Photo: John Diez

Can I leave terra cotta pots outside in winter?

gardeningknowhow.com - Overwintering Pots: Storing Containers For Winter

What happens if pallets get wet?

Do pallets rot? In the short-term, most wooden pallets can withstand weather conditions like rain and sun exposure. However, if pallets are stored...

Last updated Apr 1, 2022

How much is SketchUp for woodworking?

SketchUp Free is freely available, whereas SketchUp Pro ($299/year) and SketchUp Go ($119/yr) are a yearly subscription. Jun 28, 2022

Last updated Apr 17, 2018

Can I build my own shed?

Yes, with the right plans you can build your dream shed.

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Container gardening has become very popular in the past few years as a way to easily and conveniently take care of flowers and other plants. While pots and containers look lovely all summer, there are a few steps you need to take in the fall to make sure that your containers survive the winter and are ready for planting next spring.

Cleaning Containers in Autumn

In the fall, before you store your containers for the winter, you need to clean your containers. This will ensure that you do not accidentally help diseases and pests survive the winter. Start by emptying your container. Remove the dead vegetation, and if the plant that was in the pot didn’t have any disease issues, compost the vegetation. If the plant was diseased, throw the vegetation away. You can also compost the soil that was in the container. However, do not reuse the soil. Most potting soil is not really soil at all, but rather mostly organic material. Over the summer, this organic material will have started to break down and will lose its nutrients as it does so. It is better to start each year with fresh potting soil. Once your containers are empty, wash them in warm, soapy 10 percent bleach water. The soap and bleach will remove and kill any problems, like bugs and fungus, that may be still hanging onto the containers.

Storing Plastic Containers for Winter

Once your plastic pots are washed and dried, they can be stored. Plastic containers are fine being stored outside, as they can take the temperature changes without getting damaged. It is a good idea, though, to cover your plastic pots if you will be storing them outside. The winter sun can be harsh on the plastic and can fade the color of the pot unevenly.

Storing Terracotta or Clay Containers for Winter

Terracotta or clay pots cannot be stored outdoors. Since they are porous and retain some moisture, they are prone to cracking because the moisture in them will freeze and expand several times over the course of the winter. It’s best to store terracotta and clay containers indoors, in perhaps a basement or an attached garage. Clay and terracotta containers can be stored anywhere where the temperatures will not fall below freezing. It is also a good idea to wrap each clay or terracotta pot in newspaper or some other wrapping to prevent the pot from being broken or chipped while it is stored.

Storing Ceramic Containers for Winter

Much like terracotta and clay pots, it is not a good idea to store ceramic pots outside in the winter. While the coating on ceramic pots keeps the moisture out for the most part, small chips or cracks will still allow some in. As with the terracotta and clay containers, the moisture in these cracks can freeze and expend, which will make larger cracks. It’s also a good idea to wrap these pots to help prevent chips and breaking while they are being stored.

Can you put a shed on paving stones?

Most homeowners, however, can build a shed base with paving slabs. It takes a little time and elbow grease, but a foundation will prolong the life...

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Can you make money selling wood projects?

Making beautiful, hand-crafted wood items to sell is an extremely creative and rewarding way to make money. Naturally, like any art or craft...

Last updated Sep 9, 2018

Can I build my own shed?

Yes, with the right plans you can build your dream shed.

Learn More »

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Is it better to dust or vacuum first?

When doing your thorough cleaning, dust the room before vacuuming so you can vacuum up the particles that float into the air as you work and settle on the floor.

marthastewart.com - The Golden Rules of Vacuuming | Martha Stewart

The holidays are a time for everyone to gather 'round and appreciate the simple beauty of being together. And what better way to do so than by starting a new tradition? We think making Christmas crafts as a group is a great way to enhance holiday cheer. All of these projects are simple enough for any beginner crafter to try, which makes them fun for loved ones of all ages. Turn a set of stockings into an advent calendar with special treats as you count down to Christmas. Old toys gain new life when they are repurposed into tree ornaments. For a quick craft that's also sweet, candy canes easily transform into the tails of festive mice party favors. Most of these crafts take mere minutes or less to complete, which means you can deck the halls and make things merry in speedy fashion. Be sure to relish this time, though—it isn't every day that you get to make something beautiful with the people you love most.

What is the length of the rafter if the slope is 4 12?

4/12 or “4 in 12” roof pitch or slope, generally roof rafter length will be 15.81 feet or 4.82m long for 30 feet span.

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Who gets the best side of a fence?

The finished side should face toward your neighbor. Not only is this more polite, but it's the standard. Your property will look a lot nicer with...

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Should I paint the inside of my wood shed?

Painting the interior of a shed with white interior paint job is a good idea. It seals the wood, helps prevent mildew and insect damage, it...

Last updated Jul 13, 2019

Can I build my own shed?

Yes, with the right plans you can build your dream shed.

Learn More »

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How long should you leave concrete forms on?

After pouring and finishing the slab, you should wait 24-48 hours before removing concrete forms. You can remove the formwork once the concrete has...

Last updated Dec 24, 2019