When to Cut Back Ornamental Grasses
Ornamental grasses are cut back in late winter or early spring, close to the ground, with big clumps tied first so the job stays manageable.
Storm Windows vs Replacement Windows
Storm windows cost far less than replacement and suit leaky old windows or historic homes, while replacement fits windows that have failed. Here is what each can save.
How to Close Foundation Vents for Winter (and When Not To)
Closing foundation vents suits a sealed, insulated crawl space and does not automatically suit a vented one. This page shows how to tell which you have and what to check first.
How to Make Leaf Mold
Leaf mold is just rotted leaves. Learn the bin method, the bag method and the lazy lawn option, plus how long each source says to wait.
How to Winterize Raised Garden Beds
Pull spent plants, mulch after the ground freezes or sow a cover crop, and check the frame for rot. Extension advice on mulch depth differs, so compare it.
Smoke Detector Chirping: What It Means and How to Stop It
How to tell whether a chirping alarm needs a new battery, a cleaning or a replacement, and what to do first if it is a carbon monoxide alarm.
Window Condensation in Winter: Why It Forms and What Helps
Condensation on winter windows comes from indoor moisture meeting cold glass. This page gives the EPA humidity range, the ventilation steps that help, and the warning signs.
How to Keep a House Warm During a Power Outage
Shrink your living space to one closed room, dress in loose layers, keep every fuel-burning device outdoors, and drip a faucet to protect pipes until power returns.
When to Bring Houseplants Inside for the Fall
Extension services give slightly different night-temperature signals for moving houseplants indoors. This page lays them side by side and covers pests, light and feeding.
How to Overwinter Geraniums
Garden geraniums can be carried through winter as potted plants, bare-root plants or cuttings. This page explains each method, the watering rules for each, and when to cut back.