Gardening can bring many health benefits to individuals, from reducing stress to uplifting mood and energy levels. The activity can also be emotionally rewarding and allow one to stay connected with nature. But it is a skill that requires a few trials and errors before learning how to do it well. Beginners, particularly, may need to watch out for mistakes related to the plants, soil, fertilizers, or seasonal plantations that may harm their green patch. Common gardening mistakes Overwatering At times, people may worry about drying out their plants and overwater them. This mistake causes the roots to get waterlogged, which may stop the oxygen cycle and rot them. The best way to avoid this is to water plants deeply, less frequently, and wait until the two inches of the topsoil is dry to the touch before watering again. One can use a moisture meter to check moisture level in the soil as well. Underwatering On the other hand, not watering enough can also be detrimental to one’s plants, especially to the new sprouts and transplants. Bigger trees and richer soil can hold water for a longer time, so a day or two of underwatering does not affect them as much.

Laundry is a regular chore that can significantly impact the lifespan and appearance of one’s clothing. Whether one is a laundry enthusiast or someone who dreads the task, it’s essential to know the basic rules of laundry in the pre-washing, washing, and drying stages. By incorporating these do’s and avoiding the don’ts, one will not only simplify the laundry routine but also extend the life and maintain the quality of one’s clothing and washing machine. Laundry Dos Sort by Color and Fabric Sorting one’s laundry ensures that one does not mix colors that might bleed onto lighter garments. The best way to do this is to separate clothes into whites, lights, darks, and delicates. Delicates and heavy fabrics should also be separated to prevent damage. Pre-Treat Stains Promptly treating stains increases the chances of successful removal, preventing them from settling into the fibers of clothes. One can use stain removers, gentle rubbing, or DIY solutions like vinegar or baking soda to tackle stains before washing. Empty Pockets Checking and emptying pockets prevents damage to clothes and one’s washing machine. Before washing, inspect pockets for items like keys, pens, or tissues to avoid mishaps. Use the Right Amount of Detergent Too much detergent can lead to buildup of residue and is wasteful, while too little may result in inadequate cleaning.

Home renovation projects are exciting but come with challenges. For starters, they demand a significant investment of time and money and must be monitored from every angle possible. Even the tiniest planning errors can derail the assignment, resulting in unexpected delays and unnecessary costs. The risk of encountering roadblocks is higher if one does not have experience with such jobs. Here are a few common mistakes homeowners should avoid for smooth and successful home renovation. Not setting a realistic budget Budgeting is essential for significant home repairs, maintenance, and renovations. Without a budget, it’s easy to overspend or run into financial issues mid-project. When creating a budget, account for unexpected costs, typically around 10-20% of the total amount. Ignoring the importance of planning Failing to plan is a big mistake one should avoid for hassle-free home renovation. Skipping this step can lead to design flaws, plan delays, and elevated costs during construction. Create a detailed project plan that specifies timelines, materials, and contractors or professionals needed for the job. Hiring the wrong contractors Choosing the wrong contractor can lead to subpar work, project delays, or even disputes. Research and interview potential contractors thoroughly. It’s also advisable to seek references and ensure the shortlisted contractors have the necessary licenses and insurance.

Maintaining a clean and sanitized bathroom is a cornerstone of a healthy and inviting home environment. It’s a routine that not only preserves the aesthetics but also upholds essential hygiene standards. However, in the quest for a spotless restroom, there are common missteps that, if overlooked, can compromise the efficacy of the cleaning process. These mistakes, though seemingly minor, can significantly impact the overall cleanliness and sanitation of the space. Neglecting ventilation Proper ventilation is crucial during bathroom cleaning. Failing to ventilate the space can lead to the accumulation of moisture, which creates an ideal breeding ground for mold and mildew growth. Over time, this can lead to a musty and unhygienic bathroom environment. Before commencing the cleaning process, ensure windows are open or exhaust fans are operating to promote air circulation.  Neglecting grout lines Grout lines between tiles are notorious for collecting dirt, mold, and mildew. Neglecting these areas during cleaning can result in dingy and unhygienic grout, which can detract from the overall cleanliness of the bathroom. To address this, use a grout brush and a specialized grout cleaner to scrub away grime, restoring the lines to their original clean state. Additionally, consider applying a grout sealer after cleaning to protect against future staining.

The need for sustainability and building sustainable habits keeps growing. As consumers, it is their responsibility to make environmentally conscious purchase decisions, such as buying products that have a low impact on the environment. Many eco-friendly alternatives are available for products that are used at home. Studies also suggest that consumers are willing to spend more on eco-friendly products if it means safety for those living at home and the environment. Here are a few eco-friendly products that one can use at home: 1. Refillable bottles Refillable bottles can store drinking water and cleaning solutions, like homemade detergents and shampoos. Refillable spray bottles are also quite popular. This is mostly because many people want to make their own cleaning solutions, as they are affordable, sustainable, and not filled with chemicals that can harm one’s health when used in excess. Refillable bottles ensure that one does not have to run to the grocery store every two weeks to buy a product packaged in a flimsy, disposable plastic bottle. Plastic bottles are disposed of after a single use and find themselves in landfills. 2. Reusable silicone bags Many people use plastic bags to store their produce in the fridge. Sometimes, they also wrap the leftover food or fresh meat to be stored away in the freezer.

Every aspect of a home requires attention and care from time to time. This involves not just keeping the home and its fixtures and furniture clean but also ensuring that no issues affect the home’s functionality. For instance, doors and windows are used extensively and can undergo considerable wear and tear. If one notices any issues in their functionality, one should see if they can be fixed with repairs. If not, one should consider replacement. Warning signs 1. Jammed hinges When the doors and windows take on excessive wear and tear, the hinges may get rusty, and the frames can be hard to move. So, whenever one goes to open or close doors and windows, they may have to use a lot of strength to make them move. While this could be fixed with repairs and maintenance, sometimes, the hardware can be beyond repair and needs to be replaced. 2. Draft If the door or window can no longer keep cold air out, then it could be a sign it needs some repairs. While it may not seem like an urgent problem, drafty homes can mean higher energy bills. Good windows and doors ensure energy efficiency by keeping harsh weather at bay and regulating indoor temperature.

Renovating a garden is a time-consuming yet rewarding task. Planning the task and timeline and researching are important to ensure the space looks beautiful. A DIY garden renovation project can be fun; however, being aware of all the limitations or rookie mistakes that can be avoided is necessary since certain factors can seem minor but significantly affect the look and feel of the garden. So, here are some garden renovation mistakes to avoid. Using complicated patterns while planting the garden Planting plants and flowers in an intricate pattern and shapes is a mistake that can easily be avoided. While these shapes may look aesthetically pleasing, it may get challenging to maintain these patterns over time. In fact, when not maintained properly, the plants will look messy and haphazard, which will become an eyesore over time. Using only small solar-powered lights While it may seem eco-friendly to highlight the trees and the garden in the evening using solar-powered lights, there may be better options. In most cases, these small lights are not powerful enough to light up the area, and one may have to use extra lights to achieve the desired look. If the lights don’t function properly, they will eventually end up in the landfill, which negates their whole purpose of being environmentally friendly.

The importance of “a roof above one’s head” cannot be emphasized enough. Roofs protect inhabitants from being directly exposed to harsh sunlight, downpours, tumultuous winds, and snowfall. They also prevent birds, insects, etc. from entering structures. But, because the roof comes directly in contact with these elements, it is subject to wear and tear. So, it is important to install a strong roof that lasts long. Here are some common roofing mistakes to avoid. Not opting for the right roofing materials Although there are several roofing materials available in the market, the requirements may differ based on the types of structures for which the roof is to be installed. For example, many structures across the country have steep pitches, so asphalt shingles are exceedingly common nationwide. But, if a structure has a low-lying roof, asphalt shingles may not be the best option. In such scenarios, ethylene propylene diene monomer and sheet metals might be better suited than asphalt shingles. So, when roofing a structure, one should consider the type of material that would be the most appropriate for it. Ignoring attic ventilation The attic should have proper ventilation to ensure that the roof doesn’t heat up excessively. If this happens, the roof can get damaged easily, increasing maintenance costs.