Show Notes
Tomatoes are the holy grail of the home garden, but getting them right isn’t always easy. This week, Farmer Dean shares a simple, surprisingly effective way to grow thriving plants almost anywhere, no backyard required. Then, comedian Tom Papa takes us back to his childhood beach house on the Jersey Shore, where 17 people, one bathroom, and endless pasta dinners somehow added up to pure magic. Plus, House Therapy returns with a couple at a crossroads: rebuild a rotting pool shed piece by piece, or start fresh with something new. And as always, we’re taking your calls and tackling real home dilemmas.
In This Episode You’ll Learn: * How to remove deep, dark water stains from wood flooring. (7:38) * What to look for when comparing contractor bids for foundation repair. (14:02) * Whether ice dams are still a threat after installing a new roof. (19:07) * How to diagnose and fix high indoor humidity in an older home. (24:52)
All of this, plus we’re answering your home improvement questions at 877-This Old House Radio Hour! — That’s (877) 864-7460.
More from This Old House Radio Hour
Is your smart home spying on you? Cybersecurity expert Patricia Egger reveals what your connected appliances know about you and how to protect your privacy. Then, Futurama voice actor Billy West takes us inside his haunted 1926 Hollywood bungalow, where mysterious ghosts and old Hollywood history collide. Plus, uncover the surprising history of the blender, from frozen daiquiris to groundbreaking DNA research. And in House Therapy, a couple battles over whether to turn their unfinished attic into a home office or a kids' playroom.
In the first of a series called Work In Progress, This Old House's Kevin O'Connor sits down with Business Roundtable President and COO Kristen Silverberg to explore America's skilled labor shortage and how workforce training could help.
Should you be talking to your houseplants? Plant stylist Hilton Carter explains why forming a relationship with your plants might actually help you become a better plant parent. Then, Barbara Kingsolver takes us inside her 120-year-old Appalachian farmhouse, where generations of stories are embedded in everything from the kitchen cabinets to the handmade stone porch. Plus, we uncover the surprising history of the burglar alarm, from ancient Roman guard geese to the Queen's nurse. And general contractor Zack Dettmore explains how to know when a DIY project is worth tackling yourself and when it’s time to call in a pro.
Why does your electric bill keep going up and what can you actually do about it? Consumer reporter Jeff Rossen shares simple ways to cut your energy costs. Comedian Ryan Hamilton returns to the tiny Idaho house where he grew up and reflects on how its simplicity and spectacular views shaped his idea of what makes a home feel comfortable. Plus, we dive into the strange rise and fall of the waterbed, then accessibility specialist Blake Watson explains how a new generation of residential elevators and stair lifts is making it easier to age in place.
Dorm rooms have come a long way from cinderblock walls and milk-crate storage. Designer Shelly Gates explains why some families are spending thousands to transform college dorms into picture-perfect spaces and shares the tricks that make tiny rooms work harder. “History of Concrete” filmmaker John Wilson takes us inside the century-old Queens house that became both his first real home and an unlikely inspiration for his work. We uncover the secret history of microwave and House Therapy returns to settle a marital dispute over a sinking toilet and whether this repair is really DIY-able.