Companion Plants for Zucchini and Squash The best companion plants for zucchini and squash include beans and corn, a classic combination that benefits all three plants. This combination of plants has long been known as the “three sisters” approach and was practiced by the Seneca branch of the Iroquoian American Indian nation for centuries before Europeans arrived in North America and were taught the method. Radishes, peas, peppermint, dill, parsley, oregano, and even flowers like marigolds or nasturtiums are a few other options for gardeners....

You can force your Holiday cactus to bloom in December by keeping it in complete darkness for 12 hours per night, beginning in about mid-October. Leave it in the dark until buds appear. An even easier method is to subject it to cool temperatures (50-55 degrees) starting in November. Leave the plant on a windowsill at home when the heat is off and you are at work. You should see flower buds forming in weeks....

Whether you’re designing a gender-neutral nursery or simply craving a fresh, natural shade for your little one’s space, green is an increasingly popular choice. It has recently burst onto the nursery scene in shades across the spectrum. Studies have long shown that exposure to this rich and versatile color can reduce anxiety and promote baby’s sense of health and well being. But green’s calming super powers are not limited to pastel shades of mint and sage....

Furniture goes on sale during certain times of the year, just like mattresses and appliances do. And the lower the prices, the more potential options you’ll have that fit into your budget. It’s a good bet that you’ll find a deal on indoor, outdoor, and office furniture around major holidays, but that’s not the only time you can save. Here’s exactly when you should shop to get the best price on all types of furniture....

It pays to know the right temperature to select because it can save on utility costs and keep colors bright. The wrong water temperature might leave clothes filled with odors, bacteria, and can potentially ruin them. Read on to learn the best ways to determine what temperature to set your washing machine so your clothes look cleaner and last longer. How to Choose the Best Water Temperature for Laundry Commercial laundry detergents can be safely used in any water temperature; however, results may vary....

Our homes are often viewed as a source of comfort, and if you ask us, you can never have enough cozy items. From plush blankets to soothing scents, there are plenty of options to work with. Ensuring we have cozy elements in our space is extra essential during the winter when we often find ourselves indoors. Still, coziness is truly a year-round concept in our book. While we all have our preferences, our zodiac signs can give us a little insight into what things might bring us comfort and a sense of tranquility....

Whether you’re a new interior designer or an avid fan who’s learning the ropes for your own home, don’t go it alone. Several experts shared their biggest mistakes and tips so you can avoid trouble from the get-go. More Is More with Lighting Mark Cutler of culterschulze has 30 years of experience under his belt and a fair share of lessons he’s learned—one of which has to do with lighting....

The Term Counter-Depth Can Be Misleading The term counter-depth, though widely used amongst retailers, can be misleading because the actual measurement can vary somewhat from the standard counter depth of 25 inches. Especially in a large kitchen, it’s not unusual to find bottom cabinets that are much deeper than the standard 24-inch depth and the counter will protrude further, usually by an inch. So counter-depth can be deeper than the average, ranging from 25 to 30 inches....

To help your shopping experience run smoothly, we’ve asked our editors to share their favorite Parachute products. Whether it’s time to upgrade your bedding for the winter, or you’re craving a home refresh, there’s a parachute product that’s right for you. Scroll below to see the Parachute products The Spruce editors love most. “I have my eye on a Parachute robe for quite some time now, but I missed the last biannual sale, and so I’m prepped for this one....

With a mix of beautiful paints and stunning wallpaper prints in a house that’s already full of character, Rees has created a space that’s warm, inviting, and incredibly cheerful. Owner: Elizabeth Rees, co-founder of Chasing Paper Location: Milwaukee, WI A Curated Mix of Clean Lines and Living History Rees was in the process of relocating back to her hometown from NYC, and when she walked through her new home, it felt just like a Brooklyn brownstone....

Though I’m a big visual person, scent has become a sense I prioritize, and one that does a superior job at helping me feel calmer. Whether it’s trying to get to the bottom of a mystery smell or lighting a candle I love, getting the olfactory thing right makes a huge difference. Because of this, it makes sense that my diffuser has become the one decor item I really wouldn’t want to be without....

Part of the Bromeliad family, unlike most Tillandsia species, it can be grown in a pot as well as an air plant. It produces a display of large, long-lasting, showy pink bracts that resemble ink quills, and this is where the inspiration for its common name comes from. The bracts add interest for several months—so you’ll have plenty opportunity to enjoy their vibrancy. You’ll also get to appreciate the pretty little violet flowers that emerge in the summer; although they only last two or three days....

Once again make sure that the flux you purchase is safe for drinking water if that is what the pipes are for. Fire cloth: a barrier that is fire retardant can be positioned behind whatever it is you are soldering so that the surrounding area does not catch fire. Water: A spray bottle with water is a must. Wet down any area you will be soldering first and then use it as a backup if anything begins to smolder....

Types of Chicken Feed The correct type of feed for your chickens depends on two things: their age and whether they are meat birds or laying birds. Chick starter: Exactly what it sounds like, chick starter is for the first (usually six) weeks of your baby chicks’ lives. This is typically 22 to 24 percent protein for meat birds (called broiler starter) and 20 percent protein for laying breeds. You can buy medicated or unmedicated chick starter....

What Is Plumage? The term plumage refers to a bird’s feathers, including the color and pattern those feathers produce. Some birds have a variety of plumages during an annual cycle, while other birds sport the same plumage throughout the year. While plumage is, in many cases, the easiest way to identify birds, it can be confusing as birds change plumages or adopt color variations that are less familiar to birders....

What Fuses and Fuse Boxes Are Fuses A fuse is a device that protects electrical systems against potentially dangerous power surges and excessive temperatures. When subjected to extreme conditions, the fuse will blow or burn out. Unlike a circuit breaker, a fuse cannot be reset. It must be replaced. Fuse Boxes A fuse box is a metal box that contains screw-in fuses and cartridge fuses. Smaller than the electrical service panels found in most homes today, fuse boxes contain between six and 12 fuses....

Just as there are many different house styles, there are also a variety of garage door styles. The popularity of this look ensures that you can find raised-panel garage doors in all materials, including wood, fiberglass, aluminum, or steel, and with a full list of garage door options from which to choose. Also returning to popularity in some retro-modern home designs are slab doors, in which the door opens by folding up as one single panel, rather than as three or four separate horizontal panels that bend at hinges as the door raises....

Within the home, medium-density fiberboard (MDF) is increasingly being used—for kitchen and bathroom cabinets, shelves, and furniture. Lower cost is the driver behind MDF baseboards’ popularity. The most popular size of baseboard material is 3 1/4 inches high. Within this category, solid, unprimed wood is the most expensive product, followed by primed pine and by MDF. While there are cost differences, these differences are slight, especially in small applications. At many home centers and lumberyards, MDF is up to 10 percent cheaper than hemlock or poplar and can even be the same price as primed, finger-jointed pine....

The Chemistry of Baking Soda Baking soda (technically known as sodium bicarbonate) is very similar to the compound known as washing soda (sodium carbonate) and can serve the same function in the laundry. It is a very mild alkaline powder that slightly raises the pH of water when it is mixed in. It is also a mild antiseptic that will discourage bacteria growth. To Brighten Whites and Bright Colors Add 1/2 cup of baking soda to the wash when you add your regular liquid detergent....

Water Resistance of Vinyl Flooring Vinyl is largely made of plastic, which makes it water-resistant. Does that mean it’s waterproof? Some manufacturers may use this term, but cautious builders almost never use it. This is because there are very few materials that aren’t damaged by water. That said, quality vinyl flooring is pretty close, making it an excellent choice for covering a concrete floor. This is especially important in below-grade basement locations, which are prone to water damage both from moisture seeping up and from flooding issues that can occur....