Seasonal tips

Each season is different. Discover various useful tips for any time of the year, from lawn maintenance to buying a wood stove!

  4 min 57 s

As the days get shorter and temperatures begin to drop, it’s time to start thinking about closing your pool. This essential step helps protect your pool and its equipment from freezing and makes reopening it easier in the spring.

  1 min 47 s

As the days get shorter and the heat of summer starts to fade, it may feel like gardening season is ending. But between harvesting your last summer crops, sowing fall vegetables, and preparing for winter, there’s plenty to be done before the first snowfall! Here’s an autumnal to-do list for your vegetable garden.

  2 min 51 s

Now that you’ve watched your flowerbeds bloom throughout the summer, it’s time for some upkeep and replanting before winter. Cooler temperatures and heavier rainfall make autumn the perfect time to plant, transplant, and care for your perennials and shrubs.

  4 min 50 s

Want to fortify your grass before winter? September is the perfect month to do it! Follow these two steps for a beautiful lawn next spring.

  1 min 30 s

Mice and rats are looking for a place to hole up before winter comes, and they can use incredible ingenuity to get inside cottages, trailers and even homes. They may be cute, but these small animals can do big damage.

  4 min 50 s

In Canada, heating is a must to stay warm during the winter. But choosing the right electric heater can be a challenge. Here are some tips to help you choose the right type of electric heating for you.

  4 min 44 s

Whether as a supplementary heat source or to create ambiance, wood stoves, pellet stoves, and wood furnaces emit a cozy warmth that quickly transforms a home into a welcoming space. Explore this article to compare the pros and cons of each appliance.

  2 min 38 s

The unit on the wall that controls your heat sources, the thermostat ensures the temperature is just right for you. Although there are a range of models out there, not all offer the same level of precision and potential for energy savings.

  3 min 07 s

Temperatures are dropping, and fall is just around the corner. That means it’s time to think about protecting your plants from the harsh conditions of winter. But where to begin? Which plants need to be covered for winter? And what about lawns? Here’s everything you need to know to get your plants through the season unscathed.

  3 min 18 s

If you don’t have a garage, a car shelter can be very useful in winter for keeping the snow and ice off your car in bad weather. But they have to be installed properly, especially with the best anchoring for a car shelter, to make sure that they don’t buckle under heavy snow or get blown away by the wind.

  4 min 18 s

Whether you own a suburban home or a cozy cabin, a snowblower can transform a daunting chore into a quick and easy task. With so many models available on the market, choosing the right one can be overwhelming.

  4 min 30 s

Portable generators are great for camping and other outdoor pursuits. But they can also come in very handy during extended power outages. And whether we like it or not, power outages are becoming increasingly frequent due to climate change.

  1 min 37 s

Every winter, it's the same thing: you find yourself in the ice melters aisle of your local hardware store, not knowing what to buy. This article explains how to effectively de-ice your driveway by using the right de-icing products at the right time.

  2 min 13 s

Whether you're a seasoned pro or just starting out, knowing the right tools for the job is essential for any gardener. Here's a rundown of some of the best gardening tools.

  1 min 42 s

Pollinating insects and birds help plants reproduce by carrying pollen from one plant to another. Along with the wind, these animals contribute to the production of fruits and vegetables, among other things. 

  2 min 54 s

Spring is a time for renewal, but it's also the season when garden pests emerge. These tiny creatures can cause significant damage to your plants, but fortunately, there are easy ways to protect your garden.

  5 min 1 s

Whether propane or charcoal, the barbecue holds a special place among the hearts of all those who love to get grilling over the summer. Here are some ideas to help you make the most of your barbecue.

  3 min 55 s

Whether or not you have a green thumb, lawn mowers are a must-have for home and cottage owners. But so many questions can come up when you visit the outdoor power equipment department to pick one.

  3 min 39 s

Your flower garden is a central element of your home’s exterior that will be with you for years to come. To keep your garden tidy and manageable in the long run, it’s important to plan it well. Here are a few tips to help you bring your dream garden to life.

  2 min 38 s

Growing a vegetable garden is a rewarding activity for people of all ages. With just a few tools, you can grow an impressive variety of vegetables, fruits and herbs to fill up your plate throughout the summer season and beyond. To maximize your chances of success and reap a bountiful harvest, here are five mistakes to avoid when starting out your garden.

  4 min 15 s

With hot, dry summers becoming more common in recent years, it can be challenging to garden without using large amounts of water. However, by watering your plants correctly, you can limit water use and still give your plants the moisture they need.

  2 min 20 s

Are you hearing buzzing and worrying that wasps might be taking up residence around your home? Don’t panic about a potential nest—first, figure out what kind of insect you’re dealing with. If it is indeed a wasp nest, follow our advice on how to get rid of it safely.

  1 min 36 s

5Have surging grocery prices put you in a mind to start growing your own food? We’ve got just what you need: a complete, easy-to-maintain garden for under $250. No tools required—just get growing.

  4 min 39 s

The deck is often an extension of the house. But for this extension to be practical and comfortable, it is important to plan it well so that it meets your family's needs.

 2 min 46 s

Most of us have only one thing in mind: nice, fresh vegetables to eat, gorgeous flowers to pick and admire, and a beautiful, healthy green lawn...

  5 min 53 s

Anyone can create an outdoor dining area no matter how much space they have to work with. Even though a top-quality outdoor kitchen requires specific materials that are often more expensive, you can still achieve something that’s good and will last with different materials that cost less.

  4 min 52 s

Our summers may be short, but when the heatwaves hit, it often comes as a surprise. Investing in an air conditioner ensures a cool night’s sleep so that you can enjoy summer to the fullest. Here are some recommendations to help you choose. Click to learn more and read our buyer’s guide. 

 4 min 44 s

Nothing says “summer” like grilling on the barbecue. Although gas models are more popular for their practicality, some people swear by charcoal as it guarantees incomparably flavoured results. Here are a few things to consider when shopping for a BBQ.

 3 min 52 s

Affordable and convenient, paving is a great way to landscape your yard, patio or walkway. Hardware stores carry a range of styles, but it’s important to make a choice that suits your intended use. So, what do you have in mind?

  1 min 38 s

Snow, rain, mold and UV rays alter exterior wood. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to prepare surfaces for staining.

  2 min 41 s

Even if your back yard or balcony is small, you can still make it your own without breaking the bank. Here are a few tips for an outdoor space that’s comfortable, functional and stylish!

 5 min 20 s

Naturally, outdoor lighting highlights landscaping, but it also helps make important areas safe, such as the entry to your house, stairs and walkways. Here are some ideas to light up your outdoors.

  2 min 43 s

Decks are at the constant mercy of the elements, which carry a great deal of dirt and dust. All of this dirt gets embedded in any irregularities and make relaxation and eating areas a little less inviting. 

  4 min 24 s

With the imminent arrival of a move, there follows a bit of anxiety, stress and moments when you wonder if you have forgotten something. Don't panic, a good preparation, a few lists and a little bit of organization will help you to manage the big day.

  4 min 54 s

Do you sometimes feel overwhelmed walking down the power tool aisle? Choosing tools that will get you through everything from everyday jobs to ambitious renovations isn’t always easy. But it can make all the difference.

 3 min 37 s

Everyone has a neighbour or friend who’s better equipped with tools than the local hardware store. Although there’s a range of tools on the market, some are more essential than others.

 3 min 11 s

Over the past few years, composting has become a widely adopted environmental practice. Compost is often called the “black gold” of gardeners, as the decomposed waste becomes a very fertile and hummus-rich soil that promotes plant cultivation.

  3 min 36 s

Are the grey skies and snow making you feel like winter will never end? Why not pass the time by planting some seedlings indoors? It’s an inexpensive activity that will get you in the mood for the coming spring.

  4 min 13 s

Many maple syrup lovers want to produce their own syrup at home, just for fun. Interested in getting started? This article will demystify the main steps involved in maple syrup production, providing you with great tips and the products you’ll need to harvest maple sap and turn it into delicious syrup.

  2 min 28 s

There are a lot of potting soils and soil amendments on the market. To make sure your plants are in an environment that helps them grow and thrive, you need to choose the right potting soil for each. Read on to learn more about the main types of soil and how to use them.

  2 min 24 s

Are your plants looking a little rough? Whether they’re wilted, turning yellow or losing buds before they bloom, your plants may be trying to tell you something.

  3 min 37 s

Having a chicken coop at home is a rewarding activity that will appeal to young and old alike, as well as providing you with a supply of top quality eggs.

  1 min 48 s

Thawing season can be a source of anxiety for many homeowners living near a body of water. Here is our checklist of things you can do to reduce the risk of flooding in your home this spring. 

  8 min 49 s

Winter is now giving way to spring, and to enjoy the warm weather to the fullest, you need to plan your outdoor spaces! Here are some tasks you can do in spring to get ready for summer. 

  3 min 14 s

With warmer days comes preparing for the summer season, and summer means swimming! Whether your pool is inground, semi-inground or above-ground, and operates with chlorine or salt, here are a few tips from our specialists to help you open it safely, easily and efficiently.