The Best Smokeless Fire Pits for Backyards
Smokeless fire pits burn real wood with a fraction of the smoke. Compare the Solo Stove Bonfire 2.0, Breeo X Series 24, and TIKI Social by size, build, and value.
Guides, comparisons, and columns for lawns, gardens, and outdoor living.
Our Best Guides
Best Zero-Turn Lawn Mowers for Homeowners
Two zero-turn mowers are actually worth ordering online — one battery, one gas — plus the big-name model you can’t buy on Amazon at all.
The Best Patio Heaters for Extending Fall Evenings
The right patio heater buys you weeks of extra fall evenings. Compare the best propane and tabletop models by heat output, coverage, and budget.
The Best Deck Storage Boxes for Patio Cushions and Garden Tools
Compare the best deck storage boxes for patio cushions and garden tools — best overall, runner-up, and one to skip.
Lawn Care
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VEVOR 62cc Gas Chainsaw Review: The Ultimate Guide to Gas Chainsaws — Big Power, Polarised Owners, and a Starting Test
A $115.90 gas saw with real cutting power and a split owner record — strong on hardwood, shaky on starting.
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VEVOR 52cc 6-in-1 Multi-Tool Review: The Ultimate Guide to Gas Multi-Tools — One Engine, Four Heads, and a Lot of Weight
One gas engine runs four cutting heads for $209.90, but the weight and one hedge-trimmer failure deserve a look first.
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VEVOR 420cc Gas Wood Chipper Review: The Ultimate Guide to Gas Wood Chippers — Strong Within Its Two-Inch Limit
Vevor’s 420cc chipper handles two-inch branches well within its limits, but clogging and diameter reality define what owners should expect.
Gardening
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Should You Divide Perennials in Fall? Which Ones to Split Now and Which to Leave Alone
Fall division works when roots still have time to settle. The rule is simple: split spring bloomers now, leave fall bloomers alone.
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How to Divide Bearded Iris: Rhizomes, Timing, and Replanting Depth
Crowded bearded iris bloom less every year. Dividing the rhizomes after flowering restores the clump — if you plant them shallow.
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Best Cut Flowers to Grow from Seed
Seven cut-flower varieties worth your sunny strip — zinnias, cosmos, sunflowers, and marigolds chosen for stem length, vase life, and joy.
Outdoor Living
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How to Roast Acorn Squash Over a Fire Pit
Acorn squash turns sweet and smoky in foil over fire-pit coals, finished with maple-cinnamon butter. No grill required.
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How to Make Hot Chocolate Over a Fire Pit
Real hot chocolate over fire-pit coals: gentle heat, cocoa whisked smooth, and chocolate melted in at the end. No boiling, no scorched milk.
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How to Hang Outdoor String Lights Without Damaging Your House
Guide wire, the right hooks, and a little sag keep string lights up through wind and weather — no holes in siding, no sagging strands.
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From Our Columnists
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Do Coffee Grounds Really Help Your Garden, or Are They Just Compost Hype?
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Do coffee grounds really feed your garden, or are they just compost hype? The Spade brews up the truth — and a clear verdict.
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Pine Straw and Porch Talk: The Mulch That Smells Like Home
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Buck explains why free pine straw beats bagged mulch, how to spread it right, and where it should never go.
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Clover Lawns: From “Weed” to Wonderful
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Clover lawns aren’t just a trend—they’re low-maintenance, eco-friendly, and secretly the smarter, greener choice for your backyard.
In Season Now
How to Winterize and Store Your Lawn Aerator
Winterize your lawn aerator before storage: clean the tines, loosen the belts, and keep rust and rodents at bay.