Outdoors Gardening

It’s not too late if you didn’t plant all your favorite flowers during spring. Many flowers can still thrive if you plant them in summer, but it’s important to choose plants that will bloom quickly. So, what are the best flowers to plant in summer?

Your riding mower needs to have its blades maintained to keep them working well. When your riding lawn mower’s blade wear out, you can easily change them by lifting the lawn mower up, removing the mounting nut and installing new blades. 

When using a gas lawnmower, you become accustomed to the loud revving the engine makes. However, what happens if you notice a sound that isn’t supposed to be there? In some cases, you might hear a loud, clanking sound while mowing. If you do, it could indicate one of a few different problems.

Troy-Bilt mowers are excellent machines. There are times when you may have to do a bit of maintenance, though. Changing the spark plug, air filter, oil, and gasoline are essential to the running of your Troy-Bilt. However, you also need to know how to adjust your belt on the mower.

Native to the rocky hills of China, Taiwan, and the Philippines, the Chinese pistache tree is known for its signature umbrella shape and its brilliant fiery leaves in the fall. If you’re looking for a low-maintenance tree with ornamental properties for your xeriscape back, front, or side yard, the Chinese pistache tree will check all the boxes. 

A trowel is one of the handiest and most helpful gardening tools that you probably didn’t know you needed. These miniature shovel-like items come in several different shapes depending on your exact needs. All of them can fit in a gardening kit, and only require one hand to use, making them a great tool to always have by your side.

Basil plants like soil that is constantly moist. Remember, moist does not mean spoaking wet. The ideal moisture level is similar to a wrung-out sponge. To achieve this, your basil should be watered moderately on a daily basis. 

Roundup is a herbicide meant to help kill weeds and any other invasive plant that is causing trouble in your garden. Made by the Scotts Company, it can be quite effective at cleaning up unwanted growth in your garden and yard.

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.

Mold forms in terrariums because of excessive moisture and poor airflow. You can also accidentally introduce mold to your terrarium via contaminated rocks, plants, and decorations from a pet store. Mold is especially common in dark, stagnant terrariums that don’t get enough attention.

Are birds active around your house at night? If so, you can easily scare them away with motion-activated lights. Birds get scared easily when they see flashing lights at night, especially if you put the lights in the right spots.

If one thing is for sure, it’s that the weather is never certain. Just because it’s springtime doesn’t mean that you should start watering your yard. Use this as a guide to determine the best time to turn on your sprinkler system. 

If you do any sort of gardening or landscaping, mulch will be your best friend. In addition to adding aesthetic appeal to your land, mulch is crucial for keeping your soil healthy from season to season. Applying mulch is not a one-time job. You will have to replace and dispose of organic mulch as it decomposes, and you’ll eventually want to replace inorganic mulch, too.

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.

You put a lot of energy into maintaining the lawn. So, you probably don’t want weeds where your garden should be. But can you put weed killer on wet grass, or will that cause a problem? And how do you keep weeds off of your lawn otherwise?

One reason why a banana tree won’t produce fruit promptly is because it is too young. Like many other fruit trees, banana trees must mature and develop for quite some time before they provide the delicious fruit you’re after.

Walk behind string trimmers are exceptional at reaching places that standard lawnmowers can’t go. If you want to up the ante, can you put a blade on a walk behind string trimmer?

You try and try to keep your yard looking healthy, yet you still seem to have brown patches and a faded look. Don’t worry; the grass isn’t always greener on the other side. You can get the lush lawn you dream about by using fertilizer. But how long before fertilizer turns grass green?

One of the main advantages to owning a lawnmower is the fact that you don’t have to rely on your own energy to propel the mower. Most modern lawn mowers are wireless, meaning they are outfitted with a lithium battery that must be charged in order to operate the mower. Meanwhile, other lawnmowers, such as riding mowers, have either a gas- or diesel-powered engine and a battery.

Some people think that soil health only affects the way their plants grow and look. However, soil health can affect everything from your yard’s grading to your home’s structural integrity. That’s why it’s important to know what signs to look for if you’re worried about soil erosion.

Owning a riding mower comes with many perks, but it can also require routine care and maintenance. One of the most common steps to take care of on your riding mower is to regularly change the blades. However, since the machine can be quite heavy, this process is not always simple.

A plant is nothing without healthy roots, and it tells you more about a plant’s health than anything else. Plants are susceptible to root rot, and this can happen due to everything from overwatering to fungi. Rotten roots look brown instead of green and they feel soft.

It’s no secret that rain is great for plants, but only in small doses. Heavy rain is nice at first, but it can quickly take a toll on your lawn and garden that can be hard to recover from. Many homeowners understandably struggle with how to save plants from heavy rain.

Part of the joy of having a greenhouse is that you can minimize external factors that would otherwise cause problems for your plants. That said, you can only enjoy these benefits if you stick to a consistent greenhouse maintenance schedule. Luckily, we assembled a list of essential greenhouse maintenance tips to make your life easier.

Redbud trees are vibrantly colored trees that can really change the aesthetic of a property. And like any other tree that would get planted in a backyard, there are things to take into consideration. Remember, you want the tree to be protected and healthy, but you also want to keep your home protected as well.

You can’t permanently get rid of poison ivy in your yard until you know where it all is. That’s because the poison ivy you see each day may not be all that’s on your property. Some homeowners mistakenly smother and kill poison ivy in certain areas and miss it in other parts of their yards. 

If you are planning on building or buying a chicken coop, one major decision you need to make is how many chickens you want to raise. Your flock size matters for several reasons. Most importantly, it essentially dictates how large your chicken coop must be.

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.

When it rains heavily, it’s normal to see mushrooms pop up in mulch and outcroppings of rocks in the forest. It can look like you’re ready to get faeries visiting, right? Cute as it is to see in the forest, it’s not exactly cute in your yard. This is especially true if you have pets that could eat those potentially-toxic mushrooms. So, how do you get rid of these faerie rings in your yard?

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).

Many tenants will do anything to make their rental properties meet their aesthetic and feel like home. For many people, this includes planting a vibrant garden in the yard. So, are you allowed to plant a garden at a rental property?

Many plant enthusiasts have toyed with the idea of installing a greenhouse at home. After all, they afford many opportunities you can’t enjoy if you live in certain regions, like the Midwest. So, is a home greenhouse worth it?

We all cut our grass in different ways. Some of us can get by with a traditional push mower while others use a riding lawn tractor. Whatever the case, there is a common problem that most of us have experienced before: a stuck rear wheel.

One of the easiest ways that anyone can try to remove dirt from underneath fingernails involves warm water and time. After gardening, prepare a large bowl, or plug your sink, and add warm or hot water, whatever is more comfortable for you. 

Proper lawn maintenance often requires using a variety of tools. A lawnmower on its own may not be enough to keep your yard well-manicured. For many homeowners, the usage of a tool such as a string trimmer is also necessary.

Pea gravel is commonly used for walkways, driveways, and as filler between stone pavers around the home. It consists of small, rounded stones and is commonly used for high-traffic areas due to its smooth finish. However, since the gravel is loose, people often need to know how to stabilize pea gravel.

Many people understandably want to import plants from other states and climates. However, you may notice that growing non-native plants doesn’t always go as planned, and it can be frustrating. That said, you can’t deny that growing native plants is typically worth every effort.

Slugs may seem kind of cute, but there’s nothing cute about the way they can damage your flowers and leafy greens. They’re quite small, but you wouldn’t be able to tell based on their appetite in the garden. So, why are there so many slugs around my yard?

Exposed tree roots can pose a tripping hazard in extreme cases, which turns some homeowners off. Others simply cannot stand the visual, as it can throw off the aesthetic and curb appeal in their yard. That’s why you’re not alone if you’ve ever wondered how to cover tree roots that are protruding above ground.

The most obvious sign that you have moles in your yard is if you spot a mole. Moles are fairly easy to identify, as they often have tiny or no eyes. Their claws are also unique, in that they look like scoops or shovels, making them perfect to dig their tunnels. They also have a long pointed nose.

Having the perfect lawn is a goal for many homeowners. Luscious green grass is a status symbol in many neighborhoods, but achieving a pristine lawn is a formidable challenge that isn’t for everyone. Whether you are sick of paying a high water bill or can’t dedicate the time required to maintaining healthy grass, sometimes it’s easier to give up on grass altogether. If you’re ready to say goodbye to your lawn, the first step is finding the best way to kill your grass.

Fall is the ideal time of year for landscape maintenance and preparation for the cold and unforgiving winter to come. In addition to raking leaves and mowing the lawn for the last time, you need to start thinking about adding mulch. The good news is that there are numerous DIY mulch options available to help protect your garden without breaking the bank.

One of the most popular, resilient, and fastest-growing hedge plants is the English laurel. What makes English laurel such a popular choice is its size and growth rate. This plant can tower over your head, and grow three feet in a single year. This makes it ideal for those who want privacy fast.

One great reason to plant lemongrass is that it is a fairly low-maintenance herb to grow in your garden. As long as you have a sunny area with well-draining soil, then your lemongrass should thrive.

Oak trees can be beautiful, majestic fixtures in any yard. Huge and lumbering, they can provide ample shade and a great place for the kids to climb in the summer. Having an oak tree can be a welcome addition to any yard.

It can take up to 100 days for tomato plants to bear fruit. The timeline depends on factors such as sunlight exposure and your watering habits. Germination, the first stage, takes up to 8 days before tomato plants stay in the early growth phase for 4-5 weeks.

Having a nice-looking lawn comes with its own set of responsibilities and maintenance. When choosing between Bermuda and fescue grass, there are a few things to consider. We are going to show the differences between the two, and which might be the right one for your lawn.

Nothing is as annoying as going to water your plants and finding out that deer have been nibbling on them. This can hinder plant growth and will continue to happen until you address the problem. Understandably, many homeowners struggle with how to keep deer away from plants.

One of the most common reasons for a lawn to look unhealthy is due to too little or too much water. Grass, just like every other plant, requires water. Remember that rain alone is often not enough water to keep your lawn thriving, especially in the warmer months.

You are allowed to grow vegetables in an apartment unless your lease says otherwise. It’s rare for a landlord to specify that you can’t grow plants in an apartment. However, you should check your lease agreement to make sure before you start to grow vegetables. 

Rabbits are regarded as symbols of good luck and prosperity in many cultures. When you see one of these furry mammals hopping around your yard, however, you might not feel so lucky. While these animals are cute and often kept as pets, they can also inflict harm on your yard. If you’ve seen rabbits in your yard, you’ll want to prevent the damage they can cause and learn all the ways to keep them off your property for good.

Sprinklers are a highly useful tool for keeping a yard or garden properly and consistently watered. They can even be scheduled and automated so that they require little intervention from the user. At the end of the day, they are quite effective for proper yard and garden care.

Although a lawnmower is not likely the most expensive machine you have, it can be relatively costly to repair it. One of the priciest repairs is a broken or bent crankshaft. Unfortunately, it may be better to replace the whole mower instead of fixing it if that does happen.

Not only is composting great for the environment, it’s also a rewarding process. Nothing feels better than reducing your carbon footprint at home. However, it can be alarming and discouraging when your compost pile smells foul. So, why does my compost smell like sewage?

The winter holiday season is a time to eat, drink, and be merry — at least that’s how the saying goes. There are endless holiday parties and family feasts where food takes center stage. But cocktails, mocktails, and warm and cozy beverages are also a part of this festive season. If you want to take your winter beverages to the next level when you host a party, consider livening them up with herbs from your garden.

One excellent way to use jalapeños is to add them to baked goods like bread. Cornbread is a particularly perfect place to add these spicy peppers. The sweetness of the corn helps to offset some of the spice of the pepper, but you still get the delicious flavor.

One great way to deter skunks from entering and spraying in your yard is to install outdoor motion sensor lights. Skunks are nocturnal animals, which means they do most of their moving around at night. Motion-sensor outdoor lighting tends to startle nocturnal animals and usually makes them want to head elsewhere.

Does the sound of running water help you relax? If so, you’re not alone, and that’s why so many people put fountains in their yards and gardens. Fountains and ponds can work wonders to help you relax and enjoy a nice escape without leaving home. 

One personal and easy gift you can make using herbs from your garden is to create spice rubs and signature herb blends using plants from your garden. The reason this gift is so personal is that you can take your spice blend in any direction you want.

If you live somewhere with mild winters, then a palm tree is a great plant to place near your front door. While there are many types of palm trees you can choose from, Areca palms are a great and safe option. They are one of the best and easiest palm tree species to grow.