If you’re itching to get your Magnatrac out and put it to good work, chances are you’ve already got a honey-do list that you’re working on. But once you’ve tackled your short-list and the farm chores are done, there’s still fun to be had. Here are some non-traditional projects that are made far easier with the help of your earth-moving equipment.
Build a Decoy Pond for Duck Hunting
(Image from wideopenspaces.com)
Does your favorite duck hunting spot have a body of water nearby to attract birds? If you own your land (or are best buds with the lease owner,) you might want to consider building a “decoy pond” as an alternative to the traditional decoy ducks! A fake pond can attract waterfowl – and help if you’re in an area where water sources are few. Click the link for some simple directions on how to dig and build your own for the next duck hunting season!
http://www.wideopenspaces.com/diy-decoy-pond-duck-hunting/
Build a Small Accent Pond for Your Front Lawn
(Image: justdiy.com)
Depending on where you live, having a small pond in your front yard can be a fun accent to your home. Some people adorn them with water lilies or as homes for their koi. The process is pretty simple, just dig your hole, line it, and create your own miniature habitat. Get step-by-step directions on how to do it, here: http://www.justdiy.com/
Build a Chemical-Free Swimming Pool
(Image: dailymail.co.uk)
This family dreamed of having a chemical-free swimming pool as part of their water garden. The plants help to filter bacteria and maintain the pool’s equilibrium. You’d be surprised at just how easy the maintenance of it is. Just add water and go! Find out more, here: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/home/you/article-3150986/Outdoor-ideas-cool-tools-creating-natural-pool-digging-latest-gardening-trends.html
Plan for Harvest and Dig a Root Cellar
(Image: motherearthnews.com)
If you’re planning ahead for the crops that you’re already growing in your garden, consider digging a root cellar. While they’re not all that common anymore, our ancestors relied on them for survival. Plus, they can double as a tornado shelter if you don’t already have one. Get root cellar plans here: http://www.motherearthnews.com/diy/buildings/root-cellar-plans-zm0z14amzreb.aspx
Digging for Treasure
(Image: ageekyworld.com)
Have you heard the story of the laborer who was digging a duck pond – only to hit a big surprise underneath? It turns out there was an underground palace heaped with walls covered in sea shells. The intricately adorned walls lined what became known as “The Shell Grotto, Margate.” Read more about the amazing story of how a teacher’s son uncovered it all here:
http://www.ageekyworld.com/they-were-digging-out-a-duck-pond-what-they-found-will-amaze-you/
Smaller, Tire-Accent Ponds
(Image: justdiy.com)
If you have an assortment of tires lying around from old trucks, tractors, or cars – you can turn them into smaller versions of accent ponds for landscaping purposes. An eyesore no longer! It works best when you have a variety of sizes, but any old tires will do.
Dig a Traditional Swimming Pool
(Image: blessings.com)
Going for something even bigger and better? This Texan dug his own swimming pool right in his back yard over the course of a summer. He had the professionals come out to apply the concrete, and once everything was plastered it was filled with water and ready to go! He says it cost him only about $10,000 to build the pool on his own. He documented the process step-by-step here: http://www.blessings.com/article/1335109/this-man-started-building-a-pond-in-his-backyard-but-turned-it-into-something-much-more-awesome
Extend Your Patio
(Image: justdiy.com)
Looking forward to entertaining guests on your back patio during the cool of the summer evenings? What if there’s not enough room? See how easy it can be to dig out your own patio frame and have an extended area for your summer BBQ plans. http://www.justdiy.com/
Don’t Dig at All
(Image: tractorbynet.com)
Growing up on a farm with tractors is a great way to pass on the lifestyle of hard work to future generations. Teaching your children how to use equipment safely can give them fond memories to look back on in the future – especially if you’re running a family business. http://www.tractorbynet.com/features/how-much-wood-can-a-tractor-haul/3/
