3/5

Replace the grass

Make note of any low spots in your yard that tend to pool up when it rains. Use a shovel to remove the grass, then fill with a mix of sand and soil before replacing the grass. Also, fill in any bare or thin patches, since those tend to be muddy spots as well. — Jennifer Milakovic-Nelson

5/5

Wool horse blankets for rugs

For the car, I use inexpensive carpet that absorbs mud and dirt and can be washed. In the house, we use wool horse blankets for rugs. They wash and dry well—I wish I’d known this trick years ago. — Cheryl Stunkel