How long can you keep garden produce in a root cellar? Would you believe 18 months? Let me explain. Shortly before writing my book on root cellars, I did an experiment with beets from my garden. I took the best of…
In 2020, there were nearly 228.2 million licensed drivers in the US, but a fair number of them don’t know the basics of car maintenance. Fortunately, most car maintenance tasks are easy to perform, even by novice mechanics, so long…
Protecting and improving your home is a no-brainer when you’ve made a significant financial commitment. And with a fence, you can guarantee that your family and house enjoy privacy and a better experience in the backyard. Reading time: 5 1/2…
Brake drums are a crucial part of the braking system of some vehicles, and some people do their own drum brake and brake shoe replacement work. Brake pads rub against brake drums when when you step on the brake pedal, creating friction and…
Building a fence may not sound like a complicated job, but just like any construction project, there are many considerations to be made, starting from the planning step. One of the most important considerations many homeowners tend to overlook is…
In Andre Rieu’s words, “coming home is one of the most beautiful things” – and a loved and looked-after home exterior can make this moment even more special! Adding exterior finishes, new windows, or a covered entrance might seem like…
If you’re planning to build a new backyard deck this year (or refurbish an old one with a good frame but rotted top), you’re probably about to make a mistake. Several mistakes, actually. The reason is because standard deck building…
Solar generators are portable, cordless power supplies that deliver regular household current when the grid goes down, and you’ve probably seen them advertised. Also called portable power supplies, these devices are hot now and being marketed hard. The claims for…
A concrete driveway is an excellent option for any home because they work well and they look good. If you’ve got a concrete driveway at your house, you already know how good they can look. Not only that, but maintaining a…
My earliest memories of mosquitos, black flies and biting insects goes back to May 1970 and my first trip to a seriously rural area as a boy. Since then I’ve learned that dealing with these pests involves three choices. You can tough…
Arsenic in drinking water? Is that even a thing? Well, surprisingly, yes it can be. In fact, it’s pretty alarming to see the rate of arsenic exposure from drinking water once you look at the details. As far as we…
Keeping your car in good condition is vital if you want it to last as long as possible. By following a few simple maintenance tips, you can help prolong the life of your vehicle in big ways. Regular maintenance is…