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• How to Wire Wrap a Pendant
• How to Be Charismatic
• How to Fix Holes in Shoes
• How to Protect Plants from the Cold

How to Wire Wrap a Pendant Posted: 02 Dec 2018 12:00 AM PST Wire-wrapped jewelry is beautiful and stylish! You can wrap a stone with any color wire you like to create a custom pendant as a gift, to sell online, or to wear yourself. Select a stone to wrap and wire to wrap it. Then, get to work and you'll have your finished pendant in no time! EditSteps EditForming the Base of the Pendant Get a roll of non-tarnishing 20 gauge silver wire. This type of wire is available in the jewelry making section of a craft supply store. Purchase enough wire to cover the diameter of your item times 12.[1] For example, if the stone you want to wire wrap is wide, then you will need at least of wire. You may also use 20 or 21 gauge copper or colored wire if you prefer. 20 or 21 gauge is ideal for wrapping a pendant since it is easy to work with, but strong enough to secure the stone.[2] Cut 2 pieces of wire that are each 6 times the diameter of your stone. Put on a pair of goggles or safety glasses before you cut the wire.[3] Measure out a length of wire that is 6 times the diameter of your item. Then, use a pair of wire cutters to sever the wire at this point. File the ends of the wire with a metal file to remove any sharp or jagged points.[4] For example, if the stone is wide, then you will need 2 pieces of wire that are each long. Repeat to make a second piece of wire of the same exact length. Straighten the wire with your hands. Grasp 1 of the wires at the ends and pull them apart to straighten the length of wire as much as possible. Uncurl any spots in the wire that have gotten twisted. Then, repeat for the second piece of wire.[5] The wires do not need to be perfectly straight. Make them as straight as you can, but don't worry if they are slightly wavy in some spots. Fold the lengths of wire in half around your index finger. Line up the 2 pieces of wire so that their ends are even. Then, locate the center of the wires and use your hands to bend them at this point to fold them in half. Use your index finger to maintain some space at the center point of the wires.[6] This will be the opening for the chain or cord that you string your finished pendant onto. The wire will bend in half easily, so there is no need to use pliers to do this. Grasp the bent portion of the 2 lengths of wire and twist. Place your index finger into the center point of the wires. Then, use your fingers or a pair of pliers to grasp the wires about from the fold and twist to create a loop at the center of the wire. Twist 2 times to ensure that the loop is secure.[7] Remove your index finger from the fold after you have created the loop. You can do this part with your hands or with a pair of pliers. EditSecuring the Stone with the Wires Select a disc-shaped stone to wrap. You can wrap any type of stone, bead, or crystal you like, but items with a disc-like shape are easiest to wrap. Choose a flat stone as your first wire-wrapping project.[8] Your item will also be easier to wrap if it has uneven or jagged (but not sharp) edges. This will make it easier for you to anchor the wire to the outside of the stone. Spread out the 4 wires extending from the loop so they are equidistant. Use your fingers to separate the wires at the base of the loop you created. Arrange the wires so that each 1 is pointed in a different direction and at an equal distance from each of its neighbors.[9] Try to make the 4 wires look like each 1 is pointing to 1 corner of a square. Position the stone with the top part at the center of the 4 wires. Identify where you want the top of the pendant to be and place this end onto the center of the 4 wires. Arrange the stone or other pendant item so that the flattest edge will be facing outwards.[10] If your stone or other pendant item has a special feature that you want to be at the front of the necklace, then make sure to arrange it so that this will be visible. Bring 2 of the wires together on 1 edge of the stone and twist. Grasp 2 of the wires on 1 side of the stone—1 on the front and 1 on the back. Bring the wires against the stone on the front and back of it and then twist them 2 times to secure them along the along the side of the stone.[11] Keep holding the stone and wire together since the stone will still be able to slip out at this point. Wrap the same 2 wires across the top edge of the stone and twist. Take the same 2 wires and bring them to the center of the stone, which will be the bottom of the pendant when it is completed. Twist these wires 2 times against the edge of the stone to secure it.[12] The stone will be more secure at this point, but continue to keep a firm grip on it to prevent it from slipping out. Repeat with the other 2 wires on the opposite side of the stone. Go through the same process to secure the other side of the stone. Twist the wires 2 times against the side of the stone across from where you secured it on the opposite side, and then bring the wires to the center of the stone (bottom of the pendant) and twist them twice against that edge as well.[13] It is okay if the wires on 1 side of the stone are not in the exact same location as on the first side. This lack of symmetry may add interest to your pendant. Twist all 4 wires to secure the bottom of the pendant. After you have secured the second set of wires at the bottom of the pendant, grasp all 4 wires and twist them together 2 times. This will secure the bottom of the pendant.[14] Do not cut the wires after you twist them. Leave the ends to create spirals and wrap the wire around the stone additional times. EditAdding Design Elements Create a jag in the wire to add a zigzag design and tighten the wire. Pinch the wire with the pliers so that they are perpendicular to the stone and then rotate the pliers 180 degrees. This will create a small Z shape in the wire and it will also tighten the wire against the stone.[15] Repeat this as many times as you like in the wires lining the front of the stone. Make jags going all in the same direction or vary them if you prefer. To provide yourself with more wire to twist into jags, bring 1 or more of the ends extending from the bottom of the stone up and over the top of the pendant. Secure the end of the wire to the top of the pendant by twisting it around the base of the loop.[16] Roll a piece of wire into a coil to form a spiral design on the pendant. Use the pliers to grasp the end of 1 of the wires extending from the bottom of the pendant. Then, rotate the pliers 180 degrees to form a loop with the end of the wire. Open the pliers to release the wire, and then grasp it again from the side to flatten out the loop. Rotate the pliers in a counterclockwise direction to coil the wire around the loop. Then, release the wire, return the pliers to the starting position, and rotate the pliers again to continue coiling the wire.[17] Keep coiling the wire in this way until the spiral is the desired size. Then use the pliers to press the spiral of wire against the stone. Try making 4 coils with each of the ends of wire and grouping these along the bottom of the pendant.[18] Wrap a piece of wire around 2 of the wires extending from the pendant. To accent the wires themselves, take 1 of the wires and use the pliers to wrap it around 2 of the other wires. Hold the 2 pieces of wire together, and start wrapping them near the base of the pendant. Wrap the wire around the other 2 pieces like a vine until you are satisfied with the look or until you run out of wire. Then, secure the 2 ends of wire to the top of the pendant.[19] You may cut the excess from the 2 wires you wrapped, or use these ends to form spirals along the top edge of the stone. If you cut the excess, make sure to file the ends to remove any sharp or jagged points.[20] Attach the pendant to a chain or cord. When you are finished making your wire-wrapped stone pendant, insert the end of a chain or necklace cord (such as hemp or nylon) through the wire loop at the top of the pendant. Secure the ends of the chain around the wearer's neck, or tie the ends of the cord in a knot and slip the necklace over the wearer's head. Make sure that the chain or cord is the desired length for displaying your pendant. Ensure that the cord is long enough to fit over the wearer's head before you tie it in a knot. EditThings You'll Need Stone to wire-wrap 20 gauge silver, copper, or colored wire Wire cutters Needle nose pliers EditSources and Citations Cite error: <ref> tags exist, but no <references/> tag was found

How to Be Charismatic Posted: 01 Dec 2018 04:00 PM PST We all know someone who draws attention to them as soon as they walk into a room. These people often possess charisma, which makes them captivating to others. Fortunately, you can learn to be more charismatic! Start by building your self confidence and learning how to make others feel special. Next, work on improving your verbal and nonverbal communication. EditSteps EditBuilding Your Confidence Focus on what you love about yourself. It's easier for people to like you if they see you like yourself. It can be hard to celebrate who you are, but knowing your strengths, talents, and what makes you special can help. By bringing your positive traits forward, you can push aside your self doubt.[1] Make a list of your positive qualities, talents, and accomplishments. You might also ask those you love to tell you what they love about you. Play up the features you love about yourself. For example, you might create a nice cat-eye to draw attention to your lovely eyes or dress to show off your toned legs. Adopt a positive mindset. Positivity draws people to you and makes them want to be around you. Show positivity by sharing an optimistic outlook, looking for the best in a situation, and giving encouragement. Present challenges or obstacles as opportunities rather than stumbling blocks.[2] Here are some tips to be more positive:[3] Counter negative thoughts with positive self-talk. When you catch something negative like, "I might fail," counter it with a positive statement. You might tell yourself, "This is an opportunity to learn and grow." Surround yourself with positive people to help maintain your good outlook. Improve your mood with laughter. Watch a funny movie, tell jokes, or share a funny story. Laughing every day will help you feel more positive. Keep a gratitude list to remember what you're grateful for. Work on the parts of your life you don't love. When you start to feel down on yourself, remind yourself of the progress you're making! Dress to impress. Your clothes tell others how you feel about yourself and what they should think about you. Clothing can also determine how you feel in the moment. Choose clothes that make you feel your best and convey the message about yourself you want others to see.[4] Wear clothes that fit you well, and choose colors or patterns you think look nice. Don't choose an outfit just because you think others will think it's trendy. If you don't actually like it, you'll just feel uncomfortable, which will show. Think about an accomplishment for a temporary confidence boost. When you think about your achievements, your brain releases a chemical called oxytocin that makes you feel good about yourself. If you're not feeling confident, an oxytocin boost can help you feel more confident for a short period of time. Before you go into a social situation, think about your past achievements.[5] For example, you might keep photos of your top 3 accomplishments in an album on your phone. Flip through them when you arrive at a party or just before you go into a big meeting. Take an improv class to improve your confidence. Improv helps you get comfortable performing in front of others, plus it makes you think on your feet. Taking a class or joining a local improv group can help you break out of your shell in a supportive environment. Plus, it's really fun! You can find improv classes by searching online. You might also find an improv group using a site like meetup.com or Facebook groups. EditMaking Others Feel Special Stay off your electronic devices when interacting with others. Using your devices while people are talking to you makes them feel less important. Put your cell phone on silent and keep it in your pocket or bag. Additionally, avoid playing with your smartwatch or other devices. Put all of your attention on the people around you.[6] Designate time to check your phone. For example, you might occasionally excuse yourself to the restroom, where you can check your phone. Listen to others talk about themselves. Focus on what the other person is saying, not what you will say in response. Nod along as they talk, and offer affirmative statements like, "Uh huh," "That's interesting," or "Wow" to show you're listening.[7] Ask people open-ended questions to keep the conversation going. Listen to their response with genuine interest. Paraphrase what they say to you to show them that you're listening. Give people genuine compliments. Telling people what you like or appreciate about them will make them feel good.[8] Be specific about what you're complimenting to make your compliment more meaningful. For example, say, "You were very well spoken in your presentation today," rather than "Good presentation."[9] Complimenting someone's appearance can make people feel good about themselves and may make them like you better. However, it's not correct for every situation, especially in the workplace. Complimenting people's work, accomplishments, and talents can be encouraging and motivating to others. Remember people's names. When you meet people, repeat their name back to them to help you remember it. Then, use their name whenever you speak to them. Showing them you remember will make them feel special and demonstrate that you have an interest in knowing who they are.[10] Repeating a person's name several times while you speak to them is the best way to cement it in your mind. Be empathetic toward others. Think about where other people might be coming from. Try to see things from their perspective. Put yourself in their shoes so you can understand how they might feel. Show people you care about how they feel by verbally acknowledging their feelings and listening to what they're going through.[11] Ask people how they feel, then truly listen. Don't judge people for reacting differently to a situation than you would. Everyone has different experiences that mold them into who they are. Tell people about times you've felt the same way they do. Share your own struggles and how you overcame them. Use stories about your life to inspire others. This makes you seem accomplished and impressive, but also shows that you've worked hard to get where you are.[12] Be careful not to complain about your problems or explain all of the issues in your life. Limit your sharing to stories about how you triumphed over adversity.[13] EditCommunicating Well Practice making small talk. It's normal to have a hard time with small talk, but charismatic people know how to talk to anyone. Develop a few talking points that you can draw on for small talk. Use a mirror or video camera to watch yourself delivering these talking points so you can improve your delivery.[14] For example, you might develop talking points about the weather, your city, local sports teams, your favorite music, holidays, or the seasons. Use humor to relate to others. You can tell funny jokes, relate a funny story, or pick on yourself. This helps people feel comfortable around you and enjoy being with you.[15] Don't go overboard when using humor. Instead, pepper humor throughout your conversation or speech. For example, you might open a presentation with a joke or tell a funny story at a party. Be a storyteller. Telling stories draws people in and makes you appear more engaging. When you do talk about yourself, do so through stories. Share your personal history. Use an excited tone, animated gestures, and engaging facial expressions to entertain others.[16] Taking an acting class can help you improve your storytelling abilities. Actors and charismatic people use the same techniques to captivate their audience and evoke emotion. You can learn how to use voice inflection, tone, gesture, and facial expressions to enhance your stories. Stand behind your ideas rather than wavering. People are turned off by uncertainty, so you need to take a stance. Believe in your choices and what you have to say. Tell others that you have the answer, even if you don't feel fully confident. You can always re-evaluate and take another path if you realize you were wrong.[17] Even if you are uncertain, people will view you as more charismatic if you act sure about your choices. Make the best decisions using the information you have at the moment. If you later decide you were wrong, you can always do something else. For example, you'd say, "I believe in this plan" rather than "This plan could work." The first statement shows you are confident in the idea. However, the second statement suggests you aren't completely sure if the plan will work. Show passion for what you're talking about. People are drawn to people who appear passionate. Don't talk mindlessly; only share ideas you truly believe in. Be excited about what you say and do, and invite others to share your excitement.[18] Build your life around your passions. This will help you appear more engaging to others. If something doesn't excite you, put it on the backburner. EditUsing Positive Body Language Make eye contact with people. Eye contact both draws people in and shows them you're interested in them. Look people in the eye as soon as you enter a room, and maintain eye contact while you're speaking with them.[19] If you have trouble making eye contact, practice with someone you love and feel comfortable with. Then, slowly expand how long you make eye contact with people you don't know well. Lean toward people when you're having a conversation. This shows people you're interested in what they have to say. It puts your full attention on them and shows you're engaged with the present moment.[20] Consciously remind yourself to lean forward, whether your standing or sitting. Don't lean back in your chair. This makes you seem disengaged. Keep your arms uncrossed to keep your body language open. Crossing your arms closes you off to people, but keeping your arms at your sides shows people you're open. You can also use open gestures.[21] Charismatic people are open, so closing off yourself will turn people off from you. Smile a lot when you interact with others. Smiling draws people to you. It lights up your face and makes you appear more positive. Practice smiling so you can do it naturally in conversations.[22] Don't smile when you're talking about a dark or sad topic, such as illness or death. People will view this as inappropriate. Use a lot of gestures to get people's attention and make your point. This makes you appear more animated, which draws people to you. Speak with your hands to expand on what you're saying.[23] Watch yourself in the mirror or film yourself to help you practice your gesturing. Maintain good posture. Stand tall with your shoulders back. Tip your chin up, keeping your gaze forward. Additionally, avoid slumping your shoulders when you walk or stand.[24] Use a mirror to check your posture. You can also film yourself walking around a room to check how well you're maintaining good posture. Claim your personal space. You deserve to take up space, just like anyone else. Shrinking yourself will make you less visible to people, which makes it harder to be charismatic. Spread out and take up the space you need.[25] It helps to take up hobbies that encourage you to own your space. For example, engaging in the martial arts can help you claim your personal space. EditVideo EditTips Join a Toastmasters Club to develop communication and leadership skills with others who have similar interests. You don't have to be confident to appear confident. Use the motto "Fake it 'til you make it" to help you create confidence in yourself! Make a habit of being honest, but kind. People won't be drawn to you if you're afraid to share your true thoughts and feelings. Avoid being a wallflower in social situations. Start or join a conversation, instead. EditWarnings Don't try to force charisma. It takes practice to learn how to be charismatic. If you try to go too quickly, your behavior may seem bizarre and untrustworthy. EditRelated wikiHows Have Presence Be Charming Build Self Confidence Be Popular Be Nice Become a Philosopher Smile Be Romantic Have Sex Appeal Use Body Language to Keep a Guy Wanting More Spread Laughter EditSources and Citations EditQuick Summary Cite error: <ref> tags exist, but no <references/> tag was found

How to Fix Holes in Shoes Posted: 01 Dec 2018 08:00 AM PST If you wear your favorite pair of shoes a lot, eventually they'll get worn out and start to have holes in them. Instead of having to purchase brand new shoes, you can plug the holes that form with adhesive or cover them with a patch. Patching your shoes will prevent rocks and dirt from entering your shoe so that you can keep wearing them. It's also cheaper and quicker than buying new shoes. EditSteps EditPlugging Holes with Adhesive Purchase an adhesive sealant from a hardware store or online. Popular brands of adhesives that can be used in shoe repair include Shoe Goo, Liquid Nails, and Gorilla Glue. Read reviews of each product and purchase the one that fits your needs and budget.[1] Using most adhesives will leave a clear or milky film wherever it dries. Adhesives can be used to fix holes in leather shoes, sneakers, and skate shoes. Shoe Goo comes in clear and black. Remove the insole if you are repairing the sole of the shoe. Peel the insole out of the bottom of the shoe from the heel. If the insole is glued to the bottom of the shoe, leave it in the shoe while you repair it.[2] Set the insole aside so that you can replace it later. Apply duct tape over the hole on the inside of the shoe. Lay the sticky side of the duct tape down inside of the shoe and cover up the hole. The tape will give the adhesive filler something to stick to. Make sure the entire hole is covered.[3] If you don't have duct tape, you can use electrical tape. Squeeze the adhesive on top of the holes. Tilt the tube or bottle of glue over the hole and squeeze it so that the glue completely covers the hole. Ensure the hole is covered with the adhesive on the outside of the shoe or it won't create a watertight seal.[4] It's normal for the glue to clump over the hole. Don't worry about getting the adhesive to look clean on the shoe during this application. Spread the shoe glue over the holes in an even layer. The adhesive will be too sticky at first, so give it 1-2 minutes to dry so that it can partially harden. Once it hardens, use a wooden stick or your finger to spread the glue in an even layer on the outside of the shoe.[5] Don't leave the stick or your finger in one spot for too long or it will get stuck to the glue. Let the adhesive dry overnight. Give the adhesive enough time to fully dry and form a seal. The hole in your shoe should now be plugged up and waterproof. Press down on the adhesive to ensure that it is firmly attached to your shoe.[6] If you don't give the adhesive enough time to dry, it will smear off the shoe. Remove the duct tape and replace the insole. When you remove the tape, the adhesive should be flat on the inside of your shoe. If you were fixing a hole in the sole of the shoe, reinsert the insole before wearing them. If everything was done properly, the hole in your shoe should now be fixed.[7] EditPatching Holes with Fabric Stuff the shoe with newspaper. Filling up the shoe will fill out the shoe and make it easier to apply the patch. This method is best used on softer-material shoes, like suede or sheepskin boots or shoes.[8] Purchase the fabric to patch your shoes. The fabric patch that you use on the shoe will be visible on the outside, so get a fabric that matches your shoes existing style. You can buy fabric online or at a craft store. Buy enough fabric so that you can fully cover the size of the hole.[9] You can purchase fabric that almost matches the color of your shoes if you don't want the patch to be as noticeable. Good fabrics to use include tartan, leather, and suede. You can also purchase fabric that contrasts with the current color of your shoes for a unique fashion statement. Cut out a piece of fabric large enough to cover the hole. Cut a rectangular or square piece of fabric to cover the hole. Depending on the location of the hole, you may want to adjust the size of the patch so that it doesn't look awkward on the shoe.[10] For example, if the hole is on the toe of the shoe, use a patch that covers the entire toe rather than a small patch that just covers the hole. If you want your shoes to match, cut out 2 pieces of fabric so that you can apply a patch to your other shoe, even if it doesn't have a hole. Pin the fabric to the shoe. Adjust the placement of the patch and make sure that it looks straight before you sew it in place. You may also want to recut the piece of fabric if you don't like the way it looks on your shoe.[11] If you are placing a patch on both shoes, make sure that their placement is identical. Steam iron the patch to the shoe. Put a damp cloth over the patch on the shoe, then hold a steam iron over the patch for 5-10 seconds. Repeat this 3-4 times to flatten out the edges of the patch and make it adhere to the form of your shoe or boot.[12] Sew the patch onto the shoe. Pierce a needle and thread through the patch and into the shoe. Then thread the needle up out of the shoe and through the patch. Continue going around the edge of the patch using this method until it is secured to the fabric on the shoe. Tie off the ends of the thread with a knot to hold the patch in place.[13] Try to make your stitches as uniform as possible. You can also use more complex stitches like a catch-stitch or slip-stitch to create a unique look. EditThings You'll Need EditPlugging Holes with Adhesive Adhesive sealant Duct tape Wooden stick EditPatching Holes with Fabric Newspaper Fabric Scissors Pins Steam iron Needle and thread EditTips If you have extensive damage to your shoe, you should consider replacing them or taking them to a shoe repair specialist to be repaired. EditSources and Citations Cite error: <ref> tags exist, but no <references/> tag was found

How to Protect Plants from the Cold Posted: 01 Dec 2018 12:00 AM PST If your weather is a bit too cold or your plants a bit too tender, you'll need to help your garden through the winter. It all depends on how vulnerable the plants are, how cold the weather is, the length of the cold season and how much energy and trouble you want to spend. For some combinations of climates and plants, no amount of extra care will keep them growing, but in many cases, a bit of extra care can bridge the gap. You can also use these techniques to extend the growing season, letting you grow vegetables earlier in the spring or later into the fall. EditSteps EditUsing Low-Effort Solutions Choose plants that are suited to your climate. This is the simplest, lowest-effort choice, as long as you can plan ahead. Learn your which growing zone you are in (if your country has such a classification system; the US system is coordinated by the USDA) or at least your likely low and high temperatures for the year and choose plants that can withstand those temperatures. Some plants may die back, lose their leaves, or otherwise go dormant in winter, so take the time to know how plants that are well adapted to your climate handle it. The disadvantage to this approach, of course, is that it limits your selection of plants. Annuals are plants that die back each year and must be replanted if they do not reseed themselves. In colder climates, some perennial plants may be grown as annuals if they would otherwise not survive the winter. The growing season of some annuals may be extended with shelters or by starting the plants indoors or in a greenhouse. Perennials are plants that continue growing from one year to the next. For these, you will need to learn what, if any, additional care they require to survive the winter. Talk to the people at your favorite nursery about what to expect from a plant during winters in your area. Also, ask where to plant and how to care for a plant before you purchase it. Look for varieties and cultivars of plants suited to your climate. There are some varieties that are bred hardier than others, making them better options for cold environments.[1] Bring potted plants indoors. The first and easiest solution to the cold is to simply remove your plants from the low temperatures. If you have any potted plants or hanging baskets outdoors, bring them inside your home. Even a move to the garage or a sunroom will be beneficial, as this will still increase the temperature by at least +10ºF (+5.5ºC). If you're able to, the best solution is to place your plants around the interior of your home as decoration. They'll get the heat they need without cluttering your extra space. Place potted plants near windows as per their sun requirements; east and west facing windows get the most light, while north and south windows get a bit less. Avoid putting potted plants near vents, as this can dry them out and cause them to begin dying off. Placing plants too near to a window can be damaging if it is extremely cold outside; freezing temperatures can transfer from the window to your plant if they are touching. Water your plants. Heavily water the soil around your plants prior to a very cold night or freeze. The soil will trap the heat better wet than when it is dry, and evaporate slowly which warms the air around the plants. Don't do this if you expect a hard freeze though, since it could backfire, but to protect against a little frost, a generous watering can help to retain some of the day's heat into the night. Don't water soil that is frozen, as this won't help and can actually make conditions for the plants more difficult. Don't heavily water the soil around succulents, as they can't tolerate the moisture levels.[2] EditProviding Further Protection Apply a layer of mulch. Mulch acts as an insulator, holding in heat and moisture in the soil. It is used to protect the root systems of your plants from cold temperatures. Sometimes the cold temperature is not what damages the plant, but rather the freeze/thaw cycle affecting the soil and causing it to "heave" the plant. Similarly, the cold soil can prevent water from easily being drawn up from the plant. Regardless of the reason, applying a layer thick of mulch will help prevent these problems. Mulch made of wheat or pine straw works well, as it is easy to remove once you're ready to bare the soil again, and it traps heat well. Certain plants, such as roses and strawberries, may be overwintered by covering them completely with a clean mulch. Insulation works both ways. It can prevent the soil from cooling off too quickly, but it can also prevent it from warming up promptly when the time comes. You may wish to rake it back away from the plants as spring starts to warm up.[3] Cover your plants. Throw an old blanket, drop cloth, or tarp over tender plants. If you need to protect your plants from a small number of especially cold nights, a simple shelter such as an old blanket may be enough. Choose your covering, and then carefully spread it out so that it is not touching any of the leaves or branches of your plant. You may need to use a few stakes to prop it up; otherwise, it can damage the plant. This method works best to protect from frost rather than cold temperatures, as the covering won't increase the temperature too much. Take it off during the day so that the plants can get light and air. You may need to weigh or tie down the cloth so that it doesn't blow away. Build a cold frame or greenhouse. Build a simple, temporary cold frame by bending slender metal rods into loops and sticking the ends into the ground across a garden row. Then, place a length of row cover fabric over the loops so that it encloses the plant. This will trap heat and block out frost, and is the best solution for keeping your plants safe and warm in the winter. On the flip side, it does require a bit of construction and is not the most attractive solution. Build a somewhat more permanent cold frame by hinging a window or storm window to one side of an open-bottomed box built from scrap lumber. Build a PVC Hoophouse with the instructions given here. Make sure the plants in your greenhouse or cold frame receive adequate ventilation. Think about how warm the inside of your car gets on a sunny day. If daytime temperatures are warm, open up to allow air to circulate. If you don't, you could overheat your plants or build up too much moisture inside. Supply a heat source. If you're undergoing a bout of extremely cold weather that your plants won't be able to survive, you can help them out by giving them a heat source. If you have a relatively large area to protect, you may be able to build a makeshift greenhouse (as described above) large enough to include a space heater. Stick to small space heaters specifically designed for greenhouses or outdoor use, and never place the heat source in direct contact with your plants or flammable material (such as a fabric cover). Use outdoor-safe extension cords and materials to avoid a dangerous situation. Uncover your plants and turn of the heat source during the day to allow ventilation and prevent overheating. Follow safety instructions in the heater manual if there is one, and check on it frequently at first to make sure no nearby objects are getting dangerously hot. EditTips Look up your particular plants and find out how much cold they will tolerate, how they behave in cold, and how best to overwinter them or protect them from frost. Some plants tolerate coverings, transplantation, or digging better than others. If a plant has been indoors for an extended period of time, or if a seedling has been started indoors, put it back outside gradually, starting with an hour a day and working up. This is called "hardening off", and it helps the plant to adapt to the outdoors and toughen up. EditWarnings Do not cover plants with plastic sheeting except as an emergency last resort. Plastic sheeting can trap too much heat and overheat the plants, especially in direct sunlight. Row cover fabric is designed to keep the plants warm without risking heat damage. EditRelated wikiHows Protect Large Plants from Frost Build a PVC Hoophouse Make a Sun Chart Design a Successful Indoor Garden EditSources and Citations EditQuick Summary Cite error: <ref> tags exist, but no <references/> tag was found

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