If you are new to growing plants in a greenhouse, then you probably don’t understand why temperature and humidity are important. Yes, choosing your greenhouse’s irrigation system and considering your greenhouse’s lights are crucial components for growing plants. But temperature and humidity are factors that weigh heavily on your plants’ health. Whether you are growing vegetables year-round or simply plants that look beautiful, there are steps you can take to support your plants’ growth.

The perfect temperature and humidity

While each plant is different, the ideal greenhouse temperature for most plants and vegetables is 80°F. or 27°C. Most plants will grow healthy in this temperature. For humidity, the higher the temperature, the higher the humidity you want. The chart below provides the ideal greenhouse temperature and humidity comparisons:

However, 80°F. is simply a general guideline. You should look up the ideal temperature for each of your plants if you are worried about disease or infection. For example, if you are growing crops that love a ton of sun, such as tomatoes or melons, then your temperature should be warmer. In general, do not rise above 90°F. (32°C) and do not fall below 75°F. (24°C). Sticking in this range will keep most plants alive and healthy.

The proper temperature must be maintained because these plants are growing in an artificial setting. In such a setting, the temperature and humidity can increase quickly, especially if you have a lot of plants. Thankfully, there are many ways to control the temperature so your plants thrive.

Controlling the temperature and humidity

The temperature in a greenhouse is driven by the amount of sunshine and ventilation. The point of greenhouses is to trap the sun’s heat; while that makes it easy to get a hot room, it does not make it easy to control that heat. However, there are a few simple ways to moderate the temperature and humidity.

The biggest thing to create is ventilation. While that could mean installing vents in the roof, it could also simply mean opening windows and doors to create a cross breeze. You could also use air conditioning to bring the temperature down. During the winter season, pull in the cold air and exhaust the warm air with fans to reduce the humidity.

Depending on what you are growing, you can even trick the plants into thinking they are in a different season. Extra lights can imitate the sun during the winter while heaters can increase the temperature. However, this can be set up to be almost fully automatic using greenhouse timers. This brings us to the tools you can use for proper greenhouse temperature and humidity monitoring.

Tools for greenhouse monitoring

There are great tools for a greenhouse that can easily maintain it. While these devices are not necessary, greenhouses are artificial settings that need proper maintenance and care at all times, especially during the off-season. These tools make that much easier.

Greenhouse temperature alarm

This alarm tracks potential problems in the greenhouse, such as power outages, temperature fluctuations, water damage, and bug intrusion. Some models go one step further and will send you a text message of any such occurrence.

Greenhouse temperature control system

This tool provides proper and dependable heating and cooling options for your greenhouse. Keeping the temperature at an optimum level all year-round is important. Despite the outside weather, you can maintain the temperature to whatever is needed.

Greenhouse temperature sensors

One of the coolest things (no pun intended) about greenhouses is the chance to automate them. Sensors monitor the temperature in the greenhouse and can automatically activate vented roofs, side vents, and fans to keep the temperature at the optimum level. Some sensor models can also alert you if these systems stop running or run into a problem.

Remote temperature monitor

Keeping track of the greenhouse temperature throughout the day is very important. How can you know how to grow your plants without an accurate reading of how hot it is throughout the day? A temperature monitor lets you see broad data about the temperature over a defined period of time. The temperature is recorded so you can view it at any moment.

Keeping optimum temperatures and humidity is very important for keeping your plants healthy. While it depends on which vegetables and plants you are growing, there are tools and tips anyone can implement to increase their chances at growing crops year-round, automatic and (almost) hassle-free.

The best part? Many have low upfront costs while most are outright free. You may encounter a few that require a subscription fee, but we promise that the convenience and help they provide is worth the cost. With just a swipe on a touchscreen, you can have a garden planning app guide to help you when summer hits.

Armitage’s Great Garden Plants

Platforms: Google Play and App Store

Cost: $4.99

If you want advice from one of the best authorities on gardening, then you have to get this app. For $5, you’ll have knowledge right at your fingertips from Allan Armitage, a professor of horticulture at the University of Georgia. The app provides the exact landscape and ornamental plants you should choose for every garden setting. You can also learn how to control pests, what to do if hungry animals wander into your garden, and how to grow native plants.

Kitchen Garden Planner at Gardener’s Supply

Platforms: Online Tool

Cost: Free

For a free online tool, this garden planner is one of the best options out there. It can help you create a new vegetable garden or update an old bed. You can save, share, email, and print out your design for future use. The planner will also let you know what plants to buy for your garden and provide planting tips for how to properly grow them. This is an incredible tool for anyone who wants to start growing their own vegetables.

Garden Manager

Platforms: Online Tool

Cost: Subscription plan (Free, $6 per month, or $7.50 per month)

If you’re the type of person who could kill a cactus — but don’t want to give up growing your own vegetables and plants — then this subscription service is worth the cost. This is a virtual gardening coach that guides you through a list of questions so you know how, what, when, and where to plant. There are three levels of the subscription service, unlocking more features the higher you go. The free plan lets you create a basic gardening plan while the highest tier has cool features such as sending you reminders about the weather so you know when to cover your plants or expose them to the sun.

Garden Planner

Platforms: Windows and Mac

Cost: $38 with free trial

Sometimes you need to get down on paper (well, screen) your ideas and goals. This program, available for both Windows and Mac, lets you design your garden and the surrounding landscape by choosing where to locate different items — trees, fences, decking, paths, and anything else — with an interface that allows you to easily drag, drop, and remove whatever you want. There is also a feature that lets you plan out a vegetable garden so you know exactly how much space you need. The best part? It comes with a free trial so you can decide if the program is worth the $38 fee.

Garden Planner at Territorial Seed

Platforms: Mac/iOS

Cost: Subscription plan ($40 for 1 year or $70 for 2 years)

One of the more powerful online garden planners out there, this website tool and mobile app let’s you draw plans for a vegetable garden of any size, get emails or notifications reminding you about your plants needs, and allows you to interact with other gardeners using the service. The tool also contains a disease and pest database so you can quickly identify and eliminate any annoying critters. Lastly, it will also check the forecast in your area and give you tips and reminders about how to protect your plants from the day’s weather.

Smart Gardener

Platforms: Online Tool, Google Play, and Apple App Store

Cost: Subscription plan ($10 for 90-day access or $30 for 1 year)

If you have a tough time deciding what to plant in your vegetable garden then, for a small fee, this online planner and app will become your best friend. You can take your garden from the dreams inside your head to harvest day. The planner will track the daily garden tasks and send you reminders about when to do them so you never forget again. The app also lets you record your own notes and photos so you can accurately keep track of your progress.

Gardena My Garden Planner

Platforms: Online Tool

Cost: Free

One of the more basic planners on this list, this web-based tool from a garden company located in the U.K. lets you draw and plan out your landscaping and garden by using a drag-and-drop interface to place items like grass, paving, furniture, fountains, and many other things. It also shows you the rough size of your mature plants so you can plan for the future. While this planner does not have many in-depth features, you can’t beat free.

You could try to create your dream garden by yourself, but why work harder then you have to? There are many resources out there beyond the seven apps and guides we listed here. Test them all out and see which one you like the best for your space and your goals. No matter which approach you choose, you will accomplish your dream garden with a little time and effort.

Ginger is an incredibly old plant that people have been growing for thousands of years. They use it for both medicinal and culinary uses, especially in Asian medicine and cuisine. Ginger usually grows in rich soils found in warm climates and it requires high humidity. However, if this doesn’t describe your area, there are ways you can mimic these conditions with a hydroponic system.

Ginger is called ginger root, but that’s not exactly correct. What’s really used to grow ginger is the rhizome of the plant, and from the rhizome, new leaves grow, and as the plant grows, so do new rhizomes. Most people assume you can grow ginger in water, and you can, but let’s break it down.

Is it safe to eat sprouted ginger?

Sprouting ginger doesn’t produce toxins the way sprouted potatoes do, but it also doesn’t offer the same nutritional value as fresh ginger. This is because bud growth causes the ginger to wilt and dry out. So although you can eat it, it’s not nutritionally beneficial to your diet. As it ages and shrivels, ginger also starts to have less flavor. For that reason, many people get rid of it or plant their ginger once it starts to sprout, instead of opting to cook with it or eat it.

Can I plant a sprouted ginger root?

Sprouted ginger is, in fact, one of the most ideal ways to plant ginger! When you plant ginger after it’s sprouted, it’s said to have a plentiful harvest. You’ll want to cut it into roughly 2-inch pieces before planting so that each piece has a couple of eyes it can grow from. The sprouted ginger will give you more ginger to plant and grow, thus resulting in more ginger to harvest.

The benefits of growing ginger hydroponically

There are numerous benefits to growing ginger in a hydroponic system. Here are just a few.

• Hydroponic systems allow faster growth, as these provide constant and available nutrition. It helps plants grow up to 50% faster than if they were to grow in soil. Not only that, but hydroponic plants don’t have to worry about season changes, which means they can grow year-round.

• Because hydroponic gardening removes the need for herbicides and pesticides used in soil gardening, it’s also better for the environment.

• You can reuse the water in the hydroponic system, which reduces the need to use extra freshwater. Hydroponic systems can use less than 10% of the water compared to field-grown plants.

• Gardening land around the world is in short supply. If you’re one of those people who doesn’t have the space for a big garden, hydroponics is the perfect solution because it lends itself well to indoor gardening for apartments, city living, or small houses.

• Hydroponics allows for impressive space savings. Normally, a plant’s roots expand throughout the soil in search of food and oxygen. This doesn’t happen in a hydroponic system because the plant is directly in contact with an oxygenated nutrient solution and important minerals. What does that mean? It means you can grow plants much closer together and grow more of them.

• Unlike leaving your plants outside in a garden, hydroponics allows for complete control of temperature, humidity, the intensity of the light, and even the composition of the air. This lets you grow any plant at all times of the year, regardless of the weather.

Are you convinced yet? If so, let’s jump right into how to grow hydroponic ginger. Don’t worry; we’ll give you a step-by-step rundown.

How to grow ginger hydroponically

Growing ginger hydroponically is not complicated. All it takes is patience, a few tools, and a lot of love.

To begin, you don’t need to root the ginger in water quite yet. Don’t worry, the ginger will grow hydroponically for most of its life, but it’s important to root the rhizome in compost first and then move it to a hydroponic system. First, cut the rhizome into several pieces with a bud on each. It’s a good idea to plant several to ensure germination. Fill a pot with compost, and then take your rhizomes and plant them roughly 1 inch into the soil. Water the plant on a regular basis. How do you know if your rhizomes have germinated? They will produce stems and some leaves.

• While your rhizomes are germinating, you can prepare your hydroponic system to receive the ginger. Your container needs to be a decent size depending on how many plants you’re growing. Each plant requires 1 square foot of growing space, and the tray you use should be between 4 and 6 inches deep.

• Once your rhizomes have germinated, remove the strongest ones from the soil and rinse off the roots. In your tray, put down 2 inches of soil, place your new ginger plants on top of the soil, and then spread out the roots (make sure to space each plant a foot apart). Pour more soil to cover the roots and hold the plants in place.

• Hook up your system to water and feed your plants every 2 hours with a hydroponic nutrient solution, but you don’t need to be fancy, as any standard solution works. Regularly test the pH of the fluid to make sure it’s between 5.5 and 8.0. Put the plants in light for 16 to 18 hours a day and let them rest for 6 to 8 hours.

• Within four months, the plants will produce more rhizomes and you can harvest them. Take the rhizomes, wash and dry them, and then store them in a cool, dry place.

There are incredible benefits to using a hydroponic system for ginger and any other plant. Anyone with patience and time can grow their own ginger without a big backyard or even a house. Hydroponic growing is the perfect solution for apartment dwellers with a green thumb, and by following these steps, you won’t ever have to buy ginger from the store again.

The avocado tree temperature zone requires hot and humid climates so don’t try to grow one in Siberia. If you want to try growing your own, here is what you need to know about the zones avocados will grow in.

Preferred climate for avocados

Avocados can only grow in warm weather and subhumid climates, primarily tropical and Mediterranean temperatures that stay warm year-round. Being a tropical plant, an avocado tree hates growing in anything less than 50 degrees Fahrenheit, although mature trees can tolerate temperatures as low as 30 degrees Fahrenheit for a short period of time. In terms of humidity, the trees prefer a climate with a percentage around 60 to 80%. While they can grow in dryer climates, around 40% humidity, problems may spring up with the fruit or tree. Generally, avocado trees need lots of moisture and nutrients from the soil.

Avacado growing zone

Because of the specific growing requirements for avocado trees, you won’t find them in most of the United States. They only grow in the U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 8 through 11, but they don’t thrive in these. The only states that provide the avocado growing zone and where avocados are grown are Florida, California, and Hawaii. These three states grow over 200 varieties of the plant with just over half of the avocados sold in U.S. supermarkets coming from the 50th state.

Growing avocados on your own

If you want to try your hand at growing your own avocado trees, be prepared for a lot of work with potential failure because of the specific temperature and humidity requirements. The trees require regular watering so the plant can grow strong and produce fruit. If the plant doesn’t get enough water, or you live in an area prone to droughts, then the trees won’t grow. Thankfully, they don’t require a lot of pruning. Only dead or dying branches should be cut off, preferably with a high-quality pair of pruners that can be found at any hardware store.

If you live in less-than-ideal climates, you can still grow avocado trees, but they won’t be in your backyard for most of the year. Grow them in containers in warm sunrooms and greenhouses where the winter temperatures still remain above 55 degrees Fahrenheit and in the summer between 75 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit. You can then move the tree (very carefully) into your summer garden before moving it back indoors when fall arrives.

World regions where avocados grow

The U.S. does not grow anywhere close to the world’s supply of avocados. Countries such as the Dominican Republic, Australia, and especially Mexico provide the world with their avocado supply, and for good reason. Mexico’s commercial avocado farms run across 400,000 acres throughout the country. Other countries also have a hand in avocado production, but to a lesser degree, such as Peru, Colombia, and Indonesia.

Surprisingly, Australia has a large avocado industry, with 70 varieties grown throughout the country. The plant was first introduced to the continent in the mid-19th century where the seeds were planted in the gardens of royalty and the hot and humid climate made for perfect growing conditions. It wasn’t until 2010, 150 years later, that Australia started exporting its avocado supply to other countries. As of 2019/2020, Australia exports over 4.5% of all avocados grown in the country.

Lastly, avocado trees grow the healthiest at the 0-degree latitude mark (pretty much on the equator).

Final thoughts

Avocado trees are notoriously fickle plants, requiring very specific temperatures and humidity to grow effectively. While some avocados are grown in the United States, primarily in Hawaii, the country does not have the needed moderate temperatures year-round to effectively grow the plant. If you want to grow your own, you will need a greenhouse or hot sunroom and lots of patience.

While many people choose to store their tools in their home, there are weatherproof outdoor cabinets that will keep your cooking utensils away from Mother Nature and keep them handy to your grill. Here are the best and most unique waterproof outdoor kitchen cabinets that you can buy right now from Amazon.

Ketter Unity table

The best cabinets combine functionality with style; the Keter Unity table does just that. With weather-resistant construction, the table will not rust, peel, or dent, weathering any storm. The versatility is also a major bonus: the table can be used as a grill cat, outdoor bar,  or prep table thanks to the stainless-steel working surface. It also comes with two sidebars for paper towels and four hooks for hanging tongs, pans, or other accessories.

Many reviewers said the instructions to build the table were “easy to follow” and the finished product was “gorgeous.”

ADDOK storage cabinet

Most weatherproof outdoor cabinets look, well, less than beautiful; big, blocky, and not aesthetically appealing. The ADDOK Storage Cabinet does away with all preconceived notions. The doors have a unique geometric pattern making these cabinets seem like an indoor art piece rather an outdoor storage unit. Made with high-density polyethylene, this cabinet will withstand the harshest sun and the deepest snow for dependability all year round.

Reviews for the cabinet said that it can be “assembled in 15 minutes” and one user even said they were “super pleased with the functional, low profile, classy look.”

Keter patio cabinet

If you don’t mind spending a little extra, the Keter Patio Cabinet will be perfect. It is difficult to make fake wood look realistic, but the gray texture on this cabinet will look amazing in any outdoor space. Not to mention that the weather-resistant, waterproof, and UV-protected resin means the cabinet will never peel, rot, or rust, keeping the outdoorsy look through all four seasons and beyond.

The storage can be used for outdoor parties, which is exactly what one reviewer did, saying, “I ordered this to put on my patio to keep supplies in for entertaining … I’m very happy with my purchase!”

BS lockable storage cabinet

Sometimes the inexpensive, no-frills option is the right choice. The BS Lockable Storage Cabinet is the best option for someone who simply wants to store their grilling accessories for an economical price and call it a day. The four-shelves can be adjusted, allowing for customization and lots of storage space depending on your needs. This cabinet can also be secured with a separate lock, making sure no one else can access your tools.

One reviewer called this storage unit the “perfect cabinet for grilling accessories” while another said they “love everything about this cabinet … and the lock was a bonus.”

Suncast storage cabinet

Perhaps you don’t want a basic cabinet, but you also don’t want one that looks like it belongs in a gardening magazine. In comes the Suncast Storage Cabinet, looking like something straight out of “Blade Runner.” The black and red design sports metal-reinforced shelving that means it looks and feels durable. Each shelf can support up to 200 pounds, making this cabinet one of the strongest on Amazon.

The reviews also give lots of praise, with one user saying they “simply love this product.”

Anyone, from grill masters to the occasional outdoor chef, can benefit from having a weatherproof outdoor cabinet. Whether you want to go with a stylish design or a more functional form, every cabinet here will provide you with safety and security from anything that Mother Nature throws at you.

The best part? Once these projects are finished, the kids can eat the fruits of their labor, learning how their food gets onto their plate. They will have a much better understanding and appreciation for everything they eat going forward. Plus, they’ll learn about how much work goes into growing food including digging holes, planting seeds, then watching them sprout. Here are six ideas to make a vegetable container garden.

Growing celery in a dish

If you want to start kids off with something easy, but also satisfying, then growing celery in a dish should be your first project. The process is incredibly simple. To begin, buy a few stalks of celery and cut off the bottoms. We suggest buying organic celery because, according to the Environmental Working Group, celery ranks in the top 12 vegetables that have the most pesticide residue. While conventional celery will certainly work, it won’t be as clean. Once you have cut off the bottoms, place them in a small amount of water in a small dish. Within one or two days, your kids will see growth. Once the celery roots, you can plant the it at the bottom of a bigger container or in your garden and grow the new stalks.

Growing garlic in a can

Who doesn’t love garlic and who doesn’t have a spare can lying around? Another kid-friendly project is growing garlic greens inside of a can. Not only will the kids love seeing the growth, but the parents will love having extra garlic around for dinner. When the garlic is fully grown, it resembles long scallions. Garlic can require a little patience when growing, but it is worth the wait.  Make sure to give the garlic six hours of direct sunlight every day and fertilize every few weeks.

Growing a garden in an eggshell

What’s better than using a man-made container to grow nature? Using nature to grow nature. This eggshell garden project is a little tough for very young children so you may need to help them. Hold an eggshell and use a needle to poke a hole at the bottom. Place a paper towel — or anything that is porous as long as it covers the hole — at the bottom. Your kids can then paint, draw faces or shapes, and even name them. We are fond of shells with stripes on them.

After that, fill the eggshell roughly three-quarters full with potting soil. Plant oat or wheat grass seeds, then cover with more soil. Spray water at the soil regularly and watch as the grass grows quickly.

Grow a garden in a Mason jar

Mason jars have come back in style in recent years. From Pinterest boards to the latest Instagram influencers, everyone is getting in on the style and versatility of Mason jars. They are also inexpensive meaning they can be bought in bulk as drinking glasses and food storage. For our purposes, we will turn them into terrariums.  Simply find a tiny plant you want to grow, leave it in the small pot it came in, place it on the lid of the Mason jar, turn the glass over, and screw it shut; it could not be easier.

Keep terrariums out of direct sunlight. The small space can rise in temperature very quickly. When watering, use a spray bottle to ensure that you do not over water. Finally, clean the glass once in awhile. If the glass is too dirty or foggy, it can be difficult for light to reach your plants.

Flowers in a juice box

It may seem strange, but many grasses and flowers can be grown inside of a juice box, from plant pansies to violas. Keep in mind that they won’t live as long because the container is so small, but, if you are vigilant, this can be a fun project that lasts a few weeks. Growing inside of a juice box can also be fun because the plants grow so quickly.

Tip: Poke small holes into the bottom of the juice box, run string through the holes, then place the juice box in a dish of water. You now have a self-watering planter.

Use a toy as a garden

Almost every parent would say their child has too many toys. You can take one of them and turn it into a garden. For example, a kiddie pool makes a great raised bed while trucks, wagons, and any other toy that can hold enough potting soil can great beautiful greenery. Make sure that, whatever toy you choose, you add drainage holes so excess water can flow out. Also, the more soil your toy can hold, the more your child can plant.

Final thoughts

You don’t need to grow a full-sized garden to help your child appreciate nature and where their food comes from. From toy trucks to juice boxes to Mason jars, there are many options that allow plants to grow in a small way for a fun project that you and your child can work on together.

The social media site has thousands of pins showcasing users’ outdoor kitchens. It’s the perfect place to find inspiration for your latest project. These are our ten favorite inspirational ideas from Pinterest for your outdoor kitchen.

10 inspiration ideas from Pinterest

A chic and rural outdoor setup

Not all outdoor kitchens need to be modern with marble countertops. Some can have a rustic, chic feel that evokes a simpler life without sacrificing comfort and luxury. This outdoor kitchen sink rests on rustic concrete countertops and black wood, and is the perfect combination of farmhouse and luxury California villa.

An amazing outdoor DIY kitchen

You can never have too much wood. One of the best parts about having an outdoor kitchen is the social aspect. This outdoor kitchen creates a warm, cozy atmosphere by using ample amounts of wood in decking, countertops, and tables. The string lights overhead cast a beautiful warm glow for parties.

An outdoor kitchen with a Japanese vibe

The best outdoor kitchens have one or two aspects that make them stand out. This outdoor kitchen has a rock trail surrounding the perimeter of the space, giving it a Japanese vibe that matches beautifully with the trees overhanging the kitchen.

An integrated outdoor kitchen with a fireplace

Outdoor kitchens don’t need to be separate from the home. They can be wonderfully integrated into the home itself, creating a space both separate and connected. We love this outdoor kitchen because it blends so beautifully with the rest of the home. Not to mention the gorgeous fireplace and huge wreath hanging over it.

An outdoor sink made from an old wine barrel

Rustic does not have to mean dirty or living without class. This outdoor sink is made with old wine barrels with a beautiful matte black finish. It’s the perfect example of rustic elegance, combining old world charm with modern sensibilities. Plus, drinking wine next to a sink made out of an old wine barrel really shows off your love for the drink.

The perfect addition to an outdoor kitchen: a fireplace

One of the greatest luxuries of any outdoor kitchen is a fireplace. Whether it’s gas, like the one shown here, or a wood-burning version, anyone who loves being outside year-round owes it to themselves to find a way to install a fireplace. This version sits next to a decked-out outdoor kitchen, complete with a mini-fridge, dishwasher, and grill.

A fridge (or two) completes any outdoor kitchen

Outdoor parties aren’t complete without an outdoor fridge (or two) packed with your favorite alcohol, sparkling water, sodas, or anything else you love to drink. These two fridges look sleek next to the pool, with lights that show off the various goodies inside.

An outdoor pizza oven installed right next to the pool

Sure, pizza ovens can sometimes be difficult to install and a little costly, but the pay-off is worth it: Free pizza cooked to perfection within minutes? Your backyard will be the neighborhood’s hotspot, guaranteed. This version sits right next to a pool, meaning guests can take a swim before enjoying a snack.

The classic combination of wicker furniture and stone countertops

Wicker is one of the most versatile types of furniture, but no one seems to fully utilize the beauty of the material. These wicker chairs match beautifully with the gray countertops and overall stone style of this outdoor kitchen. Wicker plays extremely well with stone, so if your outdoor kitchen utilizes the material then consider complementing it with wicker furniture.

A laid-back bar perfect for any occasion

Finally, everyone needs a bar in their life. This one folds open and closed, creating an instant bar perfect for any event, whether it’s a small gathering with friends or a blow-out party with the neighborhood. The wood and chains holding it together create a laid-back vibe that’s perfect for any backyard.

Final thoughts

From wicker furniture to fire pits to rustic materials, any outdoor kitchen can become a gorgeous paradise for friends and family. You don’t need to incorporate all of these ideas to make your outdoor kitchen shine. Make the space your own with the inspiration from these posts and your own creativity.

The benefits of saltwater pools

Saltwater pools have numerous benefits over chlorine pools. Here are just a few:

• Less chlorine. Saltwater pools still use chlorine to disinfect the water, but saltwater pools use a natural, salt-based form of chlorine instead of the chemical variety. The salt sanitizes the pool through a process called electrolysis, and is a gentler, more effective form of chlorine.
• Hypoallergenic. Some people are allergic to chemical chlorine, but have no issues with saltwater pools. If you have an itchy throat, irritated eyes, and sniffles when jumping into a pool, it may be time to start thinking about switching to salt.
• Simple maintenance. Saltwater pools still require maintenance, but less so than chemical chlorine setups. A saltwater generator has a salt cell built-in, automatically adding salt to the pool at set intervals. Missing a week or two of pool maintenance is not the end of the world, compared to a chemical chlorine process.
• More cost effective. When you have a saltwater pool, you only need to refill the salt cell once every 2 to 5 years, compared to replacing the chemical chlorine every few months.

How to start a salt-water pool

You’ve decided to make the leap to a saltwater pool. Congratulations! It isn’t a difficult transition. Follow these steps and soon you’ll have a salt-water pool that’s gentler on your eyes, skin, and pool equipment.

Determine your pool’s gallon capacity

Before you do anything, you need to figure out how many gallons of water your pool holds. This doesn’t need to be exact, but it should be a fairly precise estimate. Thankfully, you don’t need to have a bachelor’s degree in math to figure this out. Use handy online calculators, like this one from Royal Swimming Pools, to figure out your gallon capacity.

Test your pool’s chemical levels

The reason you need to know your pool’s gallon capacity is because it determines how much of each chemical you will add after testing your pool so the water is balanced. You can find water testing kits everywhere that pool supplies are sold, including Walmart and Amazon. These are the chemicals you’ll be testing for and the ideal ranges:

• Alkalinity (80-120ppm)
• pH (7.2-7.6)
• Chlorine (1-3 ppm)
• Cyanuric Acid (50-80 ppm)
• Calcium Hardness (200-400 ppm)
• Metals (0)
• Salt (follow your chlorinator’s manual. Typically around 3200 ppm)

Your water needs to be balanced with these ideal chemical ranges before turning your salt chlorinator on.

Add the salt

You have finally arrived at the most important step: It’s time to add the salt! Check the manual your salt chlorinator came with to determine the best dose for your pool. The average salt level is ~3200 ppm. Also, make sure you’re using the correct salt; table salt won’t work here. Specifically, look for Sodium Chloride that is at least 99% pure, preferably higher. That 1% may not seem like a lot, but, after dumping bags of salt, that 1% adds up.

Before you start adding the salt, you need to know how many pounds to add. Again, there are online calculators that help, such as this one from Pool Research. You will need to know how many gallons of water your pool holds, the current salt PPM, and the desired salt PPM. For example, let’s say your pool holds 6,000 gallons of water, the current salt PPM level is 1000, and your desired salt PPM level is 3200; that means, according to the calculator, you will need to add 110 lbs of salt, or almost three average-sized bags

Optional: Add pepper

First salt and now pepper? Don’t worry, we are not talking about the table pepper you have with dinner. This step is optional, but we recommend investing the money. Regular use of pool pepper has many benefits, including:

• Improves sanitizer effectiveness.
• Enhances water clarity.
• Helps curb pH fluctuations.
• Increases the life and performance of your salt chlorinator.

If this sounds like a worthwhile investment then add the pool pepper directly in front of the jet or sprinkle it over the pool surface. Add 1 container of pool pepper for every 10,000 gallons of water.

Final thoughts

Saltwater pools are becoming incredibly popular for their sensibility, cost, and health benefits. Chemical chlorine can be rough on the eyes and skin, and swimmers might be allergic to the chemical. Saltwater pools remove almost all of the negatives of fully chlorine pools and are even easier to setup. If you follow these steps, you’ll be diving into summer in no time.

Everyone, from kids to adults, enjoy jumping off a diving board and into the pool. Yet pool-owners can’t stick a piece of a wood at the end of the pool and call it a day. There are rules to follow, like making sure that you have the correct pool depth for a diving board.

The safe depth for a diving board

Most homes won’t be installing a high board like you might see at your local public pool. A ledge diving board, one that is low to the ground and doesn’t give much, if any, bounce, is much more popular for a residential backyard. However, even these  require a safe pool depth to jump into. Thankfully, the depth isn’t that deep and is within the range of most backyard pools. You must have a pool that is at least 8 feet deep. That number might change slightly, depending on who you ask or which website you listen to. Some professionals say that 8 feet is okay for residential pools while others say it should be at least 9 feet.

Our suggestion? If you like to dive in head first, make sure the pool is 9 feet deep. If you’re jumping in any other way, then 8 feet deep is perfectly fine.

While depth is the most important thing to consider, you may also want to think about how wide your pool is. Everyone should be a safe distance away from the edges when jumping. At the very least, make sure your pool is 16 feet by 32 feet for a safe jumping width. Pick the longest side of the pool to install your diving board on so you friends and family will have the lowest chance of hitting themselves on the edges.

Other considerations

While it’s important to consider the length and width when installing a diving board, there are other other things to consider before you begin drilling.

• You might have to check with your local Homeowner’s Association to ask if you can install a diving board in the first place. Many are fickle about diving boards because of the inherent safety hazards. Make sure to understand your local rules and regulations so you don’t waste your time.
• Decorative pools can sometimes cause problems for diving boards. They’re more difficult to safely install boards on because of their unique shapes, dimensions, and materials.
• Diving boards are only meant for in-ground pools. Never, ever install a diving board on above-ground pools, because the depth is so restricted. Serious injury can occur without the proper depth, so if you only have an above-ground pool, give up your diving board dreams or build a new pool.
• Before going out to shop for a diving board, have all of your pool dimensions, specifically the length, width, and height, as well as the width of the longest side of your pool (the side you should install your diving board on). Diving boards come in different materials, lengths, and slope, so having your numbers beforehand will save you a headache.

Final thoughts

It’s absolutely true that diving boards can provide friends and family with hours of fun in your backyard. The activity takes people back to their childhood, being worry free with no care except who can make the biggest splash. Before the fun can begin, however, there are safety concerns that should be taken into account, namely the length and width of the swimming pool. The best depth for a pool is at least 8 feet deep, but preferably closer to 9 feet. If you can hit that depth with an in-ground pool, then you can install a diving board.

UV-resistant awnings are very important for defending yourself from the blazing sun. For this year’s National Stay Out of the Sun Day, outdoor lovers are taking a look at the latest and greatest awnings to help block the negative effects of too much sunlight. Here are five of our favorites.

Best Choice UV-resistant awning

This awning has a light, but strong aluminum frame that resists rust and stays in place during poor weather, including rain storms or light winds. More importantly, the awning is made with a UV- and water-resistant polyester that has a PU coating for increased longevity, meaning more bang for your buck. This awning can also be placed anywhere — including stucco, vinyl, or wood — with the included mounting hardware.

One reviewer said they were “very pleased with the final product” and another said that “two chairs and a side table fit perfectly under it.”

ADVANING motorized awning

This awning comes pre-assembled and ready for installation, saving time when it arrives so you can get in the shade sooner. The acrylic canvas features UV protection and breathable weave so heat dissipates and the shaded area is cooler. The steel frame and aluminum roller mean the awning will hold together in inclement weather and the stainless-steel won’t rust if you live in an especially rainy area. If you’re feeling really lazy, this awning comes with an electric option to make extension and retraction very simple.

Reviewers said “installation was pretty easy [and] … electric option is the way to go.”

AECOJOY retractable awning

This elegant awning is perfect for personal use but can also be used by businesses — such as cafes and restaurants — that have balconies, courtyards, and patios. The retractable awning (no electric option this time) is made of 280G polyester and PU-coating fabric, making it water resistant with a 50 UV+ sun protection. While this awning does require self-assembly, the rust-resistant aluminum frame means you will be enjoying it for years to come.

One reviewer said she saved $2,000 with this awning and “it is now installed and I am very happy.”

TANG pergola canopy cover

The most expensive option on the list — but well worth the money — this awning is a unique wave shade that protects against 90% of UV rays. However, the breathable fabric does allow rain through, so this may not be the awning for you if you want to sit outside and dine or read during a rain shower. The pulley design makes it simple to extend and retract the awning when shade is not desired or extreme weather approaches.

A reviewer said they are “10/10 happy with this sunshade” while another said “we just installed it a few days ago and, so far, we absolutely LOVE this shade.”

Outsunny retractable awning

Last, but not least, this awning has a polyester fabric with a water-resistant coating and, like the others, blocks UV rays. With an extra long hand crank to quickly extend and retract the awning, it is easily adjustable to meet any sun or shade needs. The awning can be attached to many surfaces, including a cement wall or brickwork.

Reviewers said it was an easy installation, with one reviewer saying they “installed it, by myself, in about four hours.”

Final thoughts

While spending time in the sun can have major health benefits, too much of a good thing can have long-term negative effects. If you’re going outside, try to arrange it so you’re exposed to the sun only during mid-morning or late afternoon. Other times of the day, when the sun is strongest, put one of these awnings to good use so you can enjoy your patio in good health!