Can I Fertilize in Hot Weather?
I wouldnt. The plants are under enough stress just keeping their roots wet and not drying out. I typically stop fertilizing around the beginning of August and Im in a cold weather climate.
Growing a Perennial Herb Garden
Great tips. Heres more on herb gardens: http://www.oldhouseweb.com/gardening/growing-an-herb-garden.shtml
How Do I Grow Lavender?
You definitely need a sunny spot. I have some in a semi-sunny spot and its just not doing great. Heres more: http://hubpages.com/hub/How-to-grow-Lavender
Plants for Shady Garden?
You cant go wrong with hosta, but look beyond the basic green ones. There are varigated ones that add such a nice look, and can brighten up a shady spot. Also try huchera and ferns. Things may take longer to grow, but when cared for well, they will grow. Heres...
Pruning and Rejuvenating Overgrown Lilacs
Great advice. I cant bear to do the hard pruning, but the other methods would work.
Use Vintage Knobs as Curtain Finials
Great tips, Im tired of paying for all those finials. Ive also done the styrofoam ball and it works great, but you do have to finesse the fabric so you dont see the ball.
Inexpensive Countertop and Backsplash Ideas?
The cheapest way to do countertops is laminate. There are many standard sizes sold in home stores, assuming your countertop fits the standard size and you dont need extra cuts, etc. For the back splash, I would use paint. You could do a faux finish. Or, if...
Decorating a Guest Bedroom?
I once took an old decorative picture frame that didnt have a picture in it and put part of a fabric remnant inside it. I stapled it from the back and it made a nice piece of art to hang up.
How to Bring Light Into Shady Garden Spaces
Great advice, will try some of these under our tree. I like the light colored rocks idea in particular.
Kitchen Countertops and Flooring That Coordinate With Dark Oak Cabinets?
If youre going to go dark with the countertop, I would go light with the floor (assuming you dont mind the extra work to keep them clean). Perhaps something with a cream pattern?
Using Milk Jugs in the Garden?
I tried this for a slow watering concept, but the squirrels kept knocking them down!
Wildlife: Butterflies
We have three butterfly bushes and they doing great this year, a real treat. There also are many more plants that will attract them. Heres a link with more: http://www.oldhouseweb.com/gardening/Detailed/817.shtml
Prevent Identity Theft
Great tips. I recently had someone try to use one of my credit cards and still dont know how they got the number. Luckily it didnt go through.
Painting Over Varnish Without Sanding?
I would sand what you can with a small sander and then use an attachment to try to get what you can of the decorative parts. You could hand sand the rest, but it will get old fast.
Pruning a Blue Spruce Tree?
Heres a link on pruning. A few thoughts, when it was planted were the roots given plenty of room to grow, was the soil free from too much clay? http://www.gardenguides.com/98086-prune-spruce-trees.html
Furniture Placement and Color Schemes for Combo Rooms?
I think you need one of the love seats to separate the kitchen area from the fireplace area. While its tempting to put it on an angle with the fireplace, that would take up too much space, so I would put it parallel with the kitchen and then put another one...
Carpet Color to Coordinate With a Red Couch?
Beige, but dont just focus on the couch, think about the other floors around it. Are they wood, ceramic? Make sure all the tones blend.
Garden: Under the Trumpets
Love it. I just ordered some trumpets for next year, I have other lilies, but not this type. Cant wait!
How and When to Prune Your Clematis
It is tricky to remember, so I keep them listed on a spreadsheet, along with when I fertilize them....good way to keep track of lots of plants without going crazy.
Eating Fruits Grown Where Cats Have Pooped?
Im not sure if its technically safe, but I wouldnt try it.
Planting a Cutting from a Butterfly Bush?
I think youd have better luck growing them from cuttings, where you put it in vermiculite and water/mist it. Heres a link for more: http://www.savvygardener.com/Features/flowers_from_cuttings.html
Painting A Room Two Colors?
I would use one of the colors as an accent on one wall. In this case, the darker pink, as otherwise the room might be too dark if 3 walls are the dark pink. It also depends on your bedding, though. If it is mainly the orange, then you might want the pink on...
Reasons Container Plants Fail
I never thought of how important it is to feed them regularly. Thanks for the tips. Just did more research and found another article that also goes into the whole drainage thing: http://www.oldhouseweb.com/gardening/liven-up-your-patio-or-balcony-with-a-container...
Removing Aphids Organically?
I have heard that a dish soap and water spray works on roses, but have not tried it. Worth a shot!
Rock Garden
Its fabulous. What you have to add now is some kind of trickling waterfall and some lighting for the evening.
Keeping Squirrels out of Your Bird Feeder?
I have that feeder with the shield that slides down, got it at Home Depot. It works well, but be careful when you open the top and fill it. There are little springs that will wear out if you stretch them too much when holding back the lid. Then it doesnt work...
Paint Color Advice to Coordinate With Dark Salmon Accent Wall Color?
Another thought is to do some decorative/faux painting either on the salmon wall only (to diffuse the salmon a little) or on the other walls to mask the color coordination a little. If youre mixing two colors in a ragging technique, for example, it wont be...
Refurbishing A Faded Patio Umbrella
What a great idea. I would have thought the paint would crack with the constant opening and closing of the umbrella, but it doesnt seem that way.
Simple Ways to Manage Energy Costs
We added insulation in our attic and I was amazed at how much it helped with temperature control not only in the winter but the summer. Its about 7 degrees cooler on the first floor. Heres a neat diagram that explains where you need insulation, it can help...
Keep Your Home Clean and Green
I give our cats a bath with allergy shampoo from the vet every 2-3 weeks and it makes a big difference, along with the HEPA vacuum.
Can I Use Higher Watt Bulbs Than That Recommended on a Lamp?
Agree. I have had a few electricians warn me about not using too much wattage. Better to buy a different lamp that can take more power.
How Gardeners Can Help Monarch Butterflies
Wow. I had no idea this was happening. Ive been planting more plants that help attract butterflies, just because I like them, but that obviously is not enough. Heres a good overview on which plants to pick. http://www.oldhouseweb.com/gardening/Detailed/817...
My Frugal Life: Reusing Plastic Grocery Bags
I also take ours into our daughters daycare, as they use them to send dirty clothes home in.
Raised Garden Bed
Great idea, as you dont have to worry about whats under your soil at ground level, clay in our case! Heres more on that: http://www.oldhouseweb.com/gardening/Detailed/751.shtml
My Frugal Life: My Garden Costs Almost Nothing
I love plant swaps, a great way to save money and find some interesting plants. In fact, one plant swap got me hooked on fragrance. Makes me wonder why I bought some roses that are not fragrant, seems like a waste! Heres a good link on adding fragrance to a...
Tape Manual to Back of Appliance
Great idea. I do this with stereo equipment when moving. I put a diagram of how the wires hook up, works for cable and VCRs, too.
Use Vinyl Tablecloth as Curtain to Keep Out Heat
Ive used heavy lined drapes to do the same thing in our sunroom. Another option is to build some kind of overhang by the back door to keep sun away and help keep you dry from rain.
Landscaping Your Mailbox
The other thing to think about is how careful the mail carrier is when delivering the mail. Some are busy or just in a hurry and wont necessarily want to work around your plants.
Taking Care of Paint Brushes?
I always rinse then thoroughly with water (if latex paint) or paint thinner (if oil paint) and then wrap them loosely in newspaper. After they are dry, put them in a coffee can with the bristles up. The key is getting all the paint out of the rollers, although...
Tips for Gardening With Small Children
What a great article. Ive been gardening with my daughters forever and they really have an appreciation for nature and can tell you the differences between different flowers and shrubs.
Leaves on Clematis Turning Black?
It typically is clematis wilt. Get clean pruners (wipe them with bleach and water before and then after) and trim out the infected sections right away, anytime you see it, get it early before it spreads or youll have to cut the whole thing off. It will come...
Painting Walls Different Colors in a Bedroom?
I agree with one wall as an accent. You dont want to create confusion by having too many focal points. Another option is to do some faux/decorative painting, either the whole room or just one wall as an accent. http://www.oldhouseweb.com/architecture-and-design...
Drying Time for Kilz Primer Before Sanding?
Im not sure why youre sanding after priming? You should really do any wall repair and get it where you want it and then prime. Otherwise, the primer tends to lock in the stuff you want to sand.
Removing Wallpaper Border Before Painting?
I typically use DIF. You mix it with water and then spray it on, let it sit for a few minutes (but not too long) and then peel away. Heres more: http://www.oldhouseweb.com/how-to-advice/stripping-wallpaper.shtml
Something is Eating My Impatiens?
Will that also work on roses? Ive been using the chemical sprays, which I dont like to do, but it beats having your plants eaten away.
Dead Heading Roses?
I deadhead whenever I see them or do several at a time. I think it speeds up the next bloom, but cant say for sure. I does make them look neater, though.
Preventing Dirt Under Your Finger Nails
Great idea! I also use latex gloves under my gardening gloves and sometimes that helps.
How to Grow Dazzling Dahlias
I love the color variation. Will have to check these out at the nursery.
Gardening: Fertilize With Banana Peels
Ill have to try this, is there a limit to how much you should use or how often?
Cleaning a Birdbath?
I think a little bleach is fine, as you will be rinsing it out and the bleach evaporates anyway. Just keep a scrub brush handy. I hide one behind some plants, and keep it brushed every few days.
Covering a Bathroom Window?
Agree that youll want some light in there, so go with the frosted glass concept.
Paint Color Ideas for Kitchen Cabinets?
You also have to look at the countertop and floor so that it all coordinates. You could do black, brown or a cherry look if you want a darker cabinet. Or,go with a cream or off white, whichever fits with the green tiles. White will be harder to keep clean. Heres...
Smart and Thrifty Curb Appeal Ideas
It is amazing how great your house can look with just some simple fixes, like trimming the bushes and cleaning the porch or steps, and adding a few flower pots.
Use Cucumber and Aluminum to Deter Slugs and Grubs
Its worth a try, but I also tried leaving containers of beer and that one didnt work. I am tired of sprinkling those pellets around the plants, though.
Garden: Day Lilies
The trick is to space out the color by picking ones that bloom at different times and then clump the same ones together in mass. Youll get waves of color throughout the summer.
The 3 Important Tips for New Organic...
Now if we could only buy plants in containers that could be recycled! And, dont forget to try composting. Heres a link with more on that: http://www.oldhouseweb.com/gardening/starting-a-compost-pile.shtml
Paint Color Advice to Coordinate with Turquoise Carpet?
I would also go with the taupe, but are you sure youll always keep that carpet color?
Plants Look Bad After Transplanting?
It really depends on the plant, but in general you dont want to move them when they are in bloom or on a hot day as that adds stress to the plant. Otherwise, did you use root stimulator in the hole? Add in compost and keep them well watered for a few weeks...
Restain Old Kitchen Cabinets
Youre right. There are lots of ways to do it, depending on the condition. I love stain, but find it harder than painting so I like to go the painting route. Either way, its a new kitchen. http://www.oldhouseweb.com/how-to-advice/painting-kitchen-cabinets.shtml
Bathroom Paint Color Advice to Tone Down Pink Countertop?
How about adding decorative elements on the countertops so you block most of it?
Kitchen Counters to Go With Beige Stone Floor and Medium Wood Cabinets?
I think you need a little contrast. It could be as bold as a burgundy or cranberry or more subtle with a sage or blue. Then for the backsplash, use a similar color to your floor for most of the tile, then pull in the countertop color in speckles or randomly...
Use Removable Inserts In Birdbath
Wow. I will have to try that, as I also hate having to scrub all the algae.
Tips For Transplanting Seedlings Into the...
It is so hard to do, though. Sending them into the harsh world out there. The cloudy day does help, though. Avoid that bright sunlight.
Garden: Jasmine
Wow. Well worth saving. I have one in a pot that I take inside during the winter in our climate, but its only about 30 percent of what you have. Fabulous!
Color Ideas for a Bathroom With Cream Fixtures?
I also like cream and burgundy. You just have to stick with earth tones versus real bold primary colors. If you want less contrast, go with a deeper cream that is about 2 shades darker than the fixtures.
Getting Your Garden Ready for the Growing Season
Great tips, especially about the mulch. It really does help to get it in place and keep the weeds out. Heres a link I found on planning a garden site-- good ideas. http://www.oldhouseweb.com/gardening/planning-a-garden.shtml
Keeping Dogs Out Of Flower Beds
I like the dog run area - you really cant fight it, they are dogs, so give them a place to run - away from your flowers!
Hardware Choice for a Kitchen With Stainless Appliances?
Not if you dont want to. As long as you try to blend the finish so its close, go with a satin nickel or brushed chrome and youll be fine.
Keep Lower Windows Closed In Hot Weather
Will have to try this one, although I have some that wont open from both ways, but thats the breaks of an old house!
Using Bleach as a Weed Killer?
Agree with the vinegar route. We might try it this year, as our dandelions are already out of control.
What is the Best Exposure for a Rhododendron?
Also, make sure its protected during the winter from winds or cold. Plant where you have a fence or building to protect it from the winds.
How Do I Supply Power to an Outdoor Spa and Waterfall?
My guess is that youll need to go underground, which will be expensive and tear apart your yard. I would call an electrician. They could probably give you an idea over the phone. Is there a closer place to put the spa?
How Do I Propagate Hydrangeas?
Steps above are great! It does take a few attempts. I took some cuttings last summer and they looked great. I planted them in the fall and it doesnt look like they are making it. Might have been our cold winter, not sure.
Tree Removal Advice?
I dont think that will be enough. Plus its not very safe, as you want to guide where the tree falls. Depending on the size, you might consider calling a tree service.
Buying Mistake Paint For Less Than Half Price?
Just check the date to make sure its not too old. They are usually in a big bin by the paint mixing area.
Keeping Mice Out of My House?
Ive heard they dislike steel wool, so it you put it in cracks they wont come in. But, in the end, the cat is the key. Not all cats are mousers, however. We have two and one is and the other is not!
Hiding Furniture Imperfections and Upholstery Damage
Ive also used throws to drape over chairs. Looks decorate and you can move it around based on where the spills are!
My Frugal Life - Managing on a Budget
Yes, great tips. We also started saving our leaves this past fall, but they arent quite decomposed yet. Im exploring the whole compost thing. Just hate to wait a year for it to be ready, but what are the other options. Heres a good link I found: http://www...
Lilac Bushes Leaves Turning Brown?
I would take a leaf into a nursery and see if they can analyze it under a microscope. A soil test also is a good idea, but it seems odd that it would be so different a few feet away from the others.
Craft: Kids Clubhouse
Love it. Ive seen these types of houses for sale for $2,000 or more at nice nurseries, but they dont have the person touch that yours does!
Hydrangeas Not Blooming?
I would go with the right fertilizer. You might have been using the kind that works on the roots (nitrogen based) and not the flowering. The 10-10-10 should be fine or ask at a local nursery if you want to really push the blooms.
Growing an Easter Lily Indoors?
One important note-- these are highly poisonous to cats (not sure about dogs). Many people dont know that so I thought Id pass it along. Heres a link on lily care: http://www.thegardenhelper.com/easterlily.html
Choosing Plants for "Curb Appeal"?
Red, pink or orange would go. Remember to use larger pots near the front so you are adjusting to the scale of the house.
Choosing Plants for "Curb Appeal"?
You need some contrasting colors, such as white, pink or yellow. But, dont just buy bushes, plan out the whole front on graph paper so you are looking at the whole front yard. Try some flowering shrubs with fragrance (lilac, some viburnum, roses) near the front...
My Frugal Life: Tips For Spring
Love the cat tower concept. Not sure that ours would dig it, but its worth a try.
Flowering Plants for Garden Walkways?
There also are some interesting walkables that are designed to go between the steps...you can also do them on the side, but then if they run over a bit, its not a big deal if you step on them. There are some sedum varieties that grow along the ground versus...
Saving Time is Like Saving Money
I agree with the Facebook comments. Check it once a week or so for 15 minutes, but otherwise who needs it?
Show Up REALLY Early at Garage Sales
I actually called a neighbor the day before we did our garage sale because she has a daughter that would fit into most of the clothes we were selling. She came over the night before and bought $200 worth, so if done right, it is a good idea.
Removing Moss from Asphalt Roof Tiles
Great idea. My only problem is getting up on the roof. Perhaps a handyman can help?
Plastic Storage Bin Greenhouse?
I also think you are trying to do too much with the storage bin. The lights and other instructions will be a great thing and should get you through. Good luck
Planting Day Lily Bulbs?
I think you have to give them more time-- another week or two before doing anything. Its good that the roots are getting established, although I know its hard to wait for the top growth. Heres more from a gardening site: http://www.whiteflowerfarm.com/growing...
Best Flooring for a Screen Porch?
I would go with deck type flooring and you could put a few area rugs around if you need to. Or, another option is ceramic tile, but that is colder on your feet.
What Color Countertops Should I Get?
I think quartz is ideal because it gives you some color variation that will add texture. I would go for a middle of the road, leaning toward lighter blue.
How To Avoid Misleading Environmental Claims
Wow. Great info. I will read those labels more carefully!
Painting a Kitchen With Mahogany Cabinets and Green Granite Countertops?
I would go with a shade or two darker than the countertop. It would add a nice background without taking all the attention! Heres more on painting: http://www.oldhouseweb.com/architecture-and-design/decorative-painting.shtml
Watering Plants That Have Been Wintered Indoors?
Yes, just dont move them outside until youre sure the danger of frost has gone.
Cabinet Color Advice for Kitchen With Dark Mahogany Floors and Blue Granite Countertops?
I think a white, off-white or a white with a glaze that has a hint of gray in it. If Im seeing this correctly, there is a little gray in the blue countertop. Might be nice to pull that out subtly.
Brightening Up a Drab Bedroom?
I would use a color from the polka dots and paint. Painting is a great refresher and not too hard to do.
Renovation Return Values
I would always check with a local realtor (Im not one, but they do know the market) to figure out what is needed in each neighborhood. Im a big fan of good painting, adding warm colors instead of the builder white, and things like cabinet hardware, nice artwork...
Cabinets and Trim for Mint and Chocolate Kitchen?
For the trim, I would go with a crisp white (assuming youre painting), as this will help highlight the other colors.
Energy Saving Tips for Using Dehumidifiers
Great idea on reusing the water. Also remember to clean out the water collection area with a little bleach now and then.
Choosing Best Flooring for a Kitchen?
I would go with real wood or a laminate wood material. It depends on your budget, as real wood is often a little more.
A List of Yard and Garden Hazards for Pets
There also are many plants that are poisonous to pets, such as hydrangea (harmful to cats, anyway). Heres one list: http://www.cfa.org/articles/plants.html
Patching a Lawn?
Weve used those bags of grass and recycled newspaper that are great for filling in, but they can get pricey. This wont help you this year, but is there a way to build a dog run so that they have a place to go without ruining the grass?
Planting My First Garden?
It depends on what you want to grow, flowers and shrubs versus vegetables. I always recommend drawing it out on paper after measuring things so you get it to scale. Use graph paper and a pencil, as youll erase a lot as you go. Find a few landscaping books at...
Tips For Photographing Your Garden In Winter
Great ideas. It also helps to photograph so you know how to add additional winter interest for next year. Im ready to trim back a few things but its still 35 degrees here, so I may have to wait.
Encouraging Birds to Nest in Your Yard?
Try shrubs that go through season changes and get berries in the fall. We use a varied bird seed routine to get cardinals and other birds to come by. One thing to worry about is the squirrel, as it will eat any bird seed that falls to the ground!
Less Costly Landscaping
One way to reduce your mulch cost is to save those fall leaves in a pile and then once they have decomposed, use them as leaf mulch. Saves on the fall chore of bagging them or hauling them to the curb.
Paint Color Advice to Coordinate with Mahogany Woodwork?
We have mahogany/walnut stained trim and warm earth tone colors on the walls - sage, desert tan. I say go medium to light on the walls so the trim stands out.
Painting Kitchen with Red Cabinets and Black and White Floor?
Or, try a carmel or creamy gold color. Also look at faux finishing to add some pop. http://www.oldhouseweb.com/architecture-and-design/decorative-painting.shtml
Decorating with Antique French Doors?
Is there anywhere to actually install them? Between a dining room and living room, for example.
Cabinet and Countertop Advice for Kitchen?
Youve got a real neutral paint color so you could almost go anywhere with it. Perhaps a sage or cranberry (if you want bold color) or a warm, honey on the cabinets. Have you considered painting the cabinets? Heres one link that might help: http://www.oldhouseweb...
Cabinet Color to Coordinate with Butterscotch Oak Floor?
You could really go with any color. I would look at the countertop and any tile too and coordinate it all. Try a warm light brown or add some contrast with a subtle burgungy.
Painting Kitchen with Sapphire Blue Counters?
I like desert tan by Benjamin Moore. Its actually more yellow/golden than tan, depending on the light in the room. Another option is to go with a blue that is a few shaded lighter than your countertops, depending on how much blue you want, though.
Seal Your Home Against Money Leaks
Great tips, but one word of caution when using that Great Stuff spray stuff. It is hard to control and hard to get rid of, so make sure you really want it there.
Kitchen With White Tile?
I would pick up the sage on the countertop or go with a tan or brown granite to blend with the tan. I think you need a little bit of color to offset all that white.
Paint and Carpet Color Ideas?
I would go the sage route. I wouldnt do blue carpet, as it is too dark and might look dated.
Choosing a New Kitchen Sink?
A lot depends on the style you want. Cast iron is better in an old house where youre trying to keep the charm, but it does stain. If youre going with stainless appliances, it is nice to have the sink match. If you go stainless, get a good quality one and it...
Bring Warmth to a Winter Garden With Lights
Great ideas. One thought, though. Ive tried solar lights and they just dont give out much light. Probably because its winter in the Midwest and there isnt much sun.
Painting Kitchen with Tan Tile and Brown Cabinets?
You could go almost anywhere, from a sage, which is pretty neutral to a rust or golden tan/yellow. Are you planning to keep the cabinets brown? One thought is to paint them white or add paint and a glaze. Will give it an updated look. http://www.oldhouseweb...
Bringing Style to Out of Style Furniture
Ive also covered a few tables with nice fabric and let it hang down almost to the floor. Hides a multitude of sins!
Bringing Style to Out of Style Furniture
Just found this cool link on how to stain or lacquer wood-- might have to try the dining room table. http://www.oldhouseweb.com/how-to-advice/staining-and-laquering-woodwork.shtml
Kitchen Cabinet Color to Coordinate With Oak Floor?
Any color will go with oak floors, so think about whether you want a rich cherry or a light maple or something inbetween. Check out online sites or go walk through kitchen displays in the stores. It really helps to see it in person. Also have to think about...
Brightening Up a Kitchen Without Painting?
Can you talk to your landlord about things you can do that will make the place more marketable once you leave? I would go for painting the cabinets, but I see your point. If the landlord would allow it, it would be the biggest bang for the buck. Heres more...
Pull the Plug on Electrical Costs
Great ideas, but weve tried those new light bulbs that are supposed to last longer and be more efficient and they dont last any longer than traditional bulbs. Plus, they are about twice or three times the price. What gives?
10 Ways Gardeners Can Stay Busy in Winter
I am happy to have a break, as last year was a busy gardening year. Another idea is to make a schedule (if you dont have one already) of what needs to be pruned, fertilized, cut back, etc. and when to do it. Heres good info on pruning http://www.oldhouseweb...
Colors Ideas for a Grey and Burgundy Living Room?
A gold or creamy tan, depending on which tone works.
Stopping Drafts In Your Home
We did something similar to various windows and then in our sunroom I made drapes out of heavy fabric (luckily I had the fabric, as that can get costly...or look for close out sales), plus one layer of an insulating lining and then the regular lining. Makes...
Unclogging a Shower Drain?
Dont do Drano, as it can harm the pipes. I think Ill try the Dawn detergent route.
Painting Each Room a Different Color - Advice?
I think its good to use no more than two or three colors in a house, but you can use varying shades. So, use your yellow in a few places, but go one shade up or one shade down here and there. I also think it helps to draw it out on paper and look at how the...
Refinishing a Bathtub?
Weve had our reglazed, but by a professional. Its not a DIY project, as there are lots of chemicals involved. Its only about $350, though, so compared to buying a new one and having it installed, its a breeze.
Toning Down a Bright Paint Color?
I like the glaze idea, but test it on a small section first, perhaps an area that will be covered by a sofa or something. Otherwise, prime and paint.
