Greenhouses allow us to continue growing our plants no matter the time of year. We are no longer beholden to the whims of Mother Nature because we can control the conditions for our crops.

If you are a dedicated gardener or landscaper, you know the misery of a leaking garden hose. The couplings may be damaged to the point that they may need replacement. In some cases, a puncture or tear requires the removal of a section of the garden hose. What are the best garden hose repair kits for these jobs?

When you’re working on your landscaping, the water that you’re using will be flowing from a small spigot known as an anti-siphon valve. These can be found on sprinklers as well as on the sides of your home. The anti-siphon action helps prevent water from leaking out and keeps outdoor water from contaminating your home’s water supply. But, what happens when this thing starts to leak?

With a vibrant pink/purple color, the Rhododendron blooms brightly across the world. These bushes provide magnificent pop of color wherever they spring up. But when they become distressed, it can rob them of their natural beauty. The key is determining the problem.

Vinyl pool liners are an amazingly affordable way to ensure that your home has a safe pool that you can swim in. As one of the most popular pool liner materials on the market, it’s easy to see why people enjoy them. Unfortunately, they do have the drawback of having to be pre-made. But, does that mean you also can’t paint them? Is customization really off-limits?

There are a lot of reasons you might put an outdoor sink or faucet in your backyard. It can be very useful to have easy access to water when you are doing yard work or grilling. However, outdoor faucets do differ from indoor faucets for a couple of important reasons, and there are various types of outdoor faucets.

It’s a bad idea to put indoor plants in soil from your outdoor garden. There’s always a good chance that the soil is infested with pests. Ideally, you should buy a fresh bag of soil that you only use when it’s time to set up your houseplants. 

The color of your pool water can tell a lot about your pool’s health. That’s why we all naturally gravitate towards pools that have rich blues, crystal clear hues, and maybe a little turquoise in them. One color no one wants to see in a pool is brown. That’s a major ick right there, and it’s enough to have people run in the opposite direction. So, what is brown pool water doing in your pool?

A raised fire pit in the backyard is a beautiful way to create an outdoor space that is both aesthetically pleasing and functional for parties or get-togethers. Putting a  canopy over your fire pit can help protect the flame from the elements, but little is known about whether or not this is a safe practice.

To keep your food fresh and at a safe temperature, you need a tool that will accurately measure the temperature of your barbequed delicacies. This means you need a quality and reliable food thermometer.

Genovese basil is the most commonly grown variety of basil, especially in North America. It is a staple in Italian cooking, and it has a slightly sweet, and very fragrant classic basil flavor. It is known for its signature shiny leaves and typically grows up to 24 inches in height.

Ticks are easily the scariest arachnids besides spiders, and they can be quite harmful to humans and animals alike. The sight of a tick on your body is enough to make you think twice about going outside during spring and summer. Most homeowners would do anything to keep ticks off their property. So, does mowing the lawn kill ticks?

Stains and sealers are very similar when it comes to protecting wooden surfaces, but there are some unique differences in terms of application, appearance, and overall protection. Many people will choose between one or the other, but some decide to use both. In this article, we’re going to figure out if you can apply specifically a Thompson water seal over wood that has already been stained.

Grilling is an all-American pastime, especially in the heartland part of the country. That’s an area where propane is rife, and so is Midwestern ingenuity. Sometimes, you occasionally hear of people debating whether you can use forklift propane for a tank on a grill. Is this doable?

Named for Russian Princess Anna Pavlovna, Royal Empress Trees are kind of a miracle. They grow at a rate unmatched by any other tree and don’t care a lick what kind of soil they’re in. Some classify them as exotic invasive plants. Others are awed by their unique beauty and grand presence. I’ll let you decide.

Growing vegetables in a garden is a simple way to get fresh veggies. Growing certain things is a relatively easy endeavor, too. Even still, there are certain things that can impact things like tomatoes and even cucumber plants.

There is nothing worse than being stuck with a bad lease or landlord. Whether you’re struggling to pay rent or want to move somewhere else, sometimes the only option is to break the lease or get evicted. So, is it better to break a lease or get evicted?

A vegetable garden will struggle to thrive if it is constantly under attack by animals and pests. Of course, deer, squirrels, rabbits, and groundhogs will find your vegetable garden enticing. That doesn’t mean you are doomed to have animals eat your vegetables. We have compiled several tips on how to keep animals out of your vegetable garden.

It is hard to resist the urge to get in the pool right after you add chlorine. There is nothing like the smell of chlorine that makes you want to spend a day in the sun and water. So, how long after putting chlorine in a pool can you swim?

Composite decking may look like wood, but it is manmade and behaves differently. While many people associate warped decking with wood planks, composite decking can warp over time as well. Decks should be flat and straight, but over time, they can become warped and uneven. If you leave composite decking as it is once it is warped, it will probably get worse.

Deer are often thought of as beautiful and majestic creatures. They are non-threatening in most cases and often pass through our yards. Many homeowners have asked themselves the question: what can I feed deer in my backyard?

Choosing between sod and grasses is not only aesthetic but also often about function and climate. One grass may be better looking while another may be better suited for the environment that you live in. Two common tropical types of grass are Bermuda and Zoysia, but what’s the difference between them, and which is better?

Having an inground pool can be an awesome feeling, but will an inground pool increase property taxes? It is a question you have to ask yourself anytime you make home improvements. With this informational guide, you will have that answer.

When I first found out that pool filters contained sand, my mind was blown. I immediately made the (wrong) assumption that pool filter sand is the same as the sand found in playgrounds and sandboxes. While the two are fairly similar, the fact is that they are very different. It makes sense, too. Did you ever wonder what the biggest differences are between these two sand types, and why you can’t use play sand in a pool filter?

When it comes to pool safety, few things are as important as making sure that you don’t end up slipping and falling into the pool. The question of how to prevent slips often involves yelling at kids to keep walking and using the right materials. That’s why travertine is a bit of a contention. Does it get slippery when wet, or is that just rumors that should be water under the bridge?

Creating pathways outside your home can inspire both practical and whimsical journeys, depending on how they are designed. No matter what your vision, the odds are there will be a point you realize one of your outdoor walkways could use some additional lighting. As you prepare to purchase pathway lights for your home, you are bound to ask yourself how many pathway lights you need, and how much space you should leave between each of them.

Weeds find a way of popping out of the tiniest cracks around your home, even if you have a small yard. If you are getting your home ready for guests, you might try pulling weeds in order to have the area looking its best. You will, however, quickly find weed pulling can be back-breaking work. This is where products like Roundup weed killer can come in handy. But how long does it take for Roundup to work?

If one of your sprinkler heads is not working anymore or you just need the sprinkler pattern to change, you may be considering changing the head. But can you switch them with a different style sprinkler head or even a different brand? Before you go and buy the wrong thing, make sure you know what you need.

Gunite is a pool material that is pretty notable. It’s a concrete pool wall material that is famous for durability. Sadly, it’s also known for being a bit rough on skin. That’s why some people want to switch from gunite to vinyl pool times. The most obvious way to make the switch would be to add a liner around a gunite pool. But, is that even a potential option?

A mushroom growing through your pavement is an odd sight. At first, you might be impressed – how did a squishy little mushroom lift the pavement? However, then you realize these little fungi are destroying your driveway and, as phenomenal as it is, you must fix the problem. 

If you have a deck, you’ve likely heard many times about the danger that water poses to the wood. Over time, water will eat away at the wood fiber, leading to wet rot or insidious dry rot, and creating mildew. Wet wood on your deck is not only unappealing but also very dangerous to the structural integrity. Decks can start to rot in as little as 8 to 10 years, making it absolutely crucial to waterproof it from the beginning.

Outdoor patios add value to a home and are a perfect example of modern leisure. You can make your patio even more comfortable if you include a ceiling fan to help cool off on a hot day. So, what size ceiling fan do you need for an outdoor patio?

Fire pits are some of the most attractive and versatile outdoor heating options available for your backyard space. They come in wide array of sizes and styles to fit your home and unique needs. However, there are two main types of fire pits to choose from, categorized by the fuel type they burn: wood and gas (more specifically, propane gas).

When I was younger, I quickly realized that I don’t want to have a front lawn simply because I didn’t want to mow the lawn. When I heard about artificial grass, I was pretty thrilled.

Whether you’re trying to hide an ugly fence line or want to add beauty to your landscape, there are a ton of good things to plant along your fence. Planting the right things along your fence line requires planning and forethought. Simply throwing some trees or plants into the ground isn’t going to be enough.

Before composite decking entered the market in the late 1990s, there were few alternatives to wood decking. Up until that point, pressure-treated wood was the only genuine alternative for decking.

How big are the pots that your houseplants are in? Plants must have the correct-sized pot whether you put them inside or outside. For example, a plant with big, deep roots simply cannot thrive in a small pot.

Taking care of your property can be rewarding but also frustrating. Every homeowner wants their property to be spectacular and be the talk of the town. However, overgrown grass, littered gutters, accumulated dirt on the roof, and other things paint a terrible picture of your property. The Husqvarna riding mower can help you take care of the lawn, but there are times when the blades won’t turn on.

Wood is a material that is important to many different animals, including squirrels, as it helps to file their continually growing teeth. Therefore, you may see teeth marks from squirrels on places like your deck, fencing, birdhouse posts, wood siding, and more. But you can stop these creatures from chewing your wood by taking a few steps.

The deck is supposed to be a hugely positive addition to your home. It becomes harder to say that when the deck boards you used are looking worn down or are just plain broken.

A pergola is a great way to add some style or a bit of shade to your yard. A pergola is a series of beams supporting a roof, but there are many different types and styles.

There are tons of different types of bonsai trees. Just about any tree can be altered into a bonsai form. Therefore, there is not a universal growing condition that bonsais enjoy. There are, however, a few challenges to growing bonsai indoors.

Because of their vibrantly colored blooms and the fact that they can thrive in shaded areas, impatiens are among the most popular annual flowers for gardens. While they are technically considered tropical perennials, these plants are typically grown as annuals in nearly all regions in the United States (except zones 10 to 12).

You cannot save a tree if it is dead, but you can save a tree if it's dying. That said, a tree is beyond saving if the roots are completely mushy and destroyed. Some people replant dead plants in fresh soil and have success saving them.

Along with improving security, wood fences can enhance the beauty and value of your property. Just like any other project, it’s important that you have all the necessary tools to get the job done. When you’re building a new wooden fence, the fasteners that you use are vital to both the style and long-term performance. This begs the question: what size wood fence screws should you use?

Are you wondering, “Is Portland cement waterproof?” Well, you’ve come to the right place because we have the answer you’re looking for. Portland cement, the most common cement in general use worldwide, is not waterproof on its own.

Having your own private pool on your property is an amazing bonus, and likely makes you one of the most popular neighbors on the block in the summertime. Maintaining a pool, however, can be a bit costly when you use a professional cleaning service. This is why many pool owners try their best to treat and clean pools without the help of professionals. But sometimes regular pool maintenance is not enough, and your pool can look dirty or stained. When you notice your pool tile is starting to stain, how do you clean it?

As someone who has sensory and tactile issues, I can tell you that rugs are my friend. I love the feeling of rugs, even if I don’t like cleaning them. That’s why I smile when I see an outdoor rug on a wood deck. It’s barefoot time! Nice as rugs are, it’s normal to get a bit worried about your deck’s health. Can outdoor rugs damage a wood deck long-term?

Australian music teacher Marion Sinclair wrote a song for her students about black gum trees. Maybe you’ve heard it? “Kookaburra sits in the old gum tree, eating all the gumdrops he can see.” The beauty of the gum tree and its animal inhabitants deserves to be remembered in song.

Wood decks are extremely popular additions to backyards on many homes. These areas provide extra room for entertaining and relaxing while enjoying your landscape or pool. However, in areas prone to ice and snow, many people wonder what to use on their wood decks when ice becomes a problem.

After cleaning up at home and getting rid of several items, you may be left with a big stack of wood. To be more specific, you may find several planks of pressure-treated wood. You obviously don’t want those old pieces of wood cluttering up your home so you must dispose of them.

Planting a garden adds beauty to your home’s exterior and is also a great stress reliever. But if your plants struggle to grow, it can become frustrating. Gardening takes knowledge for flowers, plants, and veggies to flourish, like choosing the proper soil and planting space. If you decide to use planters, you might wonder if you can use garden soil in pots?

Building a fence is a great way to add some added privacy to your home. If you live in a rural area, you can also use a fence to create a pasture for all your pets. It’s essential to know how to build a fence properly to ensure it’s durability. 

A temporary pool can be an exciting addition to your yard during the hot summer months. It offers a fun way to cool down, enjoy the season, and spend time with family and friends. But before you purchase a temporary pool, you might be wondering: Do you need a permit?

Home additions like porches and decks can increase home value and provide a fun space to enjoy the fresh air. Most importantly, porches and decks add character to your, and that is invaluable. Porch and deck railing height codes are important because they make it all possible as long as you are compliant.

If your goal is to beautify your yard, there are certain things you cannot forget about. Sticking to a maintenance program will help and you should also consider de-cluttering your yard to give it a fresh look. Don’t forget about cultivating a new lawn because that can make a huge difference.

A pool that doesn’t have a filter isn’t a safe one to swim in. However, if you are swimming in a pool that has a malfunctioning filter, then you are still not entirely safe. Even something as innocuous as having a pool filter that’s leaking from the top can be a sign that it’s not good to swim in your pool. Before you dip your toes in, make sure you fix that leak!

Having a patio umbrella is a fantastic way to be able to enjoy the outdoors without getting too much sun. Whether you have it over a table, shading a spot in the pool, or just sitting on the deck, a patio umbrella can make summer a much more enjoyable experience.

Your pool served you well this summer. Now, it’s time to take several steps to prepare it for the offseason. Winterizing your pool isn’t hard. There are a few steps to follow to get the job done right. Next year, when the scorching hot weather returns, you’ll be glad you did. 

Home gardening is an amazing way to have easy access to fresh fruits and vegetables. Gardens often yield a plethora of crops, and some fruits and vegetables even yield all their bounty all at once. While it is amazing to have tons of fresh vegetables, you often find yourself wondering what to do with the surplus of vegetables you can’t eat right away. This is why it is a good idea to grow foods that you can pickle for later use.