The Backyard Feature That May Actually Be Worth It, Despite All The Hate
Some backyard upgrades earn a bad reputation despite offering more everyday value than many homeowners realize, especially when you look beyond resale alone.
Read MoreNancy Schaffer
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Stories By Nancy Schaffer
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The Affordable Product That Efficiently Fills Hairline Cracks In Concrete Retaining Walls
One $40 gallon of this paint will fix hairline cracks in up to 125 square feet of concrete retaining wall, and it’s easy to use — here’s what to know.
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Pea Gravel Vs River Rock: What's The Difference?
A rock is a rock, right? Not quite. Before digging into your next landscaping project, understand how pea gravel and river rock vary and which is right for you.
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How To Repel Aphids Using Herbs They Can't Stand
Outside of soup broth, you can use these two tropical culinary herbs to repel aphids from gardens. They work when grown in the garden or when used in a spray.
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Step Aside, Cast Iron: Yeti's New Lightweight Option Is Just As Functional
Yeti is best known for its coolers, but can its cookware take the heat of competition? This item's sizzling, stick-free surface might replace your cast iron.
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Repel Tiny Garden Worms With A Simple But Overlooked Solution
Root-knot nematodes are parasitic organisms that feed on plant roots. Beyond growing companion plants, there's another way to try and reduce nematode numbers.
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Your Stairs Need An Upgrade: Build A Railing That's Cheaper And Sturdier
If you get your railings built by professionals, expect to pay big bucks. Head to your local hardware store for a cheaper and possibly sturdier option.
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Not Edging: The Hardscaping Feature Gravel Driveways Need
Keeping gravel in place takes more than choosing the right stone. One important driveway feature helps reduce movement while improving appearance and function.
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Neither Concrete Nor Stone: The Durable Retaining Wall Material That Lasts Longer
There's a retaining wall option that's just as durable as stone and as affordable as concrete, but has more Old World charm than both materials combined.
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Landscape Fabric Vs Weed Barrier: What's The Difference?
Few landscaping tasks are more stressful than weed prevention, and there's confusion between weed barrier and landscape fabric. Try categorizing them like this.
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5/8-Inch Vs 3/4-Inch Garden Hoses: Which One Is Best For Your Home?
The diameter of your garden hose matters. The varying size contributes to a difference in features like water flow rate, weight, and flexibility.
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Not Regular Blocks: A Creative Way To Add Concrete Beds To Your Garden
This DIYer came up with the best way to create a sleek, durable concrete raised garden bed to your yard on your own, without professional installation.
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Don't Bother Hand Pulling: The Garden Tool For Removing Weeds From Tough Clay Soil Quickly
Weeds feeling stuck in dense clay soil? If you're tired of playing tug-of-war in your garden, there's an affordable tool that can save you time and back pain.
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When To Apply Fertilizer To Grow Thriving Leafy Greens
While most leafy greens aren't very hungry for nutrients, adding a fertilizer at the correct time during their growing process can help bolster your crop/
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Skip The Coffee Grounds And Use This Spicy Kitchen Staple To Deter Slugs
If you think you've tried every remedy under the sun to repel slugs, think again. Your veggie patch may need a spritz of water infused with this sizzling spice.
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For Fewer Mice In The House, Reach For This Copper Product
Keeping mice out starts with sealing the smallest openings. One durable material offers a longer-lasting solution than many common DIY gap fillers.
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Build Or Buy A Shed: Here's The Cheaper Option For Outdoor Storage
You need a shed, but should you build one yourself, assemble a prefabricated kit, or get a ready-made shed? The key is to price out each option before deciding.
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Bye, Gravel Driveways: The Futuristic Material That's Easy To Recycle
Gravel and crushed rock have long been classic driveway options, but this eco-friendly option is recently becoming more popular among homeowners.
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Traditional Landscape Fabric Could Doom Your French Drain — And It Makes Sense
One common landscaping material seems like the obvious choice for a French drain, but it can create expensive drainage problems instead of preventing them.
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Step Aside DEET: Study Finds Promising Link Between Coconut Oil Fatty Acids & Mosquito Repellency
While it will likely take time before we see products utilizing the findings from this study, specially treated coconut oil shows promise in repelling bugs.
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It Was A Status Symbol In The '50s — Now It's The Valuable Kitchen Item Worth Hunting For
Like today, certain pricey kitchen appliances were coveted by homeowners in the 1950s. This product was so durable you can still find working models today.
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How Many Times Can You Sharpen Lawn Mower Blades?
Sharpening your mower blade is a necessary part of lawn maintenance, but how long should a blade last? Read up on our tips for the frequency of sharpening.
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How To Protect Your Hydrangea From Deer With A Natural Solution From Amazon
Keeping deer away from hydrangeas often takes more than luck. One natural deterrent can help protect blooms when paired with a few smart garden strategies.
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How To Easily Sharpen Lawn Mower Blades With A Flap Disc
If your lawn isn't looking its best, it may be time to sharpen your lawn mower blade, and this is one of the easiest ways to do it yourself at home.
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If You Want Your Backyard To Look Like An Oasis, Then Try This Landscaping Style
The most welcoming backyards often have one thing in common: spaces designed for everyday living. One landscaping style brings comfort and structure outdoors.
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Your Cool-Season Grass Fertilizer Guide For The Lushest Lawn
While many people see advice for fertilizing grass as universal, whether you have cool-season or warm-season grass makes a huge difference in its care needs.
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The Lesser Known Scrap To Add To Compost — It's Not Corn Husks Or Coffee Grounds
There's some common household waste, which you sweep up from corners and under furniture, that you may be sadly trashing instead of turning into plant food.
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