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Many people find joy and a sense of accomplishment in working around their home and garden, fixing things up, and using their hands to get things done. We understand that kind of creativity and do-it-yourself attitude, thus, we developed a whole section of tips to keep your home and garden looking their best.

Time to remodel your bathroom or kitchen? What about that spare bedroom that's filled with clutter, or the back deck? If you’re looking to have some home renovations, that is what our building & remodeling category is for. Our guides will reveal all you need to know about the necessary tools and building materials.

At the same time, we also offer advice on everyday repairs and housekeeping, all of which are considerate of your budget and your back. Get rid of pests indoors and outdoors. Remove odors that linger unpleasantly. Cleaning your wood floors and carpeting will be easier with our advice. You’ll definitely sleep better knowing that everything is clean and working properly.

Want to redecorate? Our interior design writers will share fresh ideas here, ensuring that you get the best blend of chic and cozy.

For those gifted with a green thumb, and for all you frustrated gardeners too, we’ll recommend garden tools and products to better care for your plants. We’ll assist you with the organic gardening. Whether you want a thriving vegetable garden, a fruit tree or a flower bed, we’re here to help.

Rest assured that in this section, we’ll teach you everything there is to know on keeping your home and garden in pristine condition.

How To Snap a Chalk Line

 
 
 
 
 
January 18, 2008
How to snap a chalk line for use in multiple projects.

How To Make Comfrey Fertilizer

 
 
 
 
 
January 17, 2008
If you have a comfrey plant in your garden, then you can turn it into a liquid feed for tomatoes and other fruiting plants for free.

How To Stucco

 
 
 
 
 
December 31, 2007
So you want to learn to stucco? I will do my best to show you the quickest and cheapest way to do this. You will need some patience and a few tools that you can pick up at any...

How To Fix a Loose Brick in Your Step

 
 
 
 
 
December 28, 2007
Do you have a loose brick in your step? Not sure how to fix it or who to call? Well I will save you a lot of time and money with this quick and easy fix.

How To Take a Home Inventory

 
 
 
 
 
December 27, 2007
Although you hope you'll never have to use it, a home inventory is something that is important to take. A home inventory is a list of all of your personal possessions and their...

How To Choose a Fence

 
 
 
 
 
December 19, 2007
The fence suitable for you depends solely upon your personal needs. This article explains the key factors to consider, and provides details of which types of fence are appropriate...

How To Harvest Sunflower Seeds

 
 
 
 
 
December 17, 2007
Sunflowers are a backyard favorite to home gardeners. They are easy to grow, produce huge beautiful flowers, require no maintenance, and best of all provide a delicious snack!...

How To Plant a Lawn from Sod

 
 
 
 
 
December 14, 2007
This article informs the reader of the benefits of planting sod, and gives them detailed, step by step instructions on how to plant a lawn from sod.

How To Keep a Fireplace Clean

 
 
 
 
 
December 13, 2007
There's no better place in your house on a chilly winter night than in front of your fireplace - but is your fireplace safe? Do the soot stains bother you? The good news...

How To Cool Your Patio with a Patio Misting System

 
 
 
 
 
December 5, 2007
With a good quality misting system, you can cool your outdoor climate by as much as 35 degrees...WITHOUT GETTING EVERYONE WET!

How To Save Money on Anode Rods

 
 
 
 
 
December 4, 2007
The article provides an inside look at the water heater industry and anode rods in particular, which are an essential part of every water heater.

How To Decide Whether to Buy a New Water Heater or Stick with Your Old One

 
 
 
 
 
December 4, 2007
The information in this article only applies to tank-type water heaters (gas or electric). It does not include information on solar water heaters or tankless water heaters.

How To Grow Tiger Nuts

 
 
 
 
 
December 4, 2007
Tiger nuts (also known as chufa) are used to make Horchata de Chufa, a favorite drink in Spain. They are also edible raw or cooked and very nutritious.

How To Upgrade Your Water Heater's Drain Valve

 
 
 
 
 
December 4, 2007
This article contains a discussion of all the different types of drain valves--why some types break easily or leak and which types to use as replacements.

How To Keep Your Electric Heating Elements from Failing

 
 
 
 
 
December 3, 2007
This article is for electric water heater owners only. Many problems can besiege the heating parts in an electric water heater. These problems include sediment build-up, burnout...

How To Prevent Rusting in a Water Heater

 
 
 
 
 
December 3, 2007
Provides helpful information about plastic-lined nipples, both brass and steel and how they relate to a water heater.

How To Inspect a Leaky Water Heater

 
 
 
 
 
November 29, 2007
This article discusses all the different types of drain valves -- why some types break easily or leak, and which types to replace it with.

How To Shrink Power Bills by Conserving Energy with your Water Heater

 
 
 
 
 
November 27, 2007
This article teaches you how to save money by instituting all the following devices: Electric temperature controls, heat traps, low-flow shower heads, pipe insulation, recirculating...

How To Save Yourself from Cold Showers by Knowing More About Dip Tubes

 
 
 
 
 
November 26, 2007
Includes a discussion extolling the virtues of curved dip tubes. Also talks about the flaws of standard dip tubes and what a broken dip tube will mean for your showers and baths.

How To Handle Corrosion Problem Spots in a Water Heater

 
 
 
 
 
November 26, 2007
There are almost a dozen trouble spots for water heaters when it comes to corrosion. You'll find them on electric elements, anodes, combustion chambers, and vent pipes. Softened...

How To Operate Electric and Gas Water Heater Temperature Controls

 
 
 
 
 
November 26, 2007
Describes the temperature controls for both types of water heaters and how to use them.

How To Repair Broken Pipe Nipples on Water Heaters

 
 
 
 
 
November 26, 2007
This article discusses brass pipe nipples and how they can be salvaged or replaced when they become broken or rusted. It also tells how to handle the pipe nipple in the case of...

How To Consider a New Water Heater for Your Home

 
 
 
 
 
November 26, 2007
This article describes what to look for when consumers go looking for a new water heater.

How To Clean and Remove Sediment from a Commercial Water Heater

 
 
 
 
 
November 26, 2007
Explains the difference between commercial and residential water heaters. Describes what hatches, multiple flues and powered anodes are. Includes instructions on how to clean...

How To Install, Inspect and Evaluate Anode Rods in Water Heaters

 
 
 
 
 
November 26, 2007
Describes what anode rods are and how they work. Explains the difference between aluminum, magnesium and zinc anodes as well as combination, link and power anodes. Explains what...

How To Keep Cats Off Your Garden

 
 
 
 
 
November 19, 2007
Cats can be pests in the garden, especially when they're not yours! There are numerous ways to discourage them from places where they are not wanted.

How To Grow Garlic

 
 
 
 
 
November 19, 2007
Garlic forms the basis of dishes in many cuisines and is very easy to grow. Garlic is a hardy plant that copes with most winter weather.

How To Grow an Avocado Pit

 
 
 
 
 
November 19, 2007
Children will love watching an avocado stone grow. Most people don't live in a climate where it will become a fruiting tree, but avocados do make attractive houseplants.

How To Care for Azaleas

 
 
 
 
 
November 8, 2007
Azaleas are popular houseplants during the holiday season and will flower again in spring if correctly cared for.

How To Grow New Potatoes for Christmas

 
 
 
 
 
November 8, 2007
With a little bit of effort, you can harvest your own home-grown, ultra-fresh new potatoes for Christmas dinner.

How To Care for a Poinsettia

 
 
 
 
 
November 8, 2007
Poinsettias are colorful plants that are popular during the holiday period. But these tropical natives require careful handling if they are to look their best.

How To Grow Catnip

 
 
 
 
 
November 7, 2007
Propagation of catnip outside for medicinal or pet-related purposes.

How To Make a Room Appear Larger

 
 
 
 
 
November 5, 2007
Tips for making a small space seem more expansive.

How To Enjoy Gardening Without Bug Bites

 
 
 
 
 
October 16, 2007
Gardening can be a relaxing time, as you plant, weed, and manage your plants. However, bug bites can dampen your planned gardening time--stop bug bites with these seven tips.

How To Create a New Garden Bed Without Digging

 
 
 
 
 
October 12, 2007
Sheet mulching is an environmentally friendly gardening technique that allows you to create a new garden bed without digging or using harmful chemicals.

How To Upgrade Your Electrical Service

 
 
 
 
 
October 11, 2007
A common and confusing question for many homeowners is 'Do I need to upgrade my electical service?' This first part will explore what a service upgrade really is and help you...

How To Be Safe Around Your Electrical System

 
 
 
 
 
October 10, 2007
If you insist on doing your own electrical repair, here is advice to help keep you alive and your home in one piece.

How To Create a Bed Canopy

 
 
 
 
 
October 9, 2007
This fun Saturday project will make your daughter feel like a princess. A bed canopy will add pizazz to that otherwise boring bed.

How To Restore an Old Glider Bench

 
 
 
 
 
October 9, 2007
If you have an old lawn glider bench that is on its last legs, this article will show you how to rebuild and refinish it. You will be walked through the entire project from start...

How To Choose the Right Style Home

 
 
 
 
 
October 2, 2007
Do you know the difference between a Cape Cod and a Tudor? A bi-level from a split-level home? Learn what each has to offer and how they vary.

How To Find Discontinued China

 
 
 
 
 
October 2, 2007
China replacement services are ideal and convenient for finding a discontinued china or replacement piece.

How To Choose Spring Bulbs for Your Garden

 
 
 
 
 
October 1, 2007
There are many spring flowers that are available as spring bulbs. This article mentions the main bulbs, how to choose them, and what the planting care is to ensure a bumper spring...

How To Use Grease or Glue Bands for Pest Control

 
 
 
 
 
September 27, 2007
Grease/ glue bands are a chemical-free way of controlling orchard pests in organic gardens.

How To Control Slugs Without Chemicals

 
 
 
 
 
September 25, 2007
Conventional slug pellets are extremely toxic and not something an organic gardener would use. There are many methods to control slugs in an environmentally friendly way.

How To Choose a Flatware Set

 
 
 
 
 
September 24, 2007
Do's and don'ts for selecting quality flatware that is dishwasher safe, sturdy, well-made and affordable. Style, brand and design detail suggestions as well as cost saving options...

How To Use Green Manures

 
 
 
 
 
September 21, 2007
Green manures are used to improve the soil in an organic garden. They can suppress weeds, prevent soil erosion and even add fertility.

How To Choose a Green Manure

 
 
 
 
 
September 21, 2007
Green manures are plants grown to improve the soil without chemicals. There are many to choose from, each with particular benefits.

How To Plant a Lilac Bush

 
 
 
 
 
September 20, 2007
The lilac is just as beautiful and aromatic as the rose. Frequently used as border plants behind smaller plants.

How To Make Leaf Mold

 
 
 
 
 
September 17, 2007
Falling leaves can be a problem in a garden, and collecting them is a fall gardening task. But once they've been collected, they can be turned into leaf mold, not trash.

How To Use Urine as a Fertilizer

 
 
 
 
 
September 17, 2007
Urine is a sustainable source of nitrogen and other nutrients for garden plants. Used correctly, there is no danger from pathogens.
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