All posts in Outdoors

How To Build a Spring Planter Box

by eclectic on April 19, 2011 in DIY, Lawn & Garden, Outdoors with No comments
Raised-box herb garden

It’s spring and it’s the perfect time of year to get ready for outdoor DIY projects. If you plan on doing any planting or gardening but you’re not ready to venture into a soggy backyard just yet, we recommend projects that can be completed in the garage and moved outside when the sun appears.

A spring planter box is the perfect project for creating indoors in preparation for more pleasant weather to come. The simplicity of a planter box makes it utilitarian for growing flowers, herbs or vegetables and portable enough to be moved around.

You can find tutorials on the major DIY sites. Think about where you want to show off your plants and draw a diagram for how the box will fit in that space.

If your plans call for wood glue, try Amazing EcoGlue Premium Wood.

After constructing your planter box, a little planning will help ensure that your plants thrive in their new home. It’s best to choose plants that do not grow over a foot high and do well with restricted roots.

Observe the sunlight where you want to place your boxes and note how m uch sun exposure those spots receive. Depending on the particular condition, choose plants that grow best in sunlight or shade. In the spring, choose plants that do not mind cooler temperatures.

To learn more about what to put in your planter box and how to care for plants in containers, visit the following links:

How to Plant a Planter Box
Tips for Placement of Flower Boxes
Guide to Container Gardening

Relax with an Outdoor Fire Pit

by kendrahandke on August 3, 2010 in DIY, Lawn & Garden, Outdoors with No comments
DIY_build-firepit-01_s3x4_lg

Summer is one of our favorite times of the year.  Not only because it’s sunny and warm, but also because of all the outdoor projects we can get done.  And, while our backyards are a great place to work on projects they’re also a great place to relax.  That’s why we’re excited that the DIY Network has shared 8 easy-to-build outdoor fire pit designs to help you create a cozy backyard perfect for cool summer evenings.  Here are some of our favorites.

A concrete square constructed in place is capped off with sandstone tiles then filled with gravel, a large metal fire bowl and decorative river rocks.

Natural stone is stood on end to outline this sunken fire ring.

Concrete pavers normally used for retaining walls can easily be stacked and filled with sand to make a small fire ring.

This fireplace was made by stacking rectangle pavers in a staggered pattern one small section at a time, then each section was lined and mortared with two rows of fire bricks standing up on end.

For even more inspiration check out these amazing outdoor fireplaces and fire pits.

Outdoor Summer Entertaining

by kendrahandke on June 6, 2010 in Outdoors with No comments

It’s the perfect time of year to start thinking about and planning your backyard summer parties and BBQs.  You’ve still got a few weeks before summer is in full force, which is just enough time to get things in order.

In preparation, maybe you’d like to update your landscaping or create the perfect outdoor room/patio.  Whatever your hoping to accomplish, HGTV has lots of great ideas for outdoor summer entertaining we’re sure you’ll just love!  And, just for fun here are some fantastic recipes from Rachael Ray perfect for a summer party.

Outdoor Entertaining Tips for Summer

Outdoor rooms create the ideal spot for summer entertaining. Designer Chris Casson Madden shares tips for creating a sophisticated outdoor space perfect for summer entertaining.

Ready the Landscape

Master gardener Paul James shares ideas for a great garden party.

Luxurious Outdoor Living

You may not have a backyard pool or an outdoor fireplace, but these amazing outdoor rooms are great inspiration!

Visit HGTV’s Outdoor Entertaining page for more information, tips and ideas!

Mishaps in the Great Outdoors? GOOP to the Rescue!

by eclectic on June 21, 2008 in Outdoors with No comments

Spending time in the great outdoors is one of the great luxuries of summertime. With warm weather, comes an urge to pack the car with the equipment of the weekend warrior – tents, kayaks, backpacks, sleeping bags…

It never fails, though. You’re in the middle of nowhere when you get a leak, a tear or a snag. The great outdoors can quickly become less-than-great when pesky problems appear.

A few basic tools and tips and you’ll be able to manage a wide variety of challenges and keep enjoying the glory days of summer.

  • One-part all purpose adhesive like Amazing GOOP Sport & Outdoor. Yes, yes, we’re tooting our own horn, but I was looking for repair kits that you could take camping and most of them included things like a tent or sleeping bag patch, or duct tape. Unless you’ve created a big, gaping hole, GOOP can fix all those things.
  • A tent repair kit. You know, in case you do create a big, gaping hole in your tent window. This kit looks like it would supplement GOOP quite nicely (has mesh screen patches and thick twine).

GOOP can repair, seal and stick to a wide variety of materials including metal, rubber, fabric, plastic, leather and rope and is particularly useful for bonding unlike materials.

  • Repair sleeping bags and backpacks.
  • Seal leaking rainwear, wetsuits and waders.
  • Patch basketballs, volleyballs, and soccer balls.
  • Apply protective coating to shoes and boots.
  • Seal inner tubes and fix flat bicycle tires.
  • Mend tears in gloves and rips in athletic shoes.
  • Repair sleeping bags and backpacks
  • Modify camping equipment by attaching more straps or pockets.

GOOP Sport & Outdoor has a unique ability to withstand movement and temperature extremes without cracking or separating because it dries to a clear, rubbery finish—perfect for the outdoors where weather can be fickle. For maximum ultraviolet protection, paint over it after it has cured.

Have a safe summer out there in the Great Outdoors!

Photo via Flickr by Fort Photo