Skip to content
Best of Home & GardenSay Hello

242 plantings

All posts

Q&A · June 29, 2026

Prep Exterior Wood for Longer-Lasting Home Paint Jobs

Properly preparing exterior wood surfaces is the difference between a paint job that lasts years and one that fails within months. This article breaks down the essential steps professionals use to ensure paint adheres correctly and withstands harsh weather conditions. Learn from expert techniques on assessing wood condition, testing adhesion, and addressing common issues before applying that first coat.

Q&A · June 23, 2026

Choose the Right Mulch for Home Garden Beds Without Regret

Selecting the wrong mulch can lead to wasted money, stunted plants, and hours of frustration in the garden. This guide brings together practical advice from horticultural professionals on wood selection, organic layering techniques, and proper material matching for different bed types. Learn how to apply mulch at the correct depth while protecting plant crowns and maximizing long-term benefits.

Q&A · June 22, 2026

Turn Soil Test Results into Smarter Garden Amendments

Soil test results can feel overwhelming, but they hold the key to a healthier, more productive garden. This guide breaks down how to interpret those numbers and use them to make targeted improvements through strategic composting and pH adjustments. Industry experts share their proven methods for transforming raw data into actionable steps that work with your garden's natural cycles.

Q&A · June 16, 2026

Time and Right-Size Pruning in the Home Garden for Healthier Plants

Pruning at the wrong time or cutting in the wrong place can weaken plants and invite disease into the home garden. This guide brings together insights from horticultural experts to show homeowners exactly when and how to prune for stronger, healthier growth. Learn the proper techniques for timing cuts, removing branches safely, and thinning growth to rejuvenate your landscape plants.

Q&A · June 15, 2026

Keep Weeds Out of Home Garden Beds Without Harsh Sprays

Home gardeners spend countless hours battling weeds, but harsh chemical sprays aren't the only solution. This guide presents five practical, eco-friendly methods to keep garden beds weed-free, backed by insights from horticulture professionals and experienced gardeners. These straightforward techniques require minimal investment and deliver lasting results without compromising soil health or plant safety.

Q&A · June 9, 2026

Prune Overgrown Ornamental Shrubs for Shape and Blooms Without Setbacks

Overgrown ornamental shrubs can transform from garden highlights into unruly eyesores, but strategic pruning brings them back to their full potential. The key lies in matching your approach to each plant's natural growth habits and flowering patterns. This guide draws on expert recommendations to help you restore shape and maximize blooms without causing lasting damage to your shrubs.

Q&A · June 8, 2026

Make Exterior Wood Last: Deck and Siding Finish Decisions That Hold Up

Choosing the right finish for exterior wood can mean the difference between a deck or siding that looks great for years and one that requires constant maintenance. This article breaks down practical finish decisions for different applications, drawing on insights from professionals who work with exterior wood every day. Learn which products and strategies actually hold up in real-world conditions, from decking and siding to trim work.

Q&A · June 2, 2026

Dry, Healthy Bathrooms: Moisture Control Habits That Prevent Mildew

Mildew thrives in damp bathrooms, but a few simple habits can stop it before it starts. This article covers practical moisture control techniques that keep bathrooms dry and healthy, including insights from experts in the field. From quick post-shower routines to strategic ventilation, these methods require minimal effort but deliver lasting results.

Q&A · June 1, 2026

Seal Drafts First: Home Energy Fixes That Deliver Comfort Fast

Cold drafts and high energy bills often share the same root cause: air leaks in the wrong places. This guide breaks down the most effective sealing strategies, ranked by speed of impact, with insights from energy auditors and building science professionals. Targeting high-traffic zones first delivers noticeable comfort improvements within hours, not weeks.

Q&A · May 26, 2026

Tame Yard Runoff: Practical Landscape Moves for Heavy Rain

Heavy rainfall can turn yards into muddy swamps and cause water to pool against foundations, leading to costly damage. Landscape experts agree that strategic adjustments to grading and water flow patterns offer the most effective solutions for managing stormwater runoff. This article shares practical techniques from professionals who specialize in drainage problems, helping homeowners take control of water issues before they escalate.

Q&A · May 25, 2026

Small-Yard Pollinator Gardens: Choices That Bring More Bees and Butterflies

Creating a thriving pollinator garden doesn't require acres of land. This guide brings together proven strategies from horticulturists and pollinator specialists to help maximize bee and butterfly activity in compact spaces. The following recommendations focus on plant selection, garden layout, and maintenance practices that make even the smallest yard a haven for essential pollinators.

Q&A · May 19, 2026

Mulch That Matters: How Gardeners Pick Type and Depth for Better Beds

Choosing the right mulch can mean the difference between a thriving garden and one that struggles to grow. This article breaks down the key factors that determine which mulch works best for your plants, including material selection, texture preferences, and proper layering techniques. Industry experts share their proven methods for matching mulch type and depth to specific garden bed requirements.

Q&A · May 18, 2026

Beat Lawn Weeds Without Chemicals: Maintenance Moves That Really Work

Lawn weeds don't stand a chance against strategic mowing and maintenance practices. This guide covers proven methods to suppress unwanted plants through proper grass height, seeding, and aeration, with insights from lawn care experts. These chemical-free approaches work by creating conditions where your grass thrives while weeds struggle to take hold.