In this episode:

Landscaping contractor Jenn Nawada shows host Kevin O’Connor everything he needs to know about preparing your garden for winter. Jenn explains that protecting all the hard work performed in the spring, summer, and fall should be the concern before the cold weather arrives. By focusing on water, clean-up, and protection, Jenn dishes on the best ways to protect your plants. Jenn explains that plants need water late in the year despite the growing season coming to an end. Water is scarce from October to March, and keeping plants watered will help preserve them during the cold months. Then, Jenn explains how to clean the garden up for the winter, covering when and how to prune, remove, or leave certain plants to overwinter on their own. Finally, Jenn shows how to protect plants with sprays, mulch, burlap, and twine. With these methods, the plants can still breathe and absorb moisture without allowing the harsher weather to take its toll. Next, Kevin meets expert painter Mauro Henrique back at the shop to tackle a kitchen cabinet painting project. Mauro plants to show Kevin how to prep the cabinet, prime it, and coat it with a durable paint designed for the job. And while the two are working on just one cabinet, they discuss how to scale the project for much larger projects. Mauro and Kevin begin by removing the doors from the cabinet before cleaning and sanding the surface. Then, armed with sanding blocks and 220-grit sandpaper, the pair get to work sanding the surface for better primer adhesion. After rolling on a coat of primer, Mauro shows Kevin how to apply a trim, and cabinet enamel paint explicitly meant for the task. With brushes and rollers in hand, they apply two coats of paint for a smooth, even finish. Finally, carpenter Nathan Gilbert helps a homeowner struggling with the look of a plain front door trim in a neighborhood full of ornate entryways. After explaining that the homeowner’s current entryway is a common design, the two look at some PVC moldings Nathan thinks will do the job. After agreeing on the design, Nathan and the homeowner begin by removing the existing aluminum trim surrounding the door and the original wood trim behind it. After padding the voids left behind with some filler boards, Nathan shows the homeowner how to install plinth blocks, fluted moldings, and an ornate header to take her front door from run-of-the-mill to spruced-up, clean, and low-maintenance.

How to Protect Your Garden From Cold Weather

Landscape expert Jenn Nawada shows host Kevin O’Connor how to preserve and protect a garden over the winter.

Where to find it?

Jenn gives tips on how to winterize your garden. She explains how to prepare different plants for winter, including echinacea, mums, tulip bulbs, ornamental grass, juniper, and boxwoods. She also suggests ways to protect your shrubs over the winter: by using an anti-desiccant spray, burlap, and twine. All plants and materials can be sourced at garden centers.

How to Properly Paint Your Kitchen Cabinets

Painting expert Mauro Henrique shows host Kevin O’Connor the proper way to paint cabinets for a new, updated look.

How to Replace Exterior Door Trim

Carpenter Nathan Gilbert helps a homeowner give her front door an upscale look with a low-maintenance material.

Where to find it?

To build out new front door trim and plinth blocks, Nathan used flat PVC stock in 1x10” boards. For the plinth blocks, Nathan used flat PVC stock in 1x4”s boards. For decorative elements, Nathan used stock PVC head casing above the door, stock PVC profiles under the header, and fluted trim to the left and right of the door. Stock PVC can be found at home or lumber centers. To attach the PVC to the exterior, Nathan used stainless steel brad nails and two-part PVC glue. To cut the PVC, Nathan used a sliding compound miter saw, which is manufactured by Dewalt. Under the PVC, Nathan used Henry Blueskin VP100 Self-Adhered Water Resistive Air Barrier Membrane. Original Air Date: Nov 11, 2021, Season 20; Ep. 7 23:42

Products and Services from this Episode

Miter saw manufacturer: Dewalt Self-adhesive membrane manufacturer: Henry Blueskin