Tag Archives: Small

Mosquito Repellent Plants for Small Yards

August 11, 2025   Shane

A small yard shouldn’t mean big mosquito problems. Instead of relying solely on chemical sprays, consider incorporating natural mosquito-repellent plants into your outdoor space. These plants not only add beauty and fragrance but also help keep pesky insects at bay. Here are some of the best options for compact gardens and patios.

1. Citronella (Pelargonium citrosum)

Often called the “mosquito plant,” citronella is famous for its strong citrusy scent that repels mosquitoes. While the true citronella oil comes from a different grass species (*Cymbopogon nardus*), this variety is easier to grow in pots and small spaces.

Care Tips:
– Thrives in full sun to partial shade.
– Water moderately; avoid overwatering.
– Ideal for containers near seating areas.

2. Lavender (Lavandula spp.)

Lavender’s soothing fragrance is loved by humans but deters mosquitoes, flies, and moths. Its purple blooms also attract pollinators like bees and butterflies.

Care Tips:
– Prefers full sun and well-draining soil.
– Drought-tolerant once established.
– Great for borders or small garden beds.

3. Marigolds (Tagetes spp.)

These bright, cheerful flowers contain pyrethrum, a natural insect repellent used in many commercial sprays. They also deter aphids and other garden pests.

Care Tips:
– Plant in full sun.
– Water at the base to avoid fungal issues.
– Perfect for edging or container gardening.

4. Basil (Ocimum basilicum)

A dual-purpose herb, basil keeps mosquitoes away while providing fresh leaves for cooking. Its strong aroma is effective against flying insects.

Care Tips:
– Needs full sun and regular watering.
– Pinch back flowers to encourage bushier growth.
– Grow in pots near doorways or windows.

5. Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis)

A member of the mint family, lemon balm has a strong lemony scent that repels mosquitoes. However, it can spread aggressively, so container planting is best.

Care Tips:
– Grows well in sun or partial shade.
– Keep trimmed to prevent overgrowth.
– Crush leaves to release more fragrance.

6. Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis)

This aromatic herb is excellent for repelling mosquitoes and adds flavor to dishes. Its woody stems make it suitable for small gardens or pots.

Care Tips:
– Prefers full sun and well-drained soil.
– Drought-resistant once established.
– Can be shaped into small hedges.

7. Catnip (Nepeta cataria)

Studies show that catnip is even more effective than DEET in repelling mosquitoes. However, it may attract cats, so plant it strategically.

Care Tips:
– Grows in full sun to partial shade.
– Tolerates poor soil conditions.
– Best in containers to control spreading.

Tips for Maximizing Effectiveness

  • Crush leaves occasionally:

    • to release more repellent oils.

  • Place plants near seating areas:

    • doorways, or windows.

  • Combine multiple repellent plants:

    • for better coverage.

  • Remove standing water:

    • to prevent mosquito breeding.

    By incorporating these mosquito-repellent plants into your small yard, you can enjoy a more pleasant outdoor space naturally. Whether in pots, raised beds, or compact garden corners, these plants offer beauty, fragrance, and functionality—keeping your summer evenings bite-free.

    Would you like recommendations for arranging these plants in a small space layout? Let me know!

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    Tiny Bathroom Remodel Ideas Under $1000 Transforming a small bathroom doesn’t require a massive budget

    July 13, 2025   Shane

    With strategic updates, you can create a fresh, functional space for under ,000. Here are budget-friendly ideas to maximize style and efficiency.

    1. Refresh with Paint

    A new coat of paint instantly revitalizes a bathroom. Opt for light, neutral tones to make the space feel larger. Semi-gloss or satin finishes resist moisture.
    Cost: –0

    2. Update Fixtures

    Swap outdated faucets, showerheads, and cabinet hardware for modern alternatives. Matte black, brushed nickel, or chrome finishes add a sleek touch.
    Cost: –0

    3. Peel-and-Stick Tile

    Affordable peel-and-stick backsplashes or floor tiles mimic high-end materials. Choose waterproof options for durability.
    Cost: –0

    4. Open Shelving

    Replace bulky cabinets with floating shelves for storage without crowding the room. Use baskets or bins to keep essentials organized.
    Cost: –0

    5. Mirror Upgrade

    A large mirror or framed design enhances light and depth. Consider an anti-fog model for added convenience.
    Cost: –0

    6. Lighting Makeover

    Replace harsh lighting with LED vanity lights or a stylish pendant. Warm, layered lighting improves ambiance.
    Cost: –0

    7. Vinyl Flooring

    Waterproof vinyl plank or sheet flooring offers durability and style at a fraction of tile costs.
    Cost: 0–0

    8. DIY Accent Wall

    Use removable wallpaper, shiplap, or beadboard for a focal point without permanent changes.
    Cost: –0

    9. Space-Saving Storage

    Install over-the-toilet shelving, corner caddies, or magnetic strips for razors and tweezers.
    Cost: –0

    10. Accessorize Wisely

    New towels, a shower curtain, and greenery add personality. Stick to a cohesive color scheme.
    Cost: –0

    Final Thoughts
    A tiny bathroom remodel under ,000 is achievable with smart choices. Focus on high-impact, low-cost updates to create a stylish and functional retreat.

    Total Estimated Cost: 0–,000 (depending on selections and DIY effort).

    Would you like additional tips on specific materials or installation? Let me know how I can refine this further!

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    Some Small Kitchen Design Tips

    June 07, 2024   Matt

    Some Small Kitchen Design Tips

    If you have a small kitchen to design then the problem of designing a great kitchen boils down to just what you can fit and where. There are many different cabinet designs and surface patterns that can help you provide your small kitchen design with a sense of space.

    To create the small but efficient kitchen design, you need to work on three major areas of small kitchen design: storage, lighting, and appliances.

    Small kitchens may seem to be a very difficult design challenge, but they can also be functional, beautiful and efficient. Even with a small budget and building restrictions, you can find that there are many options open to you to transform your kitchen into something more ideal for your needs.

    To create a more spacious look for your small kitchen design the National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA) recommends designing more unique storage solutions, mixing natural and ambient lighting, taking advantage of more space saving appliances, and adding personalized touches.

    A small kitchen design requires creativity in coming up with storage solutions. Some ideas to try include:

    · Putting an island in the center of the kitchen that can provide freestanding storage that is also convenient from any spot in the kitchen.
    · Using a galley kitchen design in which the cabinets and appliances line up on either side of a corridor can work out very well for a small kitchen space.
    · Today’s appliance manufacturers have come up with more compact space-saving appliances make small kitchen design easier, such as refrigerators that are 24 inches deep instead of 30 inches deep, as well as appliances that can be hung underneath cabinets like microwaves.
    · Other small kitchen design tricks to create an eating area in the kitchen include using a drop table or a small sized round table with two small chairs that can be tucked into a corner. Or a built-in counter along the wall with chairs to provide an eating nook.
    · Another interesting challenge in small kitchen design is creating an illusion of space with under cabinet lighting or under the counter. With the proper type of lighting the kitchen can be made to appear larger and more pleasing.
    · The use of light colored cabinets with glass doors.
    · Installing deeper counters that can accommodate more appliances and increase work space.
    · Flooring tiles can be placed on a diagonal, and in a galley style kitchen hardwood flooring can be run the length of the kitchen.
    · For storage you can hang up pots and pans. This is a perfect way to free up cabinet space, and they add a certain charm and character to your small kitchen design. The insides of cabinet doors can be used to hang up everything from utensils, oven mitts, and other miscellaneous items. Pantry storage with units that go all the way to the ceiling with the upper cabinets to provide more space for seldom used items while making the lower cabinets more accessible with rollout shelves, lazy susans, and tilt-out bins.
    · Install a large kitchen sink, since larger sinks are considered to be more practical than small sinks when it comes to cleaning pots and pans.

    Remember most kitchens are small. When you look in kitchen design magazines you naturally notice that the kitchens featured are large and so you might think your small kitchen in inadequate. But good small kitchen design means being able to create space and incorporating ample storage facilities and being able to fit in all the necessary appliances.

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    Small Leak? Tips On How To Know What You Can Do Or When You Need To Call A Plumber

    April 15, 2024   Matt

    Small Leak? Tips On How To Know What You Can Do Or When You Need To Call A Plumber

    Maintaining and repairing your own plumbing is an essential part of home improvement, but understanding it and buying the right equipment can be tricky. There are lots of things to consider for your particular plumbing job. Here are some steps you can take to ensure you get started with your own plumbing jobs.

    Make sure your plumbing contractor has the proper insurance before letting them work in your home. This is a big problem with all types of construction contractors. They may have the proper licenses, but because of the high cost of insurance, they may not be properly insured and can end up on your homeowners policy if they get hurt.

    It’s important to know how to turn off the water in your home in case the worst happens. For example, if your bathroom sink started leaking, do you know how to stop it? Walk around your home and find all the shut-off valves for each set of pipes and write them down. Create a map so you can always have a reference if necessary.

    There are many ways to unclog a drain. You can try plunging it at first. If that doesn’t work try using a chemical agent from the store. Before you go and spend money at the store though, if you have baking soda and some vinegar handy, you can mix those together and pour them in the drain and try to plunge that but if all else fails they have stronger remedies at your local hardware store.

    Make sure that any exposed pipes in your home are insulated, especially those found in crawl spaces on the outside walls of your home. This will help keep them from freezing and causing you tons of problems. Frozen pipes can often be devastating and leave you with problems that are expensive to fix and no water in the middle of winter.

    If you notice noises coming from your pipes, you have nothing to worry about as this is natural. You can, however, get rid of these noises by securing the pipes to the walls more efficiently. Simply replace nails with drywall screws. These screws should firmly hold the pipes in place.

    Be sure that you shut off your drain lines and outside faucets when the weather gets colder. Cold weather, snow, and ice can cause these lines to freeze up, which can cause damage to them. If you can, try to have these shut off before the first frost of the year.

    When you’re leaving for vacation it’s a great idea to turn your gas water heater to the “vacation” setting before you leave. If you have an electric water heater you can turn the breaker off that leads to it instead. This will save you electricity which is being wasted on heating water you’re not using.

    As you read, plumbing can be an incredibly important aspect to your current and future home improvement and so is understanding all the different techniques and equipment. This is so it makes it easier for you to understand what you need for your plumbing jobs. Following the tips in this article is a very good starting place.

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    Small Changes Can Add Up. These Ideas Will Improve Your Home Value

    April 07, 2024   Matt

    Small Changes Can Add Up. These Ideas Will Improve Your Home Value

    Nearly everyone has at least one thing that they would like to see changed about their home. Fortunately, many home improvements are projects that even a novice homeowner can tackle. You can, with a little planning, easily accomplish projects like cabinet refacing, adding decorative molding to walls, windows, doors, or outdoor projects like improving your gutter system. Some things, however, are best left to the pros, especially if they involve electricity or plumbing. This article will help you decide if your home improvement project can be done by yourself, or if you need to call in expert help.

    If you don’t want to invest money into buying a slipcover for your chair, you can make your own from a bed sheet. Buy a twin or queen-size bed sheet from cotton in the color of your choice. Drape it over your chair, and affix it with safety pins in a fashion that isn’t noticeable.

    A good tip for those of you looking for home improvement tips is to make sure you do not underestimate your project. Before you begin, you should make a list of everything you are going to need and the steps you need to take. This will allow you to get an estimate of how long it will take and how much it will cost.

    If you have a large garden but would like more indoor living space, adding a conservatory is one home improvement you should consider. A conservatory will provide an additional room to your house that will be filled with natural light. The room can be used for moonlit dinners, home gym equipment, sun lounges and much more. The structure is also likely to catch the eye of potential buyers and increase the resale value of your home.

    When working on a home improvement project, it is always important to be flexible with your time and money. If you think you can finish a project in two weeks, plan for it to take three or four weeks. Also, make sure your budget is a little larger than you expect the job to cost you.

    Listen to a contractor when you discuss your home improvement project and pay attention to what he says. If he gently lets you know an idea is folly, or asks you questions to get a better understanding of your needs, then he’s probably a great contractor. Also, see if he’s listening to you or if he’s just trying to get you to do what he envisions.

    Allow room for all the debris that comes from a renovation. The process of tearing down and rebuilding creates a whole lot of debris that needs to go somewhere. Plan ahead for how you will remove it from your property and safely dispose of it before getting your project started.

    As you have read in this article, with just a little planning and some investigation, you can take on basic home improvement projects and make your home a happy, healthy place for your family. By knowing what projects you can do and what projects you should leave to the experts, you can even save a significant amount of money. So pick up that hammer and those nails, and have fun with your next home improvement project!

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    Small Leak? Tips On How To Know What You Can Do Or When You Need To Call A Plumber (3)

    November 19, 2023   Matt

    Small Leak? Tips On How To Know What You Can Do Or When You Need To Call A Plumber

    Plumbing needs to be done right! It can create more trouble and expense if it is not done properly! Not everyone is a plumber. If you are not up to the job, hire it out! If you can do-it-yourself, that is great! You will need the right tools and know how. Read this article for some handy tips and tricks!

    If your lawn has areas where the grass grows very quickly compared to the rest, seems constantly wet or has a noxious odor you may have a sewer line leak. A leak or crack in sewage pipes can be repaired if caught early and save thousands of dollars in failed septic inspection expenses.

    To avoid hair from accumulating and clogging pipes. Use fine mesh strainers in every drain where hair is washed. Fine mesh strainers can catch the hair and still allow the shower, tub or sink to drain and are also useful in the kitchen to catch and stop small food debris from going down the drain.

    Cover pipes that are outside or in cool areas. Use heat tape to make sure that the pipes are completely covered and insulated. This will prevent frozen pipes in the winter, which can be an expensive problem. Check outdoor pipes for other problems such as leaks and cracks which are better to catch early.

    To prepare for the cold weather, properly drain all outside faucet bibs and turn off the water supply to those faucets. A piece of foam taped to the outside bib can provide excellent insulation to prevent any remaining water from freezing or splurge for a specialty cover that comes complete with velcro closures.

    If your drain in any device is taking longer to drain water, then you may need to have your pipes professionally cleaned depending on the severity of the circumstances. Before you do this, there are several different products you can try. However, some of them are professional strength and all products should be used with caution.

    Never pour grease down the kitchen-sink drain. This will help you avoid clogs in your kitchen sink. Place grease in a can or other receptacles and dispose of in the trash. Grease that has congealed on pots, and pans can be wiped off with paper towels that can be thrown in the trash.

    Do not fall for the idea that liquid grease can be easily washed down the drain with hot water. While the grease may flow past the initial drain with the water, it does not take much of a temperature change as it moves through your pipes to alter from liquid to solid. The repeat habit of dumping grease in the sink is a sure-fire way to ensure a hard-to-reach clog forming in the future.

    Hopefully, you have found the tips and tricks above to be quite handy! Whether you hire out the job or do-it-yourself, take the necessary time to do it right. It can create more trouble and expense in the future, if it is not done properly!

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