Home and garden calendar

Oct. 11

History of prefab housing shows fascinating innovations

I'm cheap, and I've long been fascinated with technological changes that help make things more affordable, such as Mr. Ford's famous Flivver (the Model T) or the "people's car" (a Volkswagen).

Get remodeling ideas to stop receding value of your home

As home prices continue to decline, people are seeking new ways to boost the value of their houses.

Work now to save vulnerable plants over winter

The second week of October is time to think about spring. Now is a good time to plant daffodils, tulips and crocus bulbs for spring blooms and also to bring in or protect your tender, summer-blooming bulbs like tuberous begonias, gladiolas and caladiums. By the middle of October, cold nights can bring a hard frost, so if you want to try and overwinter geraniums, fuchsias and tender succulents such as echiverieas, this is the week to make your move.

Lifestyle has significant effect on energy use

Question: We visited some relatives at their new “energy efficient” home this summer, and I was surprised to see that they did many things that I thought were actually wasting energy. When I asked them about this, they said it didn’t matter what they did because the home was so efficient that they’d save money no matter what they did. Does this make sense to you?

Bamboo grows beyond image of hated invader

Not so long ago, any suggestion that bamboo might make a fine addition to the garden might automatically provoke this reaction: “Be afraid — be very afraid.”

Clean stained stainless steel

Clean stained stainless steel e_SClB Question: I burned olive oil on the bottom of a stainless-steel pan. I have tried cleaning it by heating baking soda and water, dishwasher detergent and water, and tomato sauce in the pan. The burned area is better, but there is more to be removed. What can I do?

Put together your own home-safety kit

Common items found around the house can help you evaluate whether your home is safe for children. Consumer Reports' publication ShopSmart recommends gathering these things for a do-it-yourself home safety tool kit:

Dining-room addition has 'living' floor

OWYHEE COUNTY, Idaho - When she added on to her home, Jeri Rutherford found a way to go green - literally.

Home and garden calendar

Oct. 5