Category Archives: Garden Tools & Tips

Environmentally Friendly Ideas, Garden Tools & Tips

Yard Clippings are Going to Waste

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Did you know that nearly 20% of all waste in an average landfill is yard waste?  If you are throwing away your grass clippings, then you are missing out on a valuable resource.

A compost bin decomposes grass clippings and plant material to produce compost in just a few weeks.  This process allows you to reap the benefits of recycling from your own backyard with very little effort.

“Compost” is the rich black soil-like substance created when organic materials like shredded leaves and yard waste are fully decomposed. Mulching with compost prevents weeds, feeds your garden, fights disease and doesn’t starve plants or stain your house with fungal spores like wood mulches.

The rewards from composting are numerous and having access to your own “mulch” is a big one.  Tell your neighbors and friends how easy it is to use a composter.  They will thank you later.

compost bin illustration for your backyard

Garden Tools & Tips, Outdoor Living Spaces

Create the Ultimate Backyard with a Water Feature

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Outdoor Fountain

We purchased a charming house last year right before the economy took a big dive.  I was drawn to this particular house for several reasons, one being the back porch.   This simple small outdoor space was calling my name and I could just see a porch swing, some great outdoor furniture and lots of conversation taking place.  But there was still something missing.  I planted my favorite perennials, filled pots with heat tolerant plants and hung some decorative iron pieces on the walls.

When I added an outdoor fountain, everything came together.  A water feature adds the  magic and brings a new flavor to your space.  I found this to be  an affordable way to really top off and complete my cozy outdoor space.

The downturn in the economy has forced me to look for ways to decorate for less.  That’s not such a bad thing afterall.

Garden Tools & Tips

Greenhouse Ventilation

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Did you know that proper ventilation is one of the most important factors to consider when you select a greenhouse for backyard gardening?  The job of a greenhouse is to warm the air inside the greenhouse and prevent it from escaping, thus extending the life of your garden to three, and sometimes four, seasons.  Without proper ventilation, though, a hobby greenhouse can become too humid or too hot for your plants, flowers, and vegetables.  Good ventilation is key, and this usually means circulation of new air every three to four minutes inside during the summer.  Without this circulation in the summertime, the greenhouse temperature will rise and can damage tender plants.  Fans contribute to mixing the air along with vents in the greenhouse roof and side walls.  In the spring and fall, these vents can usually cool the greenhouse without the need for circulating fans, which keeps your electric bill lower.  During the winter, opening and closing the greenhouse vents will allow plants to grow accustomed to the colder weather without freezing. 

With just a little practice, properly ventilating your hobby greenhouse will become a breeze, and you’ll benefit with a bountiful harvest.

Greenhouse Kit

Garden Tools & Tips, Storage Solutions

Storage Sheds: The Benefits of Cedar

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Rancher Cedar Storage Shed

Outdoor storage sheds may be available in a variety of materials, including metal, plastic, and vinyl, but I prefer a storage shed made out of wood — specifically, Western Red Cedar.   Have you ever opened a cedar trunk or stepped into a clothes closet lined with cedar?  Not only is cedar beautiful, it smells fantastic.  The same goes for an outdoor storage shed.  On the other hand, when I walk into my own storage shed, constructed of metal, I detect only the fragrance of gas from the lawnmower and essence of yard chemicals.   It is the last place I want to be.

Even though the sensual aspects of cedar may be the first that we notice, the practical advantages of cedar abound, especially when used for storage sheds and other outdoor furniture.  Cedar offers outstanding insulation, is easy to work with, and contains natural preservatives that make it resistant to insect damage, decay, and harsh weather conditions.  It truly is an all-weather material; it can take the heat of the summer as well as the icy cold of winter, and just about every condition in between.

Because of cedar’s attractive features and benefits, an outdoor shed made of cedar can serve as more than just a place for storage.  You just might want to spend more time in the shed planning gardening projects or working on a hobby.  Some friends I know don’t use their cedar storage shed for storage at all, but for a comfortable and creative play house for their children.

Metal, plastic, and vinyl storage sheds can’t possibly offer the same array of benefits and possibilities as cedar wood sheds.  While fine for basic storage, they lack the charm, beauty, and versatility of a cedar storage shed…and they definitely don’t smell as delicious.

Garden Tools & Tips, Healthy Ideas, Innovative Solutions, Insect Control, Outdoor Entertaining, Outdoor Living Spaces

The Battle with the Mosquito

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I just returned from a fun family weekend get-a-way to St Louis, MO.  We enjoyed the museums, architecture and a busy day at Six Flags. While traveling, I couldn’t help but notice how the mighty Mississippi was overriding its banks.  We have had SO much rain this spring in many parts of the country.  All this rain has made me concerned about the mosquito explosion that is about to come our way.  It is our responsibility one by one to try to help reduce the mosquito population by taking the time to look closely at our own yards.  We all need to check for some of the following which can make for perfect mosquito breeding:

  • Flower Pots, filled with standing water.
  • Outside Toys, turn over to avoid catching water.
  • Check to make sure outside faucets do not drip.
  • Remove leaves and debris from gutters.

In addition to the irritation that these little pests bring, they can also carry disease such as the West Nile Virus.

Nobody likes these pests, but thank goodness we have products that help us keep these little guys away.  My favorite product is the SkeeterVac.

Think about it….It’s your property, your backyard, and you have every right to enjoy it whenever you want. However, sometimes biting insects can make the outdoors quite challenging at best.

Well, it is time to take your backyard back. SkeeterVac mosquito exterminators quietly and safely reduce the number of those pesky insects.

The SkeeterVac is definitely worth checking out!  Let us know what you think about it!