How Far Apart to Plant Tomatoes: 7 Must-Know Tips to Avoid Overcrowding

Find out how far apart to plant tomatoes and why it’s essential for getting a better harvest. Paul Maguire / Adobe Stock A tinytomato seedling grows exponentiallyin just a couple of months. Know Your Tomato Plant Tomato plantspacing depends on the bang out of tomato. Credit:Paul Maguire / Adobe Stock Tomatoes plants are in one of two groups based on their growth habit:determinate or indeterminate. Indeterminate plants grow, flower, and fruit for months until they are killed by frost....

May 4, 2025 · 2 min · 253 words · Leslie Tucker

How Fruit Tree Planters Should Be Potted and Maintained

Not enough room for an orchard? Try planting a small fruit tree in a container. A dwarf fruit tree needs sunlight and almost no growing room. You’ll also want to keep the potted tree within reach of the hose for easy maintenance. Here are some choices: Choose a Container and Soil Think big. Don’t squish a fruit tree in a planter smaller than 18 inches. Preferably, choose a pot 20 inches or wider....

May 4, 2025 · 2 min · 290 words · Randy Ramos

How Garden Lime Can Help Plants Thrive

If you’ve got acidic soil, this inexpensive crushed rock product is your friend. Here’s what it’s crucial that you know to make the most of it. When you add lime, you reduce the acidity of the soil (andincrease the pH). Credit: Helin Loik-Tomson/Getty Images When your soil is too acidic, plants dont get the nutrients they need to grow. The use of lime to neutralize acidity in the soil dates back 2,000 years to Roman agriculture....

May 4, 2025 · 2 min · 361 words · Cesar Foster

How Hallmark Queen Lacey Chabert Makes the Most of the Holiday Season

The Hallmark Christmas movie mainstay dishes on how she celebrates Christmas with her family. Glade Its no coincidence that Lacey Chabert has starred in more than 25 holiday movies. One reason shes so fond of the holiday season is all the time she gets to spend with family. Credit:Glade I just want to be together with everyone and create some new memories," Chabert says. On Christmas Eve, Chabert will host a big dinner for her family with some of their favorite dishes....

May 4, 2025 · 1 min · 210 words · James Walker

How Home Automation Is Revolutionizing Energy Efficiency for Homeowners

Discover what a home automation system is and how it can contribute to energy and cash savings. Werner Straube Smart technology has progressed from our cellular devices to impacting nearly every part of our lives. What Is a Home Automation System? Credit:Werner Straube McLaughlin says these devices offer major benefits. Some systems, like a smart thermostat, can also regulate themselves to double-check excess energy isn’t wasted. Homeowners who invest in smart home products have the potential to save money, Klosterman says....

May 4, 2025 · 2 min · 249 words · Jason Gentry

How Hot Does a Grill Get? Learn to Control Temps with Our Guide

These tips will help you achieve your perfect gas or charcoal grill temperature and cook your meat just right. When warmer weather arrives, it’s time to fire up the grill. But how hot does a grill get, anyway? Credit: Jason Donnelly And what temperature does it need to be for optimal grilling flavor? We have answers to these questions. Many barbecue buffs swear by air probes that monitor the heat inside the pit of your grill....

May 4, 2025 · 1 min · 160 words · Ariel Nunez

How I Got This House

Buying your first homeor second, third, or fourthcomes with its share of stressors. Is the price right? Does the property check all the boxes on your wish list? Credit:Grace Cary; Benjamin Ronde; Phamai Techaphan | Design: Kailey Whitman What if your offer falls through? Luckily, theright real estate agentcan support you in your search. And once you step inside your dream home, its all worth it. Credit:Jordan Lye; chictype | Design: Kailey Whitman...

May 4, 2025 · 1 min · 117 words · Matthew Acevedo

How Long Do Air Conditioners Last? Expert Tips for Lasting Comfort

Hotter summers mean heavier AC use, but how long do air conditioners last? We break it down and share simple ways to help your unit beat the heat. After all, air conditioners have a finite lifespan and even well-cared-for systems eventually fail. Credit:Getty Images / KangeStudio Getty Images / KangeStudio What Is the Average Lifespan of an Air Conditioner? Each air conditioner system has a slightly different lifespan, depending on the unit bang out and manufacturer....

May 4, 2025 · 3 min · 448 words · Susan Brooks

How Long Do Bed Sheets Last? Experts Share Tips for Extending Their Lifespan

Material, weave, and care impact how long your sheets last. Learn how to keep your favorite sets in good shape. A bed can last a lifetime, but sheets arent meant to do the same. Credit:Adam Albright Bed sheets last a few years, depending on the frequency of use and yourcleaning routine. However, much also depends on the quality of the materials. Here are what experts say about how longbed sheetslast and tips to prolong their lifespan....

May 4, 2025 · 2 min · 341 words · Heidi Hernandez MD

How Long Do Dishwashers Last? Plus How to Keep Yours in Top Shape

Keep your dishwasher in good working order with these tips for extending your appliance’s lifespan. But how long do dishwashers last, and when is it time for a new one? Like all appliances, dishwashers don’t last forever. Credit: Brie Williams Theyrequire routine cleaningand repairs from time to time. Experts say that to extend your dishwasher’s lifespan, a few minor tweaks can make all the difference. But watch out for signs of clanking and draining that could indicate the need for a replacement....

May 4, 2025 · 2 min · 380 words · Kimberly Baird

How Long Do Dryers Last? 3 Signs It's Time for a Replacement

Dryers aren’t designed to last forever. Learn the typical lifespan of a dryer, plus how to tell it needs to be replaced. After all, dryers arent designed to last forever. Credit:Marty Baldwin With moving parts and heating elements subject to water and heat, they have a finite lifespan. However, attentive maintenance and careful use may extend your machines longevity. Average Dryer Lifespans by jot down Standardhome dryersare top-load or front-load....

May 4, 2025 · 2 min · 366 words · Jeremy Patel

How Long Do Leftovers Last? This Chart Tells You What’s Safe

When in doubt, take the safer route by tossing it. Looking for a more specific food to find out how long the leftovers will last? TryUSDA’s FoodKeeper Appwhere it’s possible for you to search for products. Credit:Jason Donnelly Pop those leftovers in the fridge within 2 hours to enjoy for up to 4 days. It’s not just the leftovers you’ll need to watch out for safe consumption and/or the best quality....

May 4, 2025 · 1 min · 82 words · James Hayes

How Long Do Poinsettias Last Indoors? 5 Tips to Extend Their Blooms

How long poinsettias last indoors depends on their care. Maximize blooming with these must-know tips. JC Visual Studio / Getty Images Like the essential evergreen tree,poinsettiasare a Christmas tradition. Credit:JC Visual Studio / Getty Images But how long do poinsettias last? Their beauty doesn’t have to end after unwrapping gifts and taking down the tree. Poinsettias thrive year-round in Mexico where thesetropical plantsare native. How Long Does a Poinsettia Live? A well-cared for poinsettia will have a bushy appearance and colorful foliage for at least 6 weeks....

May 4, 2025 · 3 min · 477 words · Monica Chen