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Beware Backflow
When water flows backward through the water supply system, it is called backsiphonage or backflow. When that water is ... |
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Building a Doghouse
Here’s another great tip from BobVila.com.
Giving your pet a place of his own to take shelter from wind, rain and sun is a ... |
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Compost Aeration
The microorganisms in the compost pile function best when the materials are as damp as a wrung-out sponge and have many air ... |
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Compost Materials
Anything that was once alive will naturally decompose. However, some organic wastes should not be composted at home.
DO ... |
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Compost Surface
If the microorganisms have more surface area to feed on, the materials will break down faster. Chopping your garden debris ... |
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Compost Temperature
The most efficient decomposing bacteria thrive in temperatures between 110F and 160F. Thus, the hotter the pile, the faster ... |
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Compost Volume
Compost piles trap heat generated by the activity of millions of microorganisms. A 3-foot by 3-foot by 3-foot compost pile is ... |
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Composting
If you garden, you can cut costs and save landfills by making your own compost. Composters come in various sizes and shapes ... |
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Construction Landscaping
During construction, soil will often be without grass, trees, shrubs, and other plants. Without this protective vegetation, ... |
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Cooling Vines
Vines provide shading and cooling. Grown on trellises, vines can shade windows or the whole side of a house. |
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Exterior Lighting
Exterior lighting is one of the best places to use CFLs (compact fluorescent lamps) because of their long life. If you live in ... |
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Fertilizing Perennials
Regular fertilizer applications are necessary for good perennial growth. Apply 5-10-5 fertilizer in a ring around each ... |
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Foundation Drainage
Consider your finish grade around the house as part of the building process to ensure water is properly diverted away from ... |
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Fountain Features
A fountain, unlike other statues or pieces of garden furniture, works with two senses at once: sight and sound. The pleasing ... |
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Lead in Soil
Lead in soil can be a hazard when children play in bare soil or when people bring soil into the house on their shoes. The ... |
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Overmulch
The roots of plants need a constant supply of oxygen at all times. Overmulching kills the roots of shallow-rooted plants by ... |
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Pesticide Alternatives
When used incorrectly, pesticides can pollute water. They also kill beneficial as well as harmful insects. Natural ... |
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Pesticide Safety
All pesticides are toxic to some degree. This means they can pose some risk to you, to your children, pets, and to any ... |
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Pond Safety
If your planning a backyard pond, locate it where it is unlikely to attract unattended children. Check local safety ordinances ... |
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Pools vs. Plants
The chemicals used in swimming pools can injure plants when the filter is backwashed and the water is dumped in the root zones ... |
