Home Improvement

Planning a home improvement project? Here are five Web sites that can help:

* Better Homes and Gardens Online (https://www.bhg.com): The Internet version of this long-standing magazine is a top-notch source for decorating projects and garden tips galore. It’s worthwhile for the Home Improvement Encyclopedia alone, which provides step-by-step instructions for dozens of projects

* Garden.com (https://www.garden.com): Use the Garden Planner and Plant Finder to design the plot of your dreams. A month-by-month checklist of chores keeps you on schedule, and the Garden Doctor will answer your thorniest questions via e-mail.

* Hometime (https://www.homeimprovement.com): This site, from the Hometime television series that appears on PBS and cable’s Learning Channel, offers step-by-step how-to advice on various projects. It also has departments that focus on common household projects, such as plumbing, electrical, painting and flooring, plus an online store where you can buy books and videos.

* LivingHome (https://www.livinghome.com): Before you start your next remodeling project, visit Cool Tools to calculate the right amount of wallpaper, tile or paint you’ll need. Drop by the forums to sound off about your home and garden woes and perhaps pick up some clever solutions.

* This Old House Online (https://www.thisoldhouse.com): Fans of the PBS TV show will feel right at home browsing through articles about current and past project houses. Before and after photos supply inspiration for your own projects, while renovation tips and active message boards provide the know-how. The Research Directory lets you search for products, suppliers and services.