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DIY Projects to Get Your Outdoor Living Space Ready for Spring

Spring is just around the corner, and it's the perfect time to start planning and preparing your outdoor living space for the warmer weather. Whether you have a spacious backyard or a cozy balcony, there are plenty of DIY projects you can tackle to create a beautiful and functional outdoor oasis. From building a fire pit to planting a garden, these projects can help you maximize your outdoor living space and make the most of the spring and summer months. In this article, we'll share 10 DIY projects to get your outdoor living space ready for spring, along with step-by-step instructions and helpful tips to guide you through the process. So grab your tools, roll up your sleeves, and let's get started!  
  1. Create an outdoor lounge area: Create a cozy and comfortable outdoor lounge area by adding some comfortable seating, a coffee table, and some outdoor rugs. This is a perfect spot to relax, entertain guests, or simply enjoy some fresh air. Spring pillows and potted flowers will finish off the area! 
  2. Fire pit or grill: Build a fire pit or grill for a fun and functional addition to your outdoor living space. You can choose from a variety of materials and designs, depending on your taste and budget like our Techo Bloc stones and pavers! Fire pits are perfect for gathering around with friends and family on chilly evenings, while a grill lets you cook up your favorite meals in the great outdoors. 
  3. Mood lighting: Add some lighting to your outdoor living space to create a warm and inviting ambiance. You can use string lights, lanterns, or even solar-powered lights to illuminate your space. Our Vista Landscape Lighting also adds ambience to your deck, landscape or around the pool. 
  4. Build raised garden beds: Plant a flower or vegetable garden to add some natural beauty to your outdoor space. Whether you have a green thumb or you're just starting out, there are plenty of easy and rewarding projects to choose from. Raised beds can keep your flower, vegetable or herb garden safe from animals, excess moisture and accidental trampling by the kiddos! Subscribe to our email list and receive our FREE ebook “How To Start A Vegetable Garden”
  5. Outdoor movie screen: Grab an old white sheet, some rope and clothespins and voila! You’ve got a super easy outdoor DIY project  the whole family can enjoy. Get ready to break out the movie projector and some popcorn!
  6. DIY planter table: Transform a wooden table into a multipurpose outdoor planter with paint, a jigsaw and a plastic planter. The herb garden, which doubles as a live centerpiece, adds a touch of whimsy to the conversation area.
  7. Repurpose an old cabinet into a mini bar: An old cabinet can function as a mini bar with just a little help. Not only will it look great, but it also functions as extra storage space, too! To get started, apply a fresh coat of paint on the cabinet and add some racks to store glasses. Then, decorate it to match your patio. The old cabinet will easily become a food and drink station you can enjoy for three seasons out of the year (sorry winter).
  8. Create a kid-friendly zone: If you have kids of your own or frequently entertain friends or family who do, an outdoor kid-friendly zone is the perfect DIY backyard project. It's also an excellent opportunity to let the kids get involved. A playhouse, a swing set, or a sandbox are just a few great ideas! 
  9. Create a bird sanctuary: Build a DIY birdhouse or a birdfeeder and add one of our beautiful birdbaths. Once you finish your bird sanctuary, add a bench nearby so you can sit and watch your hard work pay off.
  10. Repurpose old items: Decorating your home and yard can be as simple as repurposing old items, such as:
  • Tin cans: Tin cans make excellent planters, votives, and outdoor storage containers. You can even paint an old tin can and use it as your silverware or condiment holder at your outdoor bar or kitchen.
  • Tires: Instead of tossing worn tires, repurpose them. Tire swings are one front yard staple that never goes out of style. Or, you can paint your tire a fun color and use it as a unique planter in your garden.
  • Furniture: Old dressers, nightstands, and wooden chairs can be upcycled into planters or bee houses.
  • Glass jars: Repurposed glass jars have become trendy in recent years, largely due to their versatility. Use glass jars as glassware at your outdoor bar, like candle holders or as small planters.
  • Pallets: Wooden shipping pallets are another popular repurposing item because they can be transformed into almost anything, including outdoor furniture, fencing, storage walls, planters, and sandboxes.
 

Tips and Tricks:

Here are some helpful tips and tricks to keep in mind when working on your DIY projects:
  • Start small: If you're new to DIY projects, start with a smaller project and work your way up. This will help you build your confidence and skills.
  • Use reclaimed materials: Reclaimed materials, such as pallets and old bricks, can be an affordable and eco-friendly way to complete your project.
  • Don't be afraid to personalize: Add your own personal touches to each project to make it unique and fitting to your style.
  • Ask for help: Don't hesitate to ask a friend or your kids to help you with your project. Working together can be more fun and can help you complete your project faster.
  In conclusion, there are plenty of DIY projects you can tackle on a budget to transform your outdoor living space and get it ready for spring. From a cozy outdoor lounge area to a fire pit or garden, these projects are both fun and functional, and can help you make the most of the warmer weather. So what are you waiting for? Grab your tools and get started on your DIY projects today! With a little bit of creativity and effort, you can enjoy your outdoor living space all season long. 

7 Mistakes New Gardeners Make – And How To Avoid Them

Everyone is trying to find ways to save money on their food bill these days. Gardening can be a wonderful way to add variety and flavor to your menu. If you’re just starting a vegetable garden for the first time, watch out for these mistakes.

1. Planting Too Far From the Water Source

Water is the key ingredient you’ll need to add to your garden again and again. Make sure your garden beds have easy access to the hose. If you need to, get longer hoses or install a rain barrel near your garden to make it easy to keep the soil moist.

2. Planting in a Place Without Enough Sun

Water and sun are the two most vital elements to growing vegetables. When you’re planting your garden, it’s early spring, so the leaves on the trees may not be fully developed. That could mean too much shade once the leaves do fill in. You also may not realize that the sun’s trajectory may change over the summer. Check the plant tags to see how much sunlight they need. If you’re concerned about a shady garden, set your plants in containers that can be moved around to ensure they get enough sun.

3. Crowding Plants

When starting a vegetable garden, you get excited and want to plant everything you can imagine growing. However, putting too many plants in your space can reduce your harvest when vegetables don’t have room to expand. Check the space that each plant needs and make sure to give them plenty of room in your garden bed. A gardening guide can help you plan out your space more effectively.

4. Planting Your Garden Out of the Way

Putting your garden in a hidden corner in your yard might make you feel as if the clutter is out of the way, but it’s very easy to forget about it. Instead, plant your vegetables where you can see them when you sit on the patio or look out the window. A garden is a commitment, and putting it somewhere accessible helps you keep up with the day-to-day chores.

5. Not Checking the Soil Before You Plant

Plants need to be in healthy and nutritious soil. You can add fertilizer and other nutrients, but you have to know what your plants need and what is lacking in the soil to have healthy growth. Get your soil tested at your local university extension office or get a home garden soil test kit. Use a nutrient-rich soil additive to improve your dirt. You should probably check your soil annually to have the information you need each year to get a better yield from your garden.

6. Planting Too Soon

Even seasoned gardeners get cabin fever and want to get their seedlings into the garden. Many gardeners plant too soon because the warm, spring-like days make us want to get started growing. Unfortunately, the nighttime temperatures have to be warm enough to avoid a frost that can kill new plants. If you’re anxiously awaiting the day you can get your hands dirty, instead of setting out plants, keep yourself busy getting your garden beds prepared by aerating the soil or installing irrigation.

7. Forgetting to Harvest Plants

Beginners often want to wait to pick their harvest to ensure ripeness. Unfortunately, waiting too long to pick that cucumber or squash can lead to unsatisfactory produce. Some plants turn bitter and flavorless as they grow bigger. Those smaller zucchinis may not look impressive, but they will taste wonderful. Check your garden daily. Harvest vegetables and learn from your mistakes, whether it's picking too soon or too late. Your garden can enhance your meals. Let Red's Home & Garden help you get your garden started right. We have annuals, vegetable plants and potting soil to make your garden more successful. Shop today for unique greenhouse selections.
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