How to fend off a fruit fly invasion

Homeowners who have dealt with insect infestations know that even the smallest critters can make for formidable foes. A single insect might not seem like a substantial problem, but such uninvited guests have a tendency to multiply, quickly becoming a problem for less proactive homeowners.

Recognize safety hazards during yard work

Attention, all green thumbs -- and the bodies attached to them: It's nearly time to get down and dirty in the garden.
Whether you're transforming your backyard into an award winner or just trimming the lawn, the CSA Group, a leading certification and testing organization, asks that you remember the following safety tips:

Powering Up

Warm weekends are prime time for yard work and outdoor projects. To avoid turning tasks into turmoil, be sure to take a few extra moments to ensure the power tools you use are safe. CSA Group, a leader in electronic product testing and certification, offers tips to help ensure the safety of you and your family while doing yard work this weekend.

Make the most of end-of-summer cleanup

Though spring cleaning might have the name recognition, many homeowners spend just as much time cleaning their homes in the fall as they do in the spring. Spring might be the season for clearing out the clutter, but fall is when homeowners prepare their homes for the long winter months ahead.

Beautiful lawn vs. faithful pet Putting a stop to lawncare woes

Over time a pet who is routinely using a patch of grass as his personal potty will damage that stretch of lawn. The behavior of canines plus the chemical components of the urine contribute to the brown, dead patches synonymous with dog waste. But there are ways to mitigate the problem.

5 tips for a beautiful, low-maintenance lawn

Homeowners aspire toward a beautiful lawn. It is often the centerpiece of a completed landscape, and can serve as a beautiful focal point in a home's overall curb appeal. Typically lawn maintenance is time-consuming and can take a lot of effort on the part of a homeowner.

Green ways to clean up leaves

Every fall homeowners are faced with cascades of red, purple, orange, and yellow leaves falling from the sky. Amid this rainbow of autumn activity, some people still have "green" on their minds -- as in eco-friendly ways they can embark on fall clean-up.

Ready your lawn for winter

Though spring and summer are often seen as the primary seasons for lawn care, fall is a great time to ready a lawn for winter weather. The following tips can help a lawn withstand winter weather and might even make spring lawn care that much easier once the warm weather returns.

20 easy ways to conserve water

Every living thing on the planet requires water to survive. Without water, life as we know it would quickly perish. Despite the importance of water, many do not think ahead to what would happen if water supplies dwindled. To avoid such a fate, it's best to begin conserving water whenever possible.

Hiring a lawncare professional

Many homeowners hire a lawncare professional to tend to their lawns and gardens. To hire a quality service or individual, homeowners need to do a little homework.

Batty basics for summer living

Glance into the evening sky this summer, and you might just see what appears to be birds flying in an odd pattern. Those fluttering shadows actually are bats that are on the hunt for food during the warm night.

Poison plants fast facts

Poison ivy, oak and sumac are plants that contain an oil that may cause a rash on many people's skin. Urushiol, the irritant oil in these plants, need only be present in a billionth of a gram to cause a rash.

Did you know?

If you're considering inspiration from Colonial gardens of yore for your landscape, certain pointers can turn that dream garden into a reality. First, Colonial gardens are largely geometric and symmetrical. Elements should be arranged with thought to the central axis of the planting bed.

Wood patio furniture provides value and durability

Wood patio furniture can be a decorative and functional addition to outdoor living. The longevity of the furniture and the upkeep required will depend heavily on the type of wood used in construction. Choosing the right wood based on use and budget can help consumers get more for their money.

Gardening in any sized space

Believe you need an acre of property to start gardening? Think again. Individuals can grow their own patch of greenery in just about any space they have on hand.

Herbicide technology improves weed control

It may be well worth the effort to make the lawn around our home lush-green and weed free, but with the herbicide restrictions of today, achieving this has become a big effort indeed.

Coax your lawn into a thick green carpet

Even with the concern about the use of herbicides and pesticides, you can still transform your lawn from looking tired-and-tatty into the outdoor oasis you've always wanted. Some techniques for lawn care are tried-and-true -- and others are brand new.

Home Improvement: Top tips for the best first impression

It's called "curb appeal," that good impression people get of your home when they pull up in a car, or when walking by. Real estate agents can be as pleased with exterior curb appeal as they are with a well-maintained house on the inside. When it comes to residential property value, this book is indeed judged by its cover.

Garden News Quick Tip: Science delivers an organic pesticide

It's true. You can now stop insects and disease with an "organic listed" formula called PureSpray Green. Take a look at www.todaysclearchoice.com for the details.

How to eliminate weeds on interlock pathways

Inter-locking brick and cobblestone are attractive choices for driveways, patios, and connecting paths. Weed growth is a common problem around these pavers and, if left unchecked, can ruin the look if you don't literally nip them in the bud.

Cultivate your own bounty of vegetables

It only makes sense to turn a little patch of your property into a personal supply of organic food.

Perennials are a gardener's friend

Gardening is often seen as an art form to men and women with a green thumb. Once the landscape is designed, homeowners may not want to change much from year to year. That is where perennial plants can be an advantage.

Top 10 dream home features

If you were given a chance to design a dream home, what features would you choose first?

There's an Easy and Inexpensive Way to Replace a Worn-Out Lawn Zoysia grass plugs can be planted into existing lawn

There's nothing quite as inviting as a lush green lawn, beckoning like a cool oasis in the midst of summertime heat. Of course, having a perfect lawn that's the envy of the neighborhood doesn't just happen by chance.

Create an Affordable and Attractive Garden Shed

Home gardeners and lawn enthusiasts generally accumulate a number of tools of the trade in order to successfully manage their gardening needs. As a result, many homeowners build a garden shed to store all their tools and lawn care accessories.

Make the Most of Watering

Summer weather can be harsh on a lawn. Even the most lawn-conscious homeowner can be helpless against a summer heat wave.

Protect Interior Plants from Dehydration

Gardening enthusiasts often enjoy extending their gardens to their interior of their homes. Much like exterior plants, interior plants can succumb to dehydration and overwatering.

Garden Tools No Green Thumber Should Go Without

Gardening is a rewarding hobby and one that gardeners know is forever evolving. Organic gardening is one relatively new trend that is growing in popularity. But even trendsetters need their gardening tools, and the following tools are among the many no gardener should ever be without.

Gardening Tip

Vegetable gardens make great additions to any home garden, but home gardeners should know that not all vegetables should be planted year-round. Vegetables vary as to their optimal growing conditions, which often hinge on climate.

47 Things You Didn't Think to Compost

Garden compost can be a garden's best friend. Compost promotes soil health and enables plants grow to their best ability.

Paving Stones Versus Concrete

Homeowners have a variety of needs around the landscape that call for pavers or concrete, including driveways, patios and walkways. Deciding on a material means assessing needs and desired features as well as the cost of the project.

Troublesome Landscapes? Try These Ideas

There are many homeowners who aspire to have an award-winning landscape. The trouble is, not every yard is a perfect canvas for plantings. In most cases, there are one or more spots in a landscape that can prove troublesome and require different strategies.

Natural Fencing Options for the Yard

A backyard can be a sanctuary for some people. It's a place to which individuals can retreat, offering an extension of living space in the great outdoors. Chances are, a homeowner prefers to have his or her yard fenced in to maintain privacy. But homeowners aren't always fond of traditional fencing materials.

Conquer Sidewalk Cracks

Most homeowners can identify with the dilemma of a cracked sidewalk. In addition to being a safety hazard, a cracked sidewalk can also be an eyesore. Whether strolling to the backyard garden or walking to your home's entryway, a cracked sidewalk can catch your eyes for all the wrong reasons.

Successfully Transplant Trees

Homeowners move trees around their property for a number of reasons. Some might be adding on to their property and need to make room for their new addition, while others might simply want to move a tree for aesthetic reasons. Whatever the reason, transplanting trees can be risky.

Climate a Key Factor When Choosing the Right Grass

Choosing a new grass for a lawn depends on more than just aesthetic appeal. Where a person lives and the type of lawn he or she has should carry more weight than how a lawn looks upon its initial installation.

All-Natural Fertilizer Options for the Garden

Organic fertilizers can be just as effective as their chemical counterparts while providing health benefits chemical pesticides cannot.

Lawn Care Tips for First-Time Homeowners

First-time homeowners can be overwhelmed at the responsibility that comes with home ownership. While some of those responsibilities can be stressful, others can prove therapeutic.

Soil Solutions Maintain Healthy Soil Through the Season

A lush lawn and garden is a part of many homeowners' dream home. A lawn that emanates green and a garden that's home to succulent vegetables is desirable to homeowners across the country.

Protect Your Patio From Wear and Tear

Patios are typically the go-to spot for warm weather outdoor meals. Whether hosting friends or simply enjoying a relaxing meal under the evening sky, homeowners tend to spend as much time as possible on the patio once the weather warms up.

Did You Know?

Potatoes are enjoyed world-over and make a versatile addition to any meal. Though many consumers purchase their potatoes at the local grocery store, potatoes can be easily grown in the home garden, too.

What Is a Water Table?

Many people understand that a water table has something to do with ground water, but they may not understand fully what a water table entails or the purpose it serves.

Gardening Fans Find a Growing Garden Pest Just Plain Stinks

There's little escape from a garden pest that has been increasingly showing up in yards and homes in the Northeast. Wreaking havoc on ornamental plants, vegetables and fruit trees, this pest, simply put, stinks.

Safety First When Building Backyard Playground for Kids

Few things are as enjoyable for parents and grandparents as watching their children and grandchildren play. As cherished as such playtime can be, it can quickly turn into a memory adults and children alike would prefer to forget if an injury occurs.

Homeowners Embracing Eco-Scaping

Eco-friendly or conservative landscaping is growing increasingly popular among homeowners. Often referred to as eco-scaping, conservative landscaping includes removing invasive plants, conserving water and reducing reliance on chemical pesticides. Homeowners looking to landscape in a more eco-friendly way this gardening season can employ the following techniques.

Grass-Free Landscaping a Viable Alternative

Many homeowners equate a beautiful landscape to rolling acres of pristine lawn. But changes in the climate and widespread seasonal restrictions on water use each year could change the way people think about outfitting their yards.

Butterflies Are a Spring Spectacle

Although it is widely known that butterflies and moths go through a metamorphosis to turn into their finished forms, many are unaware just how many steps it takes for a butterfly to be ready to fly.

Spring Garden Time

There are many different plants that begin to show their colors in the spring. A number of perennials, annuals and trees begin to flower or show new sprouts come the springtime. Here are some plants that can be planted for springtime enjoyment.

Identify All Those Pesky Springtime Pests

When the warm weather arrives, people venture outdoors and animals wake up from hibernation. Many insects hatch or revive from winter slumber and can be commonly seen in and around the home.

Cool Climate Gardening

A home garden doesn't have to go into hibernation just because the cooler weather has arrived. Plant lovers can ensure their yards are full of life even when the mercury drops.

Autumn Leaf Clean-Up

The autumn foliage can be beautiful to admire. However, once the trees are past their peak and begin to drop their leaves, autumn can mean lots of yard work for homeowners.

How to Throw the Best Backyard Barbecue

With fall just over the horizon, kids across the country are getting ready to return to school while Moms and Dads are saying so long to summer office hours. Though it might seem as if autumn is right around the corner, the nation’s grill masters know there’s still plenty of time to revel in one of summer’s most beloved summer traditions.

Harvesting a Healthier Garden

Spring is here at last! Most of us can't wait to shake off the winter blues, to get out into the sunshine, walk the dog, play catch with the kids or just take a stroll in the park. For homeowners, it's the first chance to work on the yard, restore a lush lawn and, for an increasing number of gardening aficionados, create a home vegetable garden. Inner city urbanites, even those with a postage stamp size yard, have been swept up by the 'grow your own' movement.

Recycled Soda Bottles Stop Weeds and Save Money

There is a less expensive, more efficient, eco-friendly method for maintaining landscapes. Use landscape fabric. It is the secret to low-maintenance, chemical-free shrub and flower beds.
Breathable fabrics like new Commercial WeedBlock(R) Recycled block sunlight and prevent seed germination.

Rock Your World With River Stones

Looking to punch up the aesthetic value of your yard? Try adding an inviting stone patio, pathway or border. Stone blends well with all architecture and landscape styles and is far more appealing to the eye than boring, bland concrete.

Plant Up a Garden with a New Kit Bag and Smile, Smile, Smile

If the thought of growing a lovely vegetable garden is appealing but you're overwhelmed and intimidated by the thought of starting your own garden, set your fears aside and get on the gardening bandwagon.

Organic Fertilizing Finds the Fast Track

Organic fertilizers are made from previously living organisms and their waste products. Chemical fertilizers originate from synthetic sources. Chemical-based fertilizers work quickly because plants can take up their elements immediately, similar to the way humans rapidly metabolize simple carbohydrates like sugar.

Tool Guidelines for Novice Green Thumbers

For novice green thumbers, choosing a starting point can be frustrating. But a good starting point for any lawn care enthusiast, be it a newcomer or veteran, is to examine what's in the tool shed. Tools can make a job easier or nearly impossible, so make sure you have the following tools in your shed this season, and be sure they're in good shape.

Pruning Tips for Trees and Shrubs

While trees can add appeal to a homeowner's property, they can also be an eyesore if not properly pruned. Homeowners hoping to get the most out of their trees should consider some pruning guidelines.

What Type of Tree Is That in the Yard?

Though it might have been common knowledge back in grade school, there's a good chance you might have forgotten what kind of tree that is outside your kitchen window. Even those with a green thumb might not remember the differences between types of trees. For those who need a cheat sheet, the following is a breakdown of the some of the more common types of trees you might have around your property.

Easy Ways to an Environmentally Friendly Lawn

The growing emphasis many homeowners place on keeping their property pristine is reflective of many things. Though it's quite possible a reflection of the enjoyment many homeowners take from landscaping, it's more likely a reflection of the impact a well-manicured lawn can make on the overall value of the property.

Grounds to Go Garden

A cup of coffee enjoyed in the garden can make for a relaxing morning. However, that java can also be a pick-me-up for your landscape. Coffee and tea byproducts can be used in and around the garden to act as a slow-release fertilizer and a main component of compost.

Create a Tranquil Feature With a Koi Pond

Dig a hole, fill it with water and watch your koi grow. That's the secret to your koi pond, right? Actually, much like a pool or indoor aquarium, koi require some work. In fact, koi are quite sensitive fish that require a carefully maintained environment for optimal health.

Harvesting a Healthier Garden

Solar Lighting Beneficial in Many Ways

As society continues to grow more environmentally conscious, more and more homeowners are looking for ways to do their part outside their home as well as inside it. One increasingly popular option for eco-conscious homeowners is solar lighting. But the benefits of solar lighting go beyond the environmental.

Maintain a Healthy Lawn Throughout the Summer Swoon

While lawn care can be a rewarding hobby in more ways than one, it can also prove frustrating at times. Summer heat waves can be taxing on the lawn, drying it out regardless of how much hard work goes into its maintenance. Though summer temperatures can prove a formidable foe, understanding how to keep a lawn properly watered can go a long way to keeping your lawn lush during the most grueling of summer swoons.

Sunroom Planting Basics

Sunrooms, solariums, all-season rooms, or Florida rooms as they are sometimes called are popular spaces in many homes. They enable the homeowner to bring a touch of the outdoors inside, even when Mother Nature does not cooperate. Sunrooms can serve as a transition between the yard and home or simply be a tranquil place at home in which to retreat.

Recognize and Treat Insect Lawn Foes

Ridding your landscape of unwanted bugs is possible. However, first you have to identify what insects are feasting around your home. Only then can you take the steps to tackle these bug problems.

Install a Pool Now for Summer Fun

If you've decided on an inground pool, something that adds appeal and beauty to a yard, there are a few steps that will take place in the pool-installation process.

Beautify Your Landscape With Pergolas

Pergolas, or archways in a yard or park made of a framework covered with trained climbing or trailing plants, have become a landscaping style of choice for discerning homeowners. Pergolas can take many shapes. However, the wooden structures of today, with thick crossbeams and massive height, have grown in popularity.

Grow Native; Mow Less

Do you sometimes feel that lawn care is taking over your life? And depleting your pocketbook? If so, consider shrinking your yard.

Plant, Water Thyself

Do you ever wish your houseplants could water themselves? If that were possible their survival rate would increase exponentially.

Install a Pool Now for Summer Fun

Pool retailers generally can install a pool any time of the year. However, the early spring season just may be the ideal time if you've decided to enhance a yard with an above-ground or inground pool.

Editorial Services

Metro Interactive Planning Calendar

Online e-Sections

Categories

How to fend off a fruit fly invasion

Recognize safety hazards during yard work

Powering Up

Make the most of end-of-summer cleanup

Beautiful lawn vs. faithful pet Putting a stop to lawncare woes

5 tips for a beautiful, low-maintenance lawn

Green ways to clean up leaves

Ready your lawn for winter

20 easy ways to conserve water

Hiring a lawncare professional

Batty basics for summer living

Poison plants fast facts

Did you know?

Wood patio furniture provides value and durability

Gardening in any sized space

Herbicide technology improves weed control

Coax your lawn into a thick green carpet

Home Improvement: Top tips for the best first impression

Garden News Quick Tip: Science delivers an organic pesticide

How to eliminate weeds on interlock pathways

Cultivate your own bounty of vegetables

Perennials are a gardener's friend

Top 10 dream home features

There's an Easy and Inexpensive Way to Replace a Worn-Out Lawn Zoysia grass plugs can be planted into existing lawn

Create an Affordable and Attractive Garden Shed

Make the Most of Watering

Protect Interior Plants from Dehydration

Garden Tools No Green Thumber Should Go Without

Gardening Tip

47 Things You Didn't Think to Compost

Paving Stones Versus Concrete

Troublesome Landscapes? Try These Ideas

Natural Fencing Options for the Yard

Conquer Sidewalk Cracks

Successfully Transplant Trees

Climate a Key Factor When Choosing the Right Grass

All-Natural Fertilizer Options for the Garden

Lawn Care Tips for First-Time Homeowners

Soil Solutions Maintain Healthy Soil Through the Season

Protect Your Patio From Wear and Tear

Did You Know?

What Is a Water Table?

Gardening Fans Find a Growing Garden Pest Just Plain Stinks

Safety First When Building Backyard Playground for Kids

Homeowners Embracing Eco-Scaping

Grass-Free Landscaping a Viable Alternative

Butterflies Are a Spring Spectacle

Spring Garden Time

Identify All Those Pesky Springtime Pests

Cool Climate Gardening

Autumn Leaf Clean-Up

How to Throw the Best Backyard Barbecue

Harvesting a Healthier Garden

Recycled Soda Bottles Stop Weeds and Save Money

Rock Your World With River Stones

Plant Up a Garden with a New Kit Bag and Smile, Smile, Smile

Organic Fertilizing Finds the Fast Track

Tool Guidelines for Novice Green Thumbers

Pruning Tips for Trees and Shrubs

What Type of Tree Is That in the Yard?

Easy Ways to an Environmentally Friendly Lawn

Grounds to Go Garden

Create a Tranquil Feature With a Koi Pond

Harvesting a Healthier Garden

Solar Lighting Beneficial in Many Ways

Maintain a Healthy Lawn Throughout the Summer Swoon

Sunroom Planting Basics

Recognize and Treat Insect Lawn Foes

Install a Pool Now for Summer Fun

Beautify Your Landscape With Pergolas

Grow Native; Mow Less

Plant, Water Thyself

Install a Pool Now for Summer Fun