Yard & Garden Tips

Explore pro tips for all aspects of life: household, auto, travel and gardening.

Taking care of your yard boosts your home’s curb appeal while giving you a welcoming space to enjoy fresh air and nature. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just starting out, our yard care tips will help you embrace green living while keeping your outdoor space in great condition.

Looking to boost your garden’s health? Our expert gardening tips cover everything from soil care to plant maintenance, ensuring your flowers, vegetables, and shrubs thrive all season long. Need a low-maintenance approach? Our gardening hacks will help you save time, water, and effort while keeping your yard lush and beautiful.

Want to take your home protection a step further? Contact us today for a fast, free quote on homeowners insurance and ensure your property is covered against unexpected events.

Senior, woman and portrait for gardening in garden with happiness for agriculture, sustainability and retirement.

Our Top Yard & Garden Tips

Burn Coffee Grounds to Repel Mosquitoes

Pro Tip See Details Coffee grounds smoldering to create smoke that helps repel mosquitoes

Burn Coffee Grounds to Repel Mosquitoes

Coffee grounds smoldering to create smoke that helps repel mosquitoes

The coffee grounds mask human scent while the strong aroma repels mosquitoes. Be sure to dry out coffee grounds completely and place them in a heat-safe container before smoldering them to create smoke, not flames.

Fireproof Shrubs Can Help Protect Your Yard

Pro Tip See Details Purple lilac shrub planted near a home as a fire-resistant landscaping choice

Fireproof Shrubs Can Help Protect Your Yard

Purple lilac shrub planted near a home as a fire-resistant landscaping choice

Lilac is a pretty and practical option for landscaping that is less likely to ignite and can slow the spread of wildfires.

Drought-Tolerant Plants Can Reduce Your Water Bill

Pro Tip Read Article Agave plant in a garden, an example of a drought-tolerant plant that can reduce water usage

Add Chili Pepper to Your Birdseed to Deter Squirrels

Pro Tip Play Video Small bird on a feeder with birdseed mixed with red chili pepper flakes

Buy a Basil Plant Instead of Multiple Basil Bunches

Pro Tip See Details Person harvesting fresh basil leaves from a balcony planter box

Buy a Basil Plant Instead of Multiple Basil Bunches

Person harvesting fresh basil leaves from a balcony planter box

Both are sold at grocery stores, but basil plants can continue producing basil so you don't have to keep buying it.

Use a Wine Bottle and a Pot to Create a Self-Watering Planter

Pro Tip See Details Potted plant on a windowsill with an upside-down water-filled bottle used as a self-watering system

Use a Wine Bottle and a Pot to Create a Self-Watering Planter

Potted plant on a windowsill with an upside-down water-filled bottle used as a self-watering system

Fill up the wine bottle with water and place it upside down into the soil. This can act as a slow-release water source. That way, you don't have to always remember to water your plants at a specific day or time. This is especially helpful if you go out of town for longer periods of time!

Preserve Your Lawn's Moisture With Mulch

Pro Tip Play Video Person kneeling in a yard, spreading mulch along a flower bed with orange blooming shrubs

Cover Outdoor Furniture to Prevent Seasonal Weathering

Pro Tip Play Video Backyard patio with outdoor furniture and grill covered in black waterproof covers

Keep Your Grill 10 Ft Away From Structures or Branches

Pro Tip Play Video Charcoal grill with open flames burning in a backyard

Plant in Triangles to Increase the Number of Plants You Can Grow

Pro Tip Read Article Person planting young seedlings in a garden bed

Install a French Drain System to Protect Your Home

Pro Tip Read Article French drain system installed in a narrow trench beside a wooden retaining wall

Harvest Your Plants Regularly to Encourage More Production

Pro Tip See Details Woman gardening in her backyard

Harvest Your Plants Regularly to Encourage More Production

Woman gardening in her backyard

Frequent harvesting signals the plant to direct more energy into growing foliage, fruits, and vegetables.