Every homeowner should clean their deck annually. Maintaining a clean deck year over year will protect it from the natural elements and father time. Now is the time to get outdoors and give your deck the renewal it needs to thrive another year. Clean decks are strong decks – the type that is...
There’s a lot you can do this summer to save energy. The same insulation and weather-stripping that saved energy during the winter months will show you benefits during the summer as well. Even so, there are a few things you can still do during the hot weather that can help. Don’t Overwork Your...
Growing up watching my dad repair things around the house, I learned that no job is too big to handle and that if something is broke, you can fix it. People always ask themselves what’s the need of a professional when one can do it on their own. This same motto applies to plumbing. It may not be...
We are quickly approaching the dethatching season, which is a great time to rent a power rake and aerator. Check your local rental store for deals they may offer on these items. Here are a few tips regarding dethatching and aerating so you know what you're getting into before you start. Thatch is...
Whether you enjoy feathered visitors to your yard or feeding station or you regularly travel to wildlife refuges and nature preserves to see a wider variety of species, migration is always an exciting time to see birds. Understanding the seasonal bird migration schedule can help you be ready for...
Tender tropical plants are exceptionally vulnerable to chilly winds, frosts and freezes, but cold temperatures don't have to be a death knell for sensitive flowers, trees or shrubs. By knowing how to properly revive damaged plants, it is possible to minimize damage and save your favorite tropical...
Even in the middle of winter, gardeners can plan for a bountiful harvest, and because February is the shortest winter month, spring is that much closer! To use February to prepare for a productive spring… Plan Your Garden: Take time to decide which plants you'd like to grow and how you will design...
Whether it is a late fall chill or early spring freeze, a little frost can be deadly to many plants. Tender seedlings, newly planted flowers, shrubs and trees and even established plants in areas that are not used to cold are at risk when the temperatures dip. Fortunately, there are easy steps you...
Composting may slow as temperatures drop, but it doesn't need to stop even in freezing weather. By understanding your winter compost options and how to keep your compost active and thriving through the coldest months, you can have a fantastic supply of nutrient-rich compost ready and waiting for...
The Christmas tree is the centerpiece of holiday decorating for many families, but how do you choose the very best one for your home, family and celebration? Real or Artificial? One of the biggest arguments about choosing Christmas trees is about whether real or artificial trees are best. There are...
Twinkling lights are a key part of holiday decorations, and it can be tempting to add extra lights to your display to be more festive every year. Unfortunately, more isn't always merrier with holiday lights, and an overdone display can quickly look tacky and jumbled. With a few easy tricks, however...
Late fall and early winter may not seem like great times to be active in the garden, but in many areas, there are still tasks that need to be completed. In regions with milder climates, November can be a great time for wrapping up autumn gardening chores, and every gardener should take steps to...
There are many safe and cost effective ways to decorate this Halloween. Prepare for this upcoming Halloween by decorating the outside of your home with a wide assortment of scary critters, pumpkins, gourds, and other items that are fall seasonal colors. All it takes is a little creativity and the...
Do you look at piles of leaves in your yard with dread because of all the raking you must do? Instead, why not consider the bounty Mother Nature has provided just when you need it most, and use those leaves as free, natural, organic mulch! Before You Mulch Mother Nature may have filled your yard...
The days are growing shorter and the temperatures are growing cooler, but even in September, gardening season isn't over. Well-prepared gardeners have a variety of tasks to do in late summer and early fall, and each chore will help keep the garden thriving. In September, it is time to… Clear Out...
It’s no secret that almost anything imaginable can be rented. Everything from party supplies to heavy machinery can be rented at an affordable price if you know where to look. However, just because it looks easy, doesn’t always mean it is. The biggest problem with renting is that there are just too...
The end of summer doesn't need to mean the end of beautiful flowerbeds when you carefully plan fall annuals to make the most of every bit of the gardening season. There are great plants that can help extend your gardening season and create fabulous fall flowerbeds. Why Bother With Fall Annuals...
Grass blades may be going dormant in late summer, but your lawn's roots are still developing and fall is the ideal time for fertilizing. A healthy lawn with proper autumn nutrition will be better able to recover from summer's damage, resist the cold and drought of winter and fend off diseases,...
If you’re planning on putting up a brand new bird feeder here’s just a few ideas for the best location you can put it and what to expect. -When putting up a brand new birdfeeder the first rule is to put it in a place where your flying friends can see and identify it. -You will want to put your...
You take the good with the bad. A fact of life that is all too true in relation to summer weather. While Mother Nature can spoil us with her bright sunny days and warm breezes, she still manages to let us know who’s in charge now and then. While the temptation may be to enjoy the nice days to their...
Going eco-friendly when building homes and gardens is becoming more and more popular. More people are choosing to recycle and to do every little bit they can to not only save the planet, but save their money as well. Building an eco-friendly summer sanctuary has many advantages for the owner,...
Ever wonder why after putting in the hard work of watering, fertilizing, and mowing your lawn it still is not green? The answer may be because you have not aerated your lawn. If your lawn is hard and tough to puncture, then it is time to aerate your lawn. Lawn aeration is key to making your yard...
Aerating your lawn loosens compacted soil and allows air and water to reach the roots of your lawn. It’s one of the best ways to dethatch your lawn since it puts less stress on it. The best time to aerate your lawn is during the growing season when the grass can heal and fill in the open area left...
Spring is a favorite season for many gardeners, and performing the proper tasks from late winter through late spring can help you enjoy a productive, bountiful growing season. In late winter… When a few warm days arrive late in winter, it's time to start thinking about spring gardening. As snow...
Over time, every lawn can look worn and thin, but how do you know when to reseed your lawn so new grass can grow into thick, healthy, luxurious turf? An Unhealthy Lawn When your grass starts to show wear, it isn't always time to reseed. First, check your watering to be sure the grass is well...
