Spring is around the corner, which means it’s the perfect time to declutter. With plenty of time on our hands, there’s no reason to limit your chores to the inside of your home. While bigger projects will probably require the help of a pro, there are tons of outdoor tasks that you can get done yourself. Here are the DIY outdoor projects we recommend to keep you busy.
Gardening
Whether you’re an expert gardener or just starting out, now is the perfect time to get a head start tending to your backyard garden. Gardening takes time and patience, making it the perfect hobby for right now. Your garden doesn’t have to be anything fancy — start by filling out the area with mulch and fertilizer and stick to perennials if you’re worried about caring for vegetables.
If you don’t have much of a green thumb, there’s no shortage of alternative ways to improve the look of your backyard. Tend to your flower beds by removing dead branches leftover from the winter and weeds that have already started to sprout. Don’t forget that your grass will probably need a lot of TLC this time of year. Sod your lawn now and let spring showers work their magic. Come summer, your lawn will be looking green and lush.
Gutter Cleaning
Another important spring task is cleaning out your gutters. Over the winter, your gutters will have become full of fallen leaves and other debris. When your gutters are clogged, they aren’t able to divert water away from your home’s foundation. With gloves, a ladder, and a spotter you can trust, you should be able to do a decent job cleaning out your gutters yourself.
Staining
If you’re lucky enough to have a wooden fence or deck in your yard, you should take the time to treat them to a coat of high-quality stain. The winter can be hard on wooden structures, so you may notice your deck or fence looks a little flimsier than it did last year. Adding a coat of protective stain will not only improve the look of your backyard, but it will also ensure your deck and fence last another year.
Patio Furniture Clean Up
Now is also a great time to start moving patio furniture outside and give it a good wipe down. Even if it was stored inside, your furniture probably gathered quite a bit of dust and grime over the last few months. We recommend a cleaning solution made from 1 teaspoon borax, a quarter cup of vinegar and 2 cups of boiling water for plastic furniture. Allow it to cool, pour it into a spray bottle and then give chairs and tables a good wipedown.
Powerwashing
Last but not least, now is a great time to power wash any hardscaping you may have around the home. Depending on the size of your patio, this task can take a decent amount of time, which is why it’s the perfect project for right now. Power washers can be rented from the hardware store, online, or borrowed from a neighbour. You’d be amazed at the impact of this quick cleanup on the overall look of your backyard.
Now that you know what to do, it’s time to get started. Keep yourself busy by tending to your home, both inside and out. Get these quick projects done now so you can enjoy time outside as soon as the warm weather is here to stay.