Step-by-Step Backyard Landscaping

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Landscaping & Garden & Landscape : Home & Garden

How to Stain a Deck for Rain

Decks made of wood are very susceptible to the elements because plain wood may absorb water, which can lead to deterioration of the wood. One way to protect a wooden deck from rain and give the wood a darker, more desirable color is treating it with wood stain. Wood stain contains materials that abs

Herb Gardening in Containers

Over the years I have tended everything from a 30 by 30 foot monster herb garden, to the odd herb here and there in the garden, to a small plot near the back door. My favorite is a beautiful pot planted with my own favorites located in a sunny spot that is handy to the kitchen. Hint: this makes a we

Orbit Sprinkler Instructions

Orbit has been producing lawn care products for more than 40 years, and their sprinkler system line makes installing an entire sprinkler system more manageable. Take the project one step at a time to minimize difficulties and mistakes along the way. Do not underestimate the need to plan your sprinkl

Can You Cover Cracked Concrete With a Concrete Patio?

You can cover over cracked concrete with more concrete to form a new patio surface. The process is called an overlay, and it works well as long as you prepare the old damaged surface. A bonding agent must be used to help the two layers attach together so that the new surface lasts.

How to Build Steps Into a Hillside

Building steps into a hillside requires some planning but the construction is simple, according to Creative Homeowner.com. When designing your steps, consider the amount of traffic. Plan for steps that are 5 to 6 feet wide if you want to allow two people to walk on them side-by-side, or 4 feet wide

What Is Lawn Thatching?

Lawn thatching is necessary to prevent heavy thatch debris buildup, which will deteriorate your lawn by creating a barrier that prevents water and vital nutrients from reaching grass roots. Lawn thatching can be performed yearly or when accumulation is affecting grass growth.

How Can I Slow Down Oil-Burning in a Mower?

Oil is poured into a lawnmower crankcase. As the mower runs, oil is released into the engine to lubricate the pistons and prevent unnecessary wear. Although some oil will burn in the unit over time, consumption of huge amounts of oil indicates there is an issue with the mower. Regular maintenance of

Analyzing the Appropriate Pond Waterfall Pumps For Your Pond

There are various factors that come into place when installing the appropriate pond waterfall pumps for your garden pond. You cannot just install any kind or size of pump and expect it to efficiently carry out its purpose.

A Building Decks Guide

Building a deck as an addition to your home expands and enhances the functionality of your home while increasing its value and outdoor living space. Building a new deck sets the stage for social gatherings, allowing sanctuary and respite from everyday stresses. Decks often become their owner's favor

How to Keep Mulch Separate From Stone in Landscaping

Mulch and stone often are used near each other in landscaping. Rock iprimarily is used to help control slopes and to prevent wash out. Mulch is used to reduce weeds, increase moisture and improve appearance. One of the difficulties with rock applications is keeping the rocks clean. A second concern

How to Keep Pigs in Pens

Despite all the cliches you've ever heard about pigpens and messy homes being compared to "pigsties," the truth is that pigs are actually quite particular about how they live and how they prefer to be raised. As with the rearing of most animals, you will need to account for the basic needs of your p

The Best Way to Build a Bridge Out of Popsicle Sticks

Building Popsicle bridges is something many kids do at one point or another for fun. It teaches basic concepts of math, science and engineering. The best way to build a bridge is based on a combination of simplicity of design, number of sticks needed to complete the bridge and the weight the bridge

How to Plant a Small Herb Garden

Fresh herbs are a desired ingredient in many recipes and being able to walk out the back door and pick a few leaves enables a savvy cook to spice up any dish in a snap. You may also find medicinal uses for your herbs. Even if you choose not to use the herbs, herb gardens provide an aromatic addition

Outdoor Kitchen Designs - How to Choose

When outdoor kitchens first became popular about a decade ago most kitchen designs were fairly simple consisting of a little more than a good quality grill and a small wood burning oven with a bit of counter space to help keep things organized and to provide work space. However, as more and more peo

Homemade Clay Oven

If you love breads and pizza, make room in your backyard for a homemade clay oven, capable of reaching 700 F and cooking your pizza in under three minutes. Made from clay and mud, these ovens are built to your specification. The oven itself takes a weekend to put together, but the clay needs to dry

How to Spray Fungicides

Fungicides are liquids that are applied to the leaves and stems of almost any plant to kill fungal-based diseases such as powdery mildew, black spot and molds. They are readily available to home owners at garden centers and home stores. Fungicides have a variety of active ingredients including coppe

How to Plant a Mediterranean Fan Palm

The Mediterranean fan palm (Chamaerops Humilis) is a stocky palm tree available in dwarf form that grows up to 5 feet tall or in standard form that grows up to 15 feet tall. The fan palm features traditional fan-shape leaves that grow up to 24 inches long and 24 inches wide. It can thrive in U.S. De

How to Make Your Backyard Look Like New

Only you can improve the appearance of your back yard and make it look like you know it should. So what are you waiting for? Get out there!

How to Install Composite Decking on Dock Walkway

Docks take a lot of abuse. The constant moisture and sun weathers wood quickly. Composite decking is resistant to rot and weathering. Many brands are warranted to maintain their strength and appearance for more than a decade. It can be cut, drilled and nailed with standard tools similar to real woo

About Solar Electric Fences

When the traditional wire fence no longer deters animals, a solar-powered fence may be the answer. These fences require no AC outlet and, though the sun powers them, they still provide enough electric shock to deter animals as large as deer. The electric shock should only be high enough to frighten