NSIDE
Home • Garden • Design • Real Estate
UT ...Living.
What’s inside? 2022 colors of the year — page 6 Gardening: What to do in April, May and June — page 11 A little potty talk — page 15 How to plant a container garden — page 18
BWS
BERTHOUD WEEKLY SURVEYOR “Covering all the angles in the Garden Spot”
©Berthoud Weekly Surveyor
April 7, 2022
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Berthoud Weekly Surveyor April 8, 2021 Page 1
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Page 2 April 8, 2021 Berthoud Weekly Surveyor To our readers: The definition of home is so much more than the place you live. It’s the hub of life, where your days begin and end. Where your loved ones are. A place that should bring some peace and comfort and be a reflection of who you are, inside and out. The last year has been difficult and with more time being spent at home than ever before making it a refuge and a place you enjoy being is important. There is no better time than the spring to go out with the old and bring in something fresh and new. Whether it’s simply decluttering, planting a garden or changing a paint color improving your space can be a breath of fresh air. There are several ideas in the following pages you can use to make the most of your indoor and outdoor spaces. From choosing colorful flowers to bring a vibrant splash of color to your yard or recommendations for how to keep your HVAC running smoothly we hope this magazine will be inspirational and informative.
InsideOut 2022© is published in Berthoud, Colo., by the Berthoud Weekly Surveyor. The publishers reserve the right to edit, classify or reject any advertising or news copy. Liability for any newspaper error in an advertisement shall not exceed the cost of space occupied by error. The publishers assume no liability for any advertising which is not published for any cause. The publishers assume absolutely no obligation or responsibility for subject matter in copy placed by its advertisers or their agents. It is also understood that the advertiser and the agency placing such advertising jointly and severally agree to indemnify Berthoud Weekly Surveyor, LLC against all expense, loss or damage sustained by reason of printing such copy.
INDEX Solar Energy: It’s all about catching rays..............................4 A carbon dioxide detector might save your life...............5 2022 colors of the year...................................................... 6 The BUZZ about bees........................................................ 8 Signs of pest infestation at home....................................8 Create the ultimate outdoor getaway in your backyard....10 Gardening: What to do in April, May and June.............11 Routine maintenance for the home...............................12 The basics of vegetable gardening...................................14 A little potty talk............................................................15 Your plants are scared of snow! How can you protect them?............................................16 How to plant a container garden...................................18
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Solar Energy: It’s all about catching rays
By Sue Arnott The Surveyor Going solar in sunny Colorado is a good choice ... if you can swing it. And if you can, you should. Now is a good time to make the switch. For those who want to but can’t, the good news is you can still (affordably) participate in the solar movement. If you’re not sure yet, perhaps you’ve moved from a less sunny region and have questions, or you’re curious about how these systems work, read on.
In a nutshell
Solar energy is energy generated by the sun. It’s a vast, inexhaustible and clean resource that when harvested and converted to electricity, helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions caused by the burning of non-renewable fossil fuels. Using the sun’s energy is nothing new. We’ve been using it across time and space since the dawn of humankind. But the field of solar energy started to expand in 1839 when Edmond Becquerel discovered that sunlight could generate voltage and electrical current in a solid material. This is called the photovoltaic (PV) effect. Ever since scientists have been working to develop more refined tools and materials based on this physical and chemical phenomenon.
PV cells
Today’s solar panels are covered with PV cells. When sunlight hits these cells, it knocks electrons loose. Those loose electrons flow and create a direct current (DC). That DC is captured and converted (with the help of another scientific device called an inverter) to an alternate current (AC), which is the type of current needed for homes and appliances. Solar-generated electricity works exactly like the electricity generated through the electric utility company.
Electrical bills and how net metering works
Solar panels do not work around the clock. They work in tandem with available light, generating electricity whether you are home or away. This means they can and often do generate more electricity than you are using. How much electricity they generate depends on the size of your system. Smaller systems may not eliminate your entire electrical bill. Whatever size system you have, you remain connected to your local utility company. Utility companies use smart meters to measure electricity flowing to and from your home. This is called net metering. If your solar panels do not generate enough electricity to power your home, you will be charged for what you use from the grid. However, if you are not using all the energy your solar panels create, you will have a surplus amount. Xcel Energy will provide credits for any surplus power you send back to the grid. These credits can be applied against future bills.
Costs, incentives and alternatives
Solar systems take roughly nine to twelve years to pay for themselves. According to one online solar cost estimator, cash prices range from $8,000 up to $45,000 depending on the size of your home and the size of the system you purchase. Financing programs can, over the cost of the loan, end up running thousands more, but on a month-to-month basis, they hurt less. To soften this financial blow and move us toward a more sustainable future, the federal government has extended the solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC) which provides a 26% tax credit for systems installed between 2020 and 2022. In 2023, that credit will drop to 23%, and unless Congress renews it, it will expire in 2024. To be clear: this is not a rebate check. It is a credit
applied towards taxes due. For people who want to go solar but can’t for various reasons, other options, such as Community Solar Gardens, exist. Community Solar Gardens are centrally-located solar PV systems that provide electricity to participating subscribers. Through this program, subscribers can affordably support a greener industry without investing heavily in a home system. Xcel Energy’s website provides a list of area solar gardens (third-party providers) if you want to further explore this option.
Bottom line
Deciding to go solar is one thing. Deciding which company to go with is another. As with any big purchase, it’s best to get multiple quotes and check a company’s background, its track record and its warranties. The bottom line, though: is it worth it? In sunny locales, yes. America is moving towards clean energy. As a renewable energy source, solar is relatively affordable and good for the environment. Despite its cost, it is a low-risk investment with a high payoff. If paying cash is off the table and you can qualify for a low-cost financing package, you should consider it. Going solar can eliminate electrical bills, and according to the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, homes with solar panels sell 20% faster and for 17% more than those without. It’s good to know even if we can’t afford the PV system, we can still participate in community efforts to address climate change. It’s an issue that is not going away without our active commitment to change.
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A carbon dioxide detector might save your life By Bob McDonnell The Surveyor
Have you considered having a carbon dioxide (CO) detector in your home? The Center for Disease Control (CDC) has some facts that point out why you should. Data on their website gets one’s attention. The CDC says every year, at least 430 people in the U.S. die from accidental CO poisoning. Additionally, approximately 50,000 people in the U.S. visit the emergency department every year due to CO poisoning. Common sources of CO include oil and gas furnaces, boilers, water heaters, wood stoves, barbecues, wood or gas fireplaces and gas and electric ovens. Additional sources of CO are portable generators, idling automobiles, gas or kerosene heaters and gasoline-powered tools Carbon monoxide is an odorless, colorless gas that’s a byproduct of combustion. It is very dangerous because it has no smell. It is often called the “silent killer” because it is hard to detect it until it is too late. Some CO-related deaths occur when the home occupant is asleep. Symptoms of CO poisoning vary by exposure. Exposure is measured in parts per million(ppm). PPM is a ratio used to describe concentrations. It describes the number of units of mass of a contaminant per million units of the total mass. A lower number means less concentration. Symptoms are more severe as the ppm increases. At less than 35-ppm (low level) of carbon monoxide poisoning, symptoms are flu-like or similar to food poisoning. Significant long-term health risks are possible if the problem of high
ppm is not resolved. High-level CO is in the ppm range of more than 35 and less than 70. Exposure can cause severe throbbing headache, drowsiness, confusion and/or a fast heart rate. Critical CO exposure results in unconsciousness, convulsions, cardiorespiratory failure and death. This happens when the ppm count is greater than 70ppm. The first line of defense against carbon monoxide poisoning is making sure that your home’s heating equipment is being inspected on an annual basis. This can be done by an HVAC company or a home inspector. A good way to know if your home has lethal levels of CO is to purchase a CO detector. Scott Lindschmidt, Battalion Chief at the Berthoud Fire Protection District weighed in on this. Lindschmidt said CO detectors are not required but some home smoke detectors also check for CO levels. When asked if he recommended a home CO detector, the battalion chief say, “Absolutely.” Choosing a CO detector can be a daunting task. A quick search of the internet and local stores will show all types of detectors. Some detectors are battery-powered, with others plug into an outlet. The battery-operated detector is easy to install, easy to move, and operates during power outages. A plug-in detector does not depend on a battery and does not require battery and sensor replacement. Mike Cassity, owner of Ideal Comfort HVAC in Berthoud, recommends the hardwired version to his customers. He states that with battery-powered smoke detectors, people forget to replace the battery annually. Other considerations to look at are the clarity of the readout and how long it takes for the unit to reset and clear. The biggest factor in the selection process is the ppm sensitivity of the CO detector. Many sold at big box stores seem to be the 70-ppm detection type. It is possible to find units that start detecting at five to seven ppm. With the danger of long-term exposure in mind, one would think the more sensitive units would be preferable. The more sensitive units do cost more. If you are confused about what CO detection device is best for you, maybe you need some advice. Check with a contractor, home builder, local HVAC company or home inspector to see what they think. Lastly, check the online user reviews for various models of detectors.
Did you know? Seasonal produce makes it possible to enjoy the freshest fruits and vegetables. Various fruits and vegetables are in-season at different times of the year, and Nature’s Path Organic foods provides this month-by-month list of in-season items. January: Asparagus, avocado, cabbage, green peas, mustard, naval oranges, strawberries, passion fruit February: Asparagus, avocado, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, celery, kumquat, lemon, lettuce, spinach, turnips, tangelos, tangerines March: Asparagus, avocados, blood oranges, chard, grapefruit, green onions, kohlrabi, lettuce, spinach, turnips April: Basil, broccoli, cauliflower, cherries, cucumber, mushrooms, nectarines, passion fruit, raspberries, tomatoes, turnips May: Apricots, Asian pears, beets, black-eyed peas, broccoli, carrots, dry onions, eggplant, figs, okra, plums, potatoes June: Apricots, avocados, cherries, beets, cabbage, corn, lemons, melons, nectarines, peppers, Valencia oranges July: Apricots, basil, cucumber, eggplant, figs, grapes, melons, peaches, plums, summer squash, tomatoes August: Basil, beets, cabbage, carrots, chili pepper, collards, grapes, green beans, kale, melons, persimmons, potatoes, sapote, tomatillos, turnips, winter squash September: Basil, apples, Asian pears, beets, Brussels sprouts, carrots, celery, oranges, corn, guava, kale, pineapples, tomatoes October: Apples, basil, cabbage, carambola, celery, cherimoyas, eggplant, kiwi, okra, pomegranates, potatoes, raspberries, yams November: Apples, asparagus, green beans, carrots, corn, cucumber, grapefruits, grapes, mushrooms, yams December: Asparagus, beets, cauliflower, celery, dry onions, green onions, kale, winter squash.
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2022 colors of the year By Amber McIver-Traywick The Surveyor Every year the companies who bring color to the spaces we live and work in present us with their color or colors of the year. 2022 colors seem to have a common theme of a certain level of tranquility. After the last couple of years, I think most people would resonate with anything that can bring a little calm into the spaces they inhabit. Research in color psychology suggests that certain colors bring out psychological reactions that affect emotions and your mood. It’s an interesting subject as the response to a certain color can be related to several things including how intense the shade is as well as the byproduct of cultural influences and your own experiences. This means the colors we choose can influence how we feel in a space. If your spaces need an update you might consider some of the following colors.
Benjamin Moore October Mist 1495. This color is described as a gently shaded sage. It’s a calming and relaxing tone that gives you just enough of a shade of green to make your brain happy but not enough to make it feel like a leprechaun lives there.
Better Homes & Gardens The magazine publication we are familiar with has expanded into a wide array of products including paint. This is the first year they have announced a color of the year and following suit with other manufacturers went with a relaxing green shade called Laurel Leaf. It’s a dusty green shade that has a similar look to eucalyptus leaves. According to the manufacturer because of its organic feel and warm undertones, Laurel Leaf pairs beautifully with creamy whites, cozy beiges, light to medium wood tones and leafy house plants.
Minwax The greens are coming out strong in 2022 as Minwax chose Gentle Olive stain as their color of the year. Sage must be the thing because this is also a soft sage with subtle gray undertones. They picked this because of the connection to wellness and restorative qualities of nature. I can dig that. The color looks beautiful along with dusty pastels like peach and blush but pairs equally well with a modern cool gray or black accents.
Krylon In a totally different move, Krylon went with a vibrant teal hue called Satin Rolling Surf. It harkens back in my mind at least to the mid-90s which apparently are far enough in the past to be retro and cool again. The color is described as bold and refreshing and draws inspiration from nature, as the name would imply, and is suitable for indoor and outdoor uses.
Pantone This is one of my favorite colors, Pantone’s Very Peri. This is a vibrant shade of periwinkle, a mix of blue with violet-red undertones. Pantone says it wanted to incorporate a sense of playfulness to interior spaces. If you aren’t ready for a whole space to be this tone use accent pieces of the color to brighten up a space.
Valspar Not one shade would do for Valspar so they selected a whole palette of complementing colors as their colors of the year. The 12 nature-inspired tones represent what the company feels is a craving for comfort and calm. “Valspar’s 2022 Colors of the Year provide consumers a wide range of naturally based warm colors that will not only help calm the nerves and boost the mood but also provide confidence in what the future may hold,” said a press release from the company. The colors range from a calm green called Blanched Thyme to a sunny yellow called Delighted Moon, a pastel pink-lavender Lilac Lane, to deeper tones like the navy Mountain River and deep earthy brown Fired Earth.
Top left: Pantone Very Peri; Top right: Minwax Gentle Olive; Center: Valspar Delighted Moon, Lilac Lane, Mountain River, Blanched Thyme; Right: Better Homes & Garden Laurel Leaf; Bottom left: Krylon Satin Rolling Surf; Bottom right: Benjamin Moore October Mist
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The
BUZZ
about bees
By Amber McIver-Traywick The Surveyor
Warm weather and extra hours of sunlight spark flowering trees and plants to bloom and one of the sure signs spring is here are bees. Not all “bugs” are the same this time of year. While you probably won’t want ants invading your backyard grill fest, the presence of bees nearby can be a good thing — even if those curious yellow-and-black critters get a little close for comfort from time to time. That’s because almost 90% of wild plants and 75% of the leading global crops depend on animal pollination, indicates the World Wildlife Federation. Bees are remarkable creatures in small packages. The following are some bee facts to buzz about, courtesy of the WWF, Save the Bees®, NASA and the Texas A&M University Honey Bee Information Site. • There are roughly 20,000 species of bees around the world. Most of them are solitary bees. Colorado alone is home to 946 different species. • 31 types of bee fossils were identified in the Florissant Formation in Colorado. • Bumblebees thermos-regulate. This means they can warm their bodies up by “shivering” which enables their flight muscles to be ready for action earlier in the mornings and later in the day than other insects. • Bees have five eyes. Two of the eyes are large compound eyes with hexagonal facets. The other three are small, simple eyes. • Leafcutter bees are appropriately named as they cut leaves to make their nests. Have you ever noticed perfectly round dime-sized holes in the leaves of your roses? ou have probably been visited by one of these bees. • Honeybees have a move called the “waggle dance.” It is a clever way of communicating to tell them where to go to find the best sources of food. • Bees can carry up to 122 times their body weight in pollen and nectar. • Bumblebees leave footprint scents behind. They are able to distinguish between their own scents, the scent of a relative and the scent of a stranger as they look for food. They also can avoid • Should a queen bee perish, the hive workers will select a new young larva and feed it a special food called “royal jelly.” The larva will develop into a fertile queen. • Bumblebees live in the ground, typically in abandoned rodent bur-
Signs of pest infestation at home Special to the Surveyor Pests come in many shapes and sizes, from the smallest of insects that crawl through crevices or under moldings to larger mammals that find their way into attics and basements. Taking care of a home or buying a new one can be stressful enough without having to contend with a potential pest infestation. Much like any other home issue, like a leak or faulty electrical system, pests can cause significant damage if left unchecked. Furthermore, the droppings
rows. Bumblebees are eusocial meaning that they live in a social environment of several dozen bees. • Bees flap their wings 190 to 200 times per second. They can fly up to 15 miles per hour. • Mason bees are tube nesters that construct and seal their nests with “mud” instead of leaf pieces. The most common is the orchard mason bee, which is a terrific pollinator of spring fruit trees. It is shortlived and spends its adult life A swarm of honeybees is a group of bees with a queen bee in migration out looking within 100 yards of its home to establish a new colony. To help the bees and food source. out so that they can find a good permanent • Female bees can sting; home you can call the Honey Bee Swarm males do not. Losing the sing- Hotline courtesy of the Northern Colorado er will cause the bee to die. Beekeepers at 970-658-4949. The orgaThe honeybee only can sting nization also has contact information for once because its stinger is beekeepers willing to remove bee hives barbed. Bumblebees, known to from structures. Visit nocobees.org for be docile and rarely sting and more information. hornets (who are jerks) can sting multiple times because they have smooth stingers. • It can require nectar from two million flowers to make one pound of honey. • Many bees are not aggressive. Simply moving away from them can prevent a person from being stung. Generally, bumblebees and honey bees will only sting by accident or if a nest is being disrupted. • Wasps are different from bees in that they are mostly known to be predators (they are jerks). They eat other insects and often food that people eat, which is why wasps are more likely to be found around your cookout. Bees tend to be covered in hair, while wasps (which include yellow jackets) are smooth. Bees are remarkable creatures and should be celebrated as the weather warms up.
left from certain creatures can compromise human health. For example, National Exterminating says rodents can spread hantavirus, while droppings from other pests can exacerbate asthma and allergies. The best way to stay ahead of potential pest problems is to recognize signs that pests are present. Droppings — A classic sign of infestation, pet waste includes fecal droppings or urine trails. Certain waste is easier to spot than others. For example, bed bug droppings are much smaller than mice or rat droppings. Homeowners can carry out thorough examinations of furniture, bedding, walls, floors, and areas of the home that get little foot traffic to look for pests. Dead bodies — Another sign that points to pests is the presence of dead insect or animal bodies. A large number is indicative of a pest problem. Active pests — The experts at Batzner Pest Control say that live animals or insects in and around the home are potential signs of infestation. Most are very good at hiding, so finding live specimens may require some investigating in the kitchen, bath-
rooms and outdoors near the perimeter of the home. Evidence of nesting — Most animals want somewhere cozy and comfortable to bed down and will use materials available to them when making nests. Look for shredded paper, feathers, gathered twigs or grasses, home insulation piles, or any other red flags that could be nests. Smells, sights and sounds — Animals and insects can give off smells and make sounds. Roaches are said to have an “oily” odor, while mice may produce “musty” smells. Homeowners may hear gnawing, squeaking, scurrying, or scratching. In addition, there may be holes, gnaw marks, signs of burrows, and other signs of pests. Wood shavings or sawdust could indicate the presence of termites, which cause serious structural damage. Stored pesticides — People who are viewing a potential new home and find cans and canisters of pesticides or pest traps should recognize that there is likely a problem with animals or insects there. Pests can be a concern for homeowners, who can overcome the issue after learning to identify signs of their presence.
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Create the ultimate outdoor getaway in your backyard
Special to the Surveyor It’s springtime in Berthoud — an excellent time to start planning how you want to spend your summer days. A lot of us are itching to travel. For some, nothing beats a cold glass of your favorite drink, listening to nature, and watching the sunset from your backyard. As landscape professionals, we can tell you that you don’t have to break the bank to transform your yard into a relaxing oasis. Here are a few tips for creating the ultimate outdoor getaway in your backyard this season. Create privacy and shade — Suppose you are one of the many Coloradans who have purchased a new build. In that case, you will understand the struggle of not having adequate shade in your new backyard. While trees and plants can provide a significant cover, it can take time and money to grow and maintain. Pergolas and lattices are beautiful ways to update your backyard look and provide protection from the sun. If you want to add privacy to your patio install raised planters to provide natural coverage of your seating areas. Up your entertaining skills by also planting herbs in your raised planters to use while you are cooking outdoors. You can have a custom-built pergola, lattices and raised planters to fit your outdoor style. Create a place to gather — Few things give the feeling of a Colorado evening like a fire pit. This addition is a simple way to create a focal point for your yard and will come in handy when the temperature drops.
Think baskets filled with blankets and smores ingredients to make you feel like you’re at a mountain getaway. Another idea would be to update or expand your patio space to allow alternative seating, an outdoor dining area and other desired amenities. Expanding your outdoor living space will have e a substantial impact on the overall look of your backyard. These upgrades are also great ways to enhance your home’s value and curb appeal. Create a new path — Hardscaping may be the most underrated backyard upgrade for style and function. Concrete walkways and landscape edging provide structure to your yard and are durable for every season. Concrete is versatile — think beyond the standard grey brushed concrete by adding color and textured stamps. Concrete can look like stone, brick, wood and more. Adding concrete edging to your backyard can provide a dynamic and attractive look that is long-lasting, low-maintenance, and safe for kids and pets. Create a beautifully-lit oasis — Ever wonder why outdoor venues look so attractive at night? The key is lighting. Landscape lighting is a cost-effective way to level up your outdoor space by lighting pathways and focal points in your yard. There are many options to match your desired decor. If you enjoy entertaining, installing permanent lighting on your home can instantly transform your space into a celebration at any time of year. Operated by an app from your phone with a variety of color combos to choose from, permanent lights are versatile enough to use year-round. As a bonus, landscape lighting and permanent lighting provide extra security around your home and may appeal to potential buyers if you decide to sell. Let’s get started This article is courtesy of Northern Colorado Landscaping, give them a call at 970-593-2151 or visit the website at northerncoloradolandscaping.com. Mention this article to receive 10% off your concrete or pergola project.
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Gardening: What to do in April, May and June
By Dawn Byers, Janet Peterson and Beth Thiret Colorado State University Extension Master Gardeners in Larimer County Things are starting to green up and busy times are ahead for northern Colorado gardeners. Try these monthly tips to ease your way into a successful summer season for your flowers, vegetables, and landscape. April — Cut back perennials that were left during winter to provide food and cover for wildlife. At the same time, clear out debris that has blown in landscape beds over the past few months. Begin a regiment of feeding roses with a balanced rose food every four to six weeks once new leaves emerge. But wait to prune your roses until May! Remember to clean and sharpen your gardening tools. Sharp tools make quick work of landscape maintenance and a clean cut is always preferred. Any hard pruning of trees should have been completed by March but dead branches can be removed at any time. Ensure your lawnmower is also prepared for the upcoming season by sharpening the blade and checking the oil. Change filters and sparkplugs too. Check the function of your irrigation system for leaks, broken sprinkler heads and accurate coverage. If you’ve started your own vegetable seeds indoors, continue to monitor their growth. They can safely be planted outdoors once the danger of frost has passed in mid-May. When the soil warms to 40 degrees, peas can be planted in April for a higher yield than those planted later. Warm-season vegetables (tomatoes and peppers) need soil temperatures of at least 60 degrees. May — If you haven’t finished your garden plans, now is the time to get that done and amend the soil if needed. Visit your local nurseries and garden centers to see the wide variety of plants available this season. Wait to prune roses until May so there is less risk of cold temperatures. While there might be new growth on roses, take the time to prune off any dead or diseased branches and shape the rose for the growing season. If you didn’t fertilize in April, you can fertilize now and refresh the mulch around the shrubs. Begin to harden off tender plants by setting them outside a couple of hours in a protected area, slowly increasing the time outside until it’s time to plant. Start planting annuals, tender bulbs, warm weather vegetables and seeds after the last frost. In northern Colorado, it’s usually around mid-May. But beware of those late spring snows. Watch day and nighttime temperatures. May is a great time to plant new trees and shrubs.
Prune spring-blooming shrubs if they have already flowered. This includes forsythia and lilacs. These bloom on “old” wood (wood formed the summer previously). Fertilize flowering perennials and mulch beds to help retain water and suppress weeds. Mow grass to a height of 2 1/2-3 inches. Fertilize in May or June if you didn’t in the fall. By the end of May, it should be safe to plant all plants in the garden, including tomatoes, peppers, beans, and annual flowers. Don’t forget to keep up with weeding. The work you do now will pay off in the summer. When working in the garden wear sunscreen, stay hydrated, and check for ticks when you’re done. June — Now that your garden is in the ground it’s time to start enjoying it. If you have any left-over plants, be sure to get those planted, and check local nurseries for last-minute bargains. Protect new plantings by protecting them with small fences, covers or other cages. You will appreciate this later when your plants are thriving. Be sure to stake any plants that will require support — put in trellises and tomato cages before your plants get too big. Deadhead any spring bloomers, such as peonies, to keep plants thriving. Fertilize plants and consider putting together a schedule so that you don’t forget when the next fertilizing is required. Hanging a calendar in the garage can be useful (and you can also use it to record natural precipitation). Be sure to follow the label on any products you are using. Monitor your yard for dry areas. Consider Rose pruning having your local water authority provide a free sprinkler evaluation in case you need to upgrade sprinkler heads or adjust current systems. As the weather warms, adjust your irrigation accordingly. Water needs of turf in the spring are much lower than in the heat of summer. Learn to run your irrigation clock and manually turn it on and off when natural precipitation occurs. Consider a rain barrel if you don’t have one. By collecting stormwater you’ll have another source of water to utilize for your plantings. It is not recommended to use water from rain barrels on your vegetable garden. Most important — enjoy this time of year. The work you put in today will pay off tomorrow for a bounty of goodness in your gardens. For more information go to: https://extension.colostate.edu or reach out to the Larimer County Master Gardeners directly at LarimerMG@gmail.com. Master Gardeners will also be available at the Larimer County Extension Office on Wednesdays during the growing season, 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. You can call 970-498-6000 to speak to a Master Gardener or stop by with your samples and photos at 1525 Blue Spruce Dr., Fort Collins.
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Routine maintenance for the home
Special to the Surveyor With spring comes the idea of spring cleaning, but it’s more than just giving your home a good dusting and cleaning out your closets. Routine maintenance on your home’s essential systems, such as your HVAC unit, septic system, and roof, is one of the most important things you can do to keep your home protected and your system’s running efficiently all year long. With the warm weather on its way, now is the perfect time to inspect, clean and repair your home from the inside out. As a homeowner, there are some steps you can take yourself as you start your spring cleaning. You will want to pay special attention to the following systems to ensure your home is protected: • Pipes: check to make sure they haven’t sprung a leak or experienced other forms of damage from the winter weather. These systems are more likely to freeze with our low Colorado temperatures causing unexpected issues to arise. • Roof: look for signs of damage to your shingles and gutters following the harsh winter weather, snow and ice can build up in these areas and put unnecessary weight on them. Check your gutters regularly to ensure water can flow through them. • Electrical wiring, indoor and outdoor: check for frayed wiring and ensure outlets and wall plates aren’t cracked, loose or damaged in any way. • Air conditioning: inspect and clean vents, remove debris from
outdoor units and change your filters. • Indoor Air Quality: reduce allergens inside your home by controlling dust mites, keeping surfaces clean and uncluttered, and vacuuming once or twice a week. • Septic: make sure your drain field is clear, without signs of overflow. Keep flowers and other plants away from the drain field when doing any spring gardening. Leave the hard stuff to the professionals. Look to them for your larger spring projects, including air conditioning check-ups to prepare your system for warmer weather, indoor air quality solutions, septic pumpings, gutter cleaning and repair and electrical or roofing inspections. With the warmer weather, we know you’ll want to spend more time outside with your family and friends. The last thing you want to do is experience problems with your system or add extra tasks to your to-do list. Experienced technicians will be happy to assess any of your home’s systems to ensure they are working properly this spring. When you work with a professional, you get guaranteed repair work, honest and reliable service, superior craftsmanship and highquality products. They generally offer 24/7 emergency service for when those pesky problems happen outside of business hours. This article is courtesy of Lion Home Service, give them a call at 970-682-3443 or visit the website at lionhomeservice.com.
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The basics of vegetable gardening By Jon Weiss Colorado State University Extension Master Gardener in Larimer County If you’re contemplating growing a vegetable garden this year, ask a few questions before you plant to help you decide what vegetables to grow: what are your (family’s) favorite vegetables; how much space do you have for your garden; what vegetables do you like but are hard to find in local stores/farmers’ markets? Do you want to grow an interesting vegetable to show your children how it grows? The Front Range has a relatively short growing season that may impact your selections. It’s important to take into consideration a variety’s maturity. Maturity may be expressed (on seed packet or plant tag) as early, mid-season, late, and may be a number (i.e., 60 days; sometimes expressed as “days to harvest”). You’ve probably heard that it’s safe to plant your flowers and vegetables around Mother’s Day. This is sometimes too soon for vegetables that like warmer weather, like tomatoes and peppers. Waiting until Memorial Day or even the beginning of June allows soils to warm up and for nighttime temperatures to regulate. The last spring frost date varies from year to year, though it’s commonly stated as May 15, and it’s not unusual to see snow in May. Unless you can cover plants and protect them from late spring frosts, delaying planting is a good rule of thumb. The best part is your plants will catch up and still produce at the time same as those planted earlier. Your vegetable garden is started from seeds or “starts” (transplants). Vegetables that you can directly plant in the garden include carrots, beets, radishes, cucumbers, squash, sweet corn, snap beans and peas. Many vegetables are best grown by using transplants or starts either grown at home or bought at a garden center. Examples include tomatoes, peppers, broccoli and cabbage. Some vegetables like lettuce and spinach can be sown directly into the soil or planted via starts. Vegetables are roughly divided into cool season and warm season varieties. Cool-season vegetables prefer cool growing temperatures (60°F to 80°F) and can lose quality in hot weather. There are two sub-groups of cool-season vegetables. The hardy group such as broccoli, cabbage, kohlrabi, onions, lettuce, peas, radish, spinach and turnips grow with daytime temperatures as low as 40°F and
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may survive a frosty nip. These crops may be planted as early as 2-4 weeks before the date of the average last spring frost. The semi-hardy group such as beets, carrots, cauliflower, parsley, parsnips, potatoes and Swiss chard will grow with a minimum daytime temperature of 40°F to 50°F but are less tolerant of frosty nights. These crops may be planted as early as 0-2 weeks before the date of the average last spring frost. Warm-season vegetables are also divided into two groups, though all prefer summer-like weather with temperatures between 70°F and 95°F. They are intolerant of frost and may be sensitive to cool spring winds. A week of daytime temperatures below 55°F may stunt the crop. The tender group like beans, celery, corn, cucumbers, New Zealand spinach and summer squash grow with a daytime temperature above 55°F. These crops may be planted (from seed) around the date of the average last spring frost. The very tender group like cantaloupe, eggplant, pepper, winter squash, tomato and watermelon need daytime temperatures above 60°F. These vegetables are typically planted two-plus weeks after the average last spring frost date. Keep the plant tags, seed packets, or write down the names of the varieties you plant, and use this information to help plan your garden next year. Keep notes of any insect or disease issues you see during the growing season. All of this will help you be a better gardener going forward. And if you run into any issues, the Larimer County Master Gardeners are here to help. Email us at larimermg@gmail.com or call us on Wednesdays, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., April 13 to Oct. 19 at 970-498-6000.
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A little potty talk
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n our endless quest to create a home, a personal Surveyor refuge, filled with items we love that bring joy Columnist to our hearts, can we (potty) talk for a moment about the splendid toilet? This valued member of our households is one we often take for granted until it clogs or runs incessantly, or heaven forbid, backs up completely. But consider it we must if peace is to reign in our bathroom kingdoms. So, if a new bathroom is on your spring to-do list, read on for a few interesting facts and one firm opinion on what to consider when toilet shopping. A preface: I have no connection whatsoever to the plumbing and bathroom supply industry. I speak only from homeowner experience having gutted and upgradSue ed four (to date) bathrooms. But before I tell you Arnott about a particular toilet I love ... a brief history. The Ancient Romans moved water through aqueducts, but the first flushing-type toilet, rumor has it, came from John Harrington in 1596, when he built a system for his good friend, Queen Elizabeth I. The system reportedly used 7.5 gallons of water to whisk her waste away. We might call that a royal flush. Word was the noise of the contraption frightened the queen and she avoided using it. Fast forward about 200 years to 1775 when Alexander
Photo courtesy of Wikimedia
Cummings patented the flush toilet and introduced us to the S-curve plumbing feature to prevent bathroom backups. Another hundred years would pass before Thomas Crapper — his real name — developed the idea further. The S-curve plumbing, notable for keeping foul smells and flammable gases in their place, needed work. The trap often dried out and the stench escaped. Worse, it clogged and, well, disaster. So, Crapper invented a U-curve structure, that would not clog or dry out. For years, the basic design — the tank, the bowl, the plumbing — didn’t change much. But evolution happens. We now have toilets of all shapes, sizes and colors, though white (and its countless hues) remains the standard. We have lids that gently descend and on more expensive models, heated seats. Technology has brightened this vast wasteland with a plethora of options including built-in bidets, adjustable air-dryers, and motion-activated seats that move with a wave of your hand. Should you need music to accompany your every movement (sorry), you can quickly access a potty playlist via a remote with blue-tooth connectivity. Smart toilets can help individuals monitor general and specific health conditions from weight to blood pressure to screenToto Nexus 11 1-piece toilet ing our waste for diabetes, infections, kidney disease and cancer. Ultra-smart toilets in public bathrooms can even address public health issues and help prevent major disease outbreaks via waste monitoring. Sensitivity and privacy matters related to this require a whole other story. It’s likely most people simply want a strong flusher. And I’ll get to that, but first — the Energy Policy Act of 1992 required all toilets made after 1994 to use a maximum of 1.6 gallons of water per flush. Unfortunately, they didn’t require certain power levels to accompany each flush. Hence, some low-flow toilets require extra flushes. Wasteful. Power doesn’t mean a luxury, hi-tech toilet, but it may mean a bit more expense, which brings me to the Toto toilet. A personal favorite. Using little water, they flush fast and forcefully. Honestly, you could flush a body down one of these, but please don’t. Why builders don’t put them in new homes (even upon request with the understanding it costs a little extra!) is a crime needing further investigation. A last bit of trivia: the Denver International Airport installed Totos in every bathroom. Of course, they’re not like those industrial-strength airplane toilets, but — hold on to your shower cap, here — those vacuum types are catching on and becoming popular in residential properties in Japan, where Totos are made. We’re still trying to copy our eco-conscious European friends with their #1 or #2 dual-flushing systems that use even less than 1.6 gallons of water. In fairness, you’ll find competitive models in other makes. I just have intimate knowledge of this particular toilet and after years of use, no regrets. Good luck as you renovate your bathrooms. And may the force be with you.
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Your plants are scared of snow! How can you protect them?
Special to the Surveyor Spring is officially here, but we Coloradans know that the threat of snow follows us well into Mother’s Day some years. While it can be sunny and warm for days on end, Mother Nature can throw a curve ball and cover our budding plants with heavy, sticky snow, making it difficult for roots to take hold, and may make any gardener worried about negative impacts to blooms and growth. Spring snow isn’t the light, powdery stuff of a few months ago. This version of snow is wet, heavy, and very clingy to emerging leaves and blossoms, and has been known to break more than a few tree limbs. While the weather experts do their best to prepare us for what’s to come there are some things you can do before, during and after a snowstorm to give you the best odds at a fruitful growing season: It’s not just a myth — wait until at least Mother’s Day to plant new things. Our snow season typically falls from September thru mid-May, so hold off until then if you can. Winter mulch needs to go. You probably mulched around your plants during the winter season to help protect them from the elements — great move. But, once your plants start growing again (read: after our spring snowstorms), it’s time to remove that winter mulch so it doesn’t block new growth or cause crown rots. Xeriscaping doesn’t just mean rocks. Most associate the term “xeriscaping” with rock and gravel, but it also includes choosing native plants that are best suited for your area’s climate, and therefore require little to no extra water. Here in Berthoud and in other parts of the Front Range, that typically means Hardiness Zone 5. Choose plants and ground coverings rated for this zone to ensure the best chance at surviving any last-minute spring snowstorms. The Associated Landscape Contractors of Colorado (ALCC) recommend covering newly seeded garden beds with bubble wrap, bubble side down, and placing a few rocks along the edges to keep it in place. The wrap will keep the seeds from washing away, and the air inside the bubbles offer insulation to keep any tiny leaves from freezing. Snow means moisture, right? Not necessarily, especially in Colorado.
Frozen ground can actually keep water from getting to your plants, so it’s not a bad idea to water your plants before and after the storm to ensure they get the much-needed moisture they require. Even if it gets below freezing, moist soil can act as an insulator to your plants’ roots. Just don’t overwater. Get your trees pruned now, before the heavy snow arrives. It stands to reason that the more of a tree you have, the more surface area the snow has to land on, so remove what you don’t need before a big storm potentially removes it for you (in the form of broken branches). If your trees have already started budding, get outside to knock snow off the branches while it’s snowing. Start with the bottom branches first, so the snow at the top doesn’t add to the weight when it falls. You can use a long broom or extension pole and be prepared to get a bit wet. Maybe wear a hat. According to the ALCC, doing this several times during the snow may keep branches from reaching their breaking point. If a limb on a tree or bush ends up breaking due to the snow, it may still be able to be saved. For ornamental shrubs, Dennis’ 7 Dees says to cut the stem back to just above a healthy bud and resist the urge to prune more than what is obviously damaged. Once growth takes hold, you’ll be able to see more clearly where to prune to keep your plant healthy. This article is courtesy of Pioneer Sand, visit them at 2123 1st Street in Berthoud, or online at www.pioneerco.com.
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