DIY, gardening, How to

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New Ideas for Coffee Grounds in Your Garden!

Coffee Grounds in Your Garden

Your garden is your haven and refuge, a place to escape the humdrum of everyday life. A gazebo or pergola in the garden can make it look stunning and also offers a place to relax and enjoy the company of family and friends. Make sure your garden oasis stays vibrant and alive by using something that you would normally discard – coffee grounds in your garden!

Here are some amazing ways to use coffee grounds in your garden and give your garden a much-needed perk-me-up without resorting to chemicals.

Make Your Compost More Nutrient Rich

Coffee grounds are filled with garden-friendly nutrients and properties. They contain nitrogen, lighten and loosen soil, attract earthworms, and act as a deterrent against garden pests. In addition, coffee grounds have a pH anywhere from neutral to acidic and this can prove to be a boon for soils that are alkaline.

Fertilize Your Garden

As coffee grounds are rich in nitrogen, you can fertilize your vegetable patch with them. They are an excellent natural fertilizer that replenishes the lost nitrogen in the soil. Sometimes, coffee grounds also contain a high volume of carbon and this too can work wonders with the soil.

Give Acid-Loving Plants a Treat

If you grow tomatoes, azaleas, and rhododendrons, they will thrive on coffee grounds. These plants love acidic soil and when you feed them with a coffee ground solution, they will give a better yield. Just soak the coffee grounds in plenty of water and the following morning use the solution to water your acid-loving plants.

Show Some TLC to Roses

If you are a lover of roses, give your rose plants something to feel happy about. Feed them coffee grounds and watch them bloom in abundance. The neutral to acidic pH and nitrogen in the grounds are like a feast for roses.

Make Organic Mulch

Use coffee grounds as an organic mulch. They will prevent weeds from growing, help the soil retain moisture, and protect against soil erosion. Just make sure you put a fine layer of coffee grounds on the soil. If you do not, it will attract mold that could wreak havoc with your plants and garden.

Keep Tabby at Bay

While cats are not really pests, they can threaten the birds and other wildlife in your garden and also leave behind a stinking mess. If you want to deter cats from getting comfortable in your garden, putting coffee grounds on the soil is a good way to keep them at bay and prevent them from digging up the soil or eating plants that could be potentially dangerous for them.

Protect Your Plants from Fungi

Coffee grounds can protect your plants from fungal diseases, such as wilts and rots. According to some experts, coffee grounds have the ability to create their own type of fungus, which is extremely helpful to the common gardener. So, use the grounds in your garden and enjoy healthy and disease-free plants.

Alter the Color of Your Hydrangea

As weird as it may sound, coffee grounds have the ability to change the color of hydrangeas. If the soil is alkaline, you will get pink blooms. However, most gardeners yearn for and desire blue blooms, which only grow in acidic soil. Add coffee grounds to the soil and watch a miracle happen – a change in the color of your hydrangeas.

Boost the Yield of Carrots

Just like coffee stimulates you, the grounds can stimulate carrots to increase their yield. When you plant carrot seeds in your vegetable patch, mix dried coffee grounds with the seeds. Not only will the yield increase, you also will be able to protect the seedlings from pests.

Keep Nasty Pests as Bay

There is nothing more disturbing and frustrating than finding pests gnawing away at your plants after all the hard work you have put in. Instead of using chemicals to keep away that creepy crawlies from your garden, use coffee grounds. Just place the grounds around the plants that are favored by snails and slugs. You also can put the grounds around ant holes to prevent them from invading your garden.

That’s right, coffee grounds in your garden ward off bugs too!

Give Your Vermicomposting a Nutrient Boost

Gardeners who vermicompost claim adding coffee grounds can give the compost a nice dose of nitrogen and other soil-friendly nutrients. However, there is a lot of debate over this addition. Anecdotal evidence shows adding a few coffee grounds into the vermicomposting pit does not harm the worms. So go ahead and try it, give your compost an injection of nutrients like never before.

Can coffee grounds paint your house? No, sorry, they cannot do that.

Now you know of some weird but helpful ways to enrich your garden soil using coffee grounds. Use these tips so that the next time you are sitting in your gazebo or pergola, you will feel thrilled at the vibrantly colored blossoms thriving and flourishing around your yard.

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backyard, How to

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10 Golden Ways to Make Your Garden Stunning and Cozy


In an urban setting, gardens are an escape that allows you to forget the daily stresses of life and lose yourself to the beauty of vibrant flowers, chirping birds and colorful butterflies. However, many homeowners are bereft of landscaping ideas for their gardens. If you want some simple yet effective ways to landscape your garden to add value to your home and make it the pride of the neighborhood, here are 10 great ways to transform your garden.

1. Focus on Growing Nativars

Rather than growing exotic species of plants and flowering shrubs, focus on growing plants that are native to your geographical region. These Nativars, as the plants are called, are already adapted and acclimatized to the climate and growing conditions, so will not need as much care as plants that are grown in strange growing conditions.

2. Create a Living Wall

Living walls are not just beautiful, they also are functional. They can keep your nosy neighbors at bay and create a private green sanctuary for you. You can build a living wall instead of fence. Remember the plants you grow on the wall will clean the air around your home by removing toxins and other airborne pollutants.

3. Build a Pergola

Every garden needs a focal point. While some homeowners opt to install a fountain, others want something unique and different. If you fall in the latter group, a pergola is just what you need. No, you don’t have to empty out your bank balance to build a pergola from scratch. You can easily get DIY pergola kits. Focus on kits that use Western Red Cedar wood.


This wood is strong, durable and beautiful. It is naturally resistant to rot and decay and the fragrance acts as a deterrent to pests. DIY pergola kits come with illustrated instructions, pre-cut and pre-drilled wood pieces and all the necessary hardware to make sure you don’t have to do anything but the assembling. If you have the foundation ready, it will take two people a single afternoon to get the pergola up and ready. Then you can place outdoor furniture and your entertaining and leisure area is ready for use.

4. Throw in Some Adventure

Create trails and pathways in your garden that lead to a small hideaway where you can sit with your family and friends enjoy a picnic. If you intend using the hideaways at night, string lighting along the pathways or you can let creativity take over and use tiki torches instead. Use old bottles, such as wine bottles, to make your torches. Just ensure the hideaway is far from the main house for it to be really effective.

5. Build a Desert-Like Landscape

If your garden is really huge, the last thing you need is growing grass and spending your whole weekend tending to it. You can get away from all the mowing and lawn maintenance by press the button for desert-like garden with rocks, sand, and succulents. This will require minimal maintenance and also cut down the use of water. Use a drip irrigation system to water your succulents.

6. Enjoy Color Throughout the Year

If you love flowers and their natural fragrance and beauty, you are can keep your garden vibrant and alive throughout the year. Flip the switch for seasonal flowers that are native to British Columbia. Clemantis, Spider Flower, Japanese Anemone, Dahlia, Hibiscus, Lobelia, Peony, Allium, Aster, Salvia, Spiderwort, Begonia, Dianthus, and Spotted Laurel are some of the plants that you can grow seasonally and ensure your garden has color even during cold winter months.

7. Use Planters and Baskets

You can add dimension to your garden by opening the door towards hanging baskets and elevated planters. It will give your garden some character and also ensure your plants enjoy excellent drainage. You can grow a variety of spillers, fillers, and thrillers in these planters and baskets and make your garden stand out.

8. Forget Grass and Choose Ornamental Grass

If you think lawn maintenance is a back-breaking job, skip planting sod. Instead, go with ornamental grasses. You need to cut them just once every season and this will keep your garden neat and tidy.

ornamental grasses

9. Recycle Household Containers

You can even turn into an eco-friendly homeowner and gardener by recycling old containers, such as paint cans and milk cartons. You can use them to grow succulents, herbs, and flower. In fact, if you are creative enough, even tires and old Wellingtons can be put to good use in your garden. You are limited by your creativity. So, set it free and go berserk to create a unique but beautiful garden.

10. Create a Focal Point with a Sculpture

Scour antique stores and other shop to pick up a sculpture that you can place in the middle of your garden. It should be an attractive sculpture that draws your eyes and then pushes them to check out other aspects of the landscape. Surround the sculpture with your homemade plant containers that have colorful flowers and plants.

Use these 10 tips to easily create a beautiful garden that you will be proud of. These tips are cheap and simple to incorporate into a garden of any size.

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How to, outdoor living

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9 Tips to Create the Ultimate Backyard Getaway


Backyards are no longer just a home’s exterior. They have become an important part of any home. They are outdoor living spaces that many people use to entertain friends and family and also a place where they can unwind and relax after a hectic week.

There are many ways to create a backyard getaway. Whether you are looking to create a space where you can escape to find peace and quiet or throw fabulous parties, there are many incredible ideas that you can use to create a backyard that you love.

The Best Ideas for a Great Backyard

Here is a look at 9 of the best ways to create the ultimate backyard for your home:

  • Deck up your deck – Define different activity zones within your deck to make it a destination. With multiple levels, you can carve out separate spaces for relaxing and dining. You can cover a pergola with beautiful vines and abundant potted plants to bring your garden up onto the deck so that the structure blends into the landscape.
  • Create the perfect patio – With the perfect design, you can make your patio a welcoming extension of your house where you can enjoy fresh air and cool breezes. With fantastic planning, you can turn your patio into a seasonal room that gives you comfort and relaxation. The surfaces of a patio are usually brick or stone. If you choose concrete, consider adding color and texture to give it a natural look. Add container gardens, planting beds and weather-proof furniture to add style to the outdoor space.
  • Add an outdoor kitchen – If you love eating outdoors or grill at least two times a week from spring through fall, an outdoor kitchen is a must. You do not need to get a fancy grill. All you need is a countertop for food prep as well as a separate side burner, closed storage, and other conveniences to ensure that you have a fantastic outdoor cooking experience. To make pre and cleaning even easier, you should definitely add a fridge and sink. Now you can make food that will leave your guests salivating for more. Now you will have guests bring their own food over just so you can cook it in your incredible set up. You may even have the nearby barbecue restaurant asking you to cook for them!
  • Get the privacy you want – You can make your outdoor space feel more like an oasis by adding an enclosure. For patios, garden walls, and fences are a salient way to ensure privacy. However, you can also use pergolas, lattice, and landscaping to define outdoor spaces and screen the views of houses around you.
  • Create a shady hideaway – A little shade is always welcome, especially during the summer months. Your deck or patio will be even more enjoyable if it can provide you relief from the sun. You can create shade spots with the help of umbrellas, retractable awnings, mature trees, or even arbors and pergolas that have beautiful vines growing on them.
  • Get the perfect furniture – When it comes to outdoor furniture, there are more choices than ever. Traditional wood, cast or wrought iron and cast or wrought aluminum are classics that always appeal. You will find new weatherproof, synthetic outdoor furniture in today’s market and they offer the same comfort, style and durability of anything that you may have in your home.
  • Use outdoor structures to define spaces – You can add another level of luxury to your outdoor oasis with a gazebo. Whether it is built on the landscape, set near a pool or attached to the deck, it is an outdoor room that offers a protected space for relaxing, cooking or dining. You can define activity zones in your outdoor space with arbors, trellises, or pergolas. They offer a marvelous way to create focal points, transition from one area to another or divide areas based on their function.
  • Add a spa or hot tub – To make your backyard your luxurious retreat, you can add a spa or hot tub and enjoy long, relaxing soak at the end of a hectic and stressful day. There are many things you need to consider before adding one of these – privacy, the best location for the tub or spa, access to the house and whether you want the spa in a sunny or shaded area. Once you figure all this out, you can enjoy the luxury of a spa in your backyard.
  • Plan your outdoor lighting – To make sure that you get to enjoy your backyard paradise even after the sun goes down, outdoor lighting is vital. The most basic is porch lights that illuminate the way to your house and provide ambient lighting. Low-voltage lights and solar-powered accent lights are wonderful options to add drama and interest to your backyard landscape and to highlight paths.

Creating your personal oasis in your backyard is not difficult as long as you have a sparkling design and concrete planning. Your backyard can be the space that you cherish the most when you make it a place where you can entertain loved ones and relax and unwind in solitude whenever you want to.

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How to, pergolas

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Maintaining and Restoring a Pergola

restoring a pergola A gazebo or pergola in a backyard is undoubtedly a prized possession for many. All it takes is a bit of care and maintenance to help keep a pergola in top shape for a long time. If you are looking for ways to maintain or restore a pergola and keep it in astounding shape for years to come, here are a few basic tips that can help.

Maintaining a Pergola

Traditionally, pergolas are built from cedar wood which is strong and can last for many years. However, being outdoor structures, the wind, sun and rain can take its toll on a pergola. And since we have no way to control the elements, taking care of and maintaining your pergola would be the only way to keep its appearance and increase its longevity.

How to Clean a Pergola

The treated wood of almost all types of wooden pergolas can be cleaned with the same products that are used to clean the porch or deck of a house. It would be prudent to refrain from using power washers on wooden pergolas since that can damage the wood. Vinyl coated pergolas are almost maintenance free. However, in case they do require cleaning, use mild soap and water.

How to Apply a Waterproof Sealer to a Wodden Pergola

Wooden pergolas are made of durable treated wood like cedar or pine. Red cedar for example, contains natural oils that prevent insect infestation and natural decay, and simultaneously helps retain the external shine and texture of the wood. The natural color of a pergola can be improved and preserved by coating the wood with a waterproof sealer―a transparent varnish that improves weather resistance. As wood ages it changes color, acquiring a more rustic look with the passage of time. When applying the sealant, consider the amount of weathering needed. It is recommended that the sealant be applied every two or four years to maintain a fresh look. how to apply waterproof sealant

How to Choose a Sealant

For detailed information about weathering ask the pergola dealer for details about the wood and how its color could possibly change with weathering. Ensure that the wood is coated with sealant to prevent even the slightest damage including warps and cracks. Sealants are available in many different brands so a dealer would be the best person to get advice on brands that will best suit a particular pergola and help keep it in pristine condition.

How to Apply Acrylic Paint to a Pergola

When it comes to selecting the type of paint for a pergola, acrylic paint is the best as it is weather resistant and lasting. The best time to apply the oil based paint is during the driest seasons when the humidity is very low. Painting at this time will ensure that while the paint dries quickly, water particles do not become trapped inside the dried paint making it brittle over time.

Restoring an Old Pergola

Cleaning a pergola that is unkempt would take a bit of work. However, working step by step it is possible to almost restore an old pergola back to its original condition.

How to Remove Dirt and Old Paint from a Pergola

First use a bristle brush to knock out all the dry dirt and cracked paint from the pergola. Since most pergolas are made of wood make sure not to scrub too much since that may damage the natural texture of the wood. Make sure that the wood is smoothed down by removing loose splinters. Use a very light sander to even out the wood. This ought to be done slowly since over sanding the wood may damage the surface with ugly scratches.

How to Remove Mildew and Stains

Check for mildew and stains, which must be taken care of immediately. Mildew can wreck a pergolas appearance. Mildew can be removed using a mild solution of bleach and water. Corroded fasteners like bolts and screws can stain the surface of the pergola making the wood look detestable. Wash the stains and replace the fasteners if possible. After removing the stains to the best extent possible, clear the pergola of dirt with the help of a brush. Remove the debris which is likely to collect near the grooves in the wooden planks. how to restore a pergola

How to Wash a Pergola

The next step is to use a hose and rinse the surface with a mixture of water and bleach. Use a mild soap to further clean the area if required. Once the pergola is clean, make sure that it is completely dry before you go ahead with a paint job.

How to Apply Acrylic Paint and Water Sealant

A couple of coats of oil based acrylic paint followed by a water sealant will have the pergola shining. For the most part, your restoration project is sure to pay off with your pergola looking as terrific as new. Keep up the fine work and periodically take time to check the pergola for wear and tear, structural damage, insect infestation, and cracking paint. Fix the problems immediately to prevent further damage. With proper maintenance, a pergola will remain a prized possession in your backyard for years to come.
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How to, pergolas

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How to Clean and Maintain a Pergola

how to clean and maintain a pergola From structure to shade, from utility to oomph factor, a pergola is a golden way to add beauty and character to your garden. While some pergolas may be more decorative than functional, they make your outdoor room cozy and inviting. However, like the flowering buds in your garden, your pergola too needs upkeep and maintenance. If you clean and maintain a pergola, it will give you years of shade and comfort. Most pergolas are open structures that come with retractable canopies, some of them have pretty climbing vines overtop. These multifunctional structures can even serve as a roof for your walkway or porch.

Pergola Cleaning and Maintenance Tips

When you clean and maintain a pergola, you not just take care of its outwardly appearance but also increase its lifespan. It is therefore prudent to know how to care for your pergola especially since they can be made from different materials like wood, vinyl, metal and even plastic.

How to Clean a Pergola

It is prudent that you regularly hose your pergola. Use a high pressure water hose that will help eliminate dirt and grime easily. The high pressure will easily dislodge any dirt that may be clinging to the surface. The pressure of the hose can be easily adjusted depending on the material that your pergola is made of. Remove all furniture lying around your pergola before you start hosing it down. Begin hosing in a downward direction – just like you wash a car or anything pretty much – start at the top and work down.

Detergents and Cleansers for Pergolas

If you are unsure about what detergent or cleanser you should use to clean your pergola, simply buy a pergola cleaning kit. The kit will contain everything from a cleanser to brushes of different sizes. Use a cleanser that can be applied using a brush with bristles that are tough enough to get the grime off! You may also use an old toothbrush to get stubborn stains off. If you spot splinters of wood or paint that seem to be peeling off, gently remove them. If your pergola is made of metal or vinyl, first use a bristle brush to remove all the rust that may be clinging to the surface. Most vinyl material will react well to regular cleansers, and hence you will not need to invest in an expensive can. pergola cleaning and maintenance tips

How to Remove Stains and Mildew from Your Pergola

Mildew, mold, and stains can make your pergola look old and unkempt. Certain fasteners used on the pergola could also contribute to the staining. If your pergola has corrosive fasteners, they will leave black or brown spots on your wood. Regular clean ups will ensure that these stains are tackled and your pergola looks elegant all through the year. To remove stains and mildew, mix a cup of vinegar, oxygen bleach with a gallon of plain water and apply it on the stains soon after hosing down your pergola. Leave it on for a few minutes and use a brush to gently rub the stains off. Once you see the stains begin to lighten, apply some soap and wash off the solution using a hose.

Taking Care of Cuts and Dings on Your Pergola

Soon after rinsing your pergola clean, look out for cuts and dings. Apply wood or metal putty to refinish the area. You can also use a touch up kit to repaint the damaged areas. Most vinyl pergolas come with repair kits that are designed to help you take care of minor damages. These DIY kits have detailed instructions that are easy to follow! If you find stains forming due to the fasteners on your pergola, replace them right away. Pick stainless steel or aluminum fasteners that do not react with the material of your pergola. These fasteners are slightly more expensive than their cheaper counterparts, but will keep stains at bay. This will keep your pergola clean and nice. It also will lessen the burden of maintenance. As a part of regular maintenance, make sure you tighten all the fasteners. Do not put away any repairs and replace damaged parts immediately. This will ensure your pergola remains fresh and clean for years to come. prevent heat damage on pergola

How to Prevent Heat Damage on Your Pergola

If you live in a place that has relentlessly hot weather, the heat can take a toll on your pergolas too. The best way to remedy this is to repaint your pergola with a heat resistant paint that will not just enhance the beauty and uniformity of the structure but also prolong its life span.

Keeping Mother Nature in Check

Creepers accentuate your pergola and a touch of green does wonders to the ambience, making it livelier. However, when these vines grow and thicken, they add to the weight on your pergola. While most pergolas are designed to tolerate weight, it is advisable that you keep trimming them once in 3 to 4 months. This will help keep the frame sturdy and keep your vines look groomed and glorious.
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How to, sheds

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Prepare Your Garden Shed for the Winter

prepare your garden shed for the winter A garden shed is no longer a luxury. It is a necessity that allows you to enjoy more storage space for your gardening tools and implements rather than using your garage for storage. You can easily invest in a panelized garden shed that you can erect yourself. Not only is such a shed aesthetically pleasing, it also is quite functional. DIY panelized garden sheds come with pre-cut panels that already have Western Red Cedar shingles attached to the roof panels. Each panel comes in a manageable size, so that it is quick and easy to assemble the shed. You also have the flexibility to choose a window and door panel placement. However, once you have your garden shed in place, it is very easy to let it turn into a huge mess. You may end up just throwing everything into the shed and forgetting about it until the need arises. Then it is one big clutter that you have to weed through to find what you need. Don’t let your garden shed fall into this state. Work on it now to prepare your garden shed for the winter and beyond.

Clean and Sweep Your Shed and Tools

Take out everything from the shed and keep it outside. Then sweep the shed to catch all the dirt and debris. Wash and rinse pots, wheelbarrow, shovels and other gardening tools and implements. Use a wire brush to get rid of stubborn soil stuck to the surface. Let the tools, air dry. Once they are thoroughly dry, store them away until you need them again. You can spray the metal parts of the tools with a lubricant to prevent rust formation.

Taking Care of Holes and Cracks

If you install a garden shed made from pre-cut Western Red Cedar, you don’t really need to paint it. This wood looks beautiful naturally and has its own charm. However, you can stain the floor of your shed, if it is made from wood. Use a weatherproof stain to keep the floor looking gorgeous all year long. Also, check for holes and cracks in the panels. If you find them, use caulk to fill them up. You also can fill the seams with caulk to keep the cold wind out and prevent your shed from smelling musty when you don’t open it for days in winter.

Keep Garden Pests Out of Your Shed

Garden sheds seem to attract pests very easily. Bugs and rodents love to make homes in garden sheds. These critters can create a mess and stink up your shed. So set traps throughout the year to deter these pests and ensure your garden shed lasts for decades and also remains in a magnificent shape.

Shed Organization and Storage

Check all the items that you store in your garden shed. Discard anything that is broken and you no longer need. Garden sheds can accumulate a lot of clutter every season and you may not even realize it until you are trying to find that one tool or implement that is hidden under the chaos. Once you have got rid of unwanted and broken items, it is time to focus on the storage. The best way to optimize storage in your garden shed is with shelves and hooks. Fix large hooks on the inside wall to hang large tools and implements, such as shovels, trowels, and rakes. You can even roll up the garden hose and hang it on the wall, thereby using the space vertically inside the shed. prepare shed for winter It is important to use shelf space prudently. Anything that is small and organic, such as mulch or dirt should first go into waterproof packaging and then onto the shelf. This will prevent the shed’s floor from damage. Similarly, pots, watering cans, fertilizer, and herbicides should also go onto a shelf. Make sure you label the shelf, so that you know what goes where. Place other small items in transparent plastic boxes with lids. Label the boxes on all sides, so that you know what they are for. Place these in a systematic manner on the shelves. Boxes that hold items you need regularly for your garden maintenance and upkeep should be placed on lower shelves, while those you use sparingly or rarely should be placed on higher shelves. Your wheelbarrow should be propped up against the wall, so that it is not in the way when you enter the shed.

Neaten the Outside

Clear grass, shrubs, and other plants growing along the garden shed. They can damage lower half of the shed. You should be looking to keep about 3 to 5 (7.62 to 12.7 cm) inches of space between the garden shed and your plants to prevent damage to the lower part of the shed and its base. A garden is a green oasis in a concrete jungle and a garden shed allows you to keep that oasis beautiful and well-landscaped. So, prepare your garden shed for the winter by organizing and cleaning up your shed to store all the valuable gardening implements and tools that you need to make your garden into a haven. It is worth the effort and time!
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gazebos, How to

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How to Winterize Your Gazebo and Garden

winterize your gazebo Those days when the weather was warm and the sun was shining have become a distant memory. As you look around your garden, you notice the golden orange leaves falling lazily onto the ground and shrubs turning bare. With the nights closing in quicker, rain falling more often and the air getting cold it is time to overwinter the plants, put away the barbecue, winterize your gazebo, and cover the outdoor furniture with a waterproof covering that can withstand the harsh cold, wet, and freezing elements. Here are some tips to help you prepare your garden to welcome the cold winter months.

Winter Lawn Care

While summer is the time to mow the lawn and keep the blades springy short, fall is the time to ensure your garden can take the brunt of winter. The last thing you need is the lawn withering away in the cold. Trim those overhanging branches, so that they don’t fall and injure you while you are walking around your garden. Turn off the water to the hose pipe, as you won’t need to water the lawn. Give the lawn one final trim and then rake the leaves. Be sure to fertilize the lawn late fall, so that it has sufficient nutrients to resist the cold and wake up from hibernation in spring.

Winterize Your Gazebo

The pre-cut Western Red Cedar panels that were part of your DIY gazebo kit are extremely resilient, sturdy and durable. They can take winter quite well without showing any signs of damage or wear and tear. How to Winterize Your Gazebo However, you should still take measures to winterize your gazebo before you decide to head indoors into the warmth for winter. This way, your gazebo will not sustain expensive winter damage (warping or splintering of wood) and you will be able to use it when spring and summer come the next year.
  • Remove the furniture from the gazebo and store them in your garden shed or patio with appropriate winter protection.
  • When fall ends, sweep and rake leaves, debris, twigs and dirt from the floor and walls of your gazebo.
  • Remove cobwebs and clean spaces between the steps and benches to ensure pests don’t make their house there during the winter months.
  • As strange as it may sound, but hosing your gazebo will help remove debris that you may have missed while sweeping. Focus your attention on cracks and crevices.
  • Use a soft-bristled brush to remove algae, mold, and mildew. Clean with warm water and mild liquid detergent. Remember, never use a wire brush, as it will scratch and abrade the wood.
  • Make one final check for loose screws. Use your screwdriver to tighten them.
Make it a point to come to your gazebo periodically during winter to check it. This is also a fantastic time to remove snow from the roof. You can fix vinyl plastic sheets on the gazebo roof to ensure the snow doesn’t damage the roof and also slides off easily. Today, you can get gazebos in a range of designs and styles. Some of them can even be used in winter if you install a portable heating. So, if you want to enjoy the great outdoors, even in cold winter months, look for a DIY gazebo kit with framed screens for the sides and cupola and a screened door. This gazebo can be heated and used even in winter.

Flowers that Bloom in Winter

Most homeowners believe spring and summer are the only seasons when their gardens turn into veritable oasis and then the color goes out once winter sets in. However, this is not true. Check with a local nursery for flowers that bloom in winter and plant them. Flowers that Bloom in Winter Make it point to plant the seeds in early spring so that in the middle of winter, you will see a splash of color in your garden. Some flowers that are perfect for winter months include pansies, violas, and primroses. However, be sure to spread mulch in the flowerbeds to prevent the soil from freezing. You may want to put bubble wrap around plants that are sensitive to the cold and transfer them indoors or into your garden shed. Just make sure they get enough sunlight and fresh air to survive through the winter. Use these tips to winterize your gazebo and to prepare your garden for the colder month, so that it can come back to life when spring returns.
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gardening, How to

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Vegetable Seeds and Flower Seeds: Collect, Save and Germinate Seeds

vegetable seeds Spending time outdoors in your garden can be a constructive and altruistic hobby that provides hours of pleasure. However, many avid gardeners find that purchasing new vegetable seeds, flower seeds, and buying more fertilizer each growing year can be expensive. By collecting and saving seeds from your flowering and vegetable plants, you will be able to save money that can be used for other garden needs such as a new garden shed, potting bench, or garden equipment.

Plan Ahead: Heirloom Seeds vs. Hybrid Seeds

Before you can start collecting and saving seeds, you need to plant the right type of plants. This is because hybrid seeds are meant to be used only for the single generation. The plants have awesome and unique characteristics, but the seeds they produce can have a mix of wanted characteristics and those that are not so desirable. The same problem can crop up (pun intended) if you use seeds from vegetables you purchased at a department store as you have no way of knowing if the plant was a hybrid or heirloom. Instead, make sure you purchase or otherwise obtain heirloom seeds or open pollinated seeds.

Avoid Cross Pollination

Another problem that can occur is cross pollination. For instance, if you have two varieties of the same species in your garden, wind, bees, and birds can end up cross pollinating between them, and you will end up with seeds some of which will have the characteristics of one variety, others with another variety, and some with a mix of both. cross pollination This can happen, for instance, if you have both bush and pole beans in your garden or short and tall varieties of marigold. To avoid cross pollination, you should plant the different varieties far from each other. You can also select the particular flower you want to take the seeds from and cover it with a plastic bag and hand pollinate it.

New to Seed Saving? Start with Flowers.

If you are new to seed saving, begin with flowers as they are easier to collect from. When tending your garden, make sure to weed out any weak plants or those that have characteristics you are not so happy about. As you walk around your garden each day, observe the flowers and watch for when they begin drying. As the petals fall off, snip the head and place it in an envelope clearly marked with the variety and date. The seeds should be mature before you snip the flower head. Next, empty the flower head on a newspaper placed on a shallow tray and ensure that the seeds dry completely before being stored. Even a hint of moisture can lead to fungi and unviable seeds. The seeds should be dried in a well-ventilated, cool, dark, and dry place. Once dry, store the seeds in envelopes in a cool and dark spot, such as the back of the refrigerator. The ideal temperature to store seeds is between 32° and 41° degrees Fahrenheit. Exposure to sunlight or bright light can damage the seeds.

Collecting Vegetable Seeds

The process is similar to collecting seeds from flowers except for a few variations. When it comes to vegetables such as beans and peas, you need to first allow the pods to mature and dry on the plant. Instead of harvesting the pods for food, let them remain on the plant until the outer skin is dry and wrinkled. Remove the pods at this time and let them dry completely in a cool and dry spot that is well ventilated. Once completely dry, you can open the pods and collect the mature vegetable seeds. These too should be dried to remove every trace of moisture before being stored in a safe and cool place as described above. seed saving When it comes to fruits and vegetables with pulp, such as tomatoes, eggplant, and cucumber, you need to slice the vegetable open and scoop out the pulp and seed mix. Place them in a glass container and add water. Stir and let rest so that the viable vegetable seeds drop to the bottom and the pulp and lighter seeds float to the top. Remove these and repeat the process until all of the pulp is removed. Wash the vegetable seeds and dry them well before storing.

How to Germinate Seeds

Toward the end of winter, you need to remove the seed containers from the refrigerator, bring them to room temperature, and start germinating seeds. For this place the seeds on a damp paper towel and cover them with another damp paper towel. Keep the paper towel moist until the seeds germinate. Next plant them in starter containers. Preferably use biodegradable containers such as egg shells that can be buried in the soil once the seedlings have become healthy. Plant viable seedlings in your garden and watch them flourish. Saving the flower and vegetable seeds from your garden is a fantastic way to participate in the complete cycle of the growth of your plants. You soon graduate from a novice to an expert after a few years of this.
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How to Maintain Wooden Sheds And Furniture

wooden sheds Wooden sheds and furniture all require the right care to ensure that they have a long life. Caring for your wooden outdoor structures not only increases their lifespan but also gives them a well maintained, aesthetically pleasing look. Wood is one of the most beautiful of all materials to construct with and can convey a look of refined elegance. Most of the time, minimal and regular maintenance, prior knowledge of the problems that can occur, and a sharp eye can decrease the costs from damage caused by negligence.

Protecting Wooden Sheds from Water

Wood and water are not really enemies. They are actually pretty compatible. Many historical buildings constructed from wood still stand in all their glory. The ancient temples of Japan and China stand testimony to this. It is only when there is a prolonged exposure and contact to water that problems arise. The best way to avoid this is at the planning stage itself. Design wooden sheds such that they sheds water easily. Watch out for the trapping of water at the joints. Add sufficient overhangs and water drainage systems to minimize exposure to water.

Avoid Mold and Decay in Wooden Sheds

Mold and decay are best nipped in the bud. As always, here, prevention is better than cure. It is generally difficult to spot decay as it happens in corners, hinges, cracks, and holes. And once it is big enough to be spotted, it’s already too late for damage control. Be vigilant and inspect for rotting and decay periodically. outdoor wooden sheds Some things you can do to prevent rot in wooden sheds is to use decay resistant and pressure treated wood. When purchasing a wooden shed, always check whether the wood has been treated properly and the type of treatment it received. Water based treatments don’t provide the best protection. Choose a suitable treatment for your needs. A well cared for garden shed needs to be treated only once in 2-3 years. Don’t wait for it to show signs of dampness to decide that it is time for treating.

Wood and Moisture

Wood contracts and expands based on the amount of moisture it absorbs from its surroundings. This moisture can be from humans, plants, atmospheric and climatic conditions. In winters, wood is particularly prone to warping and can lead to creaky floor boards and difficult to shut doors and windows. To control warping you need to select wood that has already been dried and seasoned. Wood in its natural form is wet and if worked with in this condition will lead to bending, shrinking, and warping. Other ways to control warping are to keep room for mobility and create grooves that provide space for expanding and shrinking without cracking.

Make sure all Surfaces are Smooth and Seamless

Smooth and seamless surfaces make for easy cleaning. Dust and grime will not have any place to hide. You will just need to dust the surface lightly every once in a while without ever having to scrub corners and wedges. wood sheds Use a planer and sander to create smooth surfaces and then polish it for that perfect finish.Wooden flooring can be sanded several times depending on the thickness of the wear and tear and your floor will last for several years.

Positioning of Your Wooden Shed

While planning your shed’s construction, consider the best position is for its location. It should be positioned such that the exposure to the elements in terms of its vulnerability is most minimized.
  • Place the wooden shed so that it is sheltered from high prevailing winds, rain, and snow.
  • Provide sufficiently large roof overhangs.
  • Add projecting window sills and drip edges.

Maintaining Wooden Outdoor Furniture

Restoring your wooden outdoor furniture is a marvelous DIY project. The best aspect about wooden outdoor furniture is that it can be given a new lease of life with a little work on restoration. And then it’s as good as new. It isn’t that labor intensive and can be done in a days’ time. wooden outdoor furniture For general care just clean your wooden outdoor furniture with some soapy water. Use mild cleaners otherwise you might damage the finish. If it needs extra cleaning sand it lightly and brush away any dust that might remain on the surface. After you have cleaned it you now have the option to either oil it, paint it, or leave it as is so it transitions and ages naturally into that weathered look.

A Stitch in Time

Keep your costs low by checking up on your wooden structures and maintaining them so they last. Renewal will cost more than maintenance. Easy care means that cleaning can be carried out efficiently with minimal usage of resources and energy. Always be observant and keep a sharp eye out for any danger signs. It doesn’t mean that you have to constantly worry about damage. Inspect for danger signs every other week or so. Repeated observation will help you get the hang of how things are supposed to look and feel. After a while it will take just a glance to know that something is wrong.
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How to, sheds

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Shed Organization: Storage Solutions for Your Shed

shed organization Your garden shed sometimes ends up looking like a junkyard where you simply store items that you can’t find an appropriate place for anywhere else in your home or probably garage. In all that mess, you probably won’t be able to locate that trusty trowel you’ve been searching for, or that rake that you just can’t seem to find, meaning that you will find it easier to just head to the store and buy a new one. If your shed is beginning to look like a chaotic mess, it may be the right time to get into shed organization. The end of summer is a great time to clean out and organize your shed. Here are some handy tips to make your shed organization project a breeze.

First Step: Empty out Your Shed

The very first thing to do is empty out your shed of all its contents. Your lawn will probably look like you are about to call the neighborhood over for a yard sale, but it is important to know what items you have in your shed, which ones are critical and which ones are causing the chaos and need to be dumped. Remember, you need to be brutal when it comes to sorting out items that need to get the boot. There is no place for sentimentality in a cleaning job. There is no reason to keep that beat-up planter just because it was the first one you ever bought for your home. Bear in mind that the ultimate goal for your storage shed organization project is to create a space where you store the right items the right way for easy, year-round access.

Getting Started with Shed Organization: Give it a Clean Sweep

Once all your items have been laid out in your lawn, clean your shed out by sweeping the floor and dusting the walls and shelves. Next, sort out all the items you have extracted from your shed into groups such as planters, gardening supplies, cords, chemicals, and so on. how to organize a shed If you have too many duplicates of a certain item, they need to go. Anything that has been rusted or is broken and you haven’t gotten around to repairing them yet also needs to be thrown out. If there are a few items that can be recycled, keep them in a separate pile.

How to Organize a Shed: Evaluate the Space You Have

Now that you have a fair idea as to what you have, you must move on to evaluate how much space you have in your gardener shed, and whether it is enough to fit in all those items or not. Remember that all the items you use frequently should be easily accessible and need to be stored up front and possibly near the door of the shed.

Shed Organization Ideas: Store Smart

The back of your shed door is a space that is often unutilized and is almost always bare. You could try nailing a few hooks onto the back of your door so that you can hang up your tools such as hedge sears, hand rakes, and small saws. This helps to protect the blades from damaging other tools and extend their life. Be sure to hang them on the lower part of the door so that you don’t end up hurting yourself. You can attach a plastic accordion trellis to the inside of your other door to hold other gardening tools, spray nozzles, and small tools. Choose a position that best suits your needs. You can store other seasonal items such as bulbs and seeds on higher shelves, considering you won’t really need them as frequently. When it comes to storing bulbs, be sure to group them based on the family they belong to. For instance, you can store onions, garlic, and potatoes along with turnip, lily, and canna bulbs in the same bins. Remember to stick a label on them so you know what’s in the bin and when it is time to plant them. shed organization ideas Use clear plastic shoe boxes to store plant markets, twine, and hand tools. Keep these at eye level so all it takes is a glance to know what’s in there. Remember to label here too! Create some room at the back of your shed for long-handed tools such as shovels and rakes. If you have some extra space, you can use hooks screwed onto the wall to hang any medium-length tools. You can even throw in a few lightweight tools into a pair of tall rubber boots. A clear plastic bag is a fabulous place to store gloves, seed packers, and miscellaneous hand tools. For an aesthetic appeal, hang up a wicker basket for all your what-nots.

Last but Not Least: Untangle Your Hose

A hose, if left on the lawn, tends to become entangled over time or can be a hazard to a lawn mower. To keep it tangle-free and off the ground, attach a strong holder to the outside of your shed, closest to the tap. This is especially handy if you need to rinse off your muddy boots before you put them back in your new and improved shed or before you walk inside your home.
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