Full sun, part shade, full shadethe sunlight your landscape receives can vary. This guide will help you identify the light levels throughout your yard. Sunlight, water, and soil are the key components of healthy plants. Credit: Rob Cardillo Photography Heres what you should probably do to make the most of every light level in your landscape. Starting with a few sheets of tracing paper, sketch a copy of your yards outline on each page....

Consult our creative budget-saving strategies to help you achieve a lovely kitchen for less money. Incorporate Furniture Not every wall in the kitchen needs to be wrapped in cabinetry. Shop the web to compare prices and make your purchase accordingly. With a few basic do-it-yourself skills, you cangive cabinets a fresh coat of painton your own. Or send them out to a paint shop for a factory-finish spray coat. Go Wild with Wallpaper The sky is the limit with wall coverings....

This old-world technique brings a rustic vibe to outdated bricksand why its a permanent commitment. What is German schmear (or German smear)? so that keep it cost-effective, German schmear is best used in smaller applications and ranch orcottage-style homes. Credit:Werner Straube German Schmear vs. Limewash Limewash refers to lime-based paint used to createdistressed finishes, says Aiken. Europeans have been using limewash for centuries, applying it to buildings and homes. Authentic limewash will calcify to the brick or stone, Aiken explains, allowing it to breathe....

Refresh your countertops without the high cost and stress by using self-adhesive paper. Heres how, including the essential materials, upkeep, and expert tips. When you walk into a kitchen, countertops are one of the first features to catch your eye. Credit: Courtesy of Samantha Santana They influence the entire look of the space, adding a modern flair or natural texture. However, updating orreplacing countertopscan be a consuming and costly task....

Give your bed a new look when you reupholster the headboard. Your headboard, for example, can easily be transformed with just a few hours of upholstery work. An upholstered bed will put a modern, clean twist on a dated bed frame. And the best part? You don’t need to be an accomplished seamstress to do this project. Check out the rest of this weekend bedroom makeover. Without this layer, whatever you’re upholstering will look flat, harsh, and uncomfortable....

This vapor then settles on surfaces and penetrates cracks or crevices where pests may hide. Bug bombs typically work on contactkilling common household insects like ants, spiders, roaches, and fleas instantly. To determine whether bug bombs are right for you, read Willis’s expert recommendations ahead. Credit:Getty Images / Steven White He also emphasizes the importance of thoroughly reading and comprehending your bug bomb’s manufacturer label. Along with only providing temporary relief, bug bombs also pose a series of health risks....

These machines are an easy and cost-effective DIY carpet cleaning option. This guide explains how to use upright and portable carpet cleaners toremove stainsand give carpet a deep cleaning. How Do Carpet Cleaners Work? Credit:Mariakray / Getty Images During the extraction cycle, loosened soils are pulled from the carpet along with the cleaning solution. Carpet cleaning machines are also called carpet extractors, carpet shampooers, and carpet steamers. (Truesteam cleanersshould only be used on certain types of hard flooring, like tile or natural stone....

Learn how to seal gaps, cracks, and crevices with a smooth bead of caulk. Caulk is a commonly used product in manyhome renovation projects. When applied in a smooth bead, it forms a watertight seal in narrow gaps and crevices. Credit:Brie Goldman Use this guide to learn more about caulk and how to use a caulking gun. Unless you plan to frequently use a caulking gun, a manual caulking gun is typically sufficient forDIY projects....

But with that efficiency comes danger. Accidents and misuse are all too common with chainsaws. Heres what you oughta know to use a chainsaw safely. Credit:Edelmar / Getty Images Moreover, they come with a number of built-in safety features that older saws may not have. The Right Size Smaller chainsaws are recommended for those new to chainsaw work. (Bear in mind that as the chain heats up from use, it will sag slightly....

Learn how to use this common DIY power tool on home improvement projects. However, learning to properly use a circular saw is necessary to ensure the best project results. Use this guide to learn more about circular saws and how to use one for your nexthome renovation project. Credit:Getty Images / apomares Safety Tips When using a power tool, proper safety precautions are essential to avoid injury. Precautions are especially important when learning to use a new power tool like a circular saw....

Quickly turn your kitchen waste into valuable organic matter for your plants. They allow microorganisms to transform kitchen scraps and garden wastes into a nutrient-rich soil amendment. The ideal ratio is about three to four parts brown to one part green. Credit:Grandbrothers / Getty Images If you add too much green material, composting slows down, resulting in a soggy mess. You may find that a paper shredder is just the ticket for adding lots of brown matter....

Use this easy formula to properly cook almost anything in your convection oven. If you have a convection oven, or your oven offers a convection option, take advantage! Choosing this feature can offer superior browning and crisping results. Credit: Blaine Moats That means beautifully golden-brownpastries,perfectlycrisp cookies, evenlyroasted meats,delightfullycaramelized vegetables, and more. Because convection ovens cook faster than traditional ovens, convection cooking can save you a little time, too. What Is a Convection Oven?...

Learn how to use a drain snake to remedy pesky plumbing clogs yourself, saving you time and money. Better Homes & Gardens / Image Studios Is your bathtub or sink draining slowly? Are you plunging your toilet more frequently these days? Credit:Better Homes & Gardens / Image Studios Instead, there’s a safer solution thats sure toclear that pesky clog. Here’s everything you oughta know about how to snake a drain....