Outdoors
This is where you’ll find lots of information for hands-on success outside. Gardening, farming, vehicle maintenance and repair, outdoor structures and more.
Review the entire Archive of Outdoors Articles here, or do a more in-depth search to find what you’re looking for.
VIDEO GARDEN TOUR: Manitoulin August 2015
Watch an 8 minute tour of the garden Steve and his wife Mary keep on Manitoulin Island. Learn three gardening…
OFF-GRID ELECTRICAL SYSTEM VIDEO#15: HOW TO MAKE CRIMPED & TWIST-ON WIRE CONNECTIONS
This is video#15 of 15 in my course INDEPENDENT ELECTRIC POWER. This course is a complete program for designing and building…
OFF-GRID ENERGY SYSTEM VIDEO#3: CHOOSING A BACKUP GENERATOR
This is video#3 of 15 in my course INDEPENDENT ELECTRIC POWER. This course is a complete program on designing and building…
OFF-GRID POWER SYSTEM VIDEO#1: REAL-WORLD POWER SYSTEM
This is the video#1 of 15 in my course “INDEPENDENT ELECTRIC POWER”. This course is a complete program on designing and…
TOOL TEST : Cordless Yard Tools Good as Gas
Keep your yard neat and your neighbors happy with yard tools powered by a lithium battery. You no longer need…
FRIENDLY ADVICE: Avoid Biggest Wood Fence Stain Mistake
A long-time reader is about to waste time and money doing something to her fence that a lot of people…
How do I replace a rusting steel garage support?
Steve explains how to replace a rusting steel garage support post and how to make the new one last.
How can I extend the height of a wooden fence from?
How can I extend the height of a wooden fence from five feet to seven feet tall without putting in…
How can I treat two new cedar decks I’ll be building at our restaurant?
How can I treat two new cedar decks I’ll be building at our restaurant? I need something that looks good…
Why is water dripping from underneath my eaves?
Why is water dripping from underneath my eaves? There’s no leakage in the attic or living quarters, but I’m concerned…
Q&A: Outdoor boilers – dispelling some common myths!
I have to disagree with your published opinion that outdoor wood boilers are an environmentally sound way to heat. While…
What’s the best way to insulate a 1906 farmhouse?
What’s the best way to insulate a 1906 farmhouse? My plan is to strip the interior, increase the depth of…
What’s the most economical furnace to install in my Victorian farmhouse, oil or propane?
What’s the most economical furnace to install in my Victorian farmhouse, oil or propane? I’d like to replace the 20-year-old…
Will a light colored, floating wood floor work well with the dark, walnut paneling of our foyer?
On June 12, 2012, Shae from Sterling, Virginia wondered if a light colored, floating wood floor would work well with…
ASK STEVE: Beginner help with building a garden shed
I’m looking to build a garden shed, but don’t know which way to proceed. I can be handy if I…
Where’s the best place to locate a furnace?
Where’s the best place to locate a furnace? My wife and I are designing a new home, and our plans…
HANDMADE GRAIN: How We Grew Wheat By Hand
Canada’s Handiest Man and proud father, Steve Maxwell, tells a story about his son Jacob’s love of the land and…
Why You Can Trust Skylights
Read Steve’s explanation about why modern skylights offer a reliable, life-giving addition to most homes.
WIN A GENERATOR: Enter the “Power Up North America” Giveaway
Everyone Needs Home Energy Security The Power Up Giveaway is Here!. Our partners at Champion Generators know a thing or…
WIN A GENERATOR: Enter the “More Power” North American Giveaway
Everyone Needs Home Energy Security The 2019 “More Power Giveaway” is here! Our partners at Champion Generators know a thing or…
Lawn Fertility Adventure Part 2
Steve Maxwell blogs a second installment of his lawn fertilizing “learning journey”.
Search Outdoors Articles
This is where you’ll find lots of information for hands-on success outside. Gardening, farming, vehicle maintenance and repair, outdoor structures and more.