Make the most of quarantine with these DIY backyard projects!
Photo By: Better Homes and Gardens
Up until now, our lives have been pretty routine. We’d wake up, go to work or school, socialize with friends, and visit family. We’d host family barbeques, have date night and even go away on vacation. But, now? COVID-19 has thrown a wrench in our day-to-day routines and many of us are stuck at home in quarantine until this passes — or at least is contained.
It’s understandable to get frustrated. It’s understandable if you’re feeling like you need to do something or you’d go crazy. So why not take all of that pent up energy and do something to make your backyard into a relaxing oasis with these DIY projects?
Flex Your Green Thumb
Plants are a fantastic way to add some life to any space, be it inside or out. Now’s the perfect time to transplant your favorite flowers into larger pots so they have more room to grow. Use this time to prune back bushes that have become unruly. You can weed the flower beds, care for the lawn, or start a garden!
Refinish the Deck/Patio
Weather has a nasty way of turning a once beautiful patio or deck into a dingy shadow of what it once was. With summer just a few short weeks away and there’s no clear date when the quarantine will end, why not refinish your outdoor living space? Break out a power washer and revitalize your patio furniture. Restain your deck so it looks brand new. Add some fresh paint to flower pots. You’d be amazed how a little bit of elbow grease can make a huge difference!
Make Easy Repairs
Have you been putting off minor repairs outside? You know, repairs like fixing (or cleaning) the gutters, replacing outdoor light fixtures, or taking down Christmas lights. If you’re thinking about selling your home any time soon, these repairs will be one less reason buyers would have for submitting a offer below asking price.
Build Something Useful
If you’re pretty handy with power tools, why not build something practical like a new picnic table, put together a swing set for the kids. You could make a fire pit out of cinderblocks if your neighborhood allows it. Of course, if you’re not keen on making anything big, start off small by making a birdhouse or make window planters for flowers. You can even make a raised garden plot!
Start a Compost Pile
Now, this idea may not be for everyone and it will take some time before you can actually use the compost, but a compost pile is a fantastic way to reduce the amount of waste you throw away. It’ll provide you with nutrient dense soil that you can use for potted plants, flower beds, and that raised garden we mentioned. Keep in mind that maintaining your compost pile is going to require getting your hands dirty, but it’ll be worth it in the long run!
Photo By: Edible Columbus
Clean the Plool
Before opening the pool for the summer, take this time to thoroughly clean the pool. You can use the vacuum to clean any debris that may have settled at the bottom of the pool while it was closed for the winter. You can change the filter and run several backwashing cycles. You can scrub the deck, clean the liner or scrub the tiles, depending on what kind of pool you own. By taking the time to thoroughly clean your pool, your weekly maintenance will be that much easier.
A lot of people are feeling the stress of being stuck at home, but that doesn’t mean you can’t be productive and make your little corner of the world your own little oasis. Whether you’re repairing creaky doors or re-staining the deck, these little improvements will add little value to your home, but it’ll make you feel like you accomplished something. Plus, once social distancing regulations have been relaxed, you’ll be ready to invite family and friends over and not be ashamed of your unkempt yard.
