Seed stratification is a pre-germination treatment that mimics winter conditions to help certain seeds break dormancy and sprout successfully. Many perennial and native plants—like milkweed, lavender, echinacea, and coneflower—won’t germinate at all unless they experience a period of cold, moist conditions.This guide explains what stratification is, how to do it at home, which seeds require...
If your tub spout is leaking, the cause is almost always one of four things: a worn washer or O-ring, a failing cartridge, a broken diverter, or a loose/corroded connection behind the wall. The fix ranges from a simple spout swap to a valve repair depending on when the leak occurs and where the water...
Every fall, Northeast Ohio homeowners fill endless brown bags with leaves, drag them to the curb, and pay taxes for the city to haul them away — only for those same leaves to get composted and sold back to nurseries in spring. Here’s the truth: you already own one of the best mulching systems around...
Sage is more than a fragrant kitchen herb — it’s a hardy, versatile plant that thrives both indoors and outdoors in Cleveland’s Zone 6 climate.Whether you’re growing it for cooking, aroma, or pollinator appeal, success with sage comes down to three essentials: light, drainage, and moderation. Below, you’ll learn how to plant, prune, and protect...
Your bedroom is the one place designed for rest — yet the wrong paint color can quietly work against it.Color psychology shows that hues affect our mood, energy, and even how well we sleep. To create a restful, restorative space, choose colors that calm the mind, lower stress hormones, and complement your lighting and décor.Below,...
If you love your yard and your dog, you can design a garden that keeps both happy — and even healthy.Cleveland’s USDA Zone 6 climate supports a surprising number of dog-safe herbs, grasses, and vegetables that are easy to grow, thrive in local soil, and can naturally support your pet’s wellness. This guide covers which...
When Cleveland’s short, gray winter days roll in, dark living rooms can start to feel smaller and gloomier than ever.The fix isn’t more lamps—it’s the right paint color.Choosing light-reflective shades that balance warmth and brightness will make your space feel open, cozy, and inviting all season long.Below, we’ll cover how color, sheen, and undertone work...
When Cleveland’s lawn-mowing season wraps up, your outdoor equipment needs just as much care as your lawn.Proper winterization prevents rust, fuel issues, and engine damage—saving you from expensive repairs or early replacements in the spring. In short: Clean, drain, protect, and store.This guide explains step-by-step how to prepare your mower, trimmer, blower, and other yard...
Cleveland winters bring freezing temperatures, heavy snow, and wind that can ruin outdoor furniture left unprotected.To keep your patio furniture looking great year after year, store delicate pieces indoors, secure or cover sturdy ones outdoors, and prep all materials—wood, metal, plastic, and fabric—to handle the freeze.This guide explains which items can safely stay outside, which...
Winter in Northeast Ohio can be brutal on lawns, trees, and outdoor spaces. The best way to protect your landscape before the snow flies is with a fall cleanup plan that focuses on lawn health, soil protection, and plant care.Below, we’ll walk through five expert-backed Cleveland landscaping tips that’ll keep your yard thriving through the...