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.
BETTER TARPING: See a Better Way to Tie Down Than Just grommets
Steve Maxwell, Canada’s Handiest Man, explains a handy product called Grabbits that make tying down tarps much simpler and easier.
RURAL WATER: Watch a 100+ Foot Well Being Drilled in Solid Rock
Watch a water well being drilled from start to finish, including an unexpected ending. This video is from my online…
DIY HOOP HOUSE PLANS: Build Your Own Economical Backyard Greenhouse
A hoop house is a simple greenhouse, and if you’d like to build one for yourself, you’ve come to the…
COTTAGE PLUMBING: Priming Your Seasonal Water System The Easy Way
Pressurize your water system, not your blood pressure. Steve Maxwell, Canada’s Handiest Man, discusses seasonal water system solutions for cottagers.
HOUSEHOLD PESTS: How to Get Rid of Gnats
If you’re dealing with pesky little insects buzzing around your home, chances are you have gnats. Even though gnats are…
WOOD SPLITTER REVIEW: See this Best Selling Model Up Close
Thinking of getting a wood splitter? Check out my video review of the best selling wood splitter in Canada. Except…
WORK GLOVES: 100 Year-Old Canadian Firm Protects Workers & Heals Warriors
In 2018, I discovered a Canadian work glove manufacturer that I’m surprised I hadn’t found before. I use work gloves…
DECK BOARD BULLNOSE: Learn a Simple Detail That Makes Any Deck Look Better
In this week’s video episode, see a simple routed profile that makes any deck look way better; watch two wrong…
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;…
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.
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.