Freeze Summer Produce Now to Taste It All Winter Long
The peach in January that tastes like a peach in July. The corn in November that's actually sweet. The berries
Outdoors and Garden
Many outdoor storage and gardening solutions can be rather expensive, especially when compared to Everyday Cheapskate alternatives. Here are some of my favorite articles on outdoor cleaning and gardening and storage solutions. Â These ideas will give you the results you need without the costs you don’t.
Don’t miss the most popular posts in this section, including How to Make All-Natural Weed Killer—Super Easy and Better Than Roundup!, to Get Rid of Bugs and Crawling Insects Fast and Easy Without Poisons and, last, but not least,  How to Make Cut Flowers Last Twice as Long.  Don’t let your lawn and garden costs overwhelm you!
Best Coolers for Camping, Road Trips, and Beach Days
I get asked constantly which cooler I’d actually buy, so here’s the honest rundown. No sponsored fluff, just the three
How to Pack a Cooler That Stays Cold for 48 Hours
An $80 cooler packed badly will lose its ice in 8 hours. An ordinary cooler packed properly will keep food
5 No-Brush Ways to Clean Your Grill (Using Stuff You Already Have)
Wire grill brushes are getting recalled, expensive, and increasingly suspect (those bristles end up everywhere). Here are 5 surprisingly effective
How to Clean Outdoor Patio Furniture for Almost Free
Patio furniture takes a beating from sun, pollen, and the surprise mildew that shows up under cushion edges. Here's how
Skip the DEET: Make This Mosquito Spray Tonight
A simple homemade mosquito spray using witch hazel and a few essential oils — cheap, easy, and surprisingly effective for
The Backyard Change That Kept Us Home More Often
“I just need to get out of the house.” Famous last words. And an expensive five words at that. I’ve
Grandma’s Creamy Cucumber Salad Recipe Made Easy
There’s something about a simple cucumber salad that just feels like home. Crisp cucumbers, a creamy tang, and that just-right
Why Squirrels Always Outsmart Your Bird Feeder
I set out to do something simple… buy a bird feeder for a friend. You’d think that would be a
How to Remove Stubborn Leaf Stains from Concrete
The worst of winter is finally behind us, and spring has a way of shining a spotlight on everything that
Start Seeds Indoors Now for a Better Garden Later
March is when gardeners start getting restless. The sun lingers a little longer, seed packets appear on store racks, and
Keep Your Christmas Cactus Blooming Every Holiday
If you received a Christmas cactus this holiday season, congratulations… it’s one of the most rewarding houseplants to care for.
How to Rake Leaves Without Breaking the Bank (or Your Back)
You don’t need an expensive leaf blower or a week of chiropractic visits to clean up your yard. Here’s how
Chiggers: What They Are and How to Get Rid of Them on the Cheap
You thought you were just out there doing a little yardwork. Turns out, you were hosting a microscopic all-you-can-eat buffet.
Grill on a Budget: Backyard BBQs Without the Burn to Your Wallet
Hosting a backyard BBQ shouldn't cost more than dinner at a steakhouse. With a few clever strategies—like grilling your sides,
How to Use Mosquito Dunks: Kill ‘Em Before They Bite Back
Tired of being a mosquito buffet every time you step outside? Learn how mosquito dunks target larvae, not adults, to
Easy Organic Weed Control for a Healthy, Safe Garden
Weeds are like that one relative who shows up unannounced, takes over your favorite chair, and leaves crumbs everywhere. No
The 9 Best Gardening Tools for Beginners and Pros Alike
Gardening is a joy—until you realize you don’t have the right tools! I learned the hard way that investing in
6 Science-Backed Reasons Gardening is Good for Your Health
There’s something magical about getting your hands in the dirt. Whether it’s the smell of fresh soil, the warmth of
13 Simple Tips for Repelling Mice Naturally From Your Home and Yard
Mice may look cute in cartoons, but they’re far less charming when they’ve taken up residence in your home. These
The Best of Everyday Cheapskate: 10 Must-Read Articles for Smart Living
Welcome to the best of Everyday Cheapskate! Over the years, we’ve shared countless tips, tricks, and DIY solutions designed to
Reader-Approved Tips for Vacation Plant Care, Preventing Wood Splitting, and More!
Welcome to another roundup of fantastic tips from our resourceful readers. This week, we’re tackling everything from keeping your plants
DIY Mop Pad Replacement, Cheap Tub Scum Removal, and Other Reader-Approved Tips
Welcome to another edition of great tips from our clever readers! This week, we’re diving into a treasure trove of
Amazon Prime Big Deal Days 2024: Your Guide to the Best Discounts
Deals last updated: October 8, 2024 • 11:35 am Amazon Prime Big Deal Days are here, and this two-day event
The Ultimate Guide to Using a Pressure Washer Plus Best Inexpensive Pressure Washer Picks
Pressure washers, both gas-powered and electric models, are fantastic tools for tackling a variety of cleaning tasks around a house.
Natural Pest Control: Companion Planting Strategies for Your Frugal Garden
Companion planting is when you mix plants that bugs don't like with the ones they do. By doing this, you
23 Genius Gardening Hacks I Wish I’d Known Sooner, Approved by Experts
So, gardening on a budget. That may sound like an oxymoron—either you garden, or you live on a budget. But
How to Get Rid of Creeping Charlie and Reclaim Your Lawn
Creeping Charlie ground ivy might have seemed like a charming addition to your garden at first, but now it’s become
How to Get Rid of Wasps Safely: 7 Effective Methods to Try
The trendy hack going viral on TikTokto get rid of wasps at home using gasoline is extremely unsafe, if not
Fruit Flies Hate These 7 Plants (But You’ll Love Them)
Fruit flies seem to have radar for ripe bananas and forgotten wine glasses, don’t they? Before you know it, your
10 Little Known Ways to Get Free Seeds, Tools, and Other Gardening Supplies
Regardless of whether you're an experienced gardener or a beginner, due to the present economic conditions, you may be hesitant
14 Genius Uses for Food Grade Diatomaceous Earth—from Health and Beauty to Home and Garden
Diatomaceous earth is an inexpensive, readily available powder made from the sediment of algae that has been fossilized in bodies
5 Non-Toxic Methods That Really Work for Killing Weeds
There are a number of effective ways to kill weeds. Some involve chemicals or require digging. The problem with chemical
How to Regrow Vegetables From Scraps on Your Windowsill
At our house, we're getting much better with storing and using up produce. In fact, we've all but completely stopped
8 Surprising Benefits of Decorating with Houseplants for a Healthier, Happier Home
Experts call it "interior landscaping" and it's becoming increasingly popular not only in homes but in offices and other commercial
How to Keep Cut Flowers Fresh and Beautiful Twice as Long
Whether they come from your garden, the market, or florist, you can persuade cut flowers to remain beautiful for weeks
Quick and Easy Outdoor Cleaning and Storage Tips You Can Use
Many outdoor cleaning and storage solutions can be rather expensive, especially when compared to do-it-yourself or homemade alternatives. Here some
How to Fix Brown Leaves on Houseplants and Keep Them Thriving
Houseplants are a great way to bring nature indoors, adding life and color to your space. But when you start
How to Keep Cats Out of Your Yard and Garden—Naturally!
Check out these simple ways to repel cats naturally so they'll stop using your lawn and garden as an outdoor
How to Propagate Basil and Make Fresh Homemade Pesto
While I came bearing gifts and lunch to celebrate my friend Sharon’s Birthday, I left with a gift of perhaps
10 Natural Ways to Repel Rascally Rabbits to Protect Your Yard and Garden
As adorable as these creatures are, rabbits can wreak havoc on a lawn and garden. Garden centers, home improvement stores,
Cucumbers Galore? Here’s What to Do With Every Single One
Today we celebrate cucumbers which will soon be in the peak of their season and dirt cheap! Cucumbers are not only
How Do I Clean a BBQ Grill: Expert Tips for a Spotless BBQ
Grilling season is here, but is your BBQ grill ready? If you’re wondering, “how do I clean a BBQ grill”
16 Used Coffee Grounds Uses You’ll Wish You Knew Sooner
If you love your morning cup of Joe, it's a pretty good bet you're throwing out spent coffee grounds on
How to Get Rid of Ants with Pantry Items: 14 Easy Hacks
Despite how fascinating ants may be, control and management around the home are important for both health and safety reasons.
4 Brilliant Ways to Cook Corn on the Cob for Perfect Summer Flavor
There's just nothing that screams late summer like sweet corn when it's fresh, hot, and slathered with butter and salt.
How to Make Iced Tea: Perfect Recipe for Refreshing Summer Drinks
The only thing more comforting than a big, tall glass of iced tea on a hot summer day is knowing
How to Get Rid of Ants in Your Yard: Effective DIY and Natural Solutions
If the arrival of summer is ushering an ant infestation into your home and yard, don’t panic. You may not
20 Surprisingly Effective Ways to Use Apple Cider Vinegar
It makes a terrific vinaigrette for salad, but apple cider vinegar (ACV) is good in many other ways around the
Worst & Best Ways to Grill Chicken, Plus The Marinade Recipe You Need
Grilling chicken shouldn’t feel like a roll of the dice. Yet we’ve all been there—cutting in to find it raw
9 Ways We Can Wage War Against Mosquitoes—and Win!
Mosquitoes are nasty creatures. They bite, they transmit terrible diseases to people and pets, and have no redeeming value in the
The Best All-Purpose Beef Marinade for Budget Grilling
Getting our outdoor grill cleaned, polished, and ready for summer got me thinking about how much fun it would be
How to Make Everyday Cheapskate Weed Killer—Natural, Easy, Better Than Roundup!
Weeds are the bane of every gardener; a problem for every homeowner. Thankfully, there is a solution that is super
Just Hand Over the Sweet Peas and No One Gets Hurt
Confession is good for the soul, I’m told, and so I’d like to confess. I came this close to clocking
19 Practical Epsom Salt Uses for Home & Health
I can recall vividly—and count on one hand—the migraine headaches I’ve had in my life, all of them before age
Yes, You Can Bake on a Grill—Here’s How to Do It
If you have an outdoor barbecue grill with a cover that closes over the top of the grill, you can
DIY Natural Ant Killer Spray to Stop Ants Quickly
If ants have started showing up like uninvited houseguests lately, you’re not imagining things. Warmer weather sends them marching indoors
DIY Dirt? How to Make Compost in Your Own Backyard
Some home gardeners call it "black gold." I understand, it is truly that amazing. But really, it's just dirt. Rich,
How to Grow An Edible Garden Just About Anywhere
Even if you don't have time to tend a full-size garden; even if you don't have time or resources to
Readers in Search of Help with Ants and Sharks
The best part of my job as your humble columnist is the mail I get from my loyal readers. I had
Lessons from a Daffodil Garden
Year after year, one dried-up seemingly-lifeless bulb at a time, she planted more than 1,000,000 bulbs—creating something of magnificence, beauty,
Cheapskate Gardening Tips, Tricks and Recipes
Is there anything more gratifying than a beautiful garden when you just happen to be the gardener? One trip to
How to Get Outdoor Windows Sparkling Clean—Cheaper, Better, Faster!
You can pay a fortune to have your outdoor windows washed professionally, or let me teach you how to do
Now is a Good Time to Join a CSA for Your Health and Wealth
Being a savvy consumer means a lot of things. It can refer to a person who knows how to get
Hands Down the Best Way to Kill Weeds (And It’s Not Roundup)
Roundup who? If you’ve got vinegar, salt, and a squirt of dish soap in your kitchen right now, you already
Rehab is for the Birds and More Great Reader Tips
If you’re planning a home rehab—or in the throes of that right now—just imagine how wonderful it would be if
19 Non-Toxic Natural Pest Control Solutions You Can DIY at Home
When asked by friends what to do for their flea-infested home, I grabbed my collection of natural, non-toxic pest control
The Gardening Method That Finally Worked for Me
For years I’ve tried to grow decent vegetable gardens. Except for one especially bountiful year, my harvests have ranged from
4 Homemade Fertilizer Recipes for Lawn and Garden That Really Work
I love a beautiful yard, but I hate spending a lot of money to get it that way which explains
How to Choose, Care for, and Keep Your Fresh Christmas Tree Healthy All Season
There’s something truly magical about having a fresh Christmas tree in your home: the fragrance that fills the air, the
11 Brilliant Ways to Use Lemons for Cleaning, Skincare & More
Several years ago, my son gave me the bounty from the two fruit trees that pretty much rule his backyard.