If you’re starting to dabble in gardening, or even if you’ve been a tried-and-true green thumb for some time now, perhaps you’ve been intrigued but unsure about the whole idea of composting. After all, you can just buy fertilizer at the store, so why spend all the time and energy composting?

Well, there’s more to it than just making your own garden fertilizer. The EPA says:

Did You Know That Compost Can…

• Suppress plant diseases and pests.
• Reduce or eliminate the need for chemical fertilizers.
• Promote higher yields of agricultural crops.
• Facilitate reforestation, wetlands restoration, and habitat revitalization efforts by amending contaminated, compacted, and marginal soils.
• Cost-effectively remediate soils contaminated by hazardous waste.
• Remove solids, oil, grease, and heavy metals from stormwater runoff.
• Capture and destroy 99.6 percent of industrial volatile organic chemicals (VOCs) in contaminated air.
• Provide cost savings of at least 50 percent over conventional soil, water, and air pollution remediation technologies, where applicable.

It’s not just about your garden; composting can be just plain good for the environment. But for many people, having the great garden soil additive is the big draw. So, courtesy of our friend P. Allen Smith, here are some great starter tips on composting for yourself:

Most homes don’t come with an instruction manual. Whether this is your first or your fifth, a new construction or a fixer-upper, there are a few things worth taking note of. As a rule of thumb, all simple repairs should be handled as soon as you find them, and before they turn into very costly undertakings. Here are some tips every homeowner should be armed with.

Start with the shell – The outside of the house is important for more than just looks:

• The roofing should be solid, with no missing, curling or damaged shingles. If replacement is the answer, opt for a complete tear-off. Though more costly, it adds more value to your home at resale.
• Paint that has faded or is chipping should be scraped, sanded, primed and painted with a high quality exterior.
• Windows and doors should be devoid of holes and gaps that could be letting water in, and valuable heat and AC out.
• Take a look from across the street and assess your curb appeal.  Some potted plants, window boxes, a new mail box even some new address numbers can certainly spruce things up.

Inside, focus first on safety:

• If your electrical panel still uses fuses, consider upgrading to a safer, more efficient breaker system.
• Plumbing can be tricky, since often you don’t know there’s a problem until you see it. Leaks of all sizes should be fixed immediately.
• Clear slow-moving drains but avoid chemical agents, opting instead for a plunger. Plungers come in a variety of sizes and styles for toilets, sinks and tubs.

Little things on the inside – A well-maintained home doesn’t just look good; it’s worth more money:

• Paint regularly and don’t be afraid to experiment with color — it’s not permanent.
• Handles and knobs on doors and cabinets should be tight and feel solid. These are also easy to change, and can improve the look of a kitchen or bath in mere moments.
• Toilets should operate normally and without “handle jiggling.” A toilet repair kit costs about $15 and is very easy to install.

Home maintenance checklist – Don’t forget the items on this list:

Twice a year:

• Change the batteries in your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.
• Clean the vent from your dryer to avoid a potential fire.

Once a month:

• Change your furnace filters to enhance air quality in the home and extend the life of the furnace.
• Spot-check windows and doors to ensure they aren’t letting precious air in — or out.
• Inspect exposed electrical cords for damage.

Once a year:

• Have your furnace serviced and cleaned by a licensed professional.
• Drain your tanked water heater to improve performance and extend its life.

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Now that the fire pit has become a standard for backyard recreation, consumers are benefiting from a burgeoning range of choices. When it comes to entertaining guests, nothing beats the warm glow of a fire on a cool summer night. The question is which fire pit is right for your home?

Homeowners can settle for a simple portable fire pit that wheels away when the winter months come, or turn it into a full-on landscaping project. Either way, when done right, a fire pit creates a perfect centerpiece for your backyard.

Here are some fire pit concepts that will leave you reaching for the chocolate, marshmallows and graham crackers:

I love the woodpile and storage system. This is a great layout for sprucing up a corner space. The stone benches are a great touch, too, but be considerate of the distance from the fire. The nice thing about non-stationary seating is you can move forward and back as necessary. If you’ve got a large backyard to fill, consider an isolated fire pit area away from the home.

Gas fire pits generally allow for more unique design options. Another upside is avoiding the mess of firewood altogether. This design, with its simple, clean lines, works well with an understated back porch. Gas fire pits are generally easier to contain, so go gas if you’ve got awnings and trees to consider.

The range of options may seem overwhelming, but a fire pit is more than just an accessory – it’s an opportunity.

A fire pit area looks best when it appears to be a natural extension of the house. If you’re already considering a landscaping project, a fire pit can help shape the design and create an inviting common space. Just be sure to provide ample space around the fire for passersby.

Photos courtesy of Eichler Homes, Patio Planet, and Ask the Landscape Guy

Unless you live in the desert or close by like people in Arizona, you have had issues with mildew and mold. Mildew is really the first step in getting mold, so addressing this right away is a good thing.

Indoors you might be experiencing it in the bathroom. For both issues — mildew or mold — fresh air movement is your friend. If you have a window in the bathroom and can open it, then do so. The exhaust fan should not only be running while you take a shower or bath but at least 10 minutes after you are done to pull as much moisture out of the space.

If you have a shower door, try to keep it open during that drying time as closing things up helps breed mildew. You can do this with a curtain as well, but the catch-22 is that you can start to get some mildew on the actual liner.  One thing I have found is that all liners are not created equal: Look for commercial-grade liners and expect to pay about $15 to $20.

As far as mildew where the walls meet the tub or shower floor, you can clean that with an overnight treatment of bleach. There are bleach-based spray cleaners you can buy that foam a bit when you spray them. In the evening, spray any area where you see the mildew and coat it well. Allow it to sit on the surface overnight. In the morning when you go to shower, take a nylon scrubbing brush and give the treated area a quick scrub. You will be amazed!

Mold is an entirely different story. There are more than 1,000 strains of mold and really only a handful of them are dangerous to humans, but you still need to be careful.

In the basement, try open a window, run a dehumidifier, or install an exhaust fan connected to a humidistat. This can drastically reduce the amount of moisture and odor in a basement space.

The same is true in an attic. Mold can live on the back side of your roof.  Make sure any exhaust fan vents are connected to the outside of the home. These fans should never be allowed to just vent into the attic or next to a roof vent. Also consider installing an attic fan. When set up correctly, that hot, humid air can be pulled out of the space and fresh air will be brought in from the vents under the eaves.

If you have mold and are not sure what to do, start with a home test kit. These kits, which you can get at your local hardware store, cost about $10. You take a sample and send it into a lab for an additional $30. Then the results will be sent back to you. If it is a strain that is concerning, then you need professional help to eradicate this from your home.

Mildew and mold can be controlled and eliminated. Your job is to not ignore them because they can have serious health consequences for you and your family.

No matter if you’re a hasty seller or a proud homeowner, the benefits of upping your curb appeal can pay huge dividends. A few tweaks and upgrades can make your home a quick sell or the envy of the block.

Here’s the good news: Small alterations can make a big difference. Better Homes and Gardens has assembled a great list of 20 simple, cost-effective improvements to help boost your property’s curb appeal. Even better: You won’t need to quote a team of contractors. These are DIY projects to help your place make a stunning first impression.

Among the projects you could knock out in one weekend:

• Replace old hardware. House numbers, the entry door lockset, a wall-mounted mailbox, and an overhead light fixture are all elements that can add style and interest to your home’s exterior. If they’re out of date or dingy, your home might not be conveying the aesthetic you think it is. These elements add the most appeal when they function collectively, rather than as mix-and-match pieces. Oiled-bronze finishes suit traditional homes, while brushed nickel suits more contemporary ones.
• Install outdoor lighting. Low-voltage landscape lighting makes a huge impact on your home’s curb appeal while also providing safety and security. Fixtures can add accent lighting to trees or the house or can illuminate a walking path. If you aren’t able to use lights that require wiring, install solar fixtures (but understand that their light levels are not as bright or as reliable).
• Install window boxes. Window boxes offer a fast, easy way to bring color and charm to your home exterior. Choose boxes made from copper or iron for a traditional look, or painted wood for a cottage feel. Mix and match flowers and plants to suit your lighting conditions and color scheme.

Of course, if you’ve been pulling into the same driveway for quite some time, it can be difficult to judge where your home may need improvements.

Lori Kim Polk, owner of Stage Right Design in Sacramento, Calif., writes about five questions a homeowner must ask before taking on a curb appeal project. Start by standing across the street from your home, then ask:

1. Can you see it? Trees and shrubs have their place, but how do they affect the visibility of your home from the street? Think of them as a frame – do they help or hurt the picture?
2. How is the paint? Neutral colors are safest when selling, but think of the front door and patio as the focal point for passersby. A fresh coat on the door or simply painting trim can do wonders.
3. How is the driveway? Think “clean and clear.” Try to get rid of any unpleasant oil stains and fill cracks where possible. Driveways say a lot about a home’s age. A clean, well-kept driveway can make a home look newer.
4. Is your walkway to the front door defined? If you have the patio space, create a sitting area. Consider a flower bed, brick or stone walkways and outdoor lighting. Visitors should feel drawn to your front door.
5. How is the landscaping? Lawn upkeep is critical. Make sure your grass is watered, mowed and edged. Use brightly colored flowers to make your yard feel alive. Potted plants are another great option if you don’t have the time or space to plant a flower bed.

Well, we have come to that time of the year when I have taken the opportunity to open up the back parlor French doors that lead to the back porch. This doubles the size of the space and creates one giant indoor-outdoor room. Of course, everybody gravitates to the porch so they can enjoy the weather.

I am so excited about the weather and kicking back on the porch, I’ve broken a cardinal rule and invited Lucky and Angel, the resident dogs, in the house. They spent a good 15 minutes jumping from one piece of furniture to the next before settling in for an afternoon nap. It is funny how we humans spend so much time inside that we can’t wait to get outdoors, while Lucky and Angel have the whole farm to explore and they love to lay around on the couch.

I rely on potted plants to bring the garden onto the back porch. In winter it’s pots of little evergreen trees, junipers, arborvitae and so forth, but once the weather warms up I replace the evergreens with bay trees, citrus and sago palms. Last summer I was at a friend’s farm in Pennsylvania and he had lined his porch with a series of 14-inch clay pots of aspidistra (cast iron plant). What a great look! I plan to do the same on the porches at the retreat.

For now I am enjoying the porch before pollen season hits when everything will be covered in yellow dust.  Just a few weeks when I can truly blur the lines between inside and out.

It’s ironic that a thing that exists to clean you can get dirty and disgusting so fast. A fresh, clean shower can make the entire bathroom look sparkling. A grungy shower can make the whole room look dingy. If you’re tired of pulling the shower curtain closed when guests come over, you’ll want to check out Apartment Therapy’s post on how to clean your shower without the use of harsh chemicals. Here are a few tips:

• You’ve got some choices on green cleaners. Apartment Therapy recommends either a tea tree cleaner, white vinegar cleaner, citrus juice cleaner, hydrogen peroxide cleaner, or borax and vinegar cleaner.
• Clean after your shower–steam helps loosen any gunk on the walls.
• Let your chosen spray sit for a few minutes and then scrub with a stiff brush. And old toothbrush works well for getting in the grout.
• If you have a fan or a dehumidifier, run it to get rid of extra  moisture-causing mold in the bathroom.

And to prevent mold in the first place, check out Apartment Therapy’s post on that topic.

Photo courtesy of jfpeck on Flickr.

As you walk down the aisle of the store looking for something that will safely and effectively clean your house, you will soon realize you have a lot of options. What’s green and what’s not?

If you want to be absolutely sure what’s in your cleaning products, you can always make your own (check out our guide).

But if you want to go the quick route and buy something, Re-Nest offers a guide to how you can make good decisions on green cleaning products. Here are some high points:

• If it says poison or danger, take the label at its word: it’s poisonous and/or dangerous.
• Look at the ingredients. Avoid those that contain “chlor” (chlorinated chemical), “ene” or “ol” (indicates the presence of petroleum or coal-tar based ingredients).
• If it will irritate skin, there are most likely caustic chemicals in the mix.
• “Readily biodegradable” is a good phrase–it indicates that the ingredients will break down faster than simply biodegradable.

We would also say to simply ask yourself–do you really understand what is in the cleaning solution? If not, maybe keep looking until you know exactly what you will be spraying on your countertops or squirting in your tub. Check out the rest of Re-Nest’s post here.

Image courtesy of itto.be on Flickr.

We all know how important curb appeal is — not only if you are selling a home but also for the overall value and perception it exudes. To achieve this it takes an investment, but the right choices can mean less work when it comes to maintaining your home.  Here are some ideas and areas to consider.

Exterior siding and trim:

I love the look of real wood siding and trim, but in the long term, this choice will mean constant scraping and painting. Better choices are fiber cement siding. This siding looks like wood but does not rot, and with a factory finish applied, you can get up to a 15-year warranty on the paint. On the horizon is fiberglass siding. This material is tough and has a fused-finish coating that will never need painting. For the trim boards on your home, look for extruded PVC products from companies like Azek or Versatex. These boards also will not rot and have a smooth finished appearance; they hold paint very well and will look terrific for many years.

Deck and patio:

Again, remember I like real wood, but the synthetics that are out there now are just terrific. No splinters, no staining, no issue with bugs or rot. And additional design opportunities that are very difficult to achieve with wood. I will caution you not to think of these choices as maintenance-free. They are all low-maintenance. Meaning you do have to clean the deck each year since organic material can latch onto the decking or rails and start to grow. But it is night and day over the maintenance you need to do every few years with a wood deck.

As for your patio, the best choice in my mind are pavers. While this system does cost more it offers so much value and flexibility. And as far as maintenance you just need to keep it clean. If there is ever and issue with sinking, you just take up a few pavers add some sand and reset.  Try doing that with a concrete patio.

Paint:

If none of the above is in your budget this year for the outside of your home, there is always a fresh coat of paint. Just remember that 90 percent of a good paint job happens before the first brush stroke occurs. Whether you are hiring a contractor or doing it yourself, follow these tips: Wash the entire exterior with a mild detergent and pressure washer. Scrape all loose paint and sand smooth. Spot prime bare areas and fill in any holes with wood putty. Caulk around areas where gaps are present. Then apply two coats of a high-quality exterior paint.

It’s that time of year: Spring has sprung. Flowers have bloomed. And everywhere you turn, someone’s telling you about getting started on spring cleaning or giving you tips on what to do for spring cleaning or how to do spring cleaning in an affordable or environmentally friendly way. Well, we’re adding to the pile today, but there’s good reason: Spring cleaning isn’t just good for your home — it’s also good for your mental well-being.

At Psychology Today:

Clutter is mentally exhausting.  In our less developed prehistory, we needed to continually survey our environment, to make sure that nothing that found us appetizing was approaching.  It’s easier to review a less cluttered environment, danger stands out more clearly.  …

Clutter is undesirable for another major reason.  We use the design of spaces we control and the objects we place in those spaces to communicate to ourselves and others who we feel we are — at least on our good days.  We are very good at reading our own environments and those of others — research has shown, for example, that we can pretty accurately assess a person through a quick review of places they control.  We can even estimate how well a space could communicate who we are — that’s why we can take a couple of steps into a perspective home and decide if it’s the space for us.

Now that you know a bit more about why it’s important, Home Renovation Guide has some good tips to share. Most notable: “Find something that motivates you to get started” and “Start out small.” Easier said than done, but check out the other tips to start wrapping your head around a game plan.

Those are strategic tips, helping you map out your approach. This article by Cecilia Williams offers some more specific tactical tips; it serves as a checklist to make sure you hit all of the household hot-spots that need some springtime cleaning attention.

And for fun, this piece offer some quick ideas for making your spring cleaning routine a bit more earth-friendly with the help of technology. You can shop smarter, use less energy and find ways to recycle items that are otherwise difficult to dispose of.

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