Arborvitae

One of the most popular screening plants, arborvitae is a thickly adorned evergreen that comes in a range of shapes, from dwarf globes of just one to two feet all the way up to 30-foot upright giants. Although shorter arborvitae are commonly used as foundation plants, taller ones serve as screens and hedges, providing plenty of privacy.

Arborvitae are tough, hardy plants that can withstand drought once established. Unfortunately, they’re susceptible to winter burn, i.e. desiccation due to drying winter winds. And deer and rabbits will eat up the lower portions during difficult winters. Wrapping in burlap or applying an anti-desiccant spray will help the former, while temporary fencing should alleviate the latter.

Best in U.S. Department of Agriculture Plant Hardiness Zones 3 through 7.

Whatever the reason, draining a pool is seldom as simple as pulling a plug, but it is something you can do yourself. Here’s how.

Tools and Materials to Drain an Above-Ground Pool

Depending on the method (see below), here’s a short list of tools and materials you may need to drain an above-ground pool.

• Long garden hose: It needs to reach from the pool to whatever drainage point you’ve selected.
• Swimming pool cover pump: The same type of submersible pump that keeps water from collecting on a pool cover can also be used for draining. A submersible sump pump will work, too.
• Hose drain adapter: If your pool has a built-in drain valve, you’ll need a hose adapter to attach to it.
• Utility bucket: A standard bucket with a comfortable handle will come in handy for draining the last few inches of water. Make sure it’s not so big that it’s difficult to lift when filled. Remember, water weighs more than eight pounds per gallon.
• Shop vacuum: If you don’t want to scoop buckets of water, use a wet/dry shop vacuum to remove remaining water from the bottom of the pool.
• Swimsuit and sunscreen: It is a pool, after all.

How to Drain an Above-Ground Pool

Think it through

Before you pull the plug, plan out your steps. Here’s what to consider:

• In most climates, winterizing a pool requires a partial draining at most.
• If you’re doing a partial drain, remember that removing more than one-quarter of the water can cause the sides of the pool to collapse.
• For a complete pool draining for disassembly, plan to drain and take down the pool on the same weekend. Leaving an above-ground pool standing empty can damage it quickly.
• Before you let the water run into your garden, your main clean-out drain or a municipal drain, check with local authorities to make sure it’s permissible. Chlorinated and salt water can damage your lawn, the larger environment and the water supply. If draining is not allowed, call a pool professional.

Draining the pool

There are three ways to drain an above-ground pool:

With a pool cover pump: With a garden hose attached, set a submersible pool cover pump in the middle of the pool floor. Set the other end of the hose wherever you want water to drain. Then turn on the pump and begin draining. Don’t walk away — you need to ensure the pump is working correctly and water drains as it should. Once you get down to the last few inches, remove the pump and drain the rest with a bucket or shop vacuum. You can also do it as you’re disassembling the pool.

With a garden hose siphon: This is the original DIY drainage method! Submerge a long garden hose in the pool, making sure both ends are underwater. Keep pushing down sections of the hose until all the air bubbles come out and the hose fills with water. (You may have to get into the pool to do this.)

Place your finger or hand over one end of the hose and take it out of the pool. Don’t release it until you’re at a spot lower than the waterline. When you’ve reached that point, water should start draining. Once you get down to a few inches of water, drain the rest with a bucket or shop vacuum, or during pool disassembly.

Another option: Attach one end the hose to the water spigot and put the other end in the pool. Turn on the water and let the hose fill up. Then detach the hose from the spigot. The water should start draining.

With a garden hose and pool drain: If your pool has a built-in drain, your job is fairly easy. The pool probably came with a drain adapter to attach to a hose. If not, buy one from a pool supply store. Attach the adapter to the hose, open the drain cover on the outside of the pool (there may be a cover inside the pool as well, which you’ll have to open), insert the adapter and watch the water drain. Depending on the size of your pool, you may need a bucket or shop vac to drain the remaining few inches.

After the pool is drained

Dismantle the pool as soon as possible after the water is out.

• Detach any hoses and pumps.
• Clean the interior and exterior of the pool. For small pools, a spray cleaner is fine. For larger pools, use a mild soapy solution and a mop.
• Make sure the pool is dry.
• Disassemble and fold, following the manufacturer’s instructions.

Garden Dome Three-Pack

Walmart’s greenhouse kit sale section has tons of different types of greenhouses to choose from. If you’re shopping for just a few plants, it’s worth checking out this garden dome three-pack. These plant covers work similarly to a greenhouse—they seal in heat and protect small plants from the elements while they germinate.

The best part? You can snag three of them for only $10 after a discount of 38%.

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Greenhouse Heater

To keep a greenhouse frost-free, the temperature must remain above 32 degrees Fahrenheit. During colder months, it’s wise to use a greenhouse heater to keep plants from freezing. This Bio Green heater heats spaces up to 120 square feet and comes with a digital thermostat. It’s made of durable stainless steel and is splash-proof, so you don’t have to worry about watering around it. Best of all, it’s inexpensive to operate!

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Wax Myrtle

Also known as southern bayberry because of its glossy olive-green leaves, wax myrtle is a multi-trunk evergreen with whitish-gray bark and leaves that are fragrant when crushed. It reaches 15 to 20 feet tall and wide but can be easily sheared into a hedge.

When male and female plants grow close together, female wax myrtle develops pretty pale-blue berries that birds love. Plants grow up to five feet a year and make great screens. This heat-loving shrub grows best in moist, acidic soil but is adaptable once established. It grows in part to full sun in U.S. Department of Agriculture Plant Hardiness Zones 7 through 11.

Timber Outdoor Garden Bench

This timber bench takes a few hours to build and another few hours to stain. You’ll need a drill/driver, circular saw and basic hand tools. However, you’ll get faster and better results with a router and a random orbit sander.

Solar Pump Bowl Fountain

To create this DIY water feature, @myhomemygardenmystyle used an outdoor planter bowl and a solar-powered pump. Simple river rocks cover the fountain’s mechanisms.

Thanks to the built-in battery, the pump runs on stored energy so you can enjoy your fountain all day and into the evening.

On the fourth episode of the At Home with Family Handyman series The Outdoor Show, we got an up-close look at two projects that transformed a pair of homes. At one location, we see the addition of two gazebos, giving that backyard dual shady spots for relaxing outdoors. The other project was a pool and deck combination that turned a basic backyard into something closer to Club Med.

A gazebo is a great addition to any yard because it gives you a little oasis for kicking back when the weather’s warm. Building a gazebo is a multi-day project, depending on the complexity of the design. But it’s still something most people can DIY. There are also gazebo kits that save you some time, too.

If a gazebo isn’t your speed, you could build a pergola, another way to add a shady nook in your backyard. They’re great for covering a paver patio or spot in your garden. Another option is the classic screened-in porch, a simple way to enclose your outdoor space so you can relax outdoors without being bothered by flies or mosquitoes.

When it’s hot outside, a pool really makes a terrific addition to any backyard. But to really improve the look and feel, it’s best to surround it with a deck. There are a few options for decking materials go, so make sure to choose something that’s durable and fits the look you want.

Building a deck is one of the most common large DIY projects. While there’s a lot that goes into it, there’s no reason to be intimidated by the task.

Whatever you choose to make your backyard a little more comfortable, be sure to check out The Outdoor Show, streaming on At Home with Family Handyman, for guidance and inspiration. And while you’re on the At Home with Family Handyman app, check out the library of instructional videos for step-by-step instructions for building the perfect outdoor oasis.

The Outdoor Show can be found on the At Home With Family Handyman streaming channel. At Home is streaming now on XUMO, The Roku Channel, LG Channels, Plex, fuboTV, Sling Free and the Family Handyman app. It’s also available on iOS, Apple TV, Android, AndroidTV, FireTV and Roku devices.

Figure A

Cutting List

Frame the Reservoir

Cut the reservoir frame sides (A) and ends (B) from 2×2 lumber and fasten the bottom piece of marine plywood (C) to form the base. Align the sides (D) with the ends of the base and fasten them to the 2x2s. Fasten the ends (E) to the 2x2s at the bottom with construction screws. Drive trim screws into the edges of the plywood toward the top.

Best All Around Pool Vacuum

We chose Hayward’s The PoolCleaner automatic pool vacuum as our best all-around pick for several reasons, not the least of which is its mid-range price (currently $449 on Amazon). That puts it within reach of many pool owners.

It drew mostly five-star reviews on Amazon, including from consumers who say their pool services recommended The PoolCleaner. The device attaches to your existing pool pump and filter and sucka debris into the skimmer. Programmed to turn every eight to 10 feet, it’s recommended for pools up to 16×32 feet.

A few negative reviews say The PoolCleaner will not climb stairs and is too bulky to get into corners.

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Project Overview

Leg Detail

Cutting List

Choosing wood

Although pressure-treated lumber no longer contains arsenic, I still avoid using it where I’m growing food. Decay-resistant woods such as redwood and red cedar are alternatives that look great and last for years.

Powerful Pruner

Gifts for gardeners that upgrade their old tools and make their favorite hobby more efficient are always a smart idea. Give the the gift of reduced hand fatigue with this powerful Fiskars pruner. This bad boy cuts through branches that are 3/4 of an inch thick like butter. The contoured handle comfortably fits the natural mold of a hand and stays put with a no-slip grip.

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The Best Hot Tub Sales

Coleman Four-Person Inflatable Hot Tub

There are several benefits to purchasing an inflatable hot tub over a traditional hot tub. Inflatable tubs are easy to winterize since they’re collapsible. They boast lower prices, and most are travel-friendly for camping or vacations.

This Coleman inflatable hot tub is one of the best-rated inflatable tubs on the market. It offers a rapid heating system and cushioned floor with an easy-drain valve for fast emptying. Included is the 114-jet tub, a cover and everything needed to set up a bubbling spa right in your backyard—all for 48% off.

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Best Overall Hanging Chair

Rosecliff Heights Porch Swing

Enjoy lazy days and nights swinging in this lovely mission-style porch chair. Perfect for the veranda or patio, it’s made of solid painted wood. The porch swing’s deep seat and back cushions are covered in soft, fade-resistant Sunbrella performance fabric for beauty and durability.

Attach this two-seater swing from the thick, old-fashioned braided rope-like pulley (or opt for the alternative chain that’s also included) for a secure way to hang out at home. If you’re more of a DIY person, here’s how to build a porch swing yourself.

Pros

• Choice of striped and solid cushion designs
• All stainless-steel hardware
• No assembly required

Cons

• Should be hung from a strong beam
• Pricey

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Before You Start

Adding an egress window is a big job, and it’s important to plan your project to meet the building requirements in your location. Here are the steps I took before starting to excavate:

Apply for a permit

This process could take a few weeks. My city required detailed plans of the well, the dimensions of the window and rough opening, the size of the header and a drawing of the property, including the house.

Engineered drawing

The retaining walls that made up our well were tall enough to require an engineer’s approval. I sent my plans to a local engineer who gave me a new drawing with a stamp of approval to include with my permit ­application. If you buy a manufactured well, this step is likely unnecessary, but your city’s building department makes the final call.

Call the digging hotline

When you’re digging, even just a few inches, call to have underground utilities located and marked.

Digging is dangerous if you don’t know where the utilities are. If you skip this step and hit a gas, water, or power line underground, you’ll risk the lives of yourself and others, and you’ll be on the hook for the costly repairs. So be sure to call 811 before your project. The process varies by state, so call a few days ahead of your project.

Requirements for Egress Windows

Here are the minimum requirements identified by the building code: 

• The opening needs to be 5.7 square feet.
• The minimum width is 20 inches.
• The minimum height is 24 inches. 
• The well needs to provide a clear space of 3-ft. x 3-ft. when the window is open.
• From the inside, the sill height cannot exceed 44 inches

Dig the Window Well

Following my plans, I drew the window well location with marking paint. I rented a mini excavator to make the ­digging much easier. It was well worth the $450 to avoid hand ­digging.

Have a plan for the dirt you’re removing; it will be more than you anticipate. We took the nearly 10 cubic yards of dirt to a nearby compost site.

]]> https://www.familyhandyman.com/list/shed-kits/ https://www.familyhandyman.com/list/shed-kits/#respond Mon, 30 Jan 2023 21:29:21 +0000 https://www.familyhandyman.com/?post_type=listicle&p=508727

Consider If the Kit Really Fits Your Needs

DIY shed kits are attractive for a bunch of reasons. They allow DIYers to save money while taking on a fun project. But even with the potential for savings, these kits are large investments, and DIYers need to consider if the kit really fits their needs.

The chief concern is size. Many kits are smaller than traditionally-built alternatives, particularly DIY home kits. DIYers may be better off saving money until they can afford a more traditional build.

Also, consider what you’re using the kit for. If it’s for a home, you’ll need to know how much insulation can fit in the walls. In traditional construction, 2×6 lumber with R-19 insulation is the standard for exterior walls.

Undersized lumber in some kits won’t allow for as much insulation, making these homes less efficient. Shopping for a kit that can handle more insulation may be worth it.

Eastern Redbud

Eastern redbud is a small native tree found in USDA Plant Hardiness Zones 4 through 8. Redbuds generally grow to about 20 feet tall and 30 to 35 feet wide at the top. They bloom in early spring before the leaves come out.

Depending on the variety, flower colors vary from pink to dark pink to almost red. Redbuds often grow along the edge of wooded areas in part to full sun and well-drained soil.

Available varieties include ‘Appalachian Red,’ which has dark pink, almost red flowers; ‘Forest Pansy,’ with purple foliage; and ‘Ruby Falls,’ with purple foliage and a weeping form. ‘Ruby Falls’ will be much smaller.

While the redbud puts on a big flower show in the spring, it will sometimes show puckered edges on the leaves if herbicides are sprayed nearby. Redbuds are also considered a short-lived tree. Many die back after about 20 years.

Crown Imperial Fritillaria

If you struggle with deer and rabbits but want beautiful spring flowering bulbs, try crown imperial fritillaria. This three-to-four-foot-tall stately flower acts as a pest repellent due to its distinct odor. You won’t notice it unless you sniff it up close, but critters know to stay clear.

Plant crown imperial bulbs in the fall in well-drained soil in a sunny spot. You’ll enjoy their elegant blooms every year in mid-spring as they return reliably in USDA Plant Hardiness Zones 5 through 8. Try tucking the bulbs behind a short boxwood or lavender hedge, then watch their tall stalks rise up and bloom just above the hedge.

Like all spring bulbs, the foliage will go dormant by summertime. Plant them near something that will fill in when the bulbs are finished.

There are many benefits to portable greenhouses, beyond extending growing seasons. They allow for certain crops to be grown year-round, even in marginal and city environments, and can be placed inside or outside. In addition to storing plants, you can store gardening tools, seeds and more inside the structure. It’s also lightweight, so you can move it around your outdoor area hassle-free.

Perhaps more than anything, portable greenhouses are used for germinating seeds. With the Koksry greenhouse, you can jumpstart your spring garden if you’re planning on starting seedlings to move outside. By summer, a greenhouse will give extra support to heat-loving vegetables, like tomatoes, eggplants and peppers. Even tropical plants that wouldn’t necessarily survive outside of their natural environment can be grown in a greenhouse.

What is a portable greenhouse?

In short, portable greenhouses—like any greenhouse—create relatively warm environments and protect your plant life year-round. Typically, the walls are made of transparent materials, which allow light in and help facilitate a regulated climate that’s ideal for cultivating a variety of plants.

There are several different types of greenhouses that can be found in an assortment of sizes, ranging from mini to industrial ones used to grow large crops. The Koksry greenhouse is larger than a mini one, but more compact and affordable than larger, non-portable greenhouses. The beauty of a portable greenhouse is that it’s easy to transport, so you can move your garden wherever it needs to be. It also comes in handy if you’re doing yard work, completing a landscaping project or moving.

This particular one has a transparent plastic cover that’s waterproof and protects plants from harsh ultraviolet (UV) rays, which can cause plants to burn. Mesh screen windows on both sides regulate internal and external airflow while keeping out pests. It also has a steel pipe and ground nails to stabilize the structure and prevent it from being knocked over by strong winds. Basically, you’re not sacrificing stability for portability with this greenhouse.

Pros

• Lightweight
• Easy to set up
• Affordable
• UV plastic cover
• Waterproof
• Mesh screen windows on each side
• Roll-up door
• High-strength connector link
• Ground nails and rope for stabilization

Cons

• Heat and humidity levels can increase rapidly in smaller structures
• Shelves aren’t especially sturdy

How to Use a Portable Greenhouse

Because portable greenhouses are often used for germinating seeds, you’ll probably get the most use out of your Koksry greenhouse if you plant seeds inside the greenhouse. Then, during warm, sunny months, you can replant the seedlings into bigger pots and move them out of the greenhouse, if you like.

In addition to seed starting, portable greenhouses are also for cloning plants that are already in your landscape, as the plastic cover traps humidity, which helps a cutting take more successfully. If you create the right microclimate inside, you can grow nearly anything.

Portable greenhouses do tend to require a bit more attention than larger ones. You might consider monitoring the heat and humidity levels, as they can build faster in a smaller space and lead to fungus growth and root rot.

The Best Amazon User Reviews

Five-star reviewerm Dena Stuber , says, “I loved this item. Easy-to-read instructions, easy to put together. Perfect size for my needs. Really happy with this purchase!”

Verified Amazon purchaser, Gabrielle Pierce, is a fan of this greenhouse. She writes, “I just love this little greenhouse! It tucks into the end of my covered porch and it is just the perfect size, small but with plenty of room for numerous plants. And for me to be in there with them!”

Richard Woodbury says he has no regrets about purchasing the Koksry Greenhouse. “Wish I’d gotten one of these years ago. Assembly was surprisingly simple, and everything fit like a glove. This thing holds a lot of plants, and I’m looking forward to giving my seeds a boost. It’s now 40 in my backyard but 78 in the greenhouse. [The] only thing I would like to see is a way to vent the heat from the top,” he writes.

Where to Buy a Portable Greenhouse

The Koksry Greenhouse is available in two sizes: 56 inches by 30 inches by 76 inches and 56 inches by 55 inches by 78 inches. It’s available in white and green colors. You can buy the portable greenhouse on Amazon for $100 and have all your plants blooming by spring!

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Dusting Lets in the Light

Plants make their own food through photosynthesis, harnessing light — sunlight or artificial — to change carbon dioxide and water into glucose and oxygen. Plants keep the glucose for food and release oxygen into the air— that’s why they’re so good for the environment. Steinkopf says dust prevents light from reaching the leaves of a plant, reducing its ability to photosynthesize.

Grow Herbs Indoors

If you’ve got a south-facing window, you can grow herbs in an indoor apartment garden. If the ledge isn’t wide enough to hold pots, build a hanging herb garden that can easily be disassembled when you move.

Start with easy-to-grow herbs like basil, cilantro and mint. You can sometimes find small starter plants year-round in the produce department of your local grocery store.

What Is All That Info on Tomato Plant Tags?

Whenever you buy a plant, check the tag, which usually includes the variety name and mature size. In the case of tomatoes, the plant tag may be coded with letters, each related to disease resistance. It should definitely tell you if the tomato plant is indeterminate or determinate.

What Are Indeterminate and Determinate Tomato Plants?

Generally, tomato plants are one or the other. Some are also classified as dwarf.

Indeterminate tomatoes

The most common type, these grow taller all through the season. As they grow they also develop side shoots, called suckers. They generally produce fruit throughout the growing season.

As they grow, reaching six feet or taller, they’ll need a cage or a stake to keep them off the ground.

Determinate tomatoes

These usually produce most of their tomatoes early in the season, within a few weeks, and stop growing at some point. This is great if you want a lot of tomatoes at one time for canning.

Though they don’t grow all summer, they still require some support. A wire cage works fine.

Dwarf tomatoes

According to the Dwarf Tomato Project, these max out at two to four-and-one-half feet, ideal for smaller gardens and containers.

What Do The Code Letters On The Tag Stand For?

Diseases.

Tomatoes are notoriously susceptible to blights, wilts and nematodes. Breeders are always working to create new varieties resistant to diseases and have come up with codes for each malady. When you see these codes on a tag, it means that variety has built-in resistance to the indicated disease. The most common: F for fusarium wilt, V for verticillium wilt and N for nematodes.

If your tomatoes succumbed to a plant disease before the end of the growing season, send a sample to a plant pathology lab for testing. Contact your local cooperative extension service to determine how. Once you know which disease is present in your garden, look for tomato plants resistant to that disease.

What does the code F1 mean?

F1 after a tomato variety name means it’s a hybrid, created by cross-pollinating two varieties. The resulting seeds are designated F1.

Hybrid tomatoes are often more disease-resistant and better tasting. One of the most famous hybrid tomatoes is Big Boy from Burpee.

What Type of Tomato Will the Plant Produce?

Tomatoes come in various sizes, shapes, and colors. Make sure you know which type of tomato you’re getting when you buy that seedling in the spring. Some common types include:

• Currant tomatoes: These are the smallest, and are usually the size of jelly beans.
• Cherry and grape tomatoes: As the name suggests, these are usually the size of cherries and grapes. They’re good for snacking.
• Roma tomatoes: These are usually oblong with thicker skins, good for canning and salsa making.
• Slicing tomatoes: These include beefsteak tomatoes, which can be sizable.

All these come in colors ranging from pink to dark red, plus yellow. Some are even striped.

If you’re new to growing tomatoes, try several varieties each year to learn which do well in your garden and taste good to you. Then grow your favorite varieties every year.

And remember to grow your tomato plants in different spots each year. If you grow your tomatoes in containers, fill them with fresh soil each spring. This lessens the chances of your plants succumbing to a blight or wilt left over from the year before.