Some look at the task of starting a new lawn as a no-brainer, while others approach it believing it’s an impossible project.  No matter where you fall into this spectrum of belief or ability, it’s important to arm yourself with good information.

Here are some links to lead you:

• About.com: Seeding Lawns
• eHow.com: How to Start a New Lawn
• How to Start Your Lawn by Seeding or Sod

Like starting seeds for flowers, vegetables, or other plantings the process is going to take time and patience.  There are a lot of factors to take into consideration including climate, sunlight, watering, and fertilizing.  If you’re still unsure after researching this topic, speak to a landscape specialist about the best options to consider for your particular situation.

Why?  Because these homeowners are looking for ways to reuse household items and, in the case of composting, this is achievable.

Here are some links to lead you:

• How to Make Compost
• Build a Compost Heap
• How to Build a Compost Heap

Composting is just one of the many ways homeowners can work toward self-sufficiency and reusing items.  Good luck!

• The rocks in a retaining wall are very large and very heavy
• The rock’s placement must ensure they will be able to handle a substantial amount of weight and pressure
• Consider having the roll engineered to ensure it meets the standards you have in mind
• Keep in mind heavy-equipment might need to be brought in to lift and move the rocks

For more information, visit the following website: Retaining Walls: Building Stone Retaining Walls (About.com)

• Create an outdoor fireplace or fire pit.
• Install a pool, spa, or miniature pond (depending on space and budget).
• Replace, refurbish, or install decking.
• Create a new walkway (or refurbish an existing walkway).
• Update or purchase patio amenities (furniture, a grill, etc.).

There’s a lot to do beyond gardening and landscaping during this time of year.  Spend some time going through your property, make a list, figure out your budget, and get going!  You’ll love what you accomplish as you start marking off things on your list bit by bit!

1. Trees become damaged
2. Limbs either are broken or loose
3. Foliage is loosened, weighing down limbs

There are a number of websites available to lead you in the right direction with your yearly tree trimming rituals:

• Pruning and Tree Trimming Tutorial
• Tree Trimming: How to Trim a Tree
• Trimming Trees: Gardening & Landscaping Ideas

Be sure to check with your town or city hall to ensure a proper permit is in place, if necessary, prior to starting this task.  Good luck!

Here’s what I’m researching about stump hauling:

• Tree Stump Removal
• This Old House: Removing Tree Stumps
• eHow: How to Remove Tree Stumps

It’s going to be a busy season around here for clean up, fixing things, moving things, and planting things.  This, of course, will give me numerous opportunities to continuously share information with you!  Speaking of that, With the Grain is in the process of building a huge library of informational articles, tips, and instructional how-to’s!  The menu on the left is broken down into the following categories for your surfing convenience:

• Appliances
• Climate Control
• Decorating/Design
• Electrical
• Flooring
• Gardening/Landscaping
• Interior/Exterior Painting
• Plumbing
• Room by Room
• Windows/Doors

Feel free to drop comments, concerns, questions, and suggestions anytime! 

Before you begin, set up a basic plan on paper for where you want your plants and vegetables.  Once you have completed this, you are ready to get your seedlings started. 

1. Purchase some plastic plant pots, or use empty household plastic containers.  Be sure to cut holes in the bottoms of these containers.
2. Pick out and purchase the seeds you intend to sow, and then follow the directions on the back for sowing.

I wasn’t exaggerating when I said this is an easy process.  These seedlings will be ready for planting after the last frost, or you may choose to continue growing them indoors.  This is a home improvement, in addition to a health improvement!

However, you must obtain proper permits from your town office or town hall before setting anything on fire.  The reason for these permits is because there are certain days where there are burning risks that may not seem obvious to some, but it is well known to the fire Marshall.  Remember that when you’re burning brush, you must have the following tools on hand:

• garden hose

• shovel

• rake

There are times also when trees are cut and, before cutting the trees into logs, branches need to be trimmed.  These branches can also be put into your brush pile.

If you do not have a water source nearby, you will not be given a burning permit.  You’ll be surprised how much of a difference this will make once the burning is complete.

If you’re the type who doesn’t have a green thumb, here are some resources to help you learn how to prune a tree:

• How to Prune Trees

• Tree Pruning Tutorial

• When to Prune Trees

• A Guide to Properly Pruning Trees

• How to Prune a Tree

By following the instructions, advice, and warnings written in the web sites listed above you should be able to properly care for the trees on your property.  This is particularly important for those growing heirloom trees, as well as those interested in selling their property.

Home improvement projects should not exclude the incorporation of hearty growth.  If you do not feel comfortable making a commitment to large shrubs or trees, start some container gardens.  Purchase a variety of plants, as well as a variety of containers to grow them in.  Place them in several areas both inside and outside the home.

Some of these plants can be transferred successfully into ground gardens, but you may find you like them just as they are. There are a large number of gardening books explaining how to successfully makes these transitions at the bookstore, online, and at he library.  Experimenting will teach you quite a bit when it comes to color, texture, size, and species combinations.  Have fun with this home improvement project!