When the snow is on the ground and spring seems to be far away, growing an indoor garden gives a natural and soothing feel to a winter-bound interior. Growing an indoor container garden is nothing new and can be very simple. Whether using cold-treated bulbs or planting grass seeds, a garden can be yours within…
Want to keep your houseplants healthy? Check frequently for problem insects and wash them away with a soap and water bath. If you haven’t done so yet this season, check your houseplants for unwelcome pests. Those that summer outdoors will require extra attention, but even those that stay inside can harbor insects. Wash the pots…
Making your own flower pots from recycled tires is a great way to make your lovely garden greener. Learn how to make a tire planter. Large enough for container gardening and pretty enough for display, tire planters are a wonderful way to make your own eco-friendly flower pots while adding a distinct and unique look…
Plastic flower pots are light and easy to move, but not all look attractive. But with these decorating ideas your flower pots can look fantastic. When purchasing flowers from a nursery we often end up with many black plastic flower pots. Rather than throw them away once the contents have been planted out, why not…
Cinder block benches show up everywhere in DIY roundups, cheap, fast, no real carpentry skill required. What almost none of those roundups mention is that a cinder block is engineered for a specific job, stacked in a continuous wall under compression, and a garden bench is a different job entirely. That doesn’t mean don’t build…
Cockroaches, also known as roaches, can be terrible pests. It is worth getting rid of them right away when they appear to prevent a major infestation. Cockroaches are not only disgusting to most people, they are also an important public health problem because they can contaminate food and eating utensils. Roaches can carry two human…
University of California research shows that ground covers work well for garden or yard designs on moderate slopes. Ground covers are substitutes for lawn grass that grow rapidly and work well to prevent erosion. The low-growing plants are a good choice for slopes because they spread quickly, grab the soil and form a solid cover….
Healthy house plants help reduce air pollution and look fabulous. Discover how to spot problems and the do’s and don’ts of keeping your indoor plants alive and thriving. Caring for house plants has never been easier with new and harder-to-kill species coming onto the market all the time. However plants are living organisms and just…
Indoor plants are more than just decorative. They can change the atmosphere in an office and improve conditions for office workers. The modern office is too often a sterile environment, set up for efficiency but a bit too cold and unnatural in its appearance. ‘Greening’ the office by adding some attractive plants will instantly improve…
Space in the urban garden is usually quite limited, but don’t despair. You can harvest a bounty of veggies and even some fruits indoors! Here’s how. Living in the city often makes having a regular garden next to impossible, but with a warm, sunny window and the right varieties, some fruits and vegetables can be…
Now that gardening season is starting and it’s time to start sowing some flower seeds, I’ve been looking around the ‘Net for some gardening ideas. Since I am one of many, many women with “Shoe Clutter”, this is a terrific idea for recycling shoes I’ll never wear again but just hate to throw out. There…
The container gardening calendar for August resembles the July calendar. Be vigilant about your watering schedule as this is the month of greatest heat in the summer. Also continue to deadhead your plants, particularly the annuals to encourage continuous bloom. A schedule of feeding your plants liquid fertilizer every two weeks will keep your plants…
Concrete slab foundations, a popular choice for all types of construction projects, are strong and durable. Building them right saves costly problems later. A. Concrete Slab Foundations: Tips for On Grade Foundation Layout and Concrete Formwork While more costly and labor intensive than concrete pier foundations, slab foundations (sometimes called slab on grade foundations) remain…
Gnats are winged insects with ¼-inch long bodies that are long and slender. They look like smaller flies but they’re actually already adults at that size. They belong to the weak flier families of Mycetophilidae, Anisopodidae, and Sciaridae. In regards to how to get rid of gnats and fruit flies, here’s what you need to…
Many living organisms depend on plants to live. However, these plants don’t want to be eaten if they can help it. They can’t run away so they use chemicals in order to repel attackers. They can ward off rodents, insects, and other pests, to protect themselves from consumption. Ergo, if you have a tick problem,…
Fleas aren’t as much of a problem for us modern humans since we’re practically hairless compared to our hairy ancestors. However, they are problematic for your pets. Strays can spread them as well as rats. You’ll have to bathe your dogs or cats daily to keep them from becoming “fleabags”. Alternatively, grow some plants that…
Flies are annoying. They’re seemingly everywhere that’s stinky, like when you’re cleaning out the litter of your dogs or cats. They’re also around garbage bins filled with used diapers or rotting leftovers. However, it’s better to plant and take care of plants that repel flies around your garden or flower bed. Powerful insecticides do more…
In the U.S.A., swarms of mosquitoes are particularly all over the place at the Metro Atlanta region as claimed by Orkin Pest Control. If you’re anywhere near that region or your county is experiencing an upsurge of these potentially dangerous vampire bugs then you should try out the list of 13 different plants that repel…
Things to consider when deciding what decking material to use when building a deck include budget and the amount of maintenance required. Building an outdoor deck can be one of the best ways to increase the resale value of a home, typically resulting in at least an 80 percent return on investment at time of resale,…
Building a deck is something homeowners want to get right on the first try, so planning is crucial before construction begins. Deck Designs, by Steve Cory, is the first stop for anyone planning to add a deck. It is filled with photographs of real-life decks, design-planning strategies and advice from top deck designers, ensuring that…
With some simple outdoor decorating ideas for Halloween, you can turn your summer window boxes into a seasonal display. If your window boxes are only full in the summer, you are missing out on their seasonal decorating potential. Window boxes are great for upping the curb appeal of your home and they enhance the view…
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