We particularly love gardening ideas that work for small outdoor spaces. And this pretty little spiral vegetable garden made by Oh My! Creative is just the kind of project we flip over: It can fit just about anywhere, it’s beautiful and pretty easy to do.
This creative blogger used 4″ river rocks and created a swirling design right off of her patio for her favorite greens, like zucchinis and herbs. The rocks hedge the plants making them look neat and well-kept, and the pattern is totally eye-catching. Your guests will think it’s the work of a professional landscaper.
Head over to Oh My! Creative for the full tutorial and click through more gardening DIY ideas below.
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Build A Stepping Stone Path
Create a stepping stone path through your lawn or garden by mapping out the path, driving stakes at each end of its destination and attaching string to create an outline. Measure out the stones so there’s one under foot for each step. Use a half-moon edger to remove the earth from beneath where your stones will lay and add stone dust to give the stones a stable base. For the full tutorial, visit <a href=”https://www.thisoldhouse.com/toh/how-to/step/0,,20588294_21148320,00.html” target=”_blank”>This Old House</a>.
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Build A Wood Slat Compost Bin
Compost has great benefits for your garden, so if you have a green thumb, building a compost bin is a great idea. First, purchase waterproof and rot-resistant wood that will survive the elements. You’ll want 1×4 lumber to make 24 horizontal slats: 8 slats will make up the lid, 8 slats for the back and cover, plus 8 for legs. For the back, lay down six slats of wood with a 3/4 inch gap between them. Then lay slats perpendicularly over both ends and nail securely. Do the same thing to make the sides of the bin. After making all the sides and back, secure them by glueing and screwing the corners together. Lastly, to make the lid, attach battens to four slats that are 2 1/2 inches shorter than the slats when put together. This makes one half of the lid (Repeat this for the other half).
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Build A Trellis
If you’re looking to spruce up your garden or an outdoor wall a bit, a trellis is the perfect way. To make your own, first decide what size you’d like and purchase the amount of lattice and ply wood (this will be the frame) based on the <a href=”https://www.thisoldhouse.com/toh/how-to/overview/0,,20269959,00.html” target=”_blank”>those measurements</a>. Next, you’ll want to make notches where the frame will come together and then begin to assemble it. Then, use a power drill and screws to secure the frame together. Afterwards, lay the frame on the ground and place the lattice on it. The lattice should rest on a notch in between your frame, so it is important to get the measurements correct. Then, use the drill to secure the lattice to the frame and <a href=”https://www.thisoldhouse.com/toh/how-to/step/0,,20269959_20604021,00.html” target=”_blank”>attach back-stops to keep it in place</a>. Next, install the caps (the top portion of the trellis), using a drill. Then, dig holes where the lattice will be placed, install the trellis and fill the holes with gravel and soil to keep it in place. For a full tutorial, head over to <a href=”https://www.thisoldhouse.com/toh/how-to/step/0,,20269959_20604031,00.html” target=”_blank”>This Old House</a>.
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Create An Outdoor Water Feature
A water feature can make a backyard feel like an oasis. To install a lovely fountain, choose a waterproof container such as a large garden pot and using a drill, make a hole through the bottom. Buy a <a href=”https://www.lowes.com/pd_58375-60084-FP80_0__?productId=3036081&Ntt=fountain+pump&pl=1¤tURL=&facetInfo=” target=”_blank”>pump</a> at your local big box store and place it inside, running the electrical cord out through the hole. Use a silicone sealant to seal the hole around the cord. Fill your container with water, and make sure to add a couple of tablespoons of bleach periodically so algae does not grow. For a more elaborate fountain tutorial go to <a href=”https://www.thisoldhouse.com/toh/how-to/intro/0,,20050351,00.html” target=”_blank”>This Old House</a>.
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Build A Mini Greenhouse
Prepare your plants for the cooler weather ahead with a mini greenhouse. You’ll need a few different types of <a href=”https://www.homedepot.com/Plumbing-Pipes-Fittings-Valves-PVC-Pipe-Fittings/h_d1/N-buf5Z5yc1v/h_d2/Navigation?langId=-1&storeId=10051&catalogId=100&searchNav=true” target=”_blank”>PVC piping</a> (along with primer and cement) to assemble and secure the frame and plastic sheeting to cover the top. Choose the sizes according to how many plants you want to keep inside and what will fit in your yard. Check out the full tutorial at <a href=”https://www.instructables.com/id/Build-an-Easy-5-x-5-Home-Greenhouse-for-under-25/?ALLSTEPS” target=”_blank”>Instructables.com</a>.
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Re-Mulch Your Garden
Adding some fresh mulch to your garden will help prepare and protect plants against the colder months ahead. Choose the right type of mulch (straw, leaf or pine needles) depending on the type of plants you have, and then get to work before it starts to get too cold. To learn what type of mulch to use and how to properly apply each, visit <a href=”https://www.weekendgardener.net/garden-plants/mulch-060806.htm” target=”_blank”>Weekend Gardener</a>.
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Edge Your Garden
Last year’s many run-ins with a lawn mower plus the proceeding months of weather means that last year’s garden edging is likely worse for the wear. But thankfully, it’s easy to replace. We love the look of stone or sculpted cement edging, but honestly, <a href=”https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001W6RNWE/ref=asc_df_B001W6RNWE2011010?smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER&tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=asn&creative=395093&creativeASIN=B001W6RNWE&hvpos=1o1&hvexid=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=1070559896744214632&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=” target=”_blank”>forged iron</a> is the easiest to deal with (involving little more than staking the edging into ground). But for a guide to laying edging blocks into your garden, visit <a href=”https://www.ronhazelton.com/tips/how_to_lay_edging_blocks_along_beds” target=”_blank”>Ron Hazelton</a>.
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No More Bare Lawn Patches
It’ll take a little time, but you can fill in those thin spots in your lawn made by frequent foot traffic, shade, or…well…dogs. (Dog owners will know what we’re referring to.) A good grass seed carefully sprinkled into the area now, will fill in before the summer heat begins later on. For the full details on seeding bare spots in the lawn, visit <a href=”https://www.lifeandlawns.com/2008/04/08/how-to-seed-and-fill-in-bare-and-thin-spots-in-your-lawn/” target=”_blank”>Life And Lawns</a>.
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Re
-Gravel The DrivewayBecause gravel driveways and paths can get “potholes” too. The good news is that all you’ll need are a few bags of gravel, a 2×4 (or something to “tamp” the gravel into place) and, if on a driveway, a car. Simply fill, tamp and then run over the filled-in spot. For a more detailed how-to, visit <a href=”https://tlc.howstuffworks.com/home/driveway-cracks5.htm” target=”_blank”>TLC</a>.
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