Metal Plates on Old Homes

These metal plates, which often are shaped like an “S”, an “X” or a star, are called anchor plates (or wall anchors). They are often seen on the outside of old bricks homes and are used to help prevent walls from bowing outwards and collapsing. Check out these retro recipes that deserve a comeback.

Hoosier Cabinet

A Hoosier cabinet is a free-standing kitchen cabinet that doubles as a workstation. These cabinets were common in the first few decades of the 20th century. They declined in popularity with the advent of built-in kitchen cabinetry and countertops. Follow these kitchen storage ideas that will save you so much space.

Dumbwaiter

Dumbwaiters were most often used to move dishes and food when the kitchen and dining room were on different levels of the house. If you have one in your old house and don’t really need it, you could use it as a clothes chute.

Root Cellar

Root cellars existed to store vegetables, fruits, nuts and more for long periods of time. Some were simply an unfinished room in the basement, while others were built into the ground a short distance from the house. Present-day food distribution systems and refrigeration have rendered root cellars unnecessary for most people. But if you have one, you can certainly still put it to good use by storing homemade canning recipes.

Oil Tanks

Some old houses still use oil to heat the house but they’re increasingly rare. More often people have kept the old tanks in the house, but not everyone decides to get creative with their oil tanks like this cow-painted one. Running out of solutions to heat up that cold room in your house? Try these tips on how to warm up a cold room.

Intercom

Intercoms are still around on apartment buildings but some older homes have them, too. Technology has advanced to replace the need for intercoms as people tend to call people on their cellphone before entering a house or people have added a smart doorbell, like Ring.

Dial a Rotary Phone

Cell phones and modern cordless phones have nothing on the charming, vintage design of a classic rotary model—which is why collectors and decorators still love to buy them for style alone. Here are some clever ways to use your smartphone in the kitchen.

“Rabbit Ear” TV Antennas

If the only rabbit ears you’re familiar with are the ones you bite off of your chocolate bunnies, then you probably weren’t around in the era when TVs still needed their antennas adjusted for clear reception. The twin antennas that topped TVs from their launch in the 1950s until about 2007, when they were phased out, were notoriously frustrating to manipulate. Today, we have built-in digital tuners that often deliver a crystal-clear, HD-quality picture, and rabbit ears have become a virtual relic.

Milk Door

You probably haven’t had milk delivered to your door in a very long time. However, it used to be a common occurrence, with a milk door standard in many homes. The small door was situated on the side of the house, and was used to leave bottles of milk between the walls. By the way, here’s how long the milk in your fridge really lasts.

Servant Floor Button

Also known as a butler’s call or ring, a servant floor button was situated in the middle of the floor of the formal dining room. It was used to summon the butler by stepping on it. Today, if an old house has one, it’s likely hidden beneath a rug under the table.

Razor Slit in Medicine Cabinet

Decades ago, medicine cabinets had a tiny slit to dispose of old razors. Where might those dirty razors go? Nowhere, really. They merely went into the wall. Out of sight, out of mind!

Boot Scraper

If you’ve ever walked up to someone’s front door and seen a strange ground-level cast-iron contraption, it’s a boot scraper. Known as a “decrottoir” in French, which refers to the need to remove excrement (yuck), boot scrapers popped up in the 18th and 19th centuries alongside the invention of walking paths. With modernism came less mud on the streets, and so the boot scraper declined in necessity and popularity.

Tiny Iron Door Leading to the Basement

While natural gas is the heating fuel of choice for many people today, up until around 1940, most families heated their homes by burning coal.

Coal deliverymen traveled door-to-door to provide people the fuel they needed to power their furnace. They shoveled coal through the small door and down the chute into the basement. Once in the basement, homeowners could shovel the coal directly into the furnace. Today, most of these chutes have been sealed, though you will often still see the iron doors on older homes.

Ice Door

Are you puzzled by the funny little door in your home’s pantry? This is an access door the iceman used to use. Homes had an area in the pantry or kitchen dedicated to the icebox. Access was created for this door on the exterior, allowing for delivery of fresh ice to the house without coming inside. Next, check out these super cool icebox dessert recipes.

The post 14 Old Home Features Most People Don’t Use Anymore appeared first on Taste Recipes.

Impractical Designs

Grandiose designs once were considered luxurious or even kitschy (in a good way), like chandeliers and open shelves with decor and neatly stored bathroom supplies on display. But they’re impractical! You have to move everything to clean beneath or above, and stay on top of your organization game. Homeowners are now opting for realistic bathroom environments, including modest bathrooms with simple, functional decor.

Editor’s Tip: We also found some of the best bathroom hacks for every bathroom size and style. Whether your bathroom is small or simply cluttered, these bathroom storage hacks will save the day!

Hanging Pot Racks

Hanging pot racks have hung around long enough. Kitchen trends now lean toward clean, sleek lines and those hanging racks can make a kitchen look cluttered. Instead of hanging a large pot rack over a kitchen island, try building cabinet rollouts.

Farmhouse Sinks

They were everywhere over the last few years, but farmhouse sinks aren’t for everyone. Instead, install a large stainless-steel sink, which is more practical and works with a variety of decor styles and popular kitchen trends. Here’s more on why you might want to skip a farmhouse sink.

Hollywood-Style Bathroom Lighting

Hollywood-style marquee lighting had its moment, but that moment has passed. Need a new look? Try overhead pendant lighting. You can even add sconces on the side to round everything out.

Distressed Cabinets

While painting kitchen cabinets is worth your time, avoid using distressed finishes. Instead, paint cabinets with crisp, clean colors. Check out our picks for the best modern cabinet hardware.

Glass Block Bathroom Windows

Glass block bathroom windows may give you privacy and plenty of light, but they also make for a gaudy look that’s totally outdated.

Too Many Open Shelves

Open shelving looks great when it’s done right, but too many open shelves can look unorganized. Stick to a couple of well-organized open shelves mixed in with cabinets to successfully pull off this kitchen trend.

Copper Materials

Rose and copper finishes had their moment, but we are now seeing a major decline in these finishes on large surfaces. Gold, silver and bronze are beginning to take their place. Here are some other colors you shouldn’t have in your home.

All-White Bathrooms

While all-white makes for a sleek look, the trend has grown tiresome. White will always be around, but be sure to include some pops of color so your bathroom doesn’t look too sterile.

Kitchen Desks

Kitchen desks and workstations found their way into kitchen corners for years, but today’s kitchen designers are using the space more wisely. Try using that space for a pantry, instead. You can also use the area for food prep if you’re short on counter space.

Granite Materials

Granite has been a mainstay for decades, including for bathroom countertops. But designers and homeowners are putting granite on the back burner and putting marble on a pedestal.

Brass Hardware

Metals may be in when it comes to accessories, but avoid shiny brass as it can make a kitchen look dated. Instead, replace cabinet hardware with brushed nickel, glass or stainless steel.

Glossy Bathroom Tile

Matte finishes are taking the place of the glossy look as far as bathroom tiles go, with the trend toward a more natural and minimalist look on the rise. Top designers say you should avoid these trends when renovating your kitchen.

Tile Countertops

Tile countertops have made a comeback in recent years as they are less expensive than many other countertop materials, but they are difficult to maintain because they are prone to chips and grout stains. Instead, research the pros and cons of other countertop materials such as laminate, marble and stainless steel. There are plenty of other countertop options to meet your needs and budget.

Multiple Showerheads

Multiple showerheads means more water, and therefore overconsumption of water and energy. With consumers making more environmentally-friendly design decisions, it makes sense they’re opting for one showerhead.

Beige and Taupe Color Schemes

Along with avoiding all-white and chevron, consumers are passing up on beiges and taupes. Why? Neutrals have become boring. Richer colors are in! You’ll also love these pretty and practical bathroom organization products.

Subway Tiles

Subway tiles are fading from popularity, with terra-cotta tiles in varying geometric shapes taking their place. Check out these common bathroom cleaning mistakes and how to avoid them.

Fluorescent Box Lighting

If you still have a box light with fluorescent bulbs in your kitchen, it’s time for it to go. Go with pendants over your work area and layer in some task lighting over the range and accent lighting to add depth and dimension.

Chevron Pattern

Chevron has been trending like crazy, but that only means it’s time it takes a back seat to other ideas. Give up the rugs, wallpaper and towels designed with the pattern, as they are quickly becoming passé. Remodeling your bathroom?

Over-the-Range Microwave

Instead of saving space in the kitchen by putting the microwave over the range, move it to a built-in cubby under the counter. You may also be able to mount it under the cabinets, just above the counter. While over-the-range microwaves have been stylish for years, this kitchen trend is on the way out.

Oversized Tubs

Big bathtubs are impractical, both in how much space they take up and the amount of water used. Instead, make your bathroom feel like a spa with these relaxing gift ideas.

Bold Appliances

Bold kitchen colors are on-trend, but avoid choosing bright colors for appliances. You wouldn’t put a ’70s avocado green or goldenrod refrigerator in your kitchen now, so just imagine how that bold red or seafoam green appliance will look in a few years.

Next, read up on these easy DIY ideas that will transform your kitchen.

The post 22 Kitchen and Bath Trends on the Way Out appeared first on Taste Recipes.

Don’t Remove Grass Clippings

Leaving grass clippings on the lawn after you mow can cause thatch problems, right? Nope! That’s a myth. Turns out, grass clippings can actually help with the overall health of your lawn. And that means less work for you when you mow.

Don’t Water Every Day

Did you know your lawn can actually become dependent and needy if it has too much water? Instead of watering every day for 15 minutes, choose one day a week to water the lawn for an entire hour. Deep watering makes your lawn healthier and more drought-tolerant.

Don’t Forget to De-Thatch

Thatch is a layer of slowly decomposing grass stems, roots, clippings and debris that accumulate at the soil surface over time. It can build up in your lawn and virtually choke it to death. If you’re wondering why your lawn isn’t healthy and lush, thatch buildup could be the answer.

Excessive thatch buildup is commonly found in lawns that have been over-fertilized or over-watered and have never been aerated. Thatch buildup of 3/4-in. or more will restrict water and nutrient penetration into the soil (think thatched roof) and can harbor disease-causing organisms that can increase the need for pesticides. Slice open a section of turf. If the thatch is more than 3/4-in. thick, take action.

Don’t Fertilize Shady Areas More

People tend to over-apply fertilizer to shady areas because the grass is struggling. But that just kills it faster!

Many people really have two lawns — the one that gets full sun for most of the day, and a shaded lawn that may get only two to four hours of direct sun. Their water and fertilizer needs differ. The shady-area grass needs less water because less evaporates, and less fertilizer because with less sun it doesn’t grow as much. When you go into shade, shift the controls on the spreader so you’re spreading about half the amount. Also, be sure to check that none of these invasive plants are in your backyard.

Don’t Give Up on Shady Areas

Growing grass under shade trees isn’t easy, but one key to success is choosing the right shade grass species and planting method for your region. In cool-season areas, you’ll get better results with seed than sod. Sod is grown in wide-open fields under conditions that favor sun-loving grasses.

Choose red and tall fescues for shady areas in Northern zones. Garden centers will have grass seed mixes formulated for shade. Late summer and mid-spring are the best times to establish cool-season grasses in shady areas. Check out these landscaping design trends you’ll probably see this year.

Don’t Forget to Check Soil Moisture

After an extended warm, dry period (dry soil is the key), set up your sprinkler and set a timer for 30 minutes. Then turn off the water and check the soil for moisture depth. Do this by pushing a shovel into the lawn and tipping it forward to expose the soil. See how deep the water has penetrated. Moist soil will be darker. Your goal is to run the sprinkler until the water penetrates three to four inches into the soil.

If the water has not penetrated far enough, restart the watering and continue to keep track of the time. Check again in another 15 minutes. With trial and error, you’ll eventually arrive at the optimal length of time to water for your soil type and water pressure.

Don’t Wait Too Long Between Mowing

If you came back from a vacation and your yard is a wilderness, don’t try and mow it all in one day. Cut off some of the length, then wait a couple of days and mow again. This will cause less stress on the grass. You may need three passes depending on how long the grass grew.

Don’t Cut Grass Too Short

Every grass type has an optimal cutting height, and you’re better off on the high side of that height. There are a few reasons. Each grass blade is a food factory of the plant. Short blades can’t generate as much food as long blades. Long blades also shade and cool the soil. That means weed seeds are less likely to sprout, and you won’t have to water as often because water won’t evaporate as fast. Not sure what type of grass you have? Take a sample to a garden center for identification.

Don’t Mow in the Same Direction Every Time

It’s easy to fall into a routine as you mow your lawn week in, week out over the course of a summer. But try not to make your lawn mowing routine too repetitive. Instead, mow in a different direction every time: front to back, back to front, diagonal, etc. Repeatedly mowing the exact same way will cause the grass blades to grow at an angle, and you may develop permanent tracks from the mower wheels. Here are some easy ways to take your garden from good to great.

Don’t Cut Wet Grass

Mowing wet grass can cause the mower wheels to leave ruts in your yard, and you could leave behind giant clumps of clippings that could smother the grass beneath. And the wet grass will carpet the underside of your mower deck with a thick mat that’s a pain to clean. Here’s how to get rid of the worst garden pests.

Don’t Use Broadleaf Herbicides in Extreme Temperatures

You need to kill weeds when they’re growing. That’s because herbicides are absorbed through the leaves and then sent throughout the rest of the plant. When the weather is too cool, the weed isn’t growing and the herbicide won’t be absorbed, so the chemical isn’t as effective. Too hot, and the herbicide will stress the grass. The product directions will give you the best temperature range. Apply herbicides when rain isn’t forecasted; a soaking will just rinse off the herbicide before it can do any good.

Don’t Overfeed

If you apply too much grass fertilizer, especially in sandy soils, a good portion of it will leach through the soil and make its way into our precious groundwater, lakes, streams and wetlands. Lawn grasses only need a certain amount of food. More isn’t always better.

Don’t Ignore Pet Areas

Dog spots are round patches about four to eight inches in diameter with dead grass in the middle, encircled by dark green grass. Often caused by a winter’s worth of animal urine, they’re most apparent in the early spring when dormant grass first begins to turn green again. You have to replant your grass; it won’t come back on its own. But first you have to dilute or remove the caustic urine from the soil. Thoroughly soak the area with lots of water. Learn the next steps to repairing pet spots here.

Don’t Discount Compost

Top-dress your lawn with high-quality compost. Compost can bring depleted or damaged soil back to life, resulting in stronger root systems and happier plants. One teaspoon of compost contains a billion beneficial microorganisms that help create better soil structure and texture, which improves nutrient, water and air retention.

To apply compost, spread it over your lawn with a shovel, aiming for a layer 1/4- to 1/2-in. thick. Then work it into the turf with a rake. It’s best to do this after aerating. Most garden centers sell bagged compost. But to cover an entire yard, you’re better off buying in bulk. Don’t worry about buying too much—any leftovers will benefit your garden and shrub beds. By the way, here’s how to start composting at home.

Don’t Remove ALL Fallen Leaves

Did you know that decomposing leaves are actually great for your lawn? Leaves have organic matter in them that works as a natural fertilizer, helping your grass to grow the following year.

According to Sam Bauer, a turfgrass researcher from the University of Minnesota, fallen leaves can even suppress the growth of weeds. He recommends mulching the leaves by using a mower (specifically with a specialized mulching blade, if you have one) to cut them up. However, if you have huge piles of leaves on your lawn, it may be hard to mulch all at once, and this can smother your grass. Remove those piles until you have a good dusting of leaves around your lawn before mulching with your mower.

The post 15 Things You Shouldn’t Do To Your Lawn appeared first on Taste Recipes.

Heavy-Duty Utility Shelves

Store-bought shelving units are either hard to assemble and flimsy or awfully expensive. Here’s a better solution. These shelves are strong and easy to build and cost about $70. We sized this sturdy shelf unit to hold standard records storage boxes. If you want deeper storage, build the shelves 24 in. deep and buy 24-in.-deep boxes. If you prefer to use plastic storage bins, measure the size of the containers and modify the shelf and upright spacing to fit. These are the best storage containers to get your home in order.

Narrow Storage Shelves: Stud Space Cabinet

When you can’t find a convenient nook for shelves, you can often create one by recessing the shelves into the wall itself. After finding the perfect spot, check out our sister site, Family Handyman for the how-to.

When you find a good space, mark the perimeter of the opening and use a drywall keyhole saw to cut it out. Measure the opening and subtract 1/4 in. from the height and width to determine the outer dimensions of your behind the door shelves.

For standard 2×4 stud walls with 1/2-in.-thick drywall, build the cabinet frame from 1x4s that measure 3-1/2 in. wide (see illustration). If your walls are different, adjust the depth of the frame accordingly. Then add a 1/4-in. back.We screwed 1/4-in. pegboard to the back so we could hang stuff from pegboard hooks. Add casing that matches the trim in your house. Drill holes into the sides to accept shelf supports. Shelf supports fit in 3mm, 5mm or 1/4-in. holes depending on the style. Install the cabinet by slipping it into the opening, leveling it and nailing through the trim into the studs on each side. Use 6d finish nails placed every 12-in. along both sides. Don’t want to open your walls? Check out these other easy shelving ideas.

Behind-the-Door Storage

The space behind a door is a storage spot that’s often overlooked. Build a set of shallow shelves and mount it to the wall. The materials cost about $40. Plus, when you close the door they become storage shelves with doors! Learn how to put together this storage solution here. Before you start building, make sure you properly declutter, first.

Joist Space Storage

Don’t waste all that space between joists in a basement or garage. Screw wire shelving to the underside of the joists. An 8-ft. x 16-in. length of wire shelving and a pack of plastic clips costs about 20 bucks. Don’t forget that wire shelving also shines on walls.

Closet Nook Shelves

Salvage the hidden space at the recessed ends of your closets by adding a set of wire shelves. Wire shelves are available in a variety of widths. Measure the width and depth of the space. Then choose the correct shelving and ask the salesperson to cut the shelves to length for you. Subtract 3/8 in. from the actual width to determine the shelf length. Buy a pair of end mounting brackets and a pair of plastic clips for each shelf.

Shoe Storage Booster Stool

Build this handy stool in one hour and park it in your closet. You can also use it as a step to reach the high shelf. All you need is a 4 x 4-ft. sheet of 3/4-in. plywood, wood glue and a handful of 8d finish nails. Cut the plywood pieces according to the illustration. Spread wood glue on the joints, then nail them together with 8d finish nails. First, nail through the sides into the back. Then nail through the top into the sides and back. Finally, mark the location of the two shelves and nail through the sides into the shelves.

Stacked Recycling Tower

Organize your recyclables before they even leave your house! This stacked recycling tower comes together with just a few plastic containers, 2x2s and screws. By the way, here’s what can and can’t be recycled.

Assemble a Sandwich Bag Parts Organizer

Keep screws, connectors, nails and other small parts in sight and handy with this resealable bag holder. You can build it out of a 3/4-in. thick scrap of plywood. Start by cutting two pieces of plywood as shown. Draw lines one inch apart across the shorter piece with a square, stopping one inch from the edge. Now cut along the lines with a jigsaw. Screw the two pieces of plywood together and screw the unit to the wall. Fill resealable bags and slip them into the slots. Easy!

Two-Story Closet Shelves

There’s a lot of space above the shelf in most closets. Even though it’s a little hard to reach, it’s a great place to store seldom-used items. Make use of this wasted space by adding a second shelf above the existing one. Get the straight-forward how-to here.

Back-of-Door Organizer

The back of a door that opens into a utility room or closet makes a handy hanging space. The trouble is that most doors don’t offer a good mounting surface for hardware. The solution is to screw a piece of 3/4-in. plywood to the back of the door. Add construction adhesive for hollow-core doors. Cut the plywood 3 or 4 in. shy of the door edges to avoid conflicts with the doorknob or hinges. Now you can mount as many hooks, magnets and other storage gizmos as you like. These storage tips will help you get rid of clutter and get organized.

Clothes storage ideas for small spaces: Double-decker closet rod

All you need to gain a lot of hanging space in your closet is two metal closet brackets and a length of closet rod. If your existing closet rod is at least 66 in. from the floor, there’s enough space to add a second rod below it and still hang shirts and slacks. We placed the top of the rod 35 in. from the floor, which allowed just enough room to hang two levels of pants. By the way, learn how to get oil stains out of clothing.

Glass Shower Shelf

Tired of the clutter of shampoo and conditioner bottles along the rim of your tub? This tempered safety glass shelf on a cable shelf bracket is an easy solution. The cable shelf bracket requires only two screws for support. If studs aren’t located in the right positions, use toggle bolts to anchor the shelf brackets.

The post 12 Simple Storage Solutions for Small Spaces appeared first on Taste Recipes.

Suggested planting times vary by hardiness zone, as determined by the USDA and based on annual low-temperature averages. The continental U.S. includes Zones 3 to 10, with most falling into Zones 4 to 9. To find out what zone you live in, refer to this chart from the USDA.

A couple of quick notes: There are many more factors that determine how well your vegetables will grow, everything from rainfall to wind, temperature variations and the makeup of your soil. So the best planting dates for your specific garden may vary from this list.

We’re including many items that technically aren’t vegetables, but are common in home gardens.

When to Plant Tomatoes

Tomatoes are a favorite addition to meals ranging from BLTs to salsa to Caprese salad. They’re also not vegetables; tomatoes are technically fruits. Here are some more delicious ways to cook with fresh tomatoes.

• Zone 3: Indoor growing recommended
• Zone 4: May / June
• Zone 5: Mid-May
• Zone 6: April / May
• Zone 7: April
• Zone 8: Late March / Early April
• Zone 9: Late March / Early April
• Zone 10: Late March / Early April

When to Plant Cucumbers

Famously easy to grow, cucumbers are a favorite of gardeners nationwide. They’re perfect for livening up a salad or adding to a sandwich. They can also be turned into pickles, which are equally delicious on a sandwich. Here’s how to make homemade pickles.

• Zone 3: July
• Zone 4: May / June
• Zone 5: Mid-May
• Zone 6: Early June
• Zone 7: March/April
• Zone 8: April
• Zone 9: April
• Zone 10: April

When to Plant Onions

Available in a variety of strengths and flavors, onions are a go-to addition for countless meals. They store well and can even help keep away pesky insects, including the carrot rust fly. Make sure you know the most common types of onions and how to use them.

• Zone 3: Indoor growing recommended
• Zone 4: April / May
• Zone 5: Mid-April
• Zone 6: March
• Zone 7: Early February
• Zone 8: Mid-January
• Zone 9: Mid-January
• Zone 10: January

When to Plant Carrots

This root vegetable is often orange-hued, but other varieties come in multiple colors. For your home garden, you may want to grow an assortment of colors, sizes and sweetness to throw a little variety into your cooking. Carrots are fast-growing and can often be planted and harvested multiple times in a season. The planting dates below are the earliest suggest dates.

• Zone 3: July
• Zone 4: Late May
• Zone 5: Mid-April
• Zone 6: Mid-April
• Zone 7: February
• Zone 8: February
• Zone 9: Early February
• Zone 10: January

When to Plant Summer Squash

Squash and pumpkins are staples for autumnal meals. Their size makes them dramatic additions to the garden; they can be as much fun to look at as to eat. Read up on 8 types of summer squash and how to use them.

• Zone 3: Not recommended
• Zone 4: June
• Zone 5: May / June
• Zone 6: Mid-May
• Zone 7: April
• Zone 8: March / April
• Zone 9: March / April
• Zone 10: March / April

When to Plant Corn

This tall-growing grain is undergoing a modest home gardening renaissance. Its size can potentially overwhelm small gardens, but it’s popping up in home gardens much more frequently lately. By the way, learn how to pick the freshest corn possible.

• Zone 3: Not recommended
• Zone 4: Mid May
• Zone 5: May / June
• Zone 6: Early to Mid-June
• Zone 7: March / April
• Zone 8: April
• Zone 9: April
• Zone 10: April

When to Plant Bell Peppers

There is a wide range of pepper flavors and spice-levels, from pleasant jalapeños to blazing hot ghost peppers. Make sure you know the Scoville ratings of the most popular peppers.

• Zone 3: Indoor growing recommended
• Zone 4: Mid-May
• Zone 5: May / June
• Zone 6: April / May
• Zone 7: April
• Zone 8: Late March / Early April
• Zone 9: Late April / Early May
• Zone 10: May

When to Plant Potatoes

Delicious baked, fried or roasted, a potato rounds out almost any meal. Decked out with toppings, it can stand on its own. Note that the planting times for potatoes don’t follow the usual pattern. The high-temperatures of Zones 8 to 10 can be too much for them to bear, and you’re better off starting a little later to get the best harvest.

• Zone 3: April
• Zone 4: Mid-April
• Zone 5: March / April
• Zone 6: March
• Zone 7: Early February
• Zone 8: May
• Zone 9: May
• Zone 10: May

When to Plant Radishes

Radishes are another root vegetable, and some varieties carry a powerful taste. Radishes are a great choice to fill a small section of your garden. Notice that for Zones 9 & 10, the best planting time comes later in the year and continues past December.

• Zone 3: June
• Zone 4: Mid-April
• Zone 5: March / April
• Zone 6: March
• Zone 7: Early February
• Zone 8: January
• Zone 9: August
• Zone 10: September

Read up on the health benefits of radishes.

When to Plant Eggplant

These large vegetables lend themselves to a wide range of recipes, especially those requiring robustness, such as eggplant parmesan. Note that due to their long growing season, many gardeners prefer to start these plants as indoor seedlings.

• Zone 3: Indoor growing recommended
• Zone 4: Mid-May
• Zone 5: May / June
• Zone 6: April/May
• Zone 7: April
• Zone 8: Late March / Early April
• Zone 9: Late April
• Zone 10: Late April

When to Plant Peas

Peas are packed with vitamins and protein. According to the experts at Peas.org, one serving of peas contains as much vitamin C as two apples, and as much protein as a large egg. They freeze easily, making them great to store for the off-season, and a handful can liven up almost any dish or casserole.

• Zone 3: Mid-July
• Zone 4: Mid-April
• Zone 5: Late March / Early April
• Zone 6: Mid March
• Zone 7: February
• Zone 8: February
• Zone 9: Early February
• Zone 10: January

When to Plant Green Beans

Hardy green beans are a garden classic. They’re available in varieties that grow as a bush, or vertically to conserve space.

• Zone 3: July
• Zone 4: Mid-June
• Zone 5: Mid-June
• Zone 6: Early-to-mid June
• Zone 7: Mid-April
• Zone 8: April
• Zone 9: Late April
• Zone 10: Late April

The post Planting Calendar: When to Plant These Popular Vegetables appeared first on Taste Recipes.

Maximize Cabinet Space with Pull-Outs

Shelves on Shelves on Shelves

Use Clear Containers On High Shelves

Use the Whole Corner Cabinet

Reuse Creamer Bottles

Use Tool Organizers for Small Stuff

Keep Cool Stuff on the Counters

A Hutch for More Than Dinnerware

Use a Kitchen Cart

Customize for Coffee

Keep Things Clean

The post 11 Cheap Storage Solutions for When You Don’t Have a Pantry appeared first on Taste Recipes.

Coffee Reservoir

You probably clean the coffee pot, but you’ll want to give the whole machine a deep clean every once in a while—NSF data show that coffee reservoirs where you pour water are can dirtier than toilet seats and toilet handles when left uncleaned.

Clean it: Leaving the reservoir open when you’re done making coffee will help clear out the moisture germs love. Every now and then, clean the reservoir by filling it with equal parts water and vinegar. Turn on the machine so the vinegar cleans the carafe, plus eliminates mineral buildup in the machine’s pipes. Once the pot is done, “brew” a pot of plain water to eliminate any traces of vinegar.

Here’s how to make other awesome cleaners with simple household goods.

Oven

The Trash Can

Sure, you put a garbage bag in there but that doesn’t mean your trash can is free from germs. Just think of those times the trash leaked and who knows what lingers in the bottom of that bin. And each time you take out the trash, spray the inside of the trash can with a disinfectant. Once a month, wash it out with bleach and cleaning with hot water. Here’s how to fix a smelly trash can in 10 seconds.

Kitchen Range Hood Filter

The standard way to clean the filter from a kitchen exhaust fan is to stick it in the dishwasher. If that doesn’t get your filter clean, try an auto mechanic’s approach: Buy water-based degreaser at an auto parts store, fill your laundry tub with hot water and degreaser and let the kitchen filter soak for a few minutes. After that, all it takes is a rinse to clean the filter.

Dishwasher

Garbage Disposal

Cleaning Under Your Fridge

The space between your fridge and the floor is a magnet for pet hair, dust, food crumbs and other small trinkets. If gone too long without cleaning, it can attract ants and other pests. To make this cleaning task less difficult, use a hair trap cleaner (also called a drain cleaning zip tool). This hair trap won’t leave scratches on the floor and can reach further than a vacuum cleaner attachment. 

This tool will also help you when your bathroom sinks inevitably clog with hair. Here’s how to unclog a sink. 

Refrigerator Coils

Inside Dryer and Dryer Vent

Soffit Vents

Bath Fan Grill

The Computer Keyboard

Washer

Just because you’re washing clothes regularly, it doesn’t mean your washer don’t need cleaning. Once a month, run an empty load with just hot water and bleach. Front-load washers are especially prone to unpleasant smells and liable to mold if not cleaned on a regular basis. Here’s how to clean a front load washer.

Toothbrush Holder

Your toothbrush isn’t keeping its germs to itself. A study from public health organization NSF International found that 64 percent of toothbrush holders contained mold and yeast, compared to 27 percent of toilet seats. They’re also more likely to contain coliforms or staph, according to the study. “You put in your brush, which is damp or wet, and that residual water drips down and collects in the bottom of the cup,” says microbiologist Lisa Yakas, senior project manager for NSF. “Germs tend to like warm and moist environments.” Most holders can go in the dishwasher, which will get rid of any icky residue and the germs feeding on it, so toss yours in weekly or monthly, she recommends.

Shower Caddies

Hanging shower caddies are a convenient spot to stash your shower stuff. Things like soap are visible and easily accessible when stored in one. But what you may not see is the soap residue or shampoo that needs to be addressed. You may be able to simply rinse down the caddy during your shower. But, for more stubborn soap scum or mold, let the caddy soak in hot water with a little cleanser. Once it’s clean, hang it up to dry thoroughly before returning your products to the caddy.

Clearing Out the Dryer Vent

You’ll have to remove the vent from the back of the dryer to clean it. Suck debris from the ducts with a wet/dry vac, or ream them out with a cleaning kit that includes a brush on a long flexible rod that attaches to a power drill. The kits are available at home centers. If your ducts need replacing, get smooth metal ducts, which will stay cleaner longer than the rough corrugated surface of flexible ducts. Avoid plastic ducting altogether; it can be a fire hazard.

Keeping an Always-Fresh Toilet Brush

Toilet brushes are relegated to a dirty task, so put a splash of Pine-Sol in the bottom of the brush container. Not only does this help to deodorize a bathroom, but it also disinfects the toilet brush.

Clean Your Bagless Vacuum Filter

Faucet Aerators

The post 19 Hidden Places in Your House You Haven’t Thought to Clean (But Really Should) appeared first on Taste Recipes.

Get Charred Bits

Make a Baking Soda Paste

Apply the Paste

Draw a Bath

Give Your Racks a Bath

Rinse and Dry Your Oven Racks

Baking Soda + Vinegar = Magic

Wipe Out the Wet Paste

Do a Final Pass

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