Ask the Builder: Removing mold from vinyl siding
Sat., Feb. 1, 2020
Clean you siding each year in early summer to keep mold and mildew from growing on your house.
Home and garden
Washers and dryers that will make you love laundry day
Sat., Feb. 1, 2020
Homeowners can be passionate about their washers and dryers. After all, we depend on them to get kids’ clothes, work clothes and bedclothes clean so we can go about the rest of our lives. Which ones are the best? We talked to a designer, a tester for Consumer Reports and the owner of a gadget-testing website, as well as two appliance-repair service owners.
Gardening: What to do with broken branches, bent shrubs after all that wet, heavy snow
Wed., Jan. 22, 2020
We aren’t used to the sloppy wet snow we got last week. Usually our snow is the dry, fluffy stuff that is easy to clear out. The wet stuff did some damage, but it could have been much worse. So, what can be done about broken branches and bent shrubs?
Gardening: Organic pesticide can help as last resort
Thu., Jan. 9, 2020
This is the third and last in a series of articles on organic gardening. I am going to end the series with a general discussion on organic pesticides.
Gardening: Growing techniques can curb problems
UPDATED: Thu., Jan. 2, 2020
This is the second in a three-part series on organic gardening. Last week I talked about the importance of building your soil. This week I will talk about growing techniques that minimize weeds and disease and pest issues. Next week I’ll talk about selecting organic gardening products. Growing a thriving organic garden requires using integrated steps that take advantage of naturally occurring beneficial insects, plant and seed variety selection, crop rotation, weed management and cover cropping.
Gardening: Pat Munts’ primer on ‘organic gardening’
Thu., Dec. 26, 2019
What does the term “organic gardening” really mean? It’s a phrase that gets thrown around a lot.
Winter brings dark, dreary days – don’t let your space follow suit
Sat., Dec. 21, 2019
When winter sets in and days are shorter and darker, the change in light can wreak havoc on our sleep schedules and moods. But coming home and sitting in a poorly lit, dark space doesn’t have to be part of the season.
Gardening: Adapt garden tools and methods to aging’s aches and pains
Thu., Dec. 19, 2019
For many of us who are serious gardeners, gardening is a lifetime passion.
Gardening: If you can’t grow ’em, you can at least read about ’em
Thu., Dec. 12, 2019
Native plants have become a big part of our gardening in the last decade and for good reason. Native plants provide habitat for insects, birds and other wildlife as well as reduce the amount of work and water needed to keep a garden looking good. However, information on how to identify them and then grow them well can be a little hard to find.
Upcycled Life: Handmade envelopes
Sat., Dec. 7, 2019
Reuse those paper goods like last year’s calendar, brown paper bags, old maps and retired books to give character and a handmade touch to do-it-yourself envelopes. Are you writing a thank you note or looking for a fun way to dress up a pledge for an experiential gift?
Gardening: Use insecticidal soaps for plant’s good health
UPDATED: Thu., Dec. 5, 2019
Now that the frozen ground and a light dusting of snow has shut down the outdoor gardening season, it’s time for the reading and study season we all wait for. Preferably in a comfy chair with your lap warmed by a dog or cat. With that in mind, I want to spend several columns over the next few months on topics that will help you understand some more technical garden topics.