Starting plants from seed opens a world of possibilities to gardeners of all skill levels. Many vegetables, annual flowers, and even perennial plants can be started from seed using a few basic supplies and easy-to-master techniques. This can be an economical way to fill garden space and enjoy a much wider variety of plants than you could find in any nursery. In this course, horticulturist Niki Jabbour will share tips and tricks from her decades of starting seeds. After covering the basics, she will delve into more advanced topics such as timing and stratification. Participants will learn about which tools and supplies the pros recommend to make seed-starting easier, and how to set up a simple DIY lighting system. Build your gardening skills and enjoy the satisfying feeling of growing plants from scratch with this fun, fast-paced course.
6 Expert-Approved Tips You Should Know Before Starting a Remodel
07.10.2023 - 13:15 / thespruce.com
You may finally be ready to update your home whether it's trying a new paint color or swapping out your current light fixture. However, there are some fundamental things that designers, architects, or renovators want you to keep in mind before beginning a home remodeling project, so you don't end up unhappy or unsatisfied with the new remodel.
Experts share their best tips to save before your next home project.
Erin Williamson Design
It goes without saying that budget is paramount in any remodeling or renovation project, but the cost of goods and labor might still shock you.
«Add 15% of your overall budget as a contingency for the unexpected,” Tanya Selway, co-principal of Austin-and London-based interior design studio Stelly Selway, says.
During a remodel, you may face tough discoveries like severe damages that call for an unplanned overhaul of the electrical system or plumbing. Selway recalls working on a gut renovation where her team learned the plumbing wasn’t as recent as they thought and had to replace the whole piping.
Also, keep in mind that governing laws of your home location may require additional work.
“In some regions, if you renovate more than a certain percentage of a structure, you’re obligated to update the entire property to the current codes,” John Cialone, partner and vice president of Chicago's Tom Stringer Design Associates and current board chair-elect of the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID), says.
This will typically involve electrical wiring or plumbing. Still, other state laws might require new systems such as a high-efficiency heat pump or preventive measures against weather events such as hurricanes.
Desiree Burns Interiors
Gideon Mendelson, founder and director of the
Tips For Growing Lemon Balm Indoors
Tips for Growing Lemon Balm Indoors
When Should You Put a Christmas Cactus in the Dark?
If you’re looking to make the most out of your Christmas Cactus this holiday season, timing is everything. Manipulating the amount of darkness this plant receives could be the secret to a more vibrant flowers! So, When Should You Put a Christmas Cactus in the Dark? Let’s find out!
8 Things You Should Never Keep On Your Kitchen Countertops
When it comes to prime real estate inside your home, it doesn’t get more valuable than kitchen countertops. No matter how much (or how little) space you have, it rarely feels like enough.
9 Simple Tips for Keeping Kitchen Knives Sharp
If you know your way around the kitchen, you fully understand the importance of a sharp knife. While fancy knife skills are impressive, using a dull knife is bad for the knife and a potential safety concern. Fortunately, it’s so easy to keep your knives as sharp as possible at home that you will forget your visit to the local knife sharpener.
7 Items You Shouldn’t Keep in the Laundry Room, Experts Say
If you’re strapped for storage, your attention might turn to the laundry room. But before you start stuffing the space with bins and organizers, it’s important to know that some items simply aren’t a good fit for this area.
Your gardening questions answered: Should dahlias stay or go now?
Q: Now that it’s late autumn, my dahlias are starting to die back. Can I leave the plants in the ground or do I need I lift the tubers and store them in my shed for the winter? I’d much prefer the first option if possible! MD, Kilkenny
Southern Doll’s Daisy Is a Little-Known Native Gem
When my budding interests in horticulture started developing in junior high school, I came across Hortus Third, an encyclopedic tome of horticulture compiled in the 1970s. Learning about plants from my dad while working on landscape installations, and then looking them up in Hortus Third after hours, I developed a sense of wonder about plant diversity both in the natural world and in cultivation in our gardens and landscapes. How could a genus described in Hortus Third such as Michelia (later reclassified as Magnolia) have “about 50 species of evergreen trees and shrubs” but only eight listed? What about the other 42 species? Were they unworthy of cultivation, or had we simply not tried the other ones yet? With many genera, the latter often proves to be the case. It turns out that the world of horticulture often overlooks many worthy plants.
Should You Paint Your Ceiling Black?
Black ceilings are one of the biggest—and most surprising—trends of 2023, according to a trend report from Houzz. Part of the appeal is that this idea flaunts convention. This show-stopping look makes a statement and is a great way to show that you’re not afraid to go daring with your designs.
Transform Unused Spaces in Your Home With These 8 Designer-Approved Ideas
If you’ve found yourself stumped on how to style that lonely corner in your dining room or make use of the empty space under your stairs, you’re not alone. In fact, interior designers have a whole slew of tricks for dealing with these spaces that are not living up to their potential.
Tips for Growing ‘Crimson Queen’ Japanese Maple Trees
Tips for Growing ‘Crimson Queen’ Japanese Maple Trees Acer palmatum var. dissectum ‘Crimson Queen’
6 TikTok-Approved Cleaning Hacks for a Spotless Home That Actually Work
As you’re getting ready to tackle your cleaning checklist, it can be difficult to know where and how to start (especially if it's been a while since you last cleaned). To help you get started, we talked to Sharon Garcia, a popular TikTok cleaning expert. On the social media platform, she's known for her videos and tips for creating a spotless home, so we asked her to share her favorite cleaning hacks that will be worth your time.