Outdoors

Whether you are planting flowers in the garden, adding a water feature to the yard or just need to mow the grass, Family Handyman covers all your outdoor needs.

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CobraHead vs. Grampa’s Weeder: Which Gardening Tool Is Right for You?

To see which is the best weeding tool, we put the long-handle CobraHead weeder and cultivator and Grampa's Weeder against each other in the garden.

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What Exactly Is a Bioswale?

You've likely already seen these planted ditches on the side of the road. Here's how they work.


Kill Your Yard’s Pests with the Wondercide Flea and Tick Spray

Bugs bugging you? Check out the Wondercide Flea and Tick Yard Spray to eradicate your lawn's pesky visitors. 


Reporting for Duty: The Cub Cadet Riding Mower Makes Lawn Care Easy

The Cub Cadet Riding Mower offers long-lasting, quality performance at a budget-friendly price.


Dethatcher vs. Lawn Sweeper: What’s the Difference?

Dethatcher vs lawn sweeper: Which one do you need to get your lawn in shape? The answer can save you...

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How to Build a Shed: 2011 Garden Shed

Want to build this stellar storage shed? The full project plans are available...


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9 Perennials You Should Divide in Spring

Want free spring perennials? Divide perennials in spring so you'll have more to transplant in your garden and share with...

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What To Do if You Have Clay Garden Soil

Home gardeners often regard clay soil with dread. But clay soil can be beneficial to your garden — if you...


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What Is Clay Soil?

Everyone's heard of clay soil, but do you really know what it is? If your garden beds are clay, here's...


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9 Vegetables To Plant in Winter

For much of the U.S., there's no need to shut down the garden once winter rolls in. Here's what to...


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Homeowner’s Guide To Garden Soil Treatment for the Winter

In winter, your garden can still be working, creating rich beds for spring planting. From compost to cover crops, here...

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The Best Summer Color Plants for Northern Gardeners

Let's plan a garden! Here's a look at 12 of the best hardy plants that survive Northern winters and bloom...


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What Is Subsoil and How Does It Help a Garden?

Learn about subsoil's role in your garden's success and how to make it healthier.


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9 Adaptive Tools To Make Gardening With Disabilities Easier

Gardening can be relaxing and therapeutic. These adaptive gardening tools help those with limitations enjoy their time in the garden.


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Gardener’s Guide To Soil Horizons

From topsoil to bedrock, soil horizons are like a textbook for determining your soil's health and how to optimize it...


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When Is the Best Time of Year for a Soil Test?

Knowing what's in your dirt is an easy way to green up your thumb, but the test isn't a no-brainer....

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8 Best Garden Scooters for Easy Gardening

Kick off spring gardening with a new garden scooter. These mobile seats make plant- and turf-tending so much easier on...


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12 Best Native Plants for Northern Gardeners

Looking for new native plants for your USDA Zone 3 landscape? These shrubs, perennials and grasses can survive temperatures as...


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What To Know About Loam Soil for Your Garden

Gardeners love loam soil because it's moist, soft and full of nutrients. Here's how to get more of it in...


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What Is Composted Manure and How Can It Benefit Gardening?

No jokes here, just straightforward information on how composting with manure will help you to improve your garden's health.


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The Importance Of Sulfur In Your Garden

In your garden soil, sulfur is as important to your plants' vitality as phosphorus. Here's what you need to know...


7 Best Indoor Gardening Kits and Systems for 2022

Indoor gardening is growing in popularity. When you're ready to give it a try, these systems make it beginner-level easy.


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What’s In the Best Garden Soil?

Four key factors make up the healthiest garden soil composition. All are essential for thriving, lush gardens.


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Homeowner’s Guide To Living Walls

Tantalizing or time-consuming: Is a living wall right for your home?


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12 Best Spring Blooming Plants for Northern Gardeners

Winter is the best time to plan next year's garden. These 12 spring blooming, hardy perennials and shrubs can survive...

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How To Improve Garden Soil in Winter

Use these tips to improve your garden soil in winter to make sure it's ready to go (and grow!) in...


9 Winter Window Box Ideas

Boost curb appeal this season with these winter window box ideas including festive greenery, hardy flowers and bright holiday accents.


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Should You Use Gypsum for Soil?

If you have hard clay or noticeably salty soil, gypsum can make healthy growth much easier for your garden plants....


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What Is Humus and How Is It Formed?

Think you know humus? You may be surprised what we traditionally call "humus" is actually something different.


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How Are Grow Lights Different From Regular Light Bulbs?

You don't need a green thumb to keep the thyme and aloe alive all winter. What you need is a...


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How To Use Grow Lights To Grow Healthy Plants Indoors

From choosing the right bulb to knowing how long to leave it on, here's how to keep you houseplants happy...