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Hay vs. Straw

By Linda Cottin |
Farmers and ranchers know the difference between hay and straw, but the average homeowner often confuses the two.  Both are available in homeowner sized bales, typically rectangular in shape, and both can be used for many home and garden projects.  Understanding the differences and benefits of each will help… Read More

Replace a Window or Door Screen

By Linda Cottin |
With summer in full swing, now is the time to replace those torn or worn screens around your home. Step 1:  Remove the screen frame from the window or door and lay the frame on a flat hard surface. Step 2: Measure the frame and add two… Read More

Crabgrass Prevention vs. Spring Seeding

By Linda Cottin |
To seed or not to seed, that is the question.  Spring is a great time to over seed an existing lawn.  Sunshine is abundant in those normally shady spots and springtime rains assure an adequate supply of moisture.  Spring is also the only time that crabgrass can be controlled… Read More

Winterize Your Home

By Linda Cottin |
Staying warm and saving money on heating costs are two goals that sometimes seem at odds when cold weather hits.  Here are ten steps that will help you do both. Step 1:  Seal up cracks or crevices inside and outside the home.  Look for gaps where different materials… Read More

Melt Weeds Away

By Linda Cottin |
Using a propane flame torch to wilt away weeds is a great alternative to herbicides or other traditional weeding methods.  Proper use of a flame torch is safe and easy for gardeners and farmers alike. Step 1:  Choose a day when there are no burn notices in effect… Read More

Fall Seeding

By Linda Cottin |
Once the heat of the summer has left and the cool crispness of early fall is just around the corner, it is time to consider resurrecting that dry and damaged lawn.  Reseeding a lawn in the fall allows the grass to set roots over the winter, sprout vivaciously in… Read More

Control Bag Worms

By Linda Cottin |
Thyridopteryx ephemeraeformis, commonly known as bagworms, will quickly destroy evergreens and shrubs when left untreated.  Bagworms are small caterpillars that feed off needles and leaves, stripping plants of their foliage and causing trees and shrubs to die.  Bagworms are easily identifiable by the 1” -2” spindle shaped sack they… Read More

Fix a Dripping Faucet

By Linda Cottin |
When a double handled bathroom faucet is dripping, grab an adjustable wrench, a phillips screw driver, a flat head screw driver, and head down under; down under the sink that is. Step 1:  If life is good, there will be two shut off valves, one for the cold… Read More

Mitigate Carpenter Bee Damage

By Linda Cottin |
Carpenter bees are harmless creatures, except for their habit of boring half inch wide tunnels into exposed wood on homes and other structures. Carpenter bees look like bumblebees, but with shiny, black bottoms. They are most active in April and May when they emerge from overwintering to mate and… Read More

Changing Oil and Filter

By Linda Cottin |
Changing the oil and filter in your car is an easy way to save money while prolonging the life of your vehicle. Most cars and trucks will run better if the oil is changed every 5000 miles. Refer to the car owner’s manual for the recommended oil type and capacity. Read More