Your home should be a place of comfort, efficiency, and beauty. Our Home & Garden section is filled with helpful tips to keep your space clean, functional, and inspiring—all without breaking the bank. Whether you’re tackling a seasonal cleaning job, refreshing a room with DIY décor, or organizing your toolshed, we’ve got solutions that fit your time and budget.
Learn how to clean with eco-friendly products, handle common maintenance tasks, and prevent costly repairs with timely checklists. We also feature smart upgrades that improve your home’s value—think budget-friendly lighting, quick fixes for storage issues, or small gardening tricks that make a big impact.
Whether you’re a first-time homeowner or a seasoned DIY enthusiast, this section helps you care for your living space with practical and creative guidance. From weekend projects to deep cleans, make your home the best it can be—one small improvement at a time.
With summer’s arrival, extended daylight and pleasant weather bring a surge in outdoor activity, yet also the unwelcome rise of pests, particularly rats. These creatures thrive in warm months, infiltrating homes and gardens with alarming stealth. Their presence is not merely a nuisance; rats carry serious health risks through diseases like leptospirosis and salmonella, and … Read more
Crafting a flourishing vegetable garden for 2026 demands strategic planning and informed choices to maximize yield and enjoyment. As urban spaces shrink and environmental awareness grows, pinpointing an optimal garden location leveraging ample sunlight while accommodating soil and microclimate factors becomes paramount. Navigating this landscape involves balancing the needs of diverse plants, integrating techniques from … Read more
The art of gardening holds timeless allure, blending nature’s rhythm with human diligence to yield vibrant landscapes and abundant harvests. For those committed to nurturing their green spaces, keen insights from experienced gardeners offer invaluable guidance. Among the most profound lessons are those passed down by neighbors whose years of dedication manifest in flourishing gardens … Read more
Transforming a house into a captivating home that appeals instantly to buyers or guests has become an essential strategy in today’s competitive real estate market. With professional staging proven to boost sale speeds by up to 73%, the ability to expertly style a home in mere hours is a powerful asset. Behind the scenes, expert … Read more
Downsizing a living space presents a unique mix of logistical challenges and emotional hurdles, especially as a growing number of individuals seek to adapt their lifestyles to smaller, more manageable homes. This shift, often termed the “silver tsunami,” reflects a demographic wave of older homeowners opting for cozier, less cluttered environments. The intricate dance of … Read more
As autumn casts its cooler shadows over gardens, strategic planning becomes essential for maintaining soil vitality and maximizing late-season harvests. This season presents a timely opportunity to integrate cover crops, plant cool-weather vegetables, address invasive pest threats like the Mediterranean Fruit Fly (Medfly), and carefully manage the final stages of summer tomato production. Embracing these … Read more
Summer heat can pose significant challenges to gardeners aiming to maintain lush, thriving plants. Prolonged exposure to high temperatures often leads to stress, dehydration, and slowed growth in many plant species. To combat these issues, gardeners need a strategic approach that encompasses timely watering, soil management, and choosing heat-resilient varieties. Drawing on insights from our … Read more
In an era where home and garden spaces define personal comfort and lifestyle, finding the most insightful tips and resources is crucial for enhancing these essential environments. This curated overview spans vibrant community exchanges, sustainable gardening practices, and innovative home improvement ideas. From Santa Cruz’s unique plant swaps at the Live Oak Grange to organic … Read more
Planting at the ideal time is a critical factor that can significantly influence the success of a garden, regardless of location or climate. With increasing interest in gardening across the United States—spurred by over 80% of households engaging in this activity—understanding the nuances of timing, soil preparation, and regional conditions is more essential than ever. … Read more
Fire pit ashes are often seen as mere waste after a cozy evening around the flames, but discarding them carelessly overlooks their hidden potential. These residues, rich in vital minerals, can be harnessed to transform both your home environment and garden into a more sustainable and resourceful space. With attention to proper handling, ashes become … Read more