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.

About

Articles

Katy Willis • Jul 10, 2026

A Crash Course for Hiring a Contractor

Whether you're remodeling your kitchen or need your driveway resealed, hiring the right contractor for your home project is crucial. This guide shows you how to find a contractor who'll do the job right, on time, and on budget.

Katy Willis • Jul 10, 2026

8 Mulching Tips and Tricks for Your Yard

Get top tips for mulching your yard to help you get healthier plants, longer flowering time, and bigger harvests, whatever you're growing.

Katy Willis • Jul 10, 2026

Is a Geothermal Heat Pump Right for Your Home?

How does geothermal cooling work? Find out how a geothermal heat pump works to cool down your house and if it's the right HVAC option for your family.

Katy Willis • Jul 10, 2026

10 Must-Know Yard Maintenance Tips, Whether You Own or Rent

Follow these yard maintenance tips for homeowners and renters to have a beautiful, healthy lawn and garden. Learn how to do yard maintenance the right way, build healthy soil, inspect, clean, and more with our expert tips.

Katy Willis • Jul 9, 2026

10 Florida-Friendly Landscaping Tips

Get the best Florida-friendly landscaping tips to minimize yard maintenance and maximize beauty and functionality in your outdoor space.

Katy Willis • Jul 9, 2026

12 Mistakes That Are Killing Your Lawn

Find out the top mistakes that homeowners make that are killing your lawn, from mowing height and frequency to watering, fertilizing, and aerating.

Katy Willis • Jul 9, 2026

7 Ways to Remove a Tree Stump

Find out the best option for removing tree stumps with our handy guide. Choose from DIY or pro removal, manual, chemical, or mechanical removal.

Katy Willis • Jul 9, 2026

How to Make Homemade DIY Mosquito Repellent

Find out how to make DIY mosquito repellent from common household ingredients. Avoid smelly, expensive sprays with our tried and tested mosquito repellents you can make quickly and easily at home.