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Upgrade your outdoor living space by adding a kitchen. Learn how to install plumbing with our step-by-step instructions. Most people want a grill for outdoor cooking, but adding plumbing can create an entire outdoor kitchen. A small sink helps with food preparation and reduces trips in and out of the house. Agas barbecue unitthat’s built into a tiled countertop gives the cook plenty of convenient prep space. The drain runs into a dry well....

This DIY pond box brings the pleasure of a water garden to your deck. Lack room for a spaciousin-ground water feature? And it’s easy to build, even if you’re new to crafting and DIY. Water lilies are a popular choice for ponds. Once constructed, fill the planter section witha mixture of fernsand grasses and surround it with rock. Step 2 Assemble the outer box frame using wood screws. Measure the interior dimensions and cut boards to fit as a base....

Do air purifiers help with dust? Yes, and it can also help with pollen and pet dander. simpson33/Getty Images Air purifiers are helpful devices that improve home air quality. Credit:simpson33/Getty Images Yet, some people wonder, “Do air purifiers help with dust?” Kenneth Mendez is the president and CEO of the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA). What to Know About Home Air Quality Poor air quality impacts your health....

Plus, get professional tips on storing your ingredientsthe right way. Could this have gone bad? Should you go ahead and bake something with questionable ingredients or admit defeat? Credit:Marty Baldwin In an ideal world, you’d all use up food before it goes bad. But, in the real world, all you’re able to do is your best. Jen Baptonis a registered dietitian. Credit:Halee Miller However, baking goods go bad as well, and some of them can also make you sick....

Lots of newer begonias grow in sun or shade, but here are the best begonias for full sun. Courtesy of Proven Winners Can you only grow begonias in shade, or dobegoniaslike sun too? Do Begonias Like Sun or Shade? Credit:Courtesy of Proven Winners Most types of begonias grow in shady areas in nature. However, plant breeders have been able to increase sun tolerance in several groups of begonias. Best Begonias for Sun 1....

They can last for years if stored properly. What Are Chia Seeds? Another variety of chia, called golden chia, was eaten by native Americans in the Southwestern United States. Credit:Getty Images / NikiLitov Chia seeds have gained recognition as a potent source of omega-3 fatty acids. Do Chia Seeds Expire? Like most other food products, chia seeds have an expiration date and can go bad. Heres How to Tell Chia seeds should have a mild, nutty aroma....

Cucumbers need a trellis if you’d like to have straighter cukes, healthier plants, and easier harvests. This guide contains expert tips on how to grow cucumbers on a trellis successfully. Do Cucumbers Need a Trellis? Credit:Carson Downing Not all cucumbers need a trellis. The throw in of cucumber you choose to plant determines whether a cucumber trellis is needed. Vining cucumbers are natural climbers, so trellising them helps you usevertical garden spacemore effectively....

Deer do eat hydrangeas quite happily. Keep the creatures at bay with these smart strategies from gardening experts. Matthew Benson Yes, deer do eathydrangeas, but you might take some simple steps to protect your blooms. Credit:Matthew Benson Deer also stay away from hellebores and irises. Another quick fix is to scare them away with loud noises. A motion-activated sprinkler, for instance, can deter deer by providing noise and a surprise splash of water....

Don’t let deer eat mums in your fall display with easy tips for protecting your plants. Do Deer Eat Mums? Animal scientists call deer opportunistic feeders. Credit:Rett Peek They prefer a variety of foods and will eat what is readily available. When grazing areas are limited, especially in suburban landscapes, deer eat any available plants. These include evenprickly junipersandintensely scented marigolds, and yes, your freshly potted fall mums. Put your method of protection in place at the same time you plant orarrange your autumn display....

Deer do eat tomato plants from time to time. Here’s how to prevent damage to your plants. Learn how to identify deer damage on tomato plants and how to protect your crop. Credit:Robert Muckley / Getty Images Deer and Tomatoes Vegetable gardens offer a tasty bountyfor both humans and deer. Plantcompanion vegetables and herbsthat deer rarely browse due to their prickly texture or pungent odor near tomato plants. These include chives, cucumbers, eggplant,leeks, onions,rosemary,rhubarb, andsage....

Natural cleaning products and DIY alternatives dont always work against certain germs and types of bacteria. Heres what to know prior to beginning scrubbing. We sought out some expert advice to learn more. Credit:Brie Goldman “Its important to understand the difference of disinfecting versus cleaning,” Grimes says. She says this process likely decreases the number of germs in the area but doesnt necessarily eliminate them completely. (The EPA even identifies antimicrobial products approved for use against specific dangerous pathogens....

Experts weigh in on whether buyers should take advantage of new rates. For potential homebuyers, this means a slightly more affordable housing market with increased buying power. How Big Is the Mortgage Drop? Credit:Thomas J. Story A brief history is necessary to appreciate the decrease in mortgage rates. Before the pandemic, mortgage rates hovered at 5% on average. During and after lockdown,Americans increasingly sought bigger living spacesafter feeling cooped up for months....