(A big “thank you” to Wendy Dessler for contribtuting this post!)

If you love working in your garden every spring and summer you might also want to explore year round gardening and growing heritage plants for seed collection.

Once you’ve raised heritage plants to maturity you can learn to collect their seeds. For several types of common vegetables, it’s as easy as spreading out freshly harvested vegetable seeds onto a newspaper so they dry out completely. You can then store dried seeds inside paper bags in a cool dark spot.

If you want to extend your gardening seasons, fall is an ideal time for growing salad crops. Some plants will grow quickly for a fall harvest, and others, such as kale, can survive freezing weather and snowfall. Imagine, harvesting a fresh salad in winter!

Fall vegetables can be planted eight to ten weeks before the first frost. But if you’re a little behind this schedule, don’t worry. You can get a head start by planting seeds indoors so the seeds may germinate quicker.

Not sure which of the veggies to plant right now?

Let’s explore six of them.

1. Spinach

You can plant spinach at the same time as kale. This fast-growing salad crop can be planted and harvested in forty days or less. They’re hardy vegetables that can withstand low temperatures. You can even harvest the leaves well into winter to get a sweeter taste.

Spinach can even survive the winter. A blanket of snow can protect this crop and a new batch will start growing as soon as spring arrives.

2. Kale

The mild temperatures of fall are perfect for growing kale. A leafy vegetable packed with nutrients, this crop can be planted about six to eight weeks before the first frost. Depending upon where you live, you may be able to continue planting by fall. To obtain the best harvest with tender leaves, make sure to maintain a proper amount of moisture.

3. Cauliflower

Since cauliflower plants require a good amount of sunshine, you should select a site for growing this veggie accordingly. It’s best to use transplants rather than seeds. You can start planting cauliflower six to eight weeks before the winter frost, when the days are a bit cooler.

Cauliflowers should be planted 30 inches apart, giving it room to grow. When the white head is about two to three inches in diameter, you can tie the outer leaves with a rubber band or twine. This step is called blanching and protects the head from the sun and gives it that pretty white color. Plants will be ready for harvest seven to twelve days after blanching.

4. Beets

Sow beets about three weeks before the first frost. These plants love cold weather, so depending upon where you live, some people are able to plant and harvest this veggie all winter long. Planting beets further apart give them more room to grow fuller. Water gently to avoid washing seeds away. You can also keep the soil continuously moist to get the best germination.

5.Carrots

Carrot seeds are tiny and need to be sown shallowly. Start sowing about ten weeks before the first frost. They require highly moist soil. Carrot plants need only a few inches between them, but the rows should be at least 1.5 to 2 feet apart.

6. Mustard Greens

This is an easy crop to plant and manage. You can directly plant the seeds in the garden without having the need to be extra careful in terms of helping it reach its optimal growth. The best thing about the mustard greens? They grow rapidly in cool weather. Start three weeks before the first frost so this fast-growing crop can be on your plate in just four weeks!

Seedlings begin to appear within days. Now that you know which plants to grow, it’s best to transplant the seedlings by gradually moving them outdoors. Remember to water your plants well and fertilize regularly to obtain optimum results.

(A big “thank you” to our friends at Fox Pest Control for sponsoring this post!)

There are bugs and insects everywhere and everyone has a place in the world. Even the smallest and most insignificant play an integral part in maintaining our ecosystem.

But that doesn’t mean you want or should put up with them in your home!

Before looking at natural steps to avoid pest problems it is important to understand that if you discover a pest problem in your home you should contact the professionals and get the problem dealt with before it becomes worse. You can find out more about how they operate here.

That said, here are some great natural methods for keeping pests out of your home:

Citrus Peel

There are many pests which do not like the fresh smell of citrus. Spiders, ants and mosquitoes are particularly bothered by the scent.

Simply get the peel from your citrus fruit and rub it along your doorways and window edges. You can even create a polish from it and do all the wooden surfaces in your home.

White Vinegar

This product is actually used by many pest control firms by itself or as part of another ingredient. White vinegar is extremely effective at disrupting the pheromone trail that ants leave. Without their trail they will need to go elsewhere to locate a new home.

Herbs

Mint is excellent as a deterrent for almost all sorts of pests. Simply rub it along your doorways and windows. You can even plant some fresh mint to help keep them away.

The great thing about growing your own mint is that it grows very quickly. That means you’ll have an exterior barrier and a plentiful supply of leaves which can be crushed and rubbed along your window sills and doorways.

Citronella and lemongrass are also effective at keeping pests away. In fact there are plenty of herbs you can use.

Cinnamon

This spice is another natural product that many pests won’t cross. Simply sprinkle a line across your doorway and window sills. You can even do it right round your home to protect the walls.

Cucumber

If you’re looking to deter ants, moths, wasps and silverfish then place cucumber slices or peel around your home. They will do their best to avoid it.

Diatomaceous Earth (DE)

This soil is actually created naturally from the fossilized remains of tiny marine phytoplankton. It actually has the capability of damaging the exoskeleton of your pests. Once this is damaged the DE will enter the body and dehydrate it causing the insect to die. I used this method to deal with a serious earwig problem this summer.

Eucalyptus Oil

This is a great way to get rid of flies. All you need is a little of this essential oil on a cloth and then leave the cloth where the flies frequent. They don’t like the aroma and will go somewhere else.

Tidy

The most effective way to avoid pest problems is by keeping your yard tidy. Rubbish needs to be bagged and removed, debris got rid of and even your grass clippings and mulch should be a good distance from your home.

These all make good accommodation bases for the pests which then work their way into your home. Eliminate their potential homes and they will go elsewhere.

(A big “thank you” to our friends at American Home Shield for sponsoring this post.)

If you have bought or sold a home recently, you’ve likely stumbled across the term “curb appeal”.

Suffice to say, this is that special something that makes homes sell. And even if you don’t plan to put your home on the market great curb appeal can make your home the pride of the neighborhood.

Thankfully, it’s also often simpler—and less expensive—than big changes and repairs that are sometimes needed for long-term maintenance, or carried out courtesy of home warranty coverage.

Instead, you can focus on small changes that will have an out-sized impact.

Make Your Front Door Welcoming

One thing that you will notice with curb appeal is that you can go as far as you want in a bid to perfect it. In the case of this first suggestion, you can go all-out and buy a completely new door, or you can just add a fresh coat of paint to your existing one.

Both are going to make a monumental difference to your curb appeal, for the simple reason that this is the first thing that people look at. Don’t be a afraid to get a little adventurous with the color either—often an eye-catching color will draw attention for all the right reasons.

Transform Your Night-Time Curb Appeal with Lighting

If you have any sort of yard, don’t hesitate to install lighting. Of course, you shouldn’t be going overboard at this point. Going with big lights will likely spoil the effect.

The trick with outdoor lighting is to be as subtle as possible. This might mean adding some tiny lights alongside the path to the front door, or even concealing a light in a tree just to enhance the effect.

Refresh Your Walls

Again, this really is one of those cases where you can go as far as your enthusiasm and budget allows. If you aren’t limited by home owner’s association restrictions, consider the best options for your home’s exterior. Adding stucco, applying a render, painting, sandblasting, or simply power washing can make a huge difference.

Considering the fact that this is the element which is the largest in relation to curb appeal, getting this right should be one of your top priorities.

Spruce Up Your Windows

Something else that is going to take up a large portion of space is your windows. Make sure window coverings look as attractive from the outside of the home as they do from the inside. Premium shutters or quality blinds can provide an immediate boost to curb appeal.

Backyard Makeover Ideas for Spring

 

A Shed for All Equipment

If you have kids, expect your backyard to be a maze of clutter and clunky toys. So, making a storage space for these bikes, pool toys, and sports equipment should be one of your first priorities. If you have enough space, make a weather resistant shed. The outdoor toys will be newer for a longer time and you can also store the gardening and lawn equipment, pool cleaning equipment, and lounge chairs. Check out this amazing shed/greenhouse combo on one of our sister sites.

Beautify the Backyard

Make the backyard your own private, springtime wonderland by spending some money behind its beautification. Make a small garden there or clean up and maintain the lawn with fertilization, mowing, mulching, insect and weed control, and other general maintenance work.

Check out the rocks, boxes around planters, gazebos, arbors, fences, pavers, and anything else that needs repair. Hard-scape areas like paint and grout areas may well need a makeover. Do the necessary repair and renovation to make the place beautiful. Enjoy quality time there with your family.

DIY Tricks with Galvanized Bucket

Why don’t you resort to some DIY tricks to make the backyard more organized and functional? Think smart and you will find that even a trivial thing like a galvanized bucket can be super functional and up for various uses. If you have a big galvanized bucket, turn it into a beautiful outdoor coffee table. Place it in a suitable spot and place a wood, plastic, or glass tabletop on it. Your backyard coffee table is ready!

Don’t like your garden hose just lying out on the ground? Don’t worry! The ever-versatile galvanized bucket is here to help. Coil up the hose and place it into the bucket. A simple but perfect hose holder!

If the bucket is relatively small, you can still use it as both a hose and sprinkler holder. Turn the bucket on its side and attach to a wall. Now, keep the sprinkler inside while the hose can be coiled around it.

Hang Some Bird Feeders

Do you have trees in your backyard? If yes, invite the birds that are back with their beautiful trills after winter into your backyard. Hang some bird feeders in the trees and place some clay saucers filled with water on a low tree stump or on the ground.

These tips for springtime backyard makeover will help you cleaning the place, organizing it, beautifying it, and making it ready for both spring and summer. Your backyard will be ready for spending leisure time and for camping out to spend a night of stargazing and fun.

Do you think your backyard needs a makeover? What’s your plan?

(A big “thank you” to our friends at Summit Gutter Systems for sponsoring this post!)

Unfortunately, once damage is present, you likely need to spend a lot of money on a professional to fix your gutters in Denver.

Avoiding this is definitely a lot better. Preventing clogging is something most homeowners can do without much work. Follow the advice below, and you will be able to save a lot of cash in the long run while keeping your home safer.

Make Gutter Cleaning a Priority

It’s easy to neglect gutter cleaning up to the point at which downspouts are completely clogged. However, you should never let the situation reach that point. Choose a day when the gutters are going to be cleaned and just do it. This will easily protect your home from unnecessary property damage.

Cleaning gutters only takes a few minutes if you do it once a month. Shovels or rakes can help remove twigs, leaves, and debris present in drains.

Do Not Delay Fixes

Sometimes issues resulting in damage appear without any warning, normally leading towards clogs. When that is the case, it’s essential to get the problem fixed quickly. If you delay you will end up facing an increasingly expense repair bill. One you do detect damage it is generally a good idea to contact professionals to guarantee the job is done right.

Eliminate All Debris And Leaves, Including What Is On The Outside

If you want to prevent clogged gutters, you need to clean them from the inside, but this does not mean the outside part is not important. If there are leaves present around the gutters, there is a pretty good possibility some will end up inside the drains. Clear them all away to make sure the entire area is as clean as possible and the possibility that debris ends up collected inside your gutters will be much lower.

Guard Your Gutters

Also, consider installing gutter guards or covers. You may want to add them is that they are going to protect gutters by sealing them. That means the gutter guards will help stop leaves, airborne debris, sticks, or other materials from creating clogs. Make sure that you buy them from reliable manufacturers though so they will actually function as expected.

Always Opt For Quality Materials

Out of all the tips related to gutters mentioned in this article, this is the most important one according to most professionals. You have to be sure that you use only high-quality materials. Premium grade gutters are always going to be a lot better and will last for a long time. Using high-quality gutters also reduces clogging problems.

Focus on Prevention

Although it’s not something you probably think about often, gutters are part of your home’s roof system. And that means that you need to make sure you keep them in good shape. Remember, good home maintenance will help protect the money you have invested in your home.

Do you have a home maintenance challenge or tip you’d like to share? We’d love to hear from you! Comment below. 

Outdoor Home Easter Decorating Ideas

Image via: Etsy – XtinesDOORnaments… – Easter Decor Grapevine Wreath

Want More Creative Easter Wreath Ideas? Visit us on How To Make a Burlap Wreath.com

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Easter Decorating Ideas: Egg Ornaments

Hanging artificial Easter egg ornaments from a tree is an inexpensive and easy way to decorate your outdoor space for Easter. Delicate details such as swirl, colorful dots or stripes around the middle of the ribbon add an elegant touch to simple decorations. While pastels are always a hit, earth-toned plastic eggs such as tan or cream help to add a rustic charm to the decorations.  We like these Easter egg decorating ideas.

Spring Flowers make unique Decor for Outdoors Too!

Easter is the ideal time to show off beautiful spring blossoms. So adorn your garden or patio by placing real or faux flowers in pots or baskets at strategic points. Also, wreaths made of flowers and Easter eggs can be placed on the front door or hung from the branches of the trees.

Easter Decorating Ideas with Light

If you are hosting an Easter dinner this season, consider adding a little light and sparkle to your outdoor space. Hang strands of tiny white lights on the railings, overhangs, and surrounding the trees.  If your party has lots of kids, fun Easter themed decorations including lights with eggs and bunnies or pastel colored paper lanterns would look great.

Decorate with Nature like an Easter Wreath!

Easter decorations are not just about eggs and pastel shades. It’s also about renewal, rebirth, and springtime which at once brings to mind blooming flowers and animals coming out of hibernation. To invite these little critters to hang out on your outdoor space, consider hanging creative squirrel feeders as part of your Easter outdoor decor. Better yet, this decorating idea is sure to last beyond Easter. Here are some creative Outdoor Easter decorating ideas using baskets.

Image via: Etsy – Flower Basket – Chickadee Lore

We all know that Christmas gets a lot of attention when it comes to decorating, but the reality is that Easter actually deserves just as much of a celebration. So, this season uses these Easter decorating ideas to create a beautiful and a festive outdoor space that will be second to none.

Fall wreaths are the best way to welcome guests into your home and set the tone for beautiful curb appeal this season. Before Hurricane Irma, we had removed all of our front porch furniture and it stayed looking dark and dreary until I partnered with Lowe’s to feature their Fall Harvest outdoor decor items, including fall wreaths. Take a look at how I welcome autumn to my porch with their wreaths for autumn, as well as fresh flowers and harvest finds!

(Roll over the picture to find out more details on where you can find these items at your local Lowe’s or on Lowes.com)

I Loved the Fall Wreaths at Lowe’s for my Front Door

As you already know wreaths are a huge part of my life from my How To Make a Burlap Wreath sister site. On that site, I highlight gorgeous wreath tutorials for every season, occasion and also list by materials. The fall wreaths at Lowe’s are perfect for any decorative style and I chose their Holiday Living 22-in Orange Indoor Gourd Artificial Thanksgiving Wreath. The mixture of gourds, pumpkins, feathers, and leaves is the perfect grapevine wreath to celebrate the season. What I love even better? That I can keep this up throughout October and November!

Our “Before” front porch was dark and dreary

Fall Wreaths Pair Beautifully with Lowe’s Pumpkins, Topiary and Planted Flowers

Color and textures are the simplest way to bring warmth to your front porch. After I put my own porch furniture back, I used Lowe’s potted yellow mums flowers and their craft pumpkins in varying sizes around the porch.

I think fall wreaths always look better when they have another element to pull them together. The Holiday Living Pumpkin Topiary with White LED Lights also adds vertical height next to the front door. I love how the grapevine pumpkin topiary also lights up at night.

Here’s the Lowe’s Fall Decorating Pieces I Paired with My Wreath

I couldn’t resist getting these happy yellow mums and playful pumpkins to go alongside the pillows!

How Will you Decorate your Fall Porch this Season?

I encourage you to take a look at Lowe’s Fall and Halloween outdoor decorations. They have a wide array of styles that will perk up your outdoor home.

If you need inspiration ideas peruse through your local Lowe’s and see what ideas they have.

For more wreaths ideas I encourage you to visit the Fall Wreaths category on How To Make a Burlap Wreath.com

There are quite a number of options to make your garage stand out. With the right style garage door, you will be amazed to see how your garage door turns your exterior so gorgeous and stunning. It’s like a beautiful backdrop for your outdoor home curb appeal.

How to Choose the Right Style Garage Door

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Take note of these ideas on choosing the right style garage door:

Consider formality when choosing your door

How about turning your garage into a formal entry hub? You can definitely do this by opting to choose a stained wood door material. Cut this material into Craftsman-style architecture. This is a simple design yet so elegant to look at. Match it with a stone foundation and muted paint colors. Then, finalize the design with a mounted copper lantern for superb formal garage entry appearance.

Take a look at these 30 garage door ideas on HGTV.

Consider adding a rustic touch to your garage

Bring a farmhouse feel in your garage by making some rustic changes in your garage door. Make sure that you have the trademark “X” or “V” design braces in your garage door. Color it with gray palette and do some imperfections to make it look farm tested. Place reclaimed wood siding to enhance its farm-look effect. Also, consider using different color paint stains and paint colors for your garage.

This idea is simple yet provides an attractive appearance at your garage door. You need to have a natural wood material for the door colors it with maple or anything that will enhance the wood grains. Of course, don’t forget the swing. You can have it swing manually or with the use of a remote.

These garage door ideas from Houzz can give you inspiration!

These are just some of the beautiful ways to style your garage. Make it your weekend project and be rewarded with an attractive home exterior, highlighted with your beautiful garage.

For more architectural ideas on Stagetecture, click here.

Simple Tips to Bring Autumn to your Front Door this Season

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Wreaths or Swag

Wreaths or swags are possibly the most common elements that are used to décor the front door during autumn. What you have to take care is if the front door wreath is complementing to the design and color of your porch and entryway. Traditional harvest, autumn foliages, artificial or natural fruits and flowers, peacock feathers, acorns, pinecones, etc. are common materials used for making such wreaths. You can either buy or custom-make such a wreath and hang on your front door.

Instead of wreaths, you can go for buckets full of fall flowers too. Attach a hook to your door and hang one or two rustic-style bucket filled with fall blooms like small sized flowers and red-colored berries. Swag wreaths offer a gorgeous way to display rustic elements like this Autumn Wreath Swag are nice additions to welcome guests. Visit our fall wreaths on How to Make a Burlap Wreath!

Use Fall Harvest & Plants

Gourds and pumpkins are common fall harvest and are essential part of fall décor. Line the front steps of your home with metallic or wooden gourds and pumpkins and pots of fall flowers like asters, mums, heuchera, verbena, oxalis, etc. Hang a door-framing garland made of black feathers. This garland and pumpkins will bring an early Halloween feel into your porch.

The following offers a range of tips to help make your home a bit more secure. You can implement them all or pick and choose what works best for your home and your family’s needs. However, before getting into the list of tips here is a look at security systems and why you should seriously think about installing one.

4 Home Security Tips to Keep your Family Home Safe

1.) Invest in Quality Security Systems

Many people are under the impression that a home security system has to be this complex and expensive thing, but that is not true. Today’s systems are quite customizable. You can pick and choose elements to meet your needs and budget. In addition, wireless options make it simple to install them yourself and get a security system that works for you. Try these Home Security Tips from DIY Network.

2.) Consider a Good Security Camera & Motion Detector

While you may not be able to afford a complete system, you should at least consider some elements. Most systems allow you to add on elements in the future, so start small. For example, get a security camera or a motion detector. Later, you can add window and door sensors, glass break sensors and more cameras and detectors.

Building your own security system keeps you in the driver’s seat. It allows you to have complete control over the security and the cost. So, it is highly recommended to at least consider a security system for your home.

3.) To Stay Safe – Change your Locks Periodically

If you have moved into a new home, change the locks. While you may have been giving the keys, you have no clue how many copies were made. The last thing you need is an old owner or someone associated with the former owner coming into your home unannounced. If you rent, just ask your landlord if it is okay. They are usually fine with it as long as you send them a copy of the keys.

Make sure you have adequate outdoor lighting. A well-lit area is not a welcome spot for a would-be criminal. They like to work under cover of darkness where nobody can see them. Ensuring you have security lights and other lighting outside your home can be a huge deterrent.

Hide any wiring outside your home. Criminals cut wires to disable phones, internet, and wired security systems. Keep this from happening by making sure all wires are hidden and secured where they cannot be easily accessed.

Don’t leave spare keys in typical spots for good home security. If you need to leave a key outside your home, make sure you do so in an unobvious way, or better yet, leave it with a trusted neighbor. Leaving a key under the mat, in the mailbox or on top of an outside light are all spots a thief will check. Don’t give them easy access to your home.

Install bars to stop sliding doors from being easily opened. Also, do this with windows. Bulk up your basic security with deadbolt locks, too. Doing these small things adds an extra layer of security that will stop a criminal.

4.) Consider Using Timers to Trick Intruders & to Keep Home Safety

Use timers on lights and other electronics. In general, most criminals are not interested in a confrontation. They want to enter a home when nobody is there. Through using timers, you can give the appearance someone is home. You can have lights turn on and off or even your television or radio. Hearing noise and seeing what is perceived to be movement can be a great deterrent.

It can be tough to keep your home safe, but you can do it. There are many things you can do, from installing a security system to putting up more outdoor lighting. You can take control and live in a safe home where you do not have to fear about someone breaking in. By taking these simple steps, you can make your home a burglar’s worst nightmare and give you and your family a wholesome peace of mind that you are safe with these home security tips.

For more home safety tips take a look at this post to change the locks on your home!