July 23, 2025

Information collected & summarized by:

Suburban DIY Bans Shake Up Home Projects

Homeowners in suburban America are encountering a wave of new ordinances that prohibit seven once-beloved DIY trends. From raising backyard chickens and installing tiny homes or ADUs to front-yard veggie patches and rainwater collection systems, many suburbs have tightened zoning and HOA rules this spring, citing concerns over noise, pests, aesthetics and fire risk.

Before starting any project, experts advise checking local municipal codes and HOA guidelines. Key banned projects include:

Backyard chickens

Tiny homes/ADUs

Front-yard vegetable gardens

DIY fire pits and fireplaces

Rainwater collection systems

Garage gyms

Large-scale holiday light displays

Viral TikTok Hack Grows Cucumbers Vertically in Small Spaces

In a viral TikTok clip, @sharkeysgreenhouses demonstrates a space-saving cucumber-growing technique using a hanging wire basket. By planting a young cucumber seedling in the center of a large basket, gardeners can train vines to climb vertically rather than sprawling across the ground—ideal for balconies, patios, and compact yards.

This quick DIY hack not only maximizes limited planting areas but also improves air circulation, simplifies harvesting, and reduces pest pressure. With a well-sized basket, liner support, and regular watering, home gardeners can enjoy fresher, homegrown cucumbers throughout the spring and summer months, while cutting down on grocery trips and packaging waste.

Trending Newsletters in Nail

Capitol Brief

368 new followers today

Global Breaking News Digest

306 new followers today

California State News

312 new followers today

View More Topics

Cornell Shares Mid-Summer Planting Tips; Kissimmee Hosts Free Fall Gardening Class

Upstate New York and Central Florida gardeners have two new resources to keep their plots productive through summer and into fall. In Watertown, the Cornell Cooperative Extension of Jefferson County has released a video outlining mid-summer planting best practices, from deep watering schedules to heat-tolerant succession sowing. Meanwhile, the City of Kissimmee invites residents to a free fall vegetable gardening class led by Eva Pabon on Thursday, August 21, at Chambers Park Community Center.

Event Details:

What: Vegetable Garden: Let’s Plan for a Successful Fall Garden

When: Thursday, August 21, 11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.

Where: Chambers Park Community Center, Kissimmee, FL

Cost: Free (registration recommended)

Both initiatives aim to equip home gardeners with the know-how to maintain summer yields and plan for a bountiful cool-weather crop.

18 Budget-Friendly Upcycling Projects for Sustainable Decor

Home decorators and eco-enthusiasts are turning clutter into character with 18 wallet-friendly upcycling ideas. From denim-turned-aprons and cable-reel coffee tables to mason-jar lanterns and t-shirt tote bags, these DIY projects require little more than common household odds and ends, basic tools and a dash of creativity.

• Create a charming doorstop from an old stuffed toy with just sand and stitches.

• Repurpose a wine rack into an herb planter by slipping nursery pots into bottle slots—or paint and mount it on a sunny wall.

Seasonal tips guide you on indoor spring blooms, summer patio lanterns and frost-proof finishes—helping you save on décor costs, cut landfill waste and personalize every corner of your home.

HomeGoods Unveils CB2-Inspired Decor Dupes at Bargain Prices

HomeGoods is delivering designer style on a dime with a new wave of CB2-inspired home decor rolling into its aisles. A viral TikTok haul by creator Kristyn Cavallaro (@kristyncavallaro) highlights six nearly identical pieces—among them, a two-pack of marble serving bowls priced at just $7.99 compared to CB2’s $99.95 original.

As budget-conscious shoppers seek modern minimalist looks, the off-price retailer is undercutting high-end labels without sacrificing style. From sculptural planters to textured throws, HomeGoods proves that you don’t need to splurge to achieve a gallery-worthy aesthetic.

Newsletter you might like

Electric Drive

Stay ahead of the curve with the latest EV technology, market trends, and sustainable driving news.

LLM Digest

Stay ahead of the curve with the latest news about Large Language Models

Electric Drive

Stay ahead of the curve with the latest EV technology, market trends, and sustainable driving news.

LLM Digest

Stay ahead of the curve with the latest news about Large Language Models

Explore More

Unsubscribe

Terms & Conditions

Suburban DIY Crackdown: No Chickens, Tiny Homes or Gardens Allowed