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.
This Weekend in Your Yard
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This Weekend in Your Yard: The Last October Weekend, Region by Region
Read the weekend list: This Weekend in Your Yard: The Last October Weekend, Region by RegionHalloween weekend, six regions, one short list each: garlic, leaves, the last mow, the hoses — and what to leave alone.
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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Best Leaf Blower for Pine Needles
Pine needles defeat weak blowers and most rakes. These are the blowers with the airflow and nozzle control to move them without scattering them everywhere.
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Pine Needle Mulch for Blueberries and Acid-Loving Plants
Pine needles suit blueberries for a specific reason, and it is not the one most gardeners repeat. Here is how to use them well.
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VEVOR 52cc Gas Post Hole Digger Review: The Ultimate Guide to Gas Post Hole Diggers
A $150.90 gas auger that digs fence holes fast, if you respect its torque and check for buried lines first.
Gardening
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Stocking Stuffers for Gardeners
Small, flat, and shippable: seed packets, butterfly sets, and a garden calendar that fit a stocking and pay off in spring.
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Gifts for Gardeners Under $25
Thoughtful garden gifts don’t need a big budget: butterfly seed sets, a first-garden bundle, and a desk calendar, all under $25.
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Best Seed Gift Sets for Gardeners
Seed bundles beat guesswork: curated collections for new gardeners, cooks, flower lovers, and butterfly fans — all in stock for holiday giving.
Outdoor Living
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Patio Furniture Cover vs Deck Box vs Indoor Storage: Which Protects Best?
Covers are cheapest, deck boxes are handiest, indoors wins outright — pick by what you actually own.
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How to Store Patio Cushions for Winter (So They Don’t Come Back Moldy)
Clean, dry, and breathe — the winter cushion routine that prevents mold and flat foam.
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The Best Patio Furniture Covers for Winter: Waterproof, Vented, and Windproof
Three winter covers that shed snow, breathe, and stay put — plus the thin cover to skip.
From the Kitchen
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Creamy Parsnip and Apple Soup
Read the recipe: Creamy Parsnip and Apple SoupEarthy parsnips, sweet apples, and a swirl of cream, blended smooth. A quiet, garden-to-table soup for the first cold evenings of the season.
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From Our Columnists
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Is It Too Late to Plant Garlic in Late October?
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Late October garlic? Not too late at all. Why fall planting works, how deep to plant, and the mulch that sees it through winter.
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The Garden Goes Quiet: A Southern Farewell to the Growing Season
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Mama always said a quiet garden is still working. A farewell to the season, and why slowing down suits us.
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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.
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.