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.
LESSONS FROM THE LAND: A Few Thoughts While Fixing an Heirloom Cedar Rail fence
In this 4 minute video, watch Steve as he fixes a century-old cedar rail fence in the backwoods of Manitoulin;…
LESSONS LEARNED: Little But Important Things That Really Matter
Sometimes it’s the little things in life that determine success or failure, and experiences that one of my sons and…
ONCE-AND-FOR-ALL OUTDOOR WOOD FINISH: See Application & Time Lapse Colour Change
In this video (7 1/4 minutes) see how Steve mixes an outdoor wood finish that only needs to be applied…
CALHOUN FABRIC STRUCTURE PROJECT: Watch Me Prep Steel Legs Before Installation
Watch me prepare steel legs for the 42×80 foot Calhoun fabric structure I’m putting up at my place. This is…
LILAC LESSONS: How I Finally Got Our Lilacs Flourishing
Sometimes the smallest things in life can make a big difference. Steve’s 20+ year struggle with failing lilacs tells the…
ROUND FIREWOOD PILES: How to Get Wood Properly Out As You Use It
A subscriber asked me: “What’s the best way to get wood out of the round firewood piles you’ve written about?…
HOMESTEAD CATTLE PASTURE: Take an Aerial Tour of Our Forest Farm
I spend time each year working on fences and clearing encroaching brush, and thought you’d like to see what my…
LIFE INSIGHTS: Lessons Learned From an Old Shed Roof
A few of autumns ago I climbed onto a small, deteriorating roof of a shed that I hadn’t walked on…
DIY Tips to Secure Your Family’s Food Supply for the Long Term
There are several benefits to living a self-sustaining life, and fresh, homegrown foods are one of them. Get it right…
DECK BUILDING: Three Saws That Make The Work Easier & Better
In this week’s video episode, see THE kind of deck building saw to buy if you can only get one;…
How to Remove Tree Sap from Wood, Clothes & Vehicles
A subscribers asked: “How can I stop sap from oozing out of several new Douglas fir benches I had made?…
BLANDING’S TURTLE VIDEO: Watch a Rare Species Visit Our Driveway
Watch as Steve and Jake bring a rare Blanding’s turtle back to the lake.
INVERTER GENERATORS: A Lighter, Quieter, Better Portable Power Option
If you’re looking for portable electric power for camping, power tool use away from the grid, or for sensitive electronics,…
LAWN MOWING: High-Mileage Zero-Radius Model Keeps On Cutting
Canada’s Handiest Man, Steve Maxwell, sings the praises of a lazy man who revolutionized lawn maintenance by inventing a zero-radius…
Understanding the Basics of Lawn and Garden Fertilizers
Steve Maxwell, Canada’s Handiest Man, explains in detail the science behind proper fertilization to achieve a lush green yard.
FABRIC STRUCTURES: Tips for Choosing the right model for you
In this detailed screencast video, I share what I’ve learned researching and choosing a fabric structure made a company called Calhoun that provides…
HOW TO USE A WOOD SPLITTER: Learn to safely Run this effective piece of equipment
In this week’s video episode, learn how a hydraulic wood splitter works; see safe methods for using a wood splitter…
GARDEN GATEWAY: download Plans for Building a Great Pergola
I’ve learned a few lessons over the last 30+ years, not the least of which is how fast 30 years…
Lawn Care 101: Simple Steps for a Greener Yard
A lush, green lawn is the pride of any homeowner, enhancing curb appeal and providing a beautiful outdoor space for…
Types of Axes Every Woodworker Should Own
Woodworking is an art that requires precision, control, and a variety of tools. Among the tools needed in this field,…
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.