your trailer, is getting a safety device with a back-up battery. These usually come in the form of an electric pin and without it, you can face up to a $160 fine. This device provides an extra layer of safety for your electric breaks, in case they would stop working while you’re on the road.
Instead of risking an accident or fine, stop by Louie’s or give us a call at 775-423-7008. Our friendly and knowledgable staff will help you get the right break safety device for your trailer.
We hope this information helps you set up your trailer with the right products for your electric breaks, so that you can hit the road with confidence
Super C Motorhomes - Class C Diesel Motorhomes