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Read the latest articles from Bob Vila (Page 47)

Skills & Techniques

How to Drill a Pilot Hole in Wood

The next time you need to screw or nail two pieces of wood together, first invest a few extra minutes in prepping the project with pilot holes. These surefire tips will help simplify the project and save your wood from damage.

Gardening

Grow These 10 Vegetables, Fruits, and Herbs to Get the Quickest Garden Harvest

No matter where you live, there are plenty of edibles you can grow to enjoy sooner rather than later.

Power Tools

Home Depot Dropped Ryobi Deals That Beat Amazon’s Big Spring Event—Up to 55% Off Tools and Outdoor Power Gear

The Home Depot is cutting prices on Ryobi tools across the board, with discounts on everything from combo kits and nailers to chainsaws, blowers, and lawn mowers.

Easy DIY Projects

DIYer Says “Goodbye” to Sterile Wire Shelving With This Easy Customization

Caitlin Frank shares how she did it, so you can build warm wood shelf covers for your storage spaces too.

Gardening

Mulch vs. Compost: What’s the Difference?

Both mulch and compost can support healthy soil, but knowing which one to put where in your garden can sometimes be confusing.

Basements

How to Trim Basement Windows

Finishing a basement opens up a world of opportunities that extend your living space. Just don’t forget to trim basement windows so they blend in with the rest of the house.

Gardening

10 Foolproof Flowers Even Novice Gardeners Can Grow

A vibrant, colorful flower garden is within easy reach, whether or not you have a green thumb.

Tools & Materials

The Best Wood Chisels Tested by Experts

Choose the best wood chisels for your woodworking projects, experience level, and budget.

Deals

Fast Growing Trees Is Clearing Out Trees for Spring—Save 20% on Privacy Trees, Fruit Trees, and More

Take 20% off everything at Fast Growing Trees, including top-rated privacy trees like Thuja Green Giant and a wide selection of fruit and flowering plants.

Gardening

5 Seed-Starting Mistakes Most New Gardeners Make—and How to Avoid Them

Starting seeds indoors can give gardeners a real head start in late winter and early spring. But unstable temperatures, overly wet trays, weak light, crowding, and nutrient guesswork can undermine seedlings long before transplanting day.

Gardening

How to Organize All Your Gardening Stuff, From Seeds and Pots to Stakes and Cages

A few simple organizing hacks can save you a ton of time and hassle.

Cleaning Supplies

Cleaning Products Are Up to 52% Off During Amazon’s Big Spring Sale—Save on Tide, Lysol, Dawn, and More

From all-purpose sprays to floor cleaners and stain removers, Amazon is discounting top cleaning products just in time for spring cleaning.

Deals

Amazon’s Big Spring Sale Is Clearing Out Storage & Organization Solutions—Up to 45% Off Keter, DeWalt, Rubbermaid, and More

From heavy-duty garage racks to pantry organizers, Amazon is cutting prices on storage solutions to help tackle spring cleaning.

Cleaning & Organizing

9 Useful Cleaners You Can Make If You Keep Castile Soap On Hand

From laundry detergent to dish soap and floor cleaner, concoctions containing castile soap can help keep your home pristine.

Lawn, Garden & Pool

The Best Post Hole Diggers for Every Yard Project

Does your landscaping project have you feeling like you’re in a hole? The solution is finding the best post hole digger.

Lawn, Garden & Pool

The Best Backpack Sprayers We Tested for Lawn and Garden Care

Keep your outdoor space clear of weeds and pests with a backpack sprayer—the up-and-coming tool designed for effective yard management and superior user control.

Gardening

My Hummingbird Feeder Has a Camera—Here’s What It Revealed 

After 2 years of watching hummingbirds at my feeder, I saw them in a way I never had before.

Plumbing

12 Things Your Plumber Isn’t Telling You (But Should)

Understanding these principles about one of your home's major systems can save you a lot of money—and a plumber's house call.

Tools & Materials

The Best Laser Levels for Precision Work at Home and on the Job

Laser levels are indispensable for ensuring measurement accuracy. We tested the best-selling models—see how they fared.

Deals

Amazon Is Clearing Out Garden Tools for Its Big Spring Sale—Save Up to 57% Off Fiskars, Sun Joe, and More

From digging and pruning to weeding and watering, Amazon is discounting a wide range of garden tools just as planting season gets underway.