Skip the expensive pre-cut melon and cut your cantaloupe yourself. We’ll walk you through the process from start to finish. Andy Lyons A hydrating and healthy fix for your sweet tooth, cantaloupe melons are also surprisingly nutritious. Credit:Andy Lyons You’ll need a large cutting board and a chef’s knife. Dont skip this step. Be sure to use a cutting board. Credit:Scott Little Test Kitchen Tip: If your cutting board is slipping around, try placing adamp towel under the board....

Don’t be intimidated by the spiky tropical treat. We’ll show you how to cut pineapple in just a few steps. Don’t let this tropical fruit’s spiky skin scare you away. Credit: Scott Little It’s actually quite easy to prepare a pineapple properly. So grab a whole pineapple and follow these four steps to cut fresh pineapple. Put your cut fruit to good use in our favoritepineapple dessert recipes. Credit: Scott Little...

Its the least messy and simplest way to start the cleaning-out process for your Halloween jack-o-lantern. Place the pumpkin on a solid, unmovable surface so theresno accidental slippingand to protect your work surface. Whethercarving your jack-o-lanternsindoors or outside, put down some newspaper to keep the sticky pumpkin insides from getting everywhere. Credit: Brie Passano When you cut into the pumpkin, cut away from yourself using small, controlled movements. Use a small knife for detail work so you have better control....

Skip the pre-cut watermelon at the grocery store and cut your melon yourself this summer. Since the rind can err on the thick and tough side, many retailers sell pre-cut watermelon. ), and customize the shape of your cut. Credit:Annie Schlechter Then grab a sharp chef’s knife and acutting boardits time to chop to it. An uncut watermelon lasts about 7 to 10 days at room temperature, according to theWatermelon Board....

Avoid the dreaded “avocado hand” injuries by learning to pit and slice avocados correctly. Toast, smoothies, and salads featuring avocados are all in your future! Step 1: Slice Around and Twist Apart Wash your avocado. Credit: Andy Lyons Use a knife to make a lengthwise cut around the seed, cutting through the skin and fruit. Holding the avocado in your hands, gently twist the two halves in opposite directions to separate them....

Deck constructionis a process, and setting deck posts is a multi-step project itself that requires careful work. To make the job go quickly, do everything in stages. First, you’ll square all the deck posts and set them in the anchors with a temporary brace. Credit: Peter Krumhardt Next, plumb, align, and brace the posts before marking and cutting them to a consistent height. For step-by-step instructions, follow our guide on setting and cutting deck posts to get started on yourbackyard makeover....

No need to don a coat of armor to peel, cut, and seed this sturdy squash. While that can be convenient, youre almost guaranteed to pay a premium for pre-cut butternut squash. Plus, in the case of frozen cubes, you have less control over the final consistency. Credit:Jacob Fox. Food Styling: Annie Probst To peel butternut squash with a vegetable peeler, feel free to do so when the squash is whole....

The round bulb with feathery stalks is certainly unique. But its flavor is remarkably different. The white bulb and bright green fronds have a gentle, slightly sweet anise flavor. Credit:BHG/Alexandra Shytsman The stalks are tough, so they’re not usually eaten. Cut away and discard the tough core portion from each quarter. It’s also a nice way to cut fennel for cooked recipes to get bigger punches of flavor. Credit:BHG/Alexandra Shytsman...

Learn to cut pavers safely and finally knock out those outdoor projects you’ve been dreaming about. What intimidates many homeowners fromDIY paver installationis the act of cutting the pavers. If you’re unfamiliar with the process of cutting pavers, it can seem daunting. Credit:Getty Images / andreygonchar However, cutting pavers is easier than it seems and can be done with a variety of tools. Always wear eye and ear protection and keep your hands and feet away from the blade....

If you’re unsure how to take full advantage of your zucchini this summer, we can help. Using a mandoline will ensure the squash coins are the same size. This will create an even surface for anchoring the zucchini to your spiralizer’s handle and blade. Spiralizer blades can create varying thicknesses of zucchini noodles. This way, the zucchini holds its shape without becoming limp. to create uniform slices. you’ve got the option to also create thinzucchini ribbonsusing avegetable peeler....

Your annuals and perennials will bloom more if you snip away spent flowers. Plus, its an easy way to help your garden look tidyheres how to do it. Let’s face it: Even the name of this task sounds scary. Credit: Dean Schoeppner So when yourplants have fading bloomsor look unattractive, you could pull out yourgarden shearsand start deadheading flowers. Which Plants to Deadhead? Deadheadspring blooming perennialsat the right time, and you may get a second bloom during the season....

Learning how to deadhead geraniums will help your plants look their best all season long. While it’s not absolutely necessary to do, this technique has two main benefits. Deadheading all types ofgeraniumshelps maintain their appearance and encourages more blooms in your garden pots and planters. Credit:Peter Krumhardt A plant flowers to reproduce itself. Flowers contain the reproductive parts and pieces (stamen, pistil, ovule, pollen, etc.) necessary for pollination and subsequent formation of seeds....

Find out how to deadhead petunias so they keep blooming and looking their best. Don’t worryit’s a snap. Why to Deadhead A flower’s job is to produce viable seeds to reproduce the plant. Credit:Matthew Benson Since petunias bloom frequently, the task is easiest if approached often. Your petunia will look better and flower more with regular deadheading. They’re excellent choices for places that might be hard to reach, likehanging baskets....