The perfect backdrop for outdoor fun is closer than you think, thanks to our step-by-step instructions. Turn your backyard into a cozy camp spot by making your own fire pit. This DIY project is easy to complete, and you’ll be making s’mores around the fire in no time. Get ready Before you begin building, consult your local fire code to see if fire pits are allowed in your city and, if so, how far away the fire pit has to be from a structure. Then, gather your supplies: Bricks for the fire pit wall Gravel Twine or string Tape measure Stake Large shovel Trowel Tamp Level When purchasing bricks for the fire pit wall, go for something sturdy like retaining wall bricks or concrete pavers. Some ho
Dust off your vases, pitchers and mugs — your home will be overflowing with fresh-cut blooms in no time. Have you ever ended up with a bed of dead flowers, mountains of mulch and a whopping garden center receipt? Let’s do something about that, shall we? Get your gardening groove back with these nine tips. 1. Start with a clean slate There are two kinds of flower beds: those that have been well-prepared and those that are covered in weeds. Give your unplanted bed the once-over. Does it get enough sunlight? Does water tend to collect there? Have you removed all weeds, roots and rocks so your plants will thrive? It’s a lot easier to fix these problems now than it is once you’ve planted the flow
The lush lawn of your spring-loving dreams is just a few steps away. Even if your lawn is made up of weeds more than actual grass, you can turn it around with some basic spring maintenance. Try these five tips to get your lawn ready before the weather warms up and the grass (and weeds) leave you in the dust. Prevent weeds Proper mowing, irrigation and feeding practices are the best possible weed prevention, but established weed populations require drastic measures. Use a preemergent herbicide to stop warm-season weeds before they sprout. And even a weed-free lawn can easily be undone by nearby weeds and their traveling seeds, so remove any weeds in the garden now so they don’t find their way
