Outdoor Guide - For Those Who Live Outside: Safety, Wildlife, Tips, Gardening, & Travel

Skip The Hydrangeas – This Beautiful Alternative Brings Year-Round Beauty

staff@outdoorguide.com (Danno Wise) — Sat, 16 May 2026 12:15:00 +0000

While hydrangeas are a go-to for colorful blooms, there's another large, flowering shrub that offers distinct advantages in your yard, even in winter.

How To Prevent Aphids From Destroying Your Roses

staff@outdoorguide.com (TeeJay Small) — Fri, 15 May 2026 12:15:00 +0000

Aphids are the bane of rose gardens. The tiny insects can stunt plant growth and devour flowers, but not if you prevent infestations in the first place.

The 'Snake Magnet' Plant You Probably Grow In Your Yard

staff@outdoorguide.com (Danno Wise) — Thu, 14 May 2026 12:15:00 +0000

A diverse landscape in your yard or garden can attract pollinators, but it can also attract snakes. Snakes love this decorative plant for a number of reasons.

Neither Banana Peels Nor Eggshells: The Forgotten Kitchen Leftover To Use As Fertilizer

staff@outdoorguide.com (Danno Wise) — Wed, 13 May 2026 12:15:00 +0000

There are a lot of ways to make natural fertilizer teas that benefit your garden. But you may be overlooking one that makes itself while you're cooking dinner.

Do Copper Birdbaths Really Prevent Algae Growth?

staff@outdoorguide.com (Danno Wise) — Tue, 12 May 2026 12:15:00 +0000

There's something of a consensus that a few pennies will help inhibit algae in a birdbath. So an all-copper birdbath should work even better. But does it?

The Best Time To Deadhead Hydrangeas For Bigger, More Vibrant Blooms

staff@outdoorguide.com (Danno Wise) — Mon, 11 May 2026 12:15:00 +0000

Deadheading serves a couple of functions with many plants. It can prevent seeding and tidy up your garden. With some hydrangeas, you'll also score more blooms.

Prevent Sunburn While Hiking With The Best-Reviewed Sunscreen

staff@outdoorguide.com (Meghan Allsopp) — Sun, 10 May 2026 12:15:00 +0000

When you're hiking, it's easy to focus on the trail and forget about sunscreen. You need something that's lightweight, works well, and is easy to reapply.

How To Stop Ants From Damaging Your Plants' Roots

staff@outdoorguide.com (Danno Wise) — Sat, 09 May 2026 12:15:00 +0000

Ants usually don't eat plant roots, but a colony can do serious damage in other ways. You may need a multi-pronged plan of attack to save your plants.

Say Goodbye To Rats With This Clever Herb Garden Trick

staff@outdoorguide.com (Danno Wise) — Fri, 08 May 2026 12:15:00 +0000

Rats can become a real problem in gardens, eating fruits and vegetables and creating an ick factor. Send them scurrying by planting these aromatic herbs.

The First Thing You Should Do If You Find A Snake's Shed Skin In Your Yard

staff@outdoorguide.com (Danno Wise) — Thu, 07 May 2026 12:15:00 +0000

A shed snake skin laying on your grass or in your flower bed means a snake has been in the area. But don't panic: Take these steps instead to learn more.

DIY Your Own Ant Spray (Without Harming Your Plants)

staff@outdoorguide.com (Danno Wise) — Wed, 06 May 2026 12:15:00 +0000

To keep ants away from your garden, there are a number of natural deterrents and insecticides you can mix up at home. Some are more effective than others.

Why Your Peonies Aren't Blooming (And What To Do)

staff@outdoorguide.com (Danno Wise) — Tue, 05 May 2026 12:15:00 +0000

Peonies are resilient plants and fairly easy to grow. But they require certain conditions in order to share their colorful blooms. Fortunately, fixes are easy.

Dick's Sporting Goods' Best Trail Running Shoe, According To Reviews

staff@outdoorguide.com (Meghan Allsopp) — Tue, 05 May 2026 00:15:00 +0000

Trail runners are a great alternative to heavy hiking boots, even if you don't run. One shoe at Dick's Sporting Goods pleased most men and women who bought it.

The Best Perennial You Should Plant In May For No-Fuss Beauty

staff@outdoorguide.com (Danno Wise) — Mon, 04 May 2026 17:07:12 +0000

The ground has finally thawed, and the sun is out. Now is the perfect time to start sprucing up your yard. Here's one hardy perennial perfect for May planting.

Transform Store-Bought Basil Plants With This One Simple Trick

staff@outdoorguide.com (TeeJay Small) — Mon, 04 May 2026 12:15:00 +0000

Store-bought basil arrives home filled with hope, only to so often wilt and go limp a few days later. But there's one simple thing you might be doing wrong.

Costco's May Garden Deals You Won't Want To Skip In 2026

staff@outdoorguide.com (Danno Wise) — Mon, 04 May 2026 00:15:00 +0000

Spring is here. If you're getting itchy to upgrade your yard and garden, or need to refresh aging equipment, take a look at these month-long Costco deals.

Plant Honeysuckle To Invite These Two Colorful Birds To Your Yard

staff@outdoorguide.com (Danno Wise) — Sun, 03 May 2026 12:15:00 +0000

Lots of flowering plants attract birds, but this native climbing vine particularly appeals to two popular flying visitors for slightly different reasons.

The Best Perennial You Should Plant In May For No-Fuss Beauty

staff@outdoorguide.com (Danno Wise) — Sun, 03 May 2026 00:15:00 +0000

The ground has finally thawed, and the sun is out. Now is the perfect time to start sprucing up your yard. Here's one hardy perennial perfect for May planting.

Why Campers Swear By REI's Return Policy

staff@outdoorguide.com (Meghan Allsopp) — Sat, 02 May 2026 12:15:00 +0000

Many stores have return policies, but fans of REI point out that the store can be generous and helpful when it comes to returning camp gear and other products.

The Crucial Lawn Care Step You Should Start In May

staff@outdoorguide.com (Danno Wise) — Fri, 01 May 2026 12:15:00 +0000

As the last signs of frost finally pass, it's peak time for lawn maintenance. Do this task during spring to ensure you have lush grass in summer.