What is Catfacing in Tomatoes—And How Do You Prevent It?

Catfacing in tomatoes causes them to appear misshapen. Often, deep crevices and scar tissue will appear on the blossom end of the fruit. However, there are variousmanagement techniquesthat have proven useful in avoiding the harmless, but strange-looking, disorder. Credit:Getty Images / Larry Reynolds Banish tomato catfacing from your fruit crop with theseeasy growing tips. Causes of Catfacing in Tomatoes Cold temperatures are pegged as the most likely cause of catfacing....

May 4, 2025 · 3 min · 486 words · Martha Garrett

What Is Compost Starter? 7 Best Materials to Speed Up Composting

Using a compost starter can speed up the process. Svetikd / Getty Images It takes time tomake compost. What Is Compost Starter? Credit:Svetikd / Getty Images However, compost starters and accelerators are used a little differently. Compost starters are typically added tonewcompost piles to jumpstart the composting process. However, you might use any of these products to speed up composting. After all, organic matter will eventually degrade into compost if you give it enough time....

May 4, 2025 · 2 min · 301 words · Mr. Jerry Foster

What Is Crème Fraîche?

Meet sour cream’s thicker, sweeter cousin. Here’s a complete guide to buying, storing, making, and using creme fraiche. We’ve all been there. Credit:Maximilian Stock Ltd./Getty Images So, what is creme fraiche andif you don’t have itwhat is a good substitute for creme fraiche? Can you make it at home? How long can you store it? Don’t worrywe’ve compiled all the answers for you down below. Read on to learn more about this European dairy staple....

May 4, 2025 · 3 min · 445 words · Marvin Stein

What Is Deck Skirting, And Do You Need It?

Heres everything you better know about deck skirting and if it is worthwhile for your home. What Is Deck Skirting? Deck skirting is a covering or barrier that is installed around the base of a deck. Credit:David Land It is designed to enclose the underside of the deck. Deck skirting is usually made from wood, vinyl, or metal. It can enhance the decks aesthetics by decoratively hiding the open space between the deck and the ground....

May 4, 2025 · 2 min · 416 words · Jose Lee

What Is Eggshell Paint? How to Use It in Your Home

Flat, matte, eggshell, high gloss: Not sure about the differences in paint finishes? Read more to learn about eggshell paint. However, finding theright color and sheen for every roomcan be challenging. Credit:Better Homes & Gardens Sheen and finishare terms that are often used interchangeably to describe the level of glossiness of a paint. A paint’s sheen matters because it affects how the color looks during certain times of day. It measures how much light is absorbed and reflected....

May 4, 2025 · 3 min · 469 words · Sandra Smith

What is Engineered Hardwood Flooring?

Learn more about engineered hardwood flooring, a modern alternative to traditional hardwood. Kim Cornelison Known for durability and style,hardwood floorshave been a go-to flooring option for centuries. However, hardwood trees are slow growers and the demand for beautiful, durable floors isnt slowing down. Credit:Kim Cornelison The word engineered is a technical term for wood boards that have been formed using wood pieces and adhesives. While there are many types of engineered woods, the most common is plywood....

May 4, 2025 · 2 min · 421 words · Brandon Thompson

What Is Espresso? Here’s What Makes it Different From Coffee

Plus discover 9 coffee shop drinks it’s possible for you to make at home. You see it on cafe and restaurant menus often, and perhaps youve even ordered it before. (More on this shortly.) Credit: Jorn Georg Tomter / Getty Images Espresso shots are just the beginning, though. Theyre the foundation of many popular coffee shop drinks, from mochas and macchiatos to cappuccinos and cortados. What Is Espresso? Credit: Blaine Moats...

May 4, 2025 · 2 min · 317 words · Nicole Aguirre

What Is Fascia on a House? Here's When to Use It

Learn the purpose of fascia on a house, and how it differs from trim and soffit. Plus, learning the proper construction terminology makes it easier tocommunicate your goals to your contractor. Learn what fascia is on a house and how it differs from other exterior features. Credit:ADAM ALBRIGHT What Is Fascia? Still trying to differentiate between fascia and soffit? Look at your roof from the front yard, and the fascia will be facing you....

May 4, 2025 · 2 min · 305 words · Scott Anderson

What Is Feng Shui and How to Use It for a Happier Home

Your homes design can significantly affectyour overall happiness. What is feng shui? Feng shui is really an art that celebrates science, says feng shi expert Gabrielle Santiago. Credit: Victoria Pearson Its purpose is to achieve harmony and balance between humans and their environment. What Is Feng Shui? The right balance cultivates happy, organized spaces thatsupport our well-being and daily lives. Credit: Lisa Romerein The Chi One of the most important factors is a rooms chi, or energy....

May 4, 2025 · 2 min · 356 words · Nicole Lee

What Is Figgy Pudding? And Why Is it a Christmas Tradition?

What is the pudding in A Christmas Carol? Its a richly spiced classic British dessert and studded with dried fruits. But what exactlyisfiggy pudding? Credit:Getty Images / bhofack2 It is the classic Christmas dessert. A Long-Time Holiday Standard Now a popular Christmas tradition, the dish is steeped in religious symbolism. What Is Figgy Pudding Made From? That said, figgy pudding doesnt always contain figs. Heron says this process helps blend the flavors and allows the pudding to develop a dense, moist texture....

May 4, 2025 · 2 min · 232 words · David Adams

What Is Firescaping? Plus How to Use It to Defend Your Home Against Wildfires

Find out how firescaping can help protect your family and property from wildfires. Edwards and Schleiger are co-authors ofFirescaping Your Home: A Manual for Readiness in Wildfire Country. What Is Firescaping? Credit:simplytheyu / Getty Images Edwards defines firescaping as the practice of creating fire-resilient landscapes by reducing fire hazards andsupporting wild ecosystems. Sometimes insurance inspectors dont understand the landscape and how wildfires work, Edwards says. Flying embers are the number one ignition source for structures....

May 4, 2025 · 3 min · 440 words · Brett Kelly

What Is Gorpcore? Learn About the Adventure-Style Decor

This is the outdoorsy, all-natural interior design look you’ve been waiting for. What Are Gorpcore Influences? With many people working from home, comfortable and functional workout wear has become part of our daily wardrobes. Credit:Justin Coit How Can You Add Gorpcore to Your Home (Even If You Live in a City)? Incorporate wood finishes in your decor for a genuine nod to nature. Wood floors are a classic look that never goes out of style....

May 4, 2025 · 1 min · 154 words · Rebecca Monroe

What Is Grass Fertilizer Burn? Plus 5 Tips to Prevent It

Yellow or brown patches of lawn could be grass fertilizer burn. Turf grass fertilizer can helpkeep your lawn healthywhen applied correctly. However, too much of a good thing may result in grass fertilizer burn. Credit:groveb/ Getty Images Prevent grass fertilizer burn with these simple strategies. groveb/ Getty Images How can fertilizer burn grass? Many lawn fertilizer products contain valuable salts in addition to nutrients. Fertilizer burn happens when the fertilizer product is overapplied and the salts disrupt the soil makeup....

May 4, 2025 · 2 min · 421 words · Melissa Walker