When to Fertilize Bulbs That Bloom in Spring

Phosphorous isnt good at working its way down through layers of soil. Do I Need to Fertilize Every key in of Spring Blooming Bulb? Do not prune, cover, or braid the leaves. The Spruce / Randi Rhoades This is how the bulbs feed themselves. you might cut off the flower stalks if you like. This will cover a 10-square-foot area of planted bulbs. The Spruce / Randi Rhoades Sprinkle the mixture onto the soil and use a hand rake to work it into the soil....

May 4, 2025 · 2 min · 216 words · Sheila Baker

When to Fertilize Peonies for the Healthiest, Fullest Blooms This Season

Getty Images / Jasenka Arbanas Peoniesare a literal perennial favorite of gardeners and flower enthusiasts alike. “Applying the fertilizer around rather than over the top of the peony is best,” Kubes says. Want more gardening tips? Getty Images / Jasenka Arbanas Bulb Fertilizer Kubes recommends using abulb fertilizerto fertilize peonies. Bone Meal Bone meal is an organic option that also encourages root growth and healthier blooms. He recommends mushroom compost as a helpful fertilizer option....

May 4, 2025 · 1 min · 170 words · Brett Reynolds

When to Fertilize Your Lawn in Spring & What to Use

If you are going to fertilize your lawn, do not do it too early in the season. Inearly spring, the grass is putting energy into root development. If youapply fertilizertoo early, it will divert the plant’s energy into leaf development too soon. The Spruce / Jayme Burrows Tip A healthy lawn will be a relatively light shade of bright green. A lawn that is a deep, almost blackish green, has been very heavily fertilized....

May 4, 2025 · 3 min · 508 words · Kent Villarreal

When to Mulch: the Dos and Don'ts of Mulching

annick vanderschelden photography / Getty Images Mulch can be a positive addition to any garden. Also, mulch visually defines the space and gives a nice neat look to your flower beds. Adding mulch isn’t as easy as randomly throwing some handfuls. annick vanderschelden photography / Getty Images Mulching in spring helps flower beds look vibrant and deters weed growth. For lawns,mulching grass with a lawn moweris a good strategy. Mulching in Summer Some gardeners like to freshen up their mulch in summer, for various reasons....

May 4, 2025 · 2 min · 314 words · Cynthia Walker

When to Trim Boxwoods and How to Do It the Right Way Before Fall Hits

Learn when to trim boxwoods and how best to do it for a neat, low-maintenance look. Why Boxwoods Need Trimming To grow properly, boxwoods need regular pruning and thinning. Boxwood shrubs are so dense that it’s difficult for leaves on the interior to receive light and air. Lucy Lambriex / Getty Images Trimming and pruning launch the plant and allow light and air circulation. When boxwoods fail, it’s often because the plant hasn’t been adequately trimmed....

May 4, 2025 · 2 min · 356 words · Tanner Wallace

When to Trim Holly Bushes for Healthy Growth

The Ideal Time Is Before Summer Many plants, including holly, undergo a dormant period during the winter. The trade-off can be worthwhile, because you are choosing a safe and rejuvenating time to prune. This may be the case if you’re pruning overgrown holly bushes that are deciduous. Alvis Upitis/Photographer’s Choice RF/Getty Images Late winter pruning may be preferred to keep the display of holly berries going strong outdoors. How to Prune Holly When pruning holly, usebypass pruners, not the anvil style....

May 4, 2025 · 2 min · 363 words · Victoria Douglas

When to Use a Plastic or Metal Electrical Box

Sometimes, the choice is clear-cut and obvious, mainly forgrounding. Other times, it’s a matter of personal preference. Generally, do-it-yourselfers prefer plastic electrical boxes, andelectriciansuse both metal and plastic boxes. The Spruce / Margot Cavin Plastic and metal electrical boxes sometimes have crossover uses. Grounding is one situation where you must use the correct box. So, metallic-sheathed cable must contact a metallic box for proper grounding. The Spruce / Margot Cavin...

May 4, 2025 · 4 min · 645 words · Kelly Figueroa

When to Use a Surge Protector vs. a Power Strip for All Those Holiday Lights

Because of this visual similarity, they are sometimes used interchangeably. What Is a Surge Protector? A surge protector protects electrical devices from power surges. The Spruce / Jacob Fox It is an intermediary between electrical spikes and delicate devices like computers and smart TVs. A surge protector safely diverts electrical spikes to the ground linean action called clamping. Surge protectors can clamp multiple power spikes and still keep working. The Spruce / Jacob Fox...

May 4, 2025 · 2 min · 423 words · Peter Robles

When, Where, and How to Make Saw Cuts in Concrete

The cuts should be made at a predetermined spacing and onlyafterthe concrete has obtained sufficient strength butbeforeinternal cracking begins. Therefore, the timing of saw cuts is critical. Sawing too late can result in uncontrolled cracking as the concrete contracts during curing. The Spruce / Jacob Fox The best way to determine whether the slab is ready is to make trial cuts to check for raveling. Saw cutting should start as soon as the raveling stops during these trial cuts....

May 4, 2025 · 2 min · 244 words · Jessica Ferguson

Where Not to Caulk Around Windows

However, this isn’t always the case. Where Not to Caulk Around Windows Windows andwindow framesare designed with water in mind. Rather than using caulk to seal up these spots, a new rubber gasket is likely the best option. Liudmila Chernetska / Getty Images This will allow the window to still move freely while maintaining a leak-free seal. Weep Holes Weep holes are intentionally placed holes that allow a window to shed moisture....

May 4, 2025 · 2 min · 269 words · Christopher Rowe

Where to Buy Borax Powder

The 20 Mule Team Borax brand has traditionally been used forlaundry, cleaning, and even for killing ants. Despite that long history, it’s not always easy to find in stores. It’s sold in a white box with red lettering and touches of green. The Spruce / Taylor Nebrija Be sure to look high and low on the shelf for it. The Spruce / Hugo Lin What Is Borax? Borax is used in everything from toothpaste and cosmetics to laundry boosters and dishwasher detergents....

May 4, 2025 · 2 min · 420 words · William Cook

Where to Buy DIY Replacement Windows Online

New windows are the dream of many homeowners.This may prompt some homeowners to consider replacing their own windows. But for the determined do-it-yourselfer, it can be done. But the list is slowly increasing as more homeowners decide to give this project a try. Monty Rakusen / Getty Images Owner Derek Baker is the name and the face behind Window E-Store. Baker began the site as an ordering tool for his contractor clients....

May 4, 2025 · 2 min · 282 words · Manuel Goodwin

Where to Cut Orchid Stems After Bloom

When your orchid produces flowers is determined by its inherent bloom cycle. Flowers may follow in late autumn, early winter or early spring, depending on variety. But don’t expect to see new leaves and stems appear immediately. Oliver Rossi / Getty Images This doesn’t mean that it’s possible for you to leave your plant to manage on its own. Orchids thrive on regular, consistent care and respond dependably whencorrect growing conditionsare maintained for the variety....

May 4, 2025 · 2 min · 345 words · James Malone