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.
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;…
INVERTER GENERATORS EXPLAINED: Quiet, Clean electric Power for Modern Needs
Inverter generators have become increasingly popular for homeowners, campers, and anyone needing portable power. But what exactly is an inverter…
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…
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…
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.