Is Moldy Soil Bad? How To Fix It

Spring is the most exciting time of year for anybody with a green thumb. The excitement and possibilities of picking out plants and planting seeds are incredible. However, it can be disconcerting when you discover moldy soil in your garden or potted plants. So, is moldy soil bad?

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Can You Use Garden Soil In Pots?

Planting a garden adds beauty to your home’s exterior and is also a great stress reliever. But if your plants struggle to grow, it can become frustrating. Gardening takes knowledge for flowers, plants, and veggies to flourish, like choosing the proper soil and planting space. If you decide to use planters, you might wonder if you can use garden soil in pots?

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How To Run A Downspout Under A Sidewalk (Do This!)

Installing a proper residential drainage system can be a complicated task. It’s incredibly labor-intensive and nearly each project can present its own unique set of challenges – like needing to run a downspout under a sidewalk. This specific setback isn’t generally one that homeowners consider until it becomes absolutely necessary.

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Are Copper Grill Mats Safe? (Find Out Before Your Next Barbeque!)

Copper grill mats are becoming more popular by the day, especially when it is the season to fire up the pit. When items are hot on the market and make people’s lives easier, they jump to the markets. Copper grill mats are made for all grill grates and can withstand up to 500 degrees.

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Invasive Species You Should Never Plant In Your Yard

If you are working on a home garden, then you know there are endless species of plants to choose from and just as many aesthetics you can hope to achieve. You might already have some plants growing in your garden, or perhaps you have a few plants in mind that you want to introduce to your yard. But make sure that before you bring in a new plant to your garden, you are certain it is not invasive, as there are tons of invasive species out there. Some of them you might not even know are invasive until it’s too late.

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Toro Vs. Cub Cadet: Which Zero-Turn Lawn Mower Is Better?

Freshly cut lawns are not only visually appealing, as they feel and smell great too. But achieving a lush, vibrant lawn can be tough work, especially if there’s a lot of ground to cover. It’s here where zero-turn, ride-on mowers are a tremendous help. And to know which is better—a Toro or a Cub Cadet—read through this guide!

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How To Get Rid Of Virginia Creeper (Step By Step Guide)

If you’ve spent a lot of time cultivating a beautiful garden, you don’t want pesky invaders taking over your space. Invasive species like the Virginia creeper steal resources from other plants in the area. This can easily lead to a dead garden.

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Why Are My Mums Turning Brown? (Here's What You Can Do)

Chrysanthemums, a.k.a. mums are a wonderful, vibrant choice for a fall garden. Many gardeners love them because they are strong, hardy plants who thrive even when slightly neglected.

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Can You Pressure Wash Polymeric Sand? (Find Out Now!)

When you’re creating your dream garden, the chances are high that pavers are going to be involved. You can make beautiful paths, patios, or small areas for birdbaths. Polymeric sand is a handy ingredient that acts as a cement-like material to keep the pavers in place. 

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What Are The Pros And Cons Of A Gothic Arch Greenhouse?

One thing that is on the want list for almost any gardener or plant enthusiast is a greenhouse. Among the popular styles of home and backyard greenhouses is the gothic arch design. Many gardeners considering their first greenhouse wonder about the advantages and disadvantages of building or buying a gothic arc greenhouse.

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Z Grill Vs. Traeger: Which Pellet Grill Is Better?

Nothing says summertime like a cookout. And at the center of any good cookout is the grill, on which numerous foods are cooked to the enjoyment of the grill master and their guests. But there are a variety of grills out there, and some are ideal for specific occasions while others are ideal for different occasions.

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Best Plants To Keep Bugs Away

Your garden will never be able to thrive if bugs continually eat your plants. Pests can also make it difficult to enjoy time outside and perform yard work. So, what are the best plants to keep bugs away?

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Can You Put Glowsticks In A Pool? (Find Out Now!)

Back when I was still in my 20s, some acquaintances of mine threw a rave in New York. They decided to fill up a pool with glowstick juice to add a glowing pool. Not long after, they got sued for damaging the vision of partygoers who swam in the pool. While you shouldn’t put glowstick juice in a pool, glowsticks themselves might be a different story.

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Does Mowing The Lawn Kill Ticks?

Ticks are easily the scariest arachnids besides spiders, and they can be quite harmful to humans and animals alike. The sight of a tick on your body is enough to make you think twice about going outside during spring and summer. Most homeowners would do anything to keep ticks off their property. So, does mowing the lawn kill ticks?

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Liquid Pool Cover Vs. Solar Blanket: What Are The Major Differences?

It’s currently the best time for a pool day in my neighborhood. We all love to splash and play in the sun, but it’s important to realize how much water can evaporate during these hot days of the year. Conserving water is a smart (and earth-friendly) way to avoid higher bills. Having a cover that helps keep water in your pool, therefore, is a must.

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Can You Use Water Softener Salt On Your Driveway? (Find Out Now!)

With winter well on its way, those icy driveways and sidewalks are soon to come. Nothing is more frustrating than trying to drive on an icy driveway. You may be tempted to try any type of salt, but not all salts are the same.

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How Much Water Does A Soaker Hose Use Per Hour?

Soaker hoses are one of the most common tools in landscaping. Primarily used for watering large swaths of grass, flowerbeds, and bushes, these hoses definitely live up to their name. (Oh, they’re great for water fights, too!) However, we live in a world where water conservation is king. This means that we all have a duty to try to find efficient ways to water. So, how much water do these hoses use?

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Bermuda Grass Vs Fescue: Which Is Right For Your Yard?

Having a nice-looking lawn comes with its own set of responsibilities and maintenance. When choosing between Bermuda and fescue grass, there are a few things to consider. We are going to show the differences between the two, and which might be the right one for your lawn.

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Can You Use A Chiminea On A Wood Deck?

Are you one of those people that love to spend time outside and wish you could do it all year round? The winter months can be a bummer for outdoor lovers, especially in places with cold climates. There are a few options to generate heat outdoors, such as fire pits or patio heaters.

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Do Modular Homes Depreciate In Value? [Costs & Return Rate]

Modular homes, also known as prefabricated homes, or homes that are built off-site, are quite popular because of how cost-effective and simple they are. Their simplicity and affordability is a huge selling point of modular homes, but many wonder if they will depreciate in value.

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Can You Put A Pool In A Flood Zone? (Find Out Now!)

You bought your house without a pool, but now you want to install one. Meanwhile, you live on a high water table. That means you have to be extra careful when you dig. So, can you put a pool in a flood zone or not? Let’s find out.

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Will An Outdoor Rug Damage A Wood Deck? (Find Out Now!)

As someone who has sensory and tactile issues, I can tell you that rugs are my friend. I love the feeling of rugs, even if I don’t like cleaning them. That’s why I smile when I see an outdoor rug on a wood deck. It’s barefoot time! Nice as rugs are, it’s normal to get a bit worried about your deck’s health. Can outdoor rugs damage a wood deck long-term?

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Standard Cornhole Board Dimensions

Cornhole is a popular activity for various gatherings, often topping the recreation list alongside beer pong and horseshoes. It’s also a competitive sport, with the formation of a national governing body, USA Cornhole, forming in 2019. It’s the plan to one day make cornhole an Olympic sport. Whether in a national competition or in your backyard, cornhole board dimensions are relatively similar.

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Fescue Vs. Bermuda Grass: Which One Is Better?

Creating a beautiful and lush yard that is the envy of the neighborhood is a lofty yet attainable goal for many homeowners. Understanding the right  grass to plant in your specific climate zone, coupled with your particular soil and sunlight, can make your lawn goals a reality.

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What Size Sand Filter For An Above Ground Pool? (Find Out Now!)

If you have a pool, you’re no stranger to the work that goes behind maintaining it year after year. One of the most important parts that keeps your pool running in top shape is your pool filter. There are a handful of different filter types from which you can choose depending on your personal preferences. If you are planning to use a sand filter for your above ground pool, it’s important to choose the right size.

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Sprinkler Zone Won't Turn Off? (Here's How To Fix It)

If you own a sprinkler system, you’re already likely aware that it must be turned off during the winter. Leaving it on could potentially cause damage to the piping caused by freezing water. Shutting down the system will preserve and protect it for ideal performance next season.

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What to Consider When Installing an EV Charger in Your Garage

Electric vehicles (EVs) are becoming increasingly popular, and with that comes the need for convenient and accessible charging options. Installing a home electric car charger is a great solution for many EV owners.

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Rainwater Versus Tap: Which Is Best For Indoor Plants?

Many plants thrive indoors, but every plant can benefit from nature’s elements. Whether it is nutrient-rich soil or plenty of sunlight, indoor plants require outdoor ingredients even when they are inside. But what about when you water your indoor plants? Many plant owners use tap water to water plants inside the home. While tap water is not likely to kill your plants, you might wonder which is better for your plants: Tap water or rainwater.

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How To Get Rid Of Wasps

Wasps are lean, mean, and ready to sting you and ruin your time in the garden. They wreak havoc on countless homeowners during the spring and summer. The average homeowner would do anything to keep wasps away. Understandably, many people struggle with how to get rid of wasps.

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Can You Put Composite Decking Over Wood? (Find Out Now!)

Composite decking is sought these days for a variety of reasons. Many homeowners like how it looks, others like the feel, and everyone agrees that it’s easy to maintain. But what if you already have a wood deck, you want a composite deck, but you don’t have the money or time to tear down the deck you have in order to set up a new one?

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How To Keep Birds Off Your Porch (10 Ways To Do It!)

Birds are an attractive part of nature’s wildlife. They can provide a little bit of color and vibrance to any setting. But they can also bring with them quite a bit of nuisance and damage. The droppings, the pecking, and the chirping can all be major detriments.

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Troy-Bilt Weedeater Won't Start? (Possible Causes & Fixes)

Having a weedeater, also known as a trimmer, makes lawn care all the easier. Lawnmowers can only reach so many areas around the yard and the trimmer allows for precision trimming in those tough-to-reach areas.

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How To Fix An Unlevel Pool Without Draining It

Any above-ground pool can become uneven over time, due to faulty installation or because the ground under it shifts or settles. Even a slight loss of balance can result in wasted water and damage to the pool’s structure. In extreme cases, the walls may collapse, resulting in serious injury or death. This is why it’s important to level your pool.

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How To Kill A Tree (5 Ways To Do It!)

Trees are the highlights of many yards. They’re big, beautiful, and offer a yard feature that you can plan your landscaping around. However, trees aren’t always wanted.

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How Many Sprinkler Heads Per Zone? (Find Out Now!)

A sprinkler system can bring up the value of your home, but more importantly, a sprinkler system makes your life easier! Since professionally installed sprinkler systems can get costly, many have turned to DIY installation kits. But before you start digging, first find out how many sprinkler heads you can use per zone. And it doesn’t hurt to understand precisely how a sprinkler system works. 

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45+ Different Types of Sheds (with Photos)

As you grow and expand your property, an outdoor shed can become a wonderful backyard addition. In today’s world, with the rise of minimalistic culture and tiny living, sheds are much more than a place for storing various items. They can be a place to relax, work, cultivate plants, and may even serve as a second home. Fortunately, you aren’t limited to traditional a-frame or barn designs, as there are many different types of sheds to choose from.

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Can You Overcharge A Lawn Mower Battery? (Find Out Now!)

Batteries are the central source for the electrical power of a lawnmower. Without it, nothing will function. When storing a lawnmower over the winter months, batteries can grow weak.

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Large PVC Pipe Sticking Out Of Ground? (We Have a Fix!)

Have you ever seen a large PVC pipe sticking out of the ground in your yard, and wondered what is that? Chances are you may have had to mow around one. We’re going to tell you exactly what those are, and how you can help make them less obvious.

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Garden Plants You Might Not Know Are Edible

You may have noticed in recent years the culinary world has introduced all sorts of plants and edible flowers to food menus. If you have dined in a fancy restaurant, you might have even found yourself faced with a familiar-looking flower on the plate and thought to yourself, “Can I eat this?” The fact is, there are lots of plants out there that you might not know you can eat. A few of these edible plants might even be in your garden.

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Rain Bird Maxi Paw Sprinkler Won't Rotate? (Possible Causes & Fixes)

Automatic irrigation and sprinkler systems are extremely convenient, but like most things, they can develop issues over time. A common problem is that the sprinkler head won’t rotate. If this happens, you should repair it immediately to prevent future complications.

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Pebble Tec Vs. Plaster Pool: What Are The Major Differences?

When you have a concrete in-ground pool, you are going to have to choose a finish for your pool. There are two major options that people tend to prefer: plaster and Pebble Tec. Both of them offer great perks and not-so-great pitfalls when it comes to their use. If you need to refinish you pool, knowing what to expect is a major perk.

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Nylon Vs. Steel Garage Door Rollers: Which One Is Better?

The most important part of your garage door’s mechanics is its rollers. Without these, your garage door isn’t moving anywhere.

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How Long Does It Take To Install A Fence? (Find Out Now!)

Fences are an integral part of any home. They offer protection and privacy, but many people don’t know much about how long it takes to install one.

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How To Keep Outdoor Cushions From Sliding

Creating a relaxing outdoor space can feature anything from backyard ponds to pergolas but usually includes some comfortable patio furniture. But when your outdoor cushions don’t stay in place, your backyard retreat becomes anything but relaxing. Luckily, there are easy ways to keep outdoor cushions from sliding so you can get back to enjoying your backyard retreat.

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How To Keep Gravel In Place In A Driveway (Do This!)

Gravel driveways look great and can add a rustic touch to any home. In areas known for high snowfall or rainfall, they also can add an extra layer of grip. This makes them great for places that have inclement weather, as well as farmhouses. Of course, there is a pretty annoying side effect that you have to deal with: keeping the gravel in your driveway in place.

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What Kind Of Saw Blade To Cut Composite Decking? (Find Out Now!)

A lot of homeowners these days prefer composite decking over traditional wood decking, and there are definitely some advantages associated with using composite decking. But if you’ve just installed a composite deck—and now you want to make some adjustments DIY—you’ll have to know which kind of saw blade is best for cutting decking.

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How To Revive Plants After An Overnight Frost

Weather conditions these days are unpredictable. Just as there are record-high temperature records each year, there are also shocking cold snaps in unexpected places. These cold snaps can reach below freezing and happen rather suddenly. So, if there is an overnight frost, and you have left vulnerable plants outside, you will want to know what you can do to keep them alive.

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Sprinkler System Not Working In All Zones? (Possible Causes & Fixes)

Proper irrigation is an important aspect of lawn maintenance, and irrigation sprinklers can water lawns, crops, or other landscapes. Sprinkler heads are divided into different zones of the property to ensure that all areas are irrigated. A common problem that occurs is one zone that won’t work or a sprinkler system not working in all zones. 

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Can You Convert A Saltwater Pool To Chlorine? (Find Out Now!)

In recent years, our society has been on a march towards the “chemicals are bad” style of life. Saltwater pools’ popularity are a sign of it, really. The thing is, saltwater pools are not exactly easy to care for. That’s why people like to have chlorine pools. Though rare, you’ll hear of saltwater pool owners who want to convert their gig into chlorine. Is that even a thing?

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Ceramic Vs. Glass Pool Tiles: What Are The Major Differences?

Adding tile to your pool can create a stunning showpiece in your backyard. Not only are glass and ceramic tiles beautiful to look at, but they are strong, long-lasting, and very low maintenance. Pool tiles can transform the entire look of your pool with just one simple installation.

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How To Make Fire Bricks (Step-by-Step Guide)

For many, Winter approaching means spending time with family, snuggled around a warm fire outdoors. Fire pits are becoming a popular outdoor fixture for new homes. The best part is, you can make fire bricks and a fire pit with a little skill and some tools. 

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What Size Screws For A Wood Fence? (Find Out Now!)

Along with improving security, wood fences can enhance the beauty and value of your property. Just like any other project, it’s important that you have all the necessary tools to get the job done. When you’re building a new wooden fence, the fasteners that you use are vital to both the style and long-term performance. This begs the question: what size wood fence screws should you use?

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Do You Need A Permit For A Swing Set? (Find Out Now!)

Providing a fun play space for kids in the backyard is standard practice for parents. A popular and classic outdoor play item is a backyard swing set, but these structures have greatly changed over the years. Now, some outdoor play structures are so involved; you might need a permit for a swing set.

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How To Clone A Remote Gate Opener (Quickly & Easily!)

Remote controls are supposed to make our lives easier. For the most part, they do accomplish that job. Being able to control various objects by just pressing a few buttons is undeniably convenient.

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Can You Stain Brick Pavers? (Find Out Now!)

Decorative brick pavers are an excellent way to add visual interest around your property without breaking the bank – whether they’re used in the construction of patios, walkways, or pathways around a pool. Over time, age and exposure to the elements will cause brick pavers to fade and discolor. This is especially the case when the color is only applied on the surface of the pavers.

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Lawnmower Leaking Oil Onto The Deck? (We Have A Fix)

When your lawn mower leaks oil onto your deck, you can overwhelm yourself quickly, thinking of all the potential places that could be leaking. For your sanity, your first step will be to calm down and use this guide to help you find a solution. Today, we will give you a step-by-step lawnmower check to prevent oil from leaking onto your deck.

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Is Water Seeping Up Through Concrete Garage Floor? [Try This Fix]

You may begin to notice moisture building up on your garage floor. This process is known as “sweating” and it can be a real nuisance that can make your flooring a slipping hazard and even leave the other portions of the structure damp.

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What Are The Pros And Cons Of Tigerwood Decking?

Building a deck means that you’re going to have to make a lot of decisions. This includes choosing the right materials for your deck, down to the very wood it’s made from. In recent years, upscale homes have started to build decks from tigerwood. Its popularity definitely got it to earn some stripes, but is it really worth the roar of attention that it’s been getting as of late?

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How To Save Plants From Heavy Rain

It’s no secret that rain is great for plants, but only in small doses. Heavy rain is nice at first, but it can quickly take a toll on your lawn and garden that can be hard to recover from. Many homeowners understandably struggle with how to save plants from heavy rain.

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Do Sunflowers Face Each Other On Cloudy Days? (Find Out Now!)

Photographs and memes of bright sunflowers facing each other have long circulated the internet and been the subject of many chain emails. The memes suggest that when the weather is cloudy or, overcast sunflowers will turn to face one another. Sunflowers can feed off each other’s energy by facing each other, or so the belief and widely circulated memes tout. But is this true?

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