When is the best time to water plants? The best time to water outdoor plants is in the morning when temperatures are usually cooler. This gives the plants time to absorb the water so they can get through a long, hot day. The second-best time is late in the afternoon or early in the evening. Try not to water at night. Night-time watering is not ideal because your plants’ leaves may not be able to dry off as quickly as other times of day....

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Officially, modernism spans from the early 1930s to 1965 and grew out of early 20th-century design movements, including the International Style and the Bauhaus. It was also influenced by Scandinavian design. But modernism exploded into the mainstream in the late 1940s, thanks to a post-war economic boom that created tremendous demand for homes and furniture. The designs of modernist furniture made it affordable, gorgeous, and easy to manufacture. What we now call midcentury modern style (MCM), modernism quickly spread across the suburbs and cities of America....

How to Hang Peel-and-Stick Wallpaper Before you begin, note that peel-and-stick wallpaper typically adheres best to walls with a smooth texture and an eggshell, satin, or semi-gloss finish. Check the wallpaper manufacturer’s instructions to ensure the product will stick to your type of walls. To ensure you purchase the correct amount of removable wallpaper, carefully measure the space, you plan to cover. Buy slightly more wallpaper than you think you’ll need to accommodate mistakes and tricky areas such as windows, doors, or tight nooks....

Bedroom design also plays a role in your sleep satisfaction, but we’re not just talking about choosing cozy sheets or hanging room-darkening curtains. Certain furniture arrangements may actually lead to better sleep, according to a survey of more than 1,000 people conducted by Sleep Junkie, a website that reports on sleep science. The study asked participants about their bedroom layouts in relation to the restfulness of their slumber. They were presented with multiple furniture arrangments and asked to select which one best represented their own room’s design....

Once you have the pocket holes drilled, place the 16-½-inch edge of an end piece on top of the bench bottom, aligned with the edge. Leave ½-inch overhang on the bench bottom, secure with wood glue, clamp to hold still, and finish with screws. Repeat this process with the other side. Measure in 15 inches from the inside of the piece you just installed, and secure a divider panel in the same manner....

Ideally, you want to wait as long as possible after framing to begin drywall installation so the wood has a chance to acclimate. But if you have to rush, time spent checking and correcting framing problems will pay big dividends. Although studs can often be straightened, the procedure is sometimes more trouble than it’s worth. Ripping out the deformed stud and replacing it can be the most efficient solution. Another strategy, called sistering, involves installing a new stud next to the bad one....

How to Clean Bathroom Floors Follow these steps for the cleanest bathroom floor. What You Need Small broomDamp paper towelWarm waterVinegarDish soapRagOne or two large towels Step 1: Sweep Floors A clunky vacuum cleaner is almost no help in a small bathroom. Instead, the best way to clean a bathroom floor is with a small broom. Sweep along the edges of the room and work to collect dust and dirt in the middle....

The first step to cleaning an area rug is to identify your rug’s material. This is important in prolonging its life, as different materials require unique area rug cleaning methods and materials. Our handy area rug cleaning guide will introduce you to the many types of rugs and offer tips and instructions for area rug cleaning and stain removal. Basic Area Rug Care Size, construction, and material determine the best way to clean an area rug....

Tip: Aromatic long grain rices, such as jasmine and basmati, are known for their popcornlike aroma and flavor. Saucepan In a medium saucepan bring 2 cups water and 1/4 teaspoon salt to a full boil. Slowly add 1 cup long grain rice and, if desired, 1 tablespoon butter or margarine; return to boiling. Reduce the heat and cover the saucepan with a tight-fitting lid. Cook for 15 minutes or until the rice is tender and the water is absorbed....

Another bonus for learning how to make stuffed pork chops: Pork is much less costly than beef steaks. Yet, if you make a pork chop with a stuffing recipe, your entrée can be just as impressive as any beef dish. Plus, they can be grilled outdoors or baked inside. Keep in mind that pork chops aren’t the only pork cuts worth stuffing! You can also stuff pork loin for a beautiful and satisfying entrée....

How to Slice Zucchini Into Coins Probably the most common way to cut zucchini, zucchini coins are crosswise slices of zucchini. Use a knife to cut the two ends off the zucchini, then make cuts across the zucchini to slice coins. You can also use a mandoline ($46, Crate & Barrel) by cutting off one end of the zucchini, then dragging it across the mandoline. Cut off one end of the zucchini, then drag it across the mandoline....

How to Deep Clean Your House As you go through each room in your home, begin with these deep cleaning tips to streamline the process. 1. Declutter Before Deep Cleaning Find a new place for (or better yet, get rid of) any visible clutter that does not belong in the room. Save the stuff behind closed doors for another day to help simplify your deep cleaning checklist. Clearing clutter makes deep cleaning easier and seeing those tidy surfaces can help boost your motivation to keep going....

Setting Landscape Layout Goals Think of a layout as a trouble-shooting and problem-solving process that will make your life easier. Just as you would with a kitchen remodel, begin your planning with a list of the qualities you want. Priorities could include adding privacy screening, dealing with an eroding slope, creating beautiful views from inside the house, starting a new vegetable garden, building a storage shed, or making your entryway and front walk more welcoming....

You can coax your houseplant back to life from stretching, brown leaf tips, fertilizer burn, and more by learning how to tell if you’re underwatering, overwatering, or your plant isn’t getting enough light. You’ll be back to thriving, happy plants in no time! Problem: Stretching Solution: If your plant has suddenly grown awkwardly tall or long or sends out spindly stems reaching towards its light source, it’s trying to tell you that it needs more light....

Plan two hours to hang the microwave, but it might take longer if venting and wiring are required. Before you begin, move the range if it’s in the way, and install a microwave cabinet. Then follow these steps for how to install a microwave over your range. It’s best to install the ductwork to move the exhaust in the most direct route. Carefully plan a path for your ductwork before beginning, then install a vent above the range....

How to Make a Kid’s Butterfly Costume for Halloween Supplies Needed Printable butterfly patternsCardboard Utility Knife Acrylic Paint in two complementary tones (like light salmon and orange-red)Paintbrushes 2 1/3 yards of 2-inch-wide ribbon (straps)Glitter glue12 inches of 1/4-inch-diameter dowel Hot-glue gun Glue sticks 30 inches of 2-inch-wide ribbon (wand) Crafts wire Headband Two small twine décor balls or plastic foam balls Step-by-Step Directions Simple and low cost, this butterfly costume is the perfect do-it-yourself project....