Around the house 6/30/04

In the garden: Things to do this week

Fertilize container plants every two weeks with a water soluble solution. Keep weeds from making seeds now. This will mean less weeding next year. Keep deadheading spent annual flowers for continued bloom. Plant zinnia seed by July 4th for late bloom in annual border. Don't pinch mums after mid-July or you may delay flowering.-- University of Missouri Extension

In the kitchen: Pitmasters' cues on barbecue techniques

Here are some pointers on techniques from the great pitmasters, their advice for making all-star, lip-smackin' barbecue: Cook it low and slow (at a low temperature, for a long period of time). Most experts cook their meat at 190 to 220 degrees for anywhere from 6 to 18 hours, depending on the cut. Don't put it over direct heat -- ever. You're barbecuing, not grilling. If you're cooking something for more than 8 hours (such as a whole hog or a beef brisket) put a pan of water on the grill rack to keep the moisture high in the cooking chamber. Clean your grill rack well after every use. The best way is to turn the heat up high until most of the drippings burn off, then scrape off the remnants with your tongs and rub the grating clean with a paper towel moistened with cooking oil. No lighter fluids, ever. Use natural products only.-- From wire reports

Around the house: Clearing drains

Got a clogged drain? Reaching for a plunger or a "snake" auger? Perhaps there's a better way. A brand new product blasts right through tough drain clogs with a burst of compressed air. Kleer Drain uses mini CO2 cartridges similar to those used for carbonating seltzer water bottles. They are inserted in a specially designed system that includes an air chamber and rubber cup adapter that fits most sizes of drain openings -- from toilets and floor drains to sinks and tubs. It also includes a pressure release mechanism that shoots a powerful burst of air down and through drains and pipes to instantly clear even the toughest clogs and obstructions.

-- From wire reports