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Start Seeds Indoors

By Linda Cottin |
Get a jump on spring by starting garden seeds indoors.  Step 1:  Choose the right crops to start inside.   Cool weather crops including broccoli, cauliflower and kale are great, as are leafy greens, tomatoes, peppers and onions.  Root crops such as potatoes, turnips, beets, radishes and carrots are… Read More

Planting Native Grasses

By Linda Cottin |
Whether it is to replace an existing lawn or to create intrigue within a section of any yard, planting native grass is an easy way to add low maintenance beauty to any patch of land. Step 1: Little bluestem, side oats grama, and Virginia wild rye are all… Read More

Water a Home’s Foundation

By Linda Cottin |
Excessive heat and dry weather can wreak havoc on a home’s foundation.  Lack of moisture causes soils to crack and shrink, leaving the foundation unevenly supported.   As soil moisture levels change, foundations can shift and crack.  Foundation cracks themselves may not be a serious problem, but if the cracks… Read More

Replace a Dryer Cord

By Linda Cottin |
If you are ready to plug in that new or used clothes dryer, but the plug on the dryer does not match the outlet on the wall, replacing the cord on the dryer is much safer, easier and more economical than replacing the outlet on the wall. Step… Read More

Control Garden Pests Naturally

By Linda Cottin |
There are many ways to control pesky garden insects.  Here are a few ways that are good for you and good for the environment. Step 1:  Spray insecticidal soap on vegetation to control aphids, chiggers, flea beetles, mites, white flies and more. Purchase pre-made or mix up your… Read More

Hay vs. Straw

By Linda Cottin |
Farmers and ranchers know the difference between hay and straw, but the average homeowner often confuses the two.  Both are available in homeowner sized bales, typically rectangular in shape, and both can be used for many home and garden projects.  Understanding the differences and benefits of each will help… Read More

Replace a Window or Door Screen

By Linda Cottin |
With summer in full swing, now is the time to replace those torn or worn screens around your home. Step 1:  Remove the screen frame from the window or door and lay the frame on a flat hard surface. Step 2: Measure the frame and add two… Read More

Crabgrass Prevention vs. Spring Seeding

By Linda Cottin |
To seed or not to seed, that is the question.  Spring is a great time to over seed an existing lawn.  Sunshine is abundant in those normally shady spots and springtime rains assure an adequate supply of moisture.  Spring is also the only time that crabgrass can be controlled… Read More

Winterize Your Home

By Linda Cottin |
Staying warm and saving money on heating costs are two goals that sometimes seem at odds when cold weather hits.  Here are ten steps that will help you do both. Step 1:  Seal up cracks or crevices inside and outside the home.  Look for gaps where different materials… Read More

Melt Weeds Away

By Linda Cottin |
Using a propane flame torch to wilt away weeds is a great alternative to herbicides or other traditional weeding methods.  Proper use of a flame torch is safe and easy for gardeners and farmers alike. Step 1:  Choose a day when there are no burn notices in effect… Read More