Expert Advice on Home Improvement

ThermaCELL mosquito repellent provides an odorless 15’ x 15’ mosquito-free zone around you wherever you go. The butane cartridge inside the unit vaporizes the insecticide on the repellent pad to provide protection in a matter of minutes. ThermaCELL mosquito appliances are available at The Home Depot. Watch this video.

Find out how household products from baby shampoo and corn syrup to sugar and soft drinks can be used to nurture plants and improve soil. Watch this video.

It’s a magical feeling to encounter a graceful deer, peacefully browsing . . . unless your beloved hostas are what’s for breakfast! Whether you live in the country or the city, foraging deer can cause significant damage to landscapes and vegetable gardens. Read on to find out how to protect your yard or garden. Read in full.

Joe asks, “What type of ‘weed-n-feed’ can I use that’s safe for St. Augustine grass?”

As you’ve likely discovered, many broadleaf weed killers also harm St. Augustine grass. There are a few herbicides available that are rated for St. Augustine, but most of them are weed control only. Read on to find out more. Read in full.

BJ asks, “What’s the least toxic way to get rid of weeds in my gravel driveway?”

Because you’re weeding a gravel area, you don’t have to worry about killing desirable grasses or plants, but since everything we do has an impact on the environment, you’re wise to minimize the use of chemicals. Read on for some alternatives. Read in full.

In a perfect convergence of circumstances, my recent love-fest with seasonal fresh peaches provided—in addition to sweet peachy bliss—a perfect laboratory for trying out a homemade gnat trap. Read on to find out how it worked. Read in full.

Trisha asks, “My back yard is infested with gnats, and it’s driving me nuts! Could you please help?”

While we frequently use the word “gnats” to refer to any number of tiny winged insects (such as biting midges, punkies, and no see ums), true fungus gnats are small nonbiting insects that are drawn to wet, rotten organic matter. Read on to find out more. Read in full.

Blossom-end rot is a troublesome condition that primarily affects tomatoes, peppers, and eggplant. It’s easily identifiable as a soggy patch on the bottom (blossom end) of the fruit, which grows into a sunken, round, brownish or black area that soon becomes leathery and moldy. Here’s what you need to know to prevent and treat blossom-end rot. Read in full.

Dorothy asks, “My chrysanthemums are being attacked by a reddish brown beetle which buries itself in the soil until after dark, then proceeds to devour the foliage at night. What can I do?”

It sounds like your mums are being attacked by Asiatic garden beetles. These nocturnal beetles are about 3/8″ long with a reddish-cinnamon color. Here are some tips for dealing with these pesky critters. Read in full.

Lynn asks, “My lawn seems to be attracting wasps. I’m worried about stepping on them, or stepping on a nest. Any suggestions?“

Wasps are generally beneficial predator insects in the garden, but sometimes they can be attracted to areas too close for human comfort. Read on for some suggestions for dealing with them. Read in full.