Home, Lawn & Garden 2024

Home, Lawn

Lush landscape

but for interest and depth, you’ll also need to consider the plants that surround it. Thankfully, it’s easy to make considerable improvements to your backyard life using tips from professionals. Landscape designer Doug Scott has partnered with lawn care equipment manufacturer Exmark, to offer these tips for selecting and installing plants that will beautify your outdoor living areas.

Choosing plants

» Choose plants well-suited for your specific growing conditions. Knowing your growing zone is important, however, you should also be mindful of how conditions like sun exposure can change as you move around your yard.

» Choose the right size plants for the space. Bear in mind that what you’re planting today is much smaller than what it will be once it’s matured. Always read a plant’s care label to understand its optimal growing conditions and size at maturity.

» From a design perspective, think in terms of texture, layers and drifts. When addressing the overall texture of your planting beds, choose plants that vary in form, size, color and leaf structure. This will create greater interest and a space that’s more visually appealing and enjoyable to spend time in.

For a lush look, think in terms of layers when considering composition. Much like in a painting, you should have background, middle ground and foreground layers. Your background layer should consist of taller evergreen shrubs to provide something alive and green to look at all year long, no matter what’s happening in front of them. Your

middle ground layer should be lower than the background layer to create interest and is where you can add a contrasting evergreen shrub or pop of color with a perennial plant. Finally, your foreground layer should help transition the planting beds to your lawn space. You can accomplish this with smaller perennials, evergreens, annuals or creeping ground covers.

When addressing drifts, read the plant labels to know how large they’ll grow. This can help ensure plants grow in together as they mature but are not overcrowded.

Installing plants

1. Dig a hole that’s about two times the diameter of the pot your plant’s being transplanted from and about the depth of the pot.

2. Mend in compost or soil conditioner to give your plant the organic material it needs to thrive. If you’d like, add slow-release fertilizer, and mix well.

3. Place your plant in the hole, making sure that it sits at, or just above, the level it did in the pot.

4. Backfill with soil, stopping to add water when the hole is about halfway full.

5. Fill the rest of the hole with soil, then firmly press down.

6. Soak your plant with more water.

7. Finish by adding mulch, making sure it’s pulled away from the base of your plant.

“Now that you have the inspiration and know-how needed to choose and install plant material, you can create landscaping that reflects who you are and how you’d like to live outside,” said Scott.

As the weather begins to warm and days get longer, it’s important to begin preparing your yard for a healthy growing season. While factors like climate, soil type and grass type can all impact how your yard grows, there are a few steps you can take during the spring months to help your lawn thrive.

From dethatching and aerating to fertilizing and mowing, tackling these simple chores can help ensure your yard looks its best and is prepared to fight off seasonal weeds, disease and drought.

Tune your mower

Before it’s time for the first mowing of the season, inspect your mower and perform any routine maintenance necessary. That goes beyond sharpening, or replacing, the blade, and includes changing the oil, spark plugs and filter as well as filling it with a fresh tank of gas.

Loosen the thatch layer

While it’s important to avoid working on your lawn until after the final freeze to avoid damaging the grass, raking your yard with a spring tine rake to loosen thatch –the layer of leaves, roots and dead grass that builds up between live grass and soil – before the first mow is equally important. Be sure to rake when the soil is dry; if it’s too soft or muddy, you may pull up healthy grass crowns.

Combat compacted soil

If your soil has become compacted – likely the effect of heavy

Bring floral beauty indoors

The beauty of having a garden is watching buds continually bloom on one plant or another throughout most of the year. While this provides lovely views from your windows, it can also be nice to bring some beauty indoors.

Don’t be afraid to snip off a few blossoms each week. Many plants thrive after trimming and may reward you with even more flowers. Once you’ve gathered a bouquet from your garden, consider these tips to help keep fresh flowers at their best for a week or more.

» Bacteria can quickly destroy fresh flowers, which is why it’s important to use a clean vase. Any floral foam, wires or frogs used in your arrangement must also be washed in warm, soapy water.

» Remove any lower leaves that may come in contact with water inside the vase.

» Carefully trim each flower stem at a 90-degree angle. It may also be helpful to cut flowers while they are underwater to keep moisture flowing into the stems.

» Keep your arrangement out of direct sunlight. The darker and cooler the room, the longer your blossoms will bloom.

» Adding a crushed aspirin, bleach, vinegar, sugar or penny to the vase are age-old tricks. However, you can keep bacteria at bay and help flowers thrive by adding a packet of flower food to the water. It can be found at your local florist or home improvement store. Flowers are living things that still require water, food and care after they are cut. Every 2-3 days, be sure to change the water, replenish the flower food and recut the stems for additional days of glorious color.

Fill in bare spots

If your lawn is looking sparse, overseeding, which involves spreading grass seed over your existing lawn, can help fill in bare spots. Be sure to choose the right type of seed for your climate and soil type to ensure proper growth. Applying a slow-release nitrogen fertilizer at the same time can provide additional nutrients that are important for promoting healthy growth.

Start seasonal mowing

roots. A bonus, the plugs can decompose on top of your grass, supplying more nutrients.

When the ground is dry enough and your grass is long enough to require cutting, begin seasonal mowing. Be sure to use proper techniques, including v arying your mowing direction each time to avoid creating patterns or ruts, and avoid cutting grass too low, which can make the lawn more susceptible to weeds and drought stress. In general, never remove more than one-third of the grass blade at a time.

Green savInGs

Make your home energy efficient and save money

Making updates

There are many steps you can take to improve your home’s energy and water efficiency. If you’re unsure where to start, consider referencing the Department of Energy’s data-driven tools and calculators. You could also hire a professional to perform an energy audit. This will pinpoint where you’re losing energy and what renovations will save you money. Some quick DIY updates to make right now include caulking window casings, weatherstripping doors, replacing incandescent light bulbs with CFLs or LEDs, and installing low-flow faucets and showerheads. Additional money-saving updates include installing a smart, programmable thermostat, replacing older appliances and installing a tankless water heater.

market to buy or rent, basic energy- and water-saving features to check for when visiting properties include good insulation, properly sealed doors and windows, smart thermostats, low-flow or dual-flush toilets, high-efficiency or tankless hot water heaters, and front-loading washing machines. The ENERGY STAR and WaterSense labels are good indicators that the property, and the appliances within it, are designed with efficiency in mind. You should also consider which direction the building faces and whether it’s shaded. The amount of direct sunlight your potential home receives can have a large impact on your HVAC needs.

Renting? Reach out to your landlord to determine what updates they’re willing to make. You may not be allowed to make permanent changes, or interested in making investments in someone else’s property, but energy-saving habits, such as washing clothes in cold water and adjusting the thermostat when leaving town, can help.

The return

You may be asking yourself whether all this effort is worth it. The answer? Up-to-date, energy- and water-efficient technologies can save

you 20% to 30% on your bills. And because today’s savvy buyers are looking for a home that will be kind to both their wallet and the environment, efficiency improvements can also boost resale value. In fact, Freddie Mac research found that homes with high energyefficiency ratings sold for 2.7% more on average than unrated homes. Fortunately, there are programs available, such as Energy Efficient Mortgages, to help finance these improvements upfront. With the understanding that reducing home utility costs places families in a better financial situation and helps preserve home affordability over time, Freddie Mac offers GreenCHOICE Mortgages that can be applied to a new home purchase or a no cash-out refinance and can be used to cover basic energy efficiency improvements up to $6,500 without the need for an energy report. With a GreenCHOICE

Mortgage you can borrow up to 15% of the home’s “as complete” appraised value to pay for basic energy and water efficiency improvements. Speak with your lender about the financing options available to you and which may best suit your needs. There are no doubt long-term savings and gains to be reaped from greening your home. And thanks to new programs, paying for these updates is easier for more American families.

KITc HE n u PGR ad E s

Advantages to switching from gas to electric

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Cooking with gas? Industry experts say there are many reasons to consider retiring your gas-powered appliances. To help you understand what your kitchen may be missing, Melissa Haber, the vice president of EuroChef USA, the exclusive importer of the Verona and Lofra brands of residential cooking appliances, offers seven reasons why your next home upgrade should include making the swap to electric or induction cooking.

1. You’re health- and eco-conscious. Gas appliances at home are associated with an increased risk of asthma and other illnesses, particularly in children, as they emit harmful air pollutants like nitrogen dioxide and methane, even when they’re not in use. The same pollutants are also harmful to the environment, contributing to air quality issues and climate change.

In fact, national annual emissions from gas cooktops are equivalent to the emissions transmitted from half a million cars.

2. They’re easy to maintain. Compared to the metal grates of a conventional gas stove, the flat surface of an electric or induction cooktop is nearly effortless to clean. A damp dish rag and soap work for most cleanup sessions. For more involved messes, a little vinegar goes a long way.

3. They offer safety benefits. With no open flame, electric appliances lower the risk of burns or fires, particularly those with safety features such as “power on” lights and residual heat warnings that inform users when the surface is still hot. Induction cooking also has safety benefits, since only the cooking vessel is directly heated and the surface of the cooktop itself does

not retain or give off heat.

4. You value precision. Induction cooking is faster and more efficient than cooking with gas. The high-end induction ranges offered by the Italian brand Lofra, which combine elegant design with modern cooking features, are a good example of how accurate temperature control allows you to prepare meals like a professional in the comfort of home.

5. Making changes can be feasible. Installing a gas hookup can be costly, time-consuming and involve inspections. The installation process for electric appliances on the other hand is easier and less expensive. Not able to replace your gas appliances with electric? Investing in a range hood is a sensible solution that can cut your appliance’s air pollution by about half.

6. You’ll be ahead of the curve. A growing number of cities and municipalities are banning new gas hookups for appliances to reduce air pollution and help fight climate change. Making the switch to electric or induction can help you get ahead of the regulatory curve.

7. New options are being introduced. With sales of electric appliances on the rise, a few select manufacturers have taken note, and to meet customer demand, have recently introduced additional options offering style and sought-after features. For example, the Italian brand Verona offers electric ranges in its Prestige and Designer Collections that deliver an upgraded look, with single- and double-oven options to suit varying needs and tastes. All are equipped with five burners that accommodate pots of any size, and a multi-tasking dual element that ranges from simmer to boil with the simple turn of a knob.

“As more consumers have come to realize the value and advantages of electric and induction cooking, it became important to us to offer them the same versatility and style they might expect with traditional gas-powered cooking appliances,” says Haber.

Whether you want to prioritize your family’s health and safety, or you simply want to embrace the convenience of modern cooking technology, electric and induction appliances can be a game changer in your kitchen.

Hardiness zones

In tHE

Pick plants that thrive in your climate »

Story and photo by StatePoint

When choosing what kind of plants to put down in your yard, you likely focus on the what and the where. After all, a beautiful plant in a prime location enhances curb appeal and even bragging rights.

You may pay less attention though to understanding your plant hardiness zone and all the ramifications that come with it. To help ensure your plants don’t just survive, but thrive, the experts at lawn care equipment manufacturer Exmark are sharing the following insights about plant hardiness:

What is plant hardiness?

The secret to growing healthier plants is called plant hardiness. Plant hardiness is the ability of a plant to survive adverse growing conditions such as drought, flooding, heat and cold. Ever watched

with frustration as a late-season temperature dip leaves your beautiful buds with a serious case of frostbite? That’s why plant hardiness zones were developed. American farming contributes billions of dollars to the gross national product every year, which is one reason why the USDA has long monitored weather data. If determining when the average final frost may occur for every region in the country is worth billions, what could that same knowledge mean for your garden? Well, choosing plants with hardiness levels appropriate to specific planting zones gives you the best chance of gardening and landscaping success.

What is my growing zone?

The United States is divided into 13 zones; zones 1-6 are the coldest, and 7-13 are the warmest. Zone 1 averages -60 degrees F while zone 13 never drops below 70 degrees F. A general guideline is to plant anything designated for your zone or lower, but never higher. Know what zone you live in, and be sure to always check the tag on the back of the plant or seed pack before planting anything.

Perennials versus annuals

There’s a reason you see palm trees in Miami, not Minnetonka, Minn. In the case of perennials, it’s not about when the first frost is, but how cold it gets, and whether

that plant can survive and thrive through winter. Plant hardiness zones are less important however when it comes to annuals. Because these plants are only meant to last the length of one growing season; waiting until after the average first frost date will save you from having to replant. Know that even if your plant survives the frost, it may never match the photo you saw advertised at the nursery.

Planting zone rule of thumb

Plant hardiness zone maps are, well, all over the map. Consider the number assigned to your zip code as a starting point. You may live right at the break between two zones. Remember that it’s better to guess too low, than too high. In the South, the heat can put real stress on a plant not made for it. Your particular geography can also affect your hardiness zone, like if you live on a hill or in a valley.

For more insights, check out the USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map, and watch “Find Your Plant Hardiness Zone,” a recent episode of “Backyard Smart,” an original series from lawn care equipment manufacturer, Exmark. Understanding what plants will thrive in your climate is essential to having a healthy lawn and garden. Fortunately, free resources are abound to help you garden and landscape successfully.

»Companion planting is a method of gardening that involves placing plants close together for mutual benefit. It’s a permaculture tactic and a practice as old as agriculture itself. Using this method can vastly improve your harvests while also protecting soil health.

The practice of companion planting is rooted in the understanding that certain plants can enhance the growth, flavor and health of nearby plants. By strategically pairing plants, gardeners can create an ecosystem that promotes biodiversity and sustainability.

Why use companion planting?

There are so many valuable reasons to practice this gardening technique. The top three benefits of companion plants include using less pesticides, growing better crops and its more eco-friendly to our planet.

Dan Morris, an accomplished gardener and author of Fire and Saw, says, “Companion planting is useful for various purposes. In our garden, we do it primarily for pest control, attracting pollinators, shade and nutrient sharing.”

Common combinations

There are a few popular companion plantings you can easily start using right away. Pick and choose from these

popular combinations and increase your garden’s output.

Plant tomatoes together with basil and the basil will help repel insects and it’s believed to improve the flavor of tomatoes. Likewise, carrots and onions work well together because the smell of onions can deter carrot flies, while carrots are said to repel onion flies and aphids, making them a great pair. Another popular combination is bean plants and corn, the beans fix nitrogen in the soil, which benefits corn, while cornstalks provide a natural trellis for bean vines to climb.

Radishes can help repel cucumber beetles and other pests, so planting radishes and cucumbers together protects the cucumbers. Planting tall flowers like marigolds or nasturtiums with lettuce can provide shade for the lettuce, which prefers cooler temperatures and can help repel pests. Pigweed can lure away leafminers from pepper plants. Just be sure to remove the pigweed before it seeds. Marigolds are known to repel nematodes and other garden pests, making them beneficial when planted near many vegetables. Nasturtiums can repel squash bugs and other pests, protecting squash plants.

Plant cabbage and dill together. The dill will attract beneficial wasps that prey on cabbage worms, offering natural protection for cabbage and related plants. When you plant borage together with strawberries it strengthens the resistance

of strawberries to pests and disease and can improve their flavor.

By no means is that a complete list of beneficial companion planting options. There are many more to choose from. Often times a master gardener in your area can help you with more combinations for your specific needs.

What not to plant together

It is equally important while planning your plant companions to look into combinations of plants that don’t work well together. Sometimes plants from the same family can invite more disease to your gardens due to competition for resources, attraction of pests or negative chemical interactions. Some plants actively keep others from growing to the best of their ability, such as onions with beans.

Who should try this technique?

Anyone interested in gardening, from novices to experts, can benefit from companion planting. It’s especially appealing to those who value organic gardening, sustainability and creating a more diverse garden environment. Big or small, all crop sizes will benefit from companion planting.

If you love flowers in your garden, then just adding plants like calendulas and marigolds, to almost any garden is a great way to get started. They’re easy to grow from seeds, attract pollinators, and often repel soil pests as well.

When to companion plant

Companion planting can be implemented at any time during the planting season. It’s a principle that can be applied when you’re sowing seeds directly into the soil, and interplant those seeds around another beneficial seed. If you’re transplanting seedlings, add some plants from the list above. If you’re planning your garden layout, it’s a great time to add areas for beneficial plants to your plan this year.

Where can you companion plant

Companion planting is versatile and can be beneficial in gardens of any size. Whether you have a sprawling outdoor garden, a small backyard plot or even containers on a balcony or windowsill, integrating companion plants is

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Upwards of 86% of United States respondents plan to declutter and deep clean their homes this spring, according to Nextdoor’s January 2024 survey. As many as 29% plan to dedicate an entire day to the process, and others plan to spend more than a week getting their house in perfect order. One might expect to see parks buzzing with people enjoying the sun after months inside. There’s something else topping many to-do lists that people are eager to accomplish this spring. Is spring cleaning more of a ritual, tradition, habit or is it a necessity for well-being? Recent data suggests it may be a combination of all four. But one thing is clear: Removing clutter and enjoying a clean, fresh-smelling home are the top priorities for feeling happier at home this spring.

A ritual for well-being

With so many years of practice and valuable lessons from organizing gurus like Marie Kondo and The Home Edit, are people getting better at maintaining tidy homes year-round?

The popularity of home-organization books and media promotes the relationship between home tidiness and overall happiness. However, with many tempting new products and emerging trends through the year, it’s difficult for shoppers to determine which

It's inevitable: When the season changes from winter to spring, there's always spring cleaning (or at least a plan to spring clean). It's an annual ritual. Unfortunately, many common cleaning products can be dangerous or even deadly to our pets. According to the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center, exposure to household cleaning products and paint make up 8.3% of all pet poison calls to the APCC. Depending on the ingredients in these cleaners, they can be a real hazard to your pet if they lick, inhale, or ingest them or in some cases, if they come in contact with their skin or their eyes. Labels on cleaning products may be difficult to read or interpret. The Amercian Kennel Club offers the following information about spring cleaning products that may be harmful to your pets and what to do if you suspect your pet has been exposed to them.

new purchases will become favorites and which will find their way to the donation bin. Assuming that happens, decluttering is an essential piece of annual spring cleaning and monthly deep, house-cleaning rituals. One person’s clutter is another person’s treasure. Spring is a great time to recoup some sunken costs from unused items and search popular online resale marketplaces for expensive items like home gym equipment at reduced prices. Online marketplaces are also great ways to find great deals on gently used clothing, furniture and exercise equipment.

Some decluttering is trickier than others. Many households struggle to implement effective systems to organize paperwork, store sentimental items, and release gifts that don’t suit their needs. The biggest challenge with these items is to the emotional attachment from them that could be induced by fears of tossing something important or guilt associated with discarding heirlooms and hand-me-downs.

Fortunately, technology can be a big help in moving past these emotional attachments. Use a digital file system or cloud storage solution like Dropbox to create files for medical paperwork, insurance or banking documents. That way they’re easily accessible when you need them, without the clutter of physical paperwork. You can also photograph and docu-

ment memories associated with sentimental gifts received but rarely used. Logging these items in the cloud is a clutter-free way to honor sentimental memories. Once recorded, gently used items can be donated or listed for sale with the help of resale apps like Mercari, Facebook or Nextdoor. Freeing up space is the first step to breathing a little easier.

Maximize the freshness

By April, most of the U.S. has warmed to comfortable temperatures, making opening windows and letting in the fresh air enjoyable. Additionally, spring cleaning trends show that product scent and efficacy play a big part in how consumers source cleaning products. Though germ elimination remains the goal, a shift has been made toward more environmentally conscious and sustainable products ahead of spring cleaning.

Some nontoxic cleaning products, like white vinegar and baking soda, are available at a fraction of the price of brand-name household cleaning products. Baking soda is particularly effective for deodorizing and freshening soft surfaces like mattresses, cushions and carpets. In contrast, vinegar is excellent for removing odor-causing buildup in kitchen drains, disposals or dishwashers. Cleaning and refreshing bulkier items — rugs, comforters and pillows

— can add freshness to indoor air.

Home-cleaning gurus remind homeowners to literally breathe a little easier by replacing air filters and dusting harder-to-reach places like fan blades, cabinets and light fixtures. As a finishing touch, pick up some fragrant houseplants to place around the house instead of chemical air fresheners. Some great potted plants to look for at local nurseries or grocery stores include lavender, jasmine, gardenia and citrus trees. The casual incorporation of hyacinth flowers fills homes with a bright, floral fragrance, noticeable upon every return home, and double as beautiful centerpieces for any spring gathering.

Boosting ment al well-being

A clean space invites a clear mind.

As time passes, it is natural to accumulate things around the house, requiring a reset. Spring is a great time to open the windows and work on those oft-overlooked home areas. Even simple chores like dusting and sweeping can motivate and instill a sense of calm as you take control of your immediate environment. Even if you only have a few hours a day and have to space tasks out over a few weeks, cleaning at any pace can improve your mental and physical health with cleanliness and organization.

certain oils and in their concentration, it is not recommended to use in homes with pets without strict directions from a veterinarian.

» Vinegar and water — Vinegar and water dilutions are often used as an inexpensive alternative to commercial cleaning agents, but vinegar in its pure form is typically acidic and can still act as an irritant. Ingesting concentrated or undiluted vinegar can cause vomiting, diarrhea, oral irritation and pain.

» When inhaled: sneezing, coughing or gagging, difficulty breathing or open mouth breathing (especially in cats), teary or reddened eyes and bluish colored gums.

» When in contact with the skin: redness and irritation, scratching or biting the affected area, and blisters or sores.

» Carpet cleaners — With carpet cleansers or fresheners, thoroughly vacuum the powder from the carpet or rug before allowing the pets back in the area. This should prevent contact irritation of the product to the pet's skin and reduce the risk of inhaling the powder. With carpet shampoo, allow the carpet to dry before allowing pets back into the area.

» Fabric softeners — Fabric softener sheets contain cationic detergents that have the potential to cause significant

» Know what you are using — Because there are many cleaning products on the market with different ingredients, all with varying degrees of safety, be sure to read the directions on the label prior to usage and for dilution instructions when needed. After cleaning, dispose of unused or dirty solutions, and clean and put away cleaning tools such as mops or rags so that pets cannot get to them.

signs of irritation such as drooling, vomiting, oral and esophageal ulcers, and fever. These signs occur when a pet chews on a new or unused dryer sheet. Used dryer sheets have minimal amounts of detergent still present, however, if an animal ingests enough sheets, even used, an intestinal blockage can occur.

» Essential oils Essential oils can cause significant problems in all pets but especially in cats. This can include irritation to the skin or tongue when in direct contact or gastrointestinal effects, neurologic signs and even aspiration pneumonia when ingested. Because there are variations in the toxicity of

» Be aware — These different substances found in cleaning products are hazardous: ammonia, bleach and chlorine, formaldehyde, phenol and isopropyl alcohol. The bottom line is that most cleaning agents can be safely used in the home if you read and follow label recommendations and allow the ingredients to fully dry and evaporate before exposing pets back into the environment.

Clinical signs

The following are common clinical signs of possible toxicity in your pet:

» When licked or ingested: drooling or excessive salivation, sometimes with fetid smell, vomiting, not eating, lethargy, hunched body posture indicating abdominal pain, wobbliness or disorientation, seizures/convulsions, and coma.

» What to do if your pet is exposed to a cleaning product — Time is of the essence in these instances! Toxicity in pets varies greatly from mild to life-threatening, depending on the substance, the route of exposure, the amount ingested and the size of the pet. Try to determine how your pet was exposed, which product was involved and how much of the product it was exposed to or ingested.

If you question whether a product is toxic to your pets, or if you suspect that your pet has been exposed to any poisonous substances, take a photo of the product and packaging and contact the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center 24-hour hotline at 888-426-4435, or call your veterinarian or nearest veterinary

Ou T d OOR

s PRI n G

c HORE s »

Tips to tackle a waking garden

Story by Jessica Damiano | The Associated Press

As trees, shrubs, perennials and insects enter a new phase of life in our gardens, we, too, emerge from a type of dormancy in spring, a pause from yard work. Well, buckle up, buttercups. It’s showtime.

First, inspect and assess the garden for safety. Have any tree branches snapped during winter storms? Are any other broken and hanging? Now’s the time to remove them, as well as any dead wood. Use a sharp pruning saw to make clean cuts on the diagonal just outside the branch collar (the swollen, bulbous area where the branch meets the trunk).

If the damage is within reach, you can tackle it on your own. But for anything higher than your head, it’s best to call in a professional arborist.

Prune shrubs, too, except for

spring bloomers, should be handled right after their flowers fade.

Don’t rush to clean up I know you like things nice and tidy — so do I — but refrain from applying mulch to garden beds until the soil has sufficiently warmed. Doing so earlier would trap cooler temperatures in the soil and delay root awakenings. Instead, mulch when tomatoes are planted in your region.

Next, only after nighttime temperatures have remained above 50 degrees for an entire week, cut down last year’s spent perennials and ornamental grasses to make way for new growth. The idea is that many beneficial insects and pollinators that take their cues from the weather rather than the calendar will emerge ready to work in your garden at that point.

There’s some disagreement among experts about the timing because different species emerge at various temperatures. But I find it’s a good compromise that protects many insects while allowing you to maintain order in your beds and borders, keep your desired aesthetic and get on with your gardening.

The lawn

If you have a lawn, check it for bare spots. Seed those areas once a week and water twice a day until new growth meets the existing turf height. Don’t let the seeds dry out even once, or you may have to start over. You can mow seeded lawns when young blades are 3 inches tall. Pull weeds as soon as you spot them, while their roots are still easy to remove. And avoid walking on wet soil. Doing so would risk compaction and structural damage, which is hard to come back from.

Flowers When flowering bulbs fade, apply a balanced fertilizer, such as a 10-10-10 product. But don’t remove leaves until they turn yellow. The plants need them to produce energy for next year’s bloom.

Finally, give established perennials a dose of fertilizer (I like fish emulsion) as soon as they wake up. And plant new ones, which appreciate six full weeks of growth before the summer heat sets in.

Hold off on planting annuals if you live where spring frosts are possible.

If you’re anything like me, you’ll probably find even more to do out there. But after tackling these key tasks, you’ll be heading into the growing season in good shape.

Growing savInGs

As food prices rise, Americans turn to homegrown produce

Story by The Associated Press | PHOTOs FROM adOBE sTOcK

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Food prices across the board are predicted to increase by 1.3%, according to the latest consumer pricing analysis from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). Restaurant dining will see the largest increase — an average of 4.7% and may go as high as 6.2%.

As food costs rise in 2024, even more pennies are squeezed from our monthly budgets. More and more Americans are turning to their own backyards to offset the cost of eating. Planting a garden can save you hundreds of dollars, and for some families, that adds up to thousands of dollars in savings annually.

New gardener success

A recent study from Axiom showed that 69.7% of people polled said they would plant more and expand their gardens in 2024, while 70.8% of novice gardeners felt their garden activities in 2023 were successful. As a result, they plan to increase their efforts for 2024.

Growing savings

How much money can growing your own food save families?

According to Garden Pals, growing at least some food can save approximately $600 annually. The average garden starts with just $70, giving the average person $530 in net savings. Not bad for a humble patch of dirt.

Gardeners typically understand plenty of water, good ground and a steady stream of sunshine all play vital roles in the food production process.

However, on those hot, dry days when there isn’t any rain in sight, harvesting rain and storing it may be a perfect solution. A tried-and-true gadget like a rain barrel allows for the collection of rainwater from a home’s gutter system for later use.

Not only are rain barrels budget-

While many people might feel intimidated by produce propagation, there are plenty of guides for growing vegetables, fruits and more.

Katy Willis, a writer for Wealth of Geeks, said, “I save around 70% on my fresh produce from my food garden, but that includes chicken and quail eggs, and some foraging. I also barter some excess and preserved produce for fresh game meat. I started on a smaller scale around 18 years ago, and it’s slowly grown. I like knowing the food I’m feeding my family is natural and healthy, and being so self-reliant saves me money and gives me food security.”

Anna Chesley of Salt In My Coffee shared, “Growing up, my mother grew an impressive percentage of the vegetables that fed our family in a 40by-40 feet backyard garden. So when I started my homestead and had kids of my own, it was only natural for me to garden, too. Most years, I save more than $1,500 on our yearly grocery bill by growing most of our fresh summer vegetables and filling my shelves for winter with jars of home-canned tomato sauce, green beans, beets and more. It’s hard work, but we eat well, and it’s very rewarding.”

Small beginnings

Gardening doesn’t have to take up a whole backyard to help support your food supply; new gardeners can start

their modest harvest in a pot or small plot of dirt.

The report found that the average American vegetable garden is 600 square feet. However, most people start with a much smaller plot. According to Garden Pals, the average garden is just 96 square feet.

The average 600-square-foot garden will produce about $600 of produce per year. Despite these savings, only 35% of U.S. households grow vegetables, fruits and other food.

Builder reports that about 70% of Americans live in houses, while approximately 17% live in condos or apartments. Even those living in apartments can grow something as simple as tomatoes in a pot on a balcony. Tomatoes top the list of vegetables to grow, with cucumbers in second place and sweet peppers in third.

One of the driving factors in growing produce at home is ensuring the quality of produce. 69.6% of novice gardeners indicated that growing food organically was essential, and another 69.6% placed high importance on enjoying local produce.

Despite the lack of experience, rookie gardeners know what they want when they shop for seeds and plants. If their local stores do not carry the variety or kinds of plants they want, 40.8% said they would travel up to 10 miles to obtain their

ideal plant, with 46.8% of males indicating this willingness and only 35.9% of females.

Knowing where to start

To start growing your food, you need basic knowledge of what you want and a place to start planting.

Beginner gardeners should start with the decision of what to sow and research your selection. Each type of plant has its own needs and requirements, so it’s best to be aware of these before you begin planting.

Choose your spot well. A fruitful garden relies on sun exposure, so seek a site that receives around seven or eight hours of direct sunlight.

Container gardening is an excellent option for those with limited space. Compact planters allow growers to move plants around to get the most sunlight, and movability adds an element of customization that a conventional garden may not.

Seeding savings

While growing produce may include new costs, in the long run, you’ll save more. And home gardens don’t have to be extravagant to be fruitful. Home horticulturists don’t need all the latest and greatest gardening gadgets. Start with what you have and contribute to your plot over time. With some dedication, growers will harvest their crops — and savings — in no time.

MInI Budget-friendly ideas to freshen up indoor spaces Makeover

Whether you’re fatigued by seeing the same decor every day or simply looking for an opportunity to refresh indoor spaces with an appealing mini makeover, rethinking your favorite room in the house doesn’t need to be an expensive ordeal. Even if your budget is tight, you can still make small changes to transform a room. Consider these ideas:

» Bring stylish flair to your space with a new color scheme. Rather than replacing all the furniture, which can be costly, focus on smaller accessory pieces such as pillows and decorative items. Create variety by using multiple hues of the same color or mixing two or more complementary colors.

» Introduce new accent furniture. Smaller and less cost-prohibitive than centerpieces like a couch, for example, accent pieces such as end tables or a coffee table can provide subtle changes to the look of a room. You could also opt to refinish a piece of furniture you have on-hand to create a look that’s all your own.

» Morph your room by simply rearranging what you already own. Adjusting the orientation of your furniture and decor can let you see your favorite room from a whole new perspective.

» Whether it’s a flea market find, such as an old window frame that you paint and add a display shelf to the base or a series of photos from your favorite vacation destination, adding some DIY art can not only update your room, but make it more personal, too.

A new look for your favorite room can go a long way, so find ways to update your space for a comfy retreat you can enjoy. Find more ideas at eLivingtoday.com.

From adding dramatic style to the kitchen to giving an unexpected space a splash of color, these ideas — inspired by the 2024 FrogTape Design Trends, as identified by celebrity interior designer Taniya Nayak — will make areas around your home pop in 2024.

» Colorful Kitchens: Make the kitchen a focal point by painting the cabinets or panels on your island a vivid color. Calming blue will ensure a relaxed and laid-back feeling, while fuchsia will energize the design. Nayak recommends using FrogTape Delicate Surface Painter’s Tape to prevent paint bleed and achieve crisp paint lines. The low-adhesion tape is designed to prevent damage on surfaces like cabinets, freshly painted walls and wallpaper.

» Dynamic Décor: If painting projects aren’t in the plan for this year, revive a living room or bedroom by adding a collection of brightly colored pillows and throws, bohemian-style macramé,

access the latest technology may need an upgrade, and now there’s a way to test out another wireless provider’s network before making the switch. T-Mobile’s Network Pass allows you and your family to keep your current wireless provider, phones and phone numbers and to try out their network

Due to their small size and heavy usage, bathrooms can become messy, cluttered areas for many families. For those with smaller bathrooms, storage solutions can be even harder to find. Consider these organization tips to make your bathroom a clean and functional space for every member of the family:

» Assess the mess: Go through all the cabinets and drawers to clear out unused makeup, health care products and medications. Make sure the items you keep are used on a regular basis. Items used sparingly should be placed in an alternate location.

» Go vertical: Medicine cabinets can quickly get stuffed when combs, toothpaste and other toiletries are stored horizontally. Use organizer cups with suction adhesives to contain items vertically and save space.

» Hang up with style:

and features designed to streamline tasks and to-dos, adapting the latest tech can help you create a more productive life.

Make your family more self-efficient with tips to raising chickens

Story by Family Features | PHOTOs FROM unsPlasH

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An antidote to the stresses of work and the fast pace of modern life may be closer than you realize. Whether on family farms or in urban backyards, chickens have the power to make your corner of the planet better.

Not only does raising chickens provide you with access to eggs for a tasty, nutritious and versatile food source, it also allows your family to be more self-sufficient, reduce your food miles and establish a family hobby that allows you to connect with one another.

“Chickens make wonderful companions and are often an overlooked option when a family is seeking the countless social, cognitive, physical and emotional benefits of pet ownership,” said Dr. Tanya K. Bailey, a pet therapist and creator of Pet Away Worry & Stress, a program that celebrates the healing connection between humans, animals and nature. “The fact is, many backyard chicken owners view their chickens as lovable household pets that contribute to their family’s sense of well-being.”

Before you bring your own flock home, consider these tips for raising chickens successfully:

Food

You may think of chickens as grain-eating vegetarians, but they’re actually omnivores with a diverse diet. Most chickens eat insects, as well as herbs, fruits, vegetables and grains. Experts recommend having enough food available for chickens to graze throughout the day, but a single daily feeding is usually adequate.

A specially designed chicken waterer can help ensure your hens always have a supply of clean water, but some prefer a trough-style waterer instead.

Housing

Chickens require room to roam, but they also need protection from predators and the weather. The most common setup for chicken housing involves an enclosed coop and a secure area where they can wander freely. Plan to secure several square feet of space per chicken to avoid crowding.

The coop you need will depend on many factors, but a versatile option like the Eglu Pro chicken coop is suitable for flocks of varying sizes. It provides housing for up to 10 large

hens or 15 bantams with a lowmaintenance design and hygienic, comfortable habitat. The coop offers a controllable climate with adjustable vents and double-walled insulation and numerous features to protect chickens from predators, including raccoon-proof locks.

“Over many hours, we watched, learned, asked and then invented an enhanced coop that does justice to the brilliance of the humble chicken, a pet that can bring so much joy to family members of all ages,” said Johannes Paul, co-founder of Omlet. “The ingenuity of the Eglu Pro is that it turns the dream of keeping chickens into a reality for everyone. Created not just for the chicken but because of the chicken,

HOMEGROwn In small spaces

How to grow fruits and vegetables if you don’t have a large yard

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Fresh fruits and vegetables from your garden are a delicious and affordable addition to your dinner table, but what if you don’t have the yard space for garden beds? Fortunately, there are many ways to grow fresh produce in small spaces — even if you don’t have outdoor access. Check out how you can plan your small-space garden this spring.

Why plant a small garden?

Growing produce is a great way to supplement your family’s fruit and vegetable consumption. Homegrown produce is often fresher and tastier than what you can buy at the supermarket since you can eat it moments after harvesting. You can also choose to grow organic produce and avoid pesticides for healthier fruits and vegetables.

There may also be some savings when growing your own produce.

Cindy Haynes, a horticulturist at Iowa State University Extension, noted that growing expensive produce like tomatoes, berries or herbs can save you a few dollars at the grocery store. She also mentioned that gardening is enjoyable for many home gardeners with the satisfaction of producing your own food. This satisfaction isn’t limited to those with yards, however. Patio gardens, container gardens and even indoor gardens can yield an impressive amount of produce. Consider an urban garden this year for apartment dwellers, those with tiny or unsustainable yards or yards unsuitable for a garden, or for people who simply want a smaller garden.

Planning to grow for space

The most important requirement for growing fruit and vegetables is

light. Six to eight hours of full sun are required for the majority of produce, explained Andrea Beck from Better Homes & Gardens. You can start a garden as long as you can provide enough light, whether through natural sunlight or artificial grow lights.

Select a space

The first step in planning an apartment garden is selecting where to place it. This determines how many containers you can use and how large those containers can be.

If your apartment or home has a balcony or patio, it is often an ideal place for a garden. A south- or westfacing balcony is best for maximum sunlight. A windowsill can be the perfect sunny spot for a small garden. Use a narrow planter that fits on a windowsill or position a pot in front of a window. Any room in your house that gets natural light has the potential for a small, indoor garden. Make sure the space you choose is out of the way and that your plants are out of reach of children or pets.

If the location you choose does not get at least six hours of direct sunlight daily, you can create extra light with grow lights. Position fullspectrum grow lights according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Many grow lights have built-in timers, or you can set up your own timer for easy maintenance.

Make efficient use of space

Once you’ve chosen your space, set up your containers. A wide variety of planter options are available, whether you need a small planter for a windowsill or a larger, raised garden bed for a balcony. Vertical planters are another option

for maximizing space. With multiple tiers, you can plant more fruits and vegetables in the same amount of area. You can find a vertical planter that fits your space, or build your own by installing shelves.

Choose the right plants

With limited space, plants that have a high yield but do not take up much space can help you get the most out of your garden. This can include smaller plants or patio varietals that stay smaller in general. Patio tomatoes only grow to about four feet, making them ideal as container tomatoes. They produce slicing tomatoes that are about four ounces, making them perfect for salads or topping a cast-iron skillet hamburger.

Herbs are perfect for a windowsill or patio garden. They require very little space to grow, and snipping a few fresh herbs while cooking will elevate your dishes. Try growing basil, thyme, oregano, mint or your other favorite herbs. A full-grown strawberry plant will stretch to a little over a foot wide.

With just a few square feet of space, you can grow enough strawberries to eat and make several batches of strawberry jam. Peppers grow well in containers that are at least 12 inches in diameter and top out between one and three feet, depending on the variety. Poblanos, shishitos, Thai hot peppers and patio fire and ice peppers are good choices.

Microgreens are a nutritional and flavor-packed way to top salads, sandwiches and more. They grow well indoors and take only one to three weeks to mature, giving you an ongoing yield.

Overcome the limitations

Many of the challenges you will face with a garden in a small space are the same as those faced by gardeners with larger beds. As you plan and cultivate your garden, there are specific strategies you can employ to overcome them effectively.

High-quality soil is especially important when growing in containers. Mix in compost to provide nutrients, add soil amendments to balance pH, and ensure proper drainage. Also, remember to fertilize and follow the guidelines for the specific plants and varietals you are growing. Correct fertilization will optimize your produce output.

Pests are always a problem, and gardening indoors or on a balcony can reduce the risk of pests like rabbits and rodents, but bugs can still be a concern. Know what pests your plants attract and how to prevent them.

By addressing these common challenges head-on and implementing appropriate strategies, you can overcome the limitations of smallspace gardening and create a thriving, productive garden in even the most constrained environments.

Make the most of your space

Fresh fruits, vegetables and herbs can make your family’s meals

healthier and more delicious. Don’t let the lack of a large yard stop you from growing produce. Apartments and homes without yards can still provide plenty of space for gardening with container growing. If you want to garden but are worried you don’t have the room, try growing produce in a small space and stock your kitchen with fresh produce all summer long.

Story by The Associated Press | PHOTOs FROM adOBE sTOcK