Katy Willis

Contributing Writer

As a keen sustainability and home reno enthusiast, Katy understands what it takes to make any home or garden project a success. She's shared her expertise with readers of sites like GardenGuides, DIY.com, and her own publication, Real Self-Sufficiency.

Katy Willis
Katy Willis

About

As a keen sustainability and home reno enthusiast, Katy understands what it takes to make any home or garden project a success. She's shared her expertise with readers of sites like GardenGuides, DIY.com, and her own publication, Real Self-Sufficiency.

Articles
Katy Willis  •  May 18, 2026
What Is a Boiler Room?
Find out what a boiler room is, what happens in a boiler room, and what safety precautions you need to take if you have a boiler room in your home. Our expert guide walks you through boiler room basics, including location and purpose.
Katy Willis  •  May 5, 2026
15 Window Box Flowers That Are Perfect for Fall
Fill your window boxes with color, fragrance, and beauty for fall with our top picks for fall flowers and plants, both edible and ornamental.
Katy Willis  •  May 3, 2026
What Are the Best Mosquito-Repellent Plants?
Add any of these mosquito-repellant plants to your garden and enjoy your outdoor space without getting bitten. These natural mosquito repellants will all ward off mosquitoes, and many also attract pollinators or have culinary uses.
Katy Willis  •  May 3, 2026
What Is Behind Your Lath and Plaster Walls?
You can find plaster walls in a lot of older homes. What’s behind these walls—whether that’s lath or calcimine—can have an impact on how long they last. Finding out the age of your house can help you determine what you’re dealing with.
Katy Willis  •  May 2, 2026
Grasscycling 101: Everything to Know About Recycling Grass
Learn how to grasscycle with our expert tips. Reduce garden waste, fertilize your lawn, and improve your turf with this guide to grasscycling 101.
Katy Willis  •  May 2, 2026
Increase Your Home's Value With These 8 HVAC Investments
Find out the best ways to keep your HVAC in tip-top condition to increase your home's value with our expert guide to HVAC investments.
Katy Willis  •  May 2, 2026
Everything You Need to Know About the Chlorine Shortage
Worried about the chlorine shortage? We'll explore its causes, cost, when it might be over, and what you can do in the meantime to keep things going along swimmingly.
Katy Willis  •  May 2, 2026
9 Tips for Creating a Functional Outdoor Workstation
Enjoy working from home but want to spend more time outside? Check out our top tips for creating an outdoor workspace that maximizes productivity.