Read the latest articles from Bob Vila (Page 195)

hands holding kale leaf with plant care 101 graphic overlay
Lawn & Garden

How to Grow Kale

You don’t need a green thumb—or even a “greens” thumb—to grow kale for both its beauty and its bountiful nutrients.

Bamboozle Compost Bin
Reviews

Compost for under $50: The Bamboozle Indoor Compost Bin is a Steal!

This biodegradable indoor composter has a practical, wide square shape and includes an odor-control carbon filter for discreet and attractive indoor composting.

young woman wearing blue apron painting a tall cabinet with a roller
DIY

The Dos and Don’ts of Painting Furniture

Painting furniture can transform the look of a space and breathe new life into old pieces, but there are some tricks to getting it right. 

Slonik Headlamp Hard Hat Light laid out with case, charging cord, and attachments
Reviews

Lots of Light for a Low Price? Find Out How the Slonik Headlamp Hard Hat Light Fared in Our Tough Tests

This Slonik headlamp boasts a 1,000-lumen output and comes with the clips to really secure it to a hard hat. But is it the best light we tested? Read on to find out.

Milwaukee Socket Set on wood workbench
Reviews

Ratchet Up Your Home Garage a Few Notches With This Milwaukee Socket Set

With its quality and size selection, this socket set is an ideal option for the home mechanic.

A group of friends laughing at an outdoor table next to the best smoker for beginners option
Reviews

The Best Smokers for Beginners

If you’re new to smoking meat, make sure your first smoke is a successful one by purchasing the right entry-level smoker.

Side-by-side photos of a white power strip and black surge protector
Interior

Surge Protector vs. Power Strip: What’s the Difference?

Surge protectors and power strips both provide additional electrical sockets to plug into, but only one can prevent valuable electronics from getting fried.

Woman gardening in raised bed
Lawn & Garden

15 Vegetables That Grow in Shade

What vegetables grow in shade, and are there really any low-light outdoor plants that can provide produce for your table?

The Best Vacuum for Stairs Option
Reviews

The Best Vacuums for Stairs, Tested and Reviewed

Banishing dirt, dust, and debris from stairs can be a daunting task. Choose the right vacuum to get the job done with fewer backaches and less sweat.

Makita XML03 Brushless Cordless 18-Inch Lawn Mower sitting in grass yard
Reviews

We Tested the Makita XML03 Lawn Mower: Is This Battery Powered Mower Enough for Your Yard?

Can a battery-powered mower make the cut? I tested Makita’s eco-friendly 18-inch lawn mower and was impressed by the power of this whisper-quiet lawn tool.

string of pearls plant care 101 - how to grow string of pearls indoors
Lawn & Garden

String of Pearls Care

If you love pearls, try the “green” living kind with a string of pearls plant.

rooftop solar panels installed on a brick house with Bob Vilas most valuable projects graphic overlay
Exterior

Why Now Is the Time to Invest in Rooftop Solar—and Where to Start

Tax credits, rebates, and net metering are just a few of the reasons why it’s a good time to go solar.

A bird perched on the Wasserstein bird feeder camera case that's mounted to a tree
Reviews

I Made a Smart Bird Feeder for Under $100—and Can See Who Visited on Camera

Use your home security camera and this clever device to enjoy the sights and sounds of nature.

The Best Washable Rug Options
Reviews

Editors’ Favorites: 11 of the Best Washable Rugs

Stylish, comfy, and machine-washable rugs that are a total game-changer for your home.

Man wearing Carhartt cargo pants with tools in pockets
Reviews

Work Hard, Play Harder: An Honest Review of Carhartt Cargo Pants

If you’re tired of work pants that wear out after just a few weeks, it’s time to give Carhartt cargo pants a try.

The Best Step Ladder Options
Reviews

The Best Step Ladders, Tested

Need a boost for overhead projects? We tested the best step ladders on the market today. Find out which ones offer sturdiness, quality, and ease of use.

The best drill bits for metal options next to a close-up of a drill and metal hardware
Reviews

The Best Drill Bits for Metal, Tested

Drilling through metal requires a drill bit that can take the heat. The best bit for your project will tackle the type of metal you’re working with and make a clean, precise hole.

how to dispose of a grill man in apron cooking meat on round grill in backyard
Lawn & Garden

Everything You’ll Need for a Backyard Cookout This Summer

From the perfect grill to stylish patio essentials, discover the must-have products to take your backyard cookout to the next level

The best garden kneelers option pictured next to a garden plot with gardening tools
Reviews

The Best Garden Kneelers

Minimize joint aches and maximize your gardening time with these handy garden kneelers.

hydrogen fuel cell setup in a residential backyard
Exterior

Solved! What Is a Fuel Cell?

These eco-friendly power sources can run everything from cars to hospitals to data centers.