Mulch is a deceptively harmless gardening necessity. You need it to preserve ground moisture and protect your plants from the cold. However, did you know that, under certain conditions, mulch could steam and spontaneously combust? Yes, mulch is a fire hazard that can generate heat without help from external flames! In this article, I’ll discuss …

Gathering around a fire pit is a fun way to spend the night with family and friends. It’s always a perfect evening full of laughter and toasted marshmallows. However, when your fire pit starts smoking, it’s not that amusing anymore. It often leads you to wonder what causes a fire pit to become so smokey. …

Unlike Rocket from Guardians of the Galaxy, most raccoons don’t have a fascinating backstory. They do share Rocket’s antics and snarky attitude, though. And you know who suffers the most from this attitude? Your backyard chickens. Well, your cats could fall prey, too. But the poor hens are particularly vulnerable. As a keeper, it’s your …

Can you imagine anything more cozy than sitting beside a crackling, warm flame while enjoying a cold beverage? Me neither! But hold that thought before you start rummaging for your DIY tools and building one. Do you know what you need to make a fire pit? In that case, let me walk you through everything …

Are you planning a relaxing dinner date with your special someone? Or perhaps you’re preparing for a party with your family and friends. Either way, you surely don’t want your propane fire pit sizzling out in the middle of the fun. And with that in mind, you’re likely wondering how long propane fire pits last. …

Do you have an old gazebo that you want to repurpose? You’ve come to the right place! Building an enclosed gazebo is a challenging yet fun project to take up. When you enclose a gazebo, you gain privacy even in outdoor settings. Plus, you can completely change the gazebo’s purpose and get creative. This article …

Unsure about the best material for your backyard gazebo? Wood, metal, fabric, and vinyl are no doubt perfect options for these backyard structures. However, each of those materials comes in different forms, bringing a variety of factors you have to deal with. How do you decide between them? In this post, I’ll help you choose …

Imagine waking up on a sunny day, heading to your backyard for a little you-time, trying to set up your patio umbrella for a bit of shade – only to realize you can’t figure out how. There’s no visible crank, and the pulley system seems to be tugging every which way. Not to worry; I’m …

After spending a fair share of time tending to outdoor fires, I’ve learned a thing or two about which woods are worth their weight in gold and which ones don’t quite measure up. Let me tell you, the type of firewood can make all the difference between a quiet fireside experience and a little pyrotechnic …

Wondering: Can perennials grow through mulch? The short answer is yes, garden perennials can push up through up to 4 inches of mulch with no problems. You can safely mulch your perennials during cold months, spring, and summer. Doing so can even protect your plants and provide them with multiple benefits. Read on to learn …