Garden / Landscaping / Patio
Creating Your Landscape Site Plan - Part 1
by Dan Eskelson on Apr 30, 2012
Before you begin to design your landscape, you need to put into writing exactly what you like (and don't like), how you hope to use your landscape areas and other information which will determine your general layout, hardscape choices and plant selection. Continue reading →
Creating Your Landscape Site Plan - Part 2
by Dan Eskelson on Apr 30, 2012
Creating Your Landscape Site Plan by evaluating the conditions specific to your site. Do not underestimate the importance of this step: a thorough understanding of all environmental factors is critical. For example, in the north, you probably need to know from which direction the cold winds come in winter. Continue reading →
Drought Management Strategies
by Dan Eskelson on Apr 30, 2012
As a concerned gardener, I have been dismayed by recent weather news - the drought plaguing much of the country has become extremely serious! My daughter gardens in New Mexico, and she tells me that the water shortage is so severe there that all new landscaping is prohibited. Continue reading →
Fall Garden Chores, Part 1
by Dan Eskelson on Apr 30, 2012
In your vegetable garden, make sure you remove all weeds before they set seed - better to deal with them now than in the spring. It will pay to prepare at least one or two planting beds for early spring use...this will allow planting before the soil will allow tillage. Continue reading →
Fall Garden Chores, Part 2
by Dan Eskelson on Apr 30, 2012
One of the most neglected fall chores is watering...once the weather cools, we often forget that our plants still need water. In areas that freeze hard in the winter, late season watering is especially critical because roots will be unable to take in moisture when the soil is frozen. Continue reading →
Soil Fertility and Plant Food
by Dan Eskelson on Apr 30, 2012
The most important major nutrients are nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K). Plants require these nutrients in relatively large amounts, and these are the nutrients most likely to be deficient for plant growth. Other major nutrients are calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), and sulfur (S). Continue reading →
Winterizing Fish Ponds
by Dan Eskelson on Apr 30, 2012
Since the pump runs 24/7/365, the area under the falls will stay free of ice until it gets *real* cold - like below 0 deg. F. I added a small bubbler pump near the skimmer to keep that area open also. When we had several days below zero, I tried these to keep an even larger hole open. Continue reading →
Fallacy of a Green Thumb
by Dan Eskelson on Apr 30, 2012
Some of our clients have expressed a desire to grow their own vegetable or flower gardens, but believe they do not have a green thumb. This is nonsense - a green thumb is learned, just like other skills in life. The beginner's learning process may produce a few failures, but each new lesson builds knowledge. Continue reading →
Grading Landscapes - Part 1 (equipment)
by Dan Eskelson on Apr 30, 2012
A tool that is useful in almost all landscaping is the rototiller for grading your yard. This tool is used for cultivating planting areas and mixing soil amendments with the native soil. If at all possible, rent or borrow a tiller with the tines in the rear of the machine. Continue reading →
Grading Landscapes - Part 2 (raised beds)
by Dan Eskelson on Apr 30, 2012
If you're creating planting beds and lawns on a sloped site, or if you want to create more vertical interest with raised or mounded beds, careful planning and choice of materials is vital. Understand that soil is extremely heavy, especially when wet. The forces of gravity will work to tear down any structures installed to retain soil, so these structures must be built with great care and careful planning. Continue reading →
Popular Articles
Three Places to Spend Money on the Exterior of Your Home
When you have the exterior of your home remodeled, you are investing, time, energy and convenience into the project and you want to make sure that...
106537 Views
Homemade Headboards-Make an Upholstered or Wooden Headboard
Homemade headboards can add a lot of personality to any bedroom. They can be coordinated with existing furniture and room decor or they can be the...
80763 Views
When to Use a Brush, Roller or Sponge Brush
Brushes are a good choice for painting trim and woodwork. They are also useful for cutting in the edges around the top and bottom edges and corners...
73368 Views
Creating a Cottage Kitchen with Bead Board
Kitchen decor can range from modern and bold to elegant and elaborate by using strategic kitchen pieces. One of the most popular decorating trends...
59142 Views
Gas Fireplace Diagnostics and Troubleshooting
Follow these steps for diagnosing and troubleshooting Gas Fireplaces repairs. For the average DIYer, this may seem intimidating, depending on the...
36134 Views
Latest Articles
Signs You Need Professional Plumbing Repair: Don’t Ignore These Warning Signs
Ignoring the signs of a pending plumbing disaster can lead to significant damage and costly repairs. For instance, homeowners might not realize...
on Jan 20, 2026
Beneath the Surface: Why Professional Trenchless Sewer Line Repair
Beneath the Surface: Why Professional Trenchless Sewer Line Repair is Essential for Modern Homeowners
on Jan 14, 2026
Hydro Jetting Services: Unclog Your Pipes with the Power of Water
When faced with stubborn clogs and slow drains, conventional solutions often fall short. But with the innovation of hydro jetting services,...
on Dec 15, 2025
Why Professional Heat Pump Installation is Key to Maximizing Efficiency and Longevity
Heat pumps are a highly efficient means of heating and cooling homes, reducing energy costs and contributing to environmental sustainability. To...
on Dec 15, 2025
Why Professional Boiler Repair is Essential for Home Safety and Comfort
Maintaining a warm and safe home environment is paramount for any homeowner. Your home's boiler system plays a critical role in this, but what...
on Nov 5, 2025
Featured Articles
What Type of Licensed Contractor Should You Hire?
on Feb 28, 2017
Hire Contractors / Estimates
Looking for a specialty project? There are many types of contractors available for your home improvement needs. Finding the right type of...
Articles Archive
More DIY Articles
Advantages and Disadvantages of Reclaimed Hardwood Floors
Over the years, wood has always been one of the most favorite building materials for both residential and commercial buildings. It was the world’s...
Five Common Household Pests and How to Get Rid of Them
We all want to live a comfortable and relaxing life at home. This can often be made difficult if you are dealing with a pest problem or...
How Your Roof Affects Your Electric Bill
When it comes to indoor temperatures at home, we are all guilty of the Goldilocks syndrome. Everyone wants to feel as comfortable as possible at...
10 Top Tips to Get You Moving Like a Pro
Moving to a new place can be wonderful and exciting until you start to think of all the stuff you have to figure out to make your moving fast and...
How Smart Homeowners Avoid Getting Ripped Off By Contractors
We all look forward to a perfect DIY job but even DIYers still need a professional for aspects of the job they can't-do themselves. Whether you’re...