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.
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,…
FIREWOOD CUTTING TABLE: A video Tour
Watch my video tour of a simple log table I built to handle extra-large blocks of firewood that are too…
HOW TO CUT A TREE WITH A CHAINSAW: The Dos And Don’ts Of Working Safely
Among all do-it-yourself projects, felling trees is one of the most dangerous. Although you’re the one who has to take…
“How can I protect tools against rust?”
Video Watch Time = 7 minutes Question: My husband and I store power tools, hand tools and garden…
COMPOSITE VS WOOD: Understanding these deck building options
If you’re building a deck or renovating an older one, I’ve got some thoughts to share when it comes to…
BACKYARD CHICKEN HOUSE: Download Free Building Plans
Want plans for building the portable chicken house you see below? You’ll find a download link further along in the…
STONEWORKING: Breaking a Big Rock With Old Tools & New Ones
Watch as my son, Robert, and I split a piece of limestone that’s way too big for a mini excavator…
BETTER FENCES: Best practices for Building well
In at least one way, wooden residential fences are like most other home improvement projects. The more you put into…
BIG FABRIC STRUCTURE: Watch the Unloading of my 12,000 lbs Project
When I needed more covered storage space on my rural property, I decided to put up a fabric structure. I…
Top Tips to Improve Drainage in Your Garden
The presence of moisture is among the features of a healthy landscape. However, too much water can cause waterlogging and…
BETTER TRACTION ON ICE: I Finally Found Something I Like Putting on My Walkway & Steps
I get plenty of winter ice where I live, but I’ve always opted to put nothing on sidewalks and steps…
FASTENERS FOR DECKS: Watch a Video Tour of the Nuts & Bolts That Are Up To The Job
If you’re building a deck you should aim to make it last at least several decades. In fact, there’s no…
Watch a Foundation Being Filled And Levelled
Watch the latest in my video series on the 42×80-foot Calhoun Superstructure I’m putting up at my place. The inner…
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This is where you’ll find lots of information for hands-on success outside. Gardening, farming, vehicle maintenance and repair, outdoor structures and more.