Spring Garden Planning
This spring, plan your best garden ever — or maybe even your first garden ever.
The first step to achieving a wellorganized garden is planning. Here’s what you need to know.
Talk With Local Experts
If this is your first time planning a garden, consult with a regional garden-planting guide. You can find one at most hardware stores or nurseries.
If you are a seasoned pro, you probably are already familiar with the timing of your last frost, but you might find some new information by checking with your local professionals.
Seeds Vs. Seedlings
If you are just starting out, seedlings are a safer option. There is no need for you to nurture seeds from infancy when you’re trying to get a handle on your gardening strategy.
If you prefer to grow your own, start your seeds inside several weeks before your last frost date.
Create a Worksheet
This is where you decide what you want to plant, how much of it you want to plant and which vegetables you want to plant next to one another.
Tomatoes, peppers, zucchini squash and lettuce are good vegetables for beginners. Don’t forget to contact your local nursery to see what grows best in your area.
Beginners: Choosing a Plot
Choose a location on your property that receives a lot of sun. Vegetables need at least six hours of direct sunlight each day to grow properly. You also need a space with good, loose soil. If a large garden intimidates you, consider a raised bed. You choose the size and even create a separate area for each vegetable, only taking on what you want.
Skipping the Veggies
You also could skip planting vegetables altogether and stick with herbs. Not only are they great for seasonal cooking, but they also smell fantastic and each has a unique beauty to it. Plant in beds or in pots. The choice is yours.
Relaxed Elegance for your home
With spring well on its way, it’s time to say goodbye to all that is gray and dreary. Our focus now is on welcoming the fresh air and bright colors.
Spring is a time for new beginnings, and everything is in bloom. Why not have your home follow suit? Here are a just a few inexpensive ways to freshen up your home decor for the new year.
Think Lighter
Say so long to heavy drapes and thick throws. You can do a lot to brighten up a room by changing out your linens.
Introduce throw pillows in pastel colors and exchange the chenille for a soft cotton throw. Open up those heavy drapes, give them a good dusting and allow the sunshine to warm the room.
The lighter and brighter a room becomes, the more like spring it will feel.
Bring in Fresh Flowers
Whether you pick up a fresh bouquet at the supermarket or potted ferns are more your style, there is nothing like adding a little greenery to liven up a room.
Spring Refresh
Bringing a little piece of nature indoors will help connect the inside of your home to all that is blooming outside.
Change Up Your Art
The most important feature when it comes to choosing art is sticking with what makes you happy. Choose pieces that give you joy while giving
your space a whole new look.
Even changing out your photos for newer ones or snapshots from vacation can update your space in a hurry.
Declutter
Winter brings with it an influx of decor for the holiday season. While that extra cheer is welcomed
in the colder months, that same decor can begin to feel oppressive once the seasons begin to change. Spring is the time to take inventory of your things — store holiday decor, go through the stacks of magazines and put away items from other areas of the house that have migrated into your main living space. Make everything new.
Weeding Tips
The last thing you may want to do today is weed the garden. But what about all of the hard work you did to get your plants in the ground?
Are you willing to let invasive weeds take over the space and stunt your plants’ growth?
Weeding may not be your favorite activity, but there are steps you can take to make the process more enjoyable, if not a little more friendly on your back. Weeds will still win some of their battles against you. The sooner you realize and accept this, the less stressed you will be when it comes to working to
eradicate them. One single weed plant can produce thousands of seeds, many of which can survive for multiple years. That’s why it is so important to understand that you can’t completely stop weeds; you can only hope to contain their impact on your lawn and garden. Avoid Herbicides
The easy way to kill weeds is by applying synthetic herbicides. But you should think twice before going this route. These chemical weed killers can be dangerous to people, pets and your grass.
According to the National Gardening Association, the best way to control weeds in your yard is to grow a thick, vigorous lawn. This dense grass takes away resources such as sunlight and water that weeds depend on to germinate.
Stay Motivated
Spending a Saturday on all fours with the afternoon sun beating down on your back may not be the ideal start to your weekend.
Space out your weeding efforts. Don’t pull weeds every Saturday. Start with every other. Work a little here and there during the week to minimize the amount of time you’ll need to devote when Saturday comes around.
This lighter workload will help keep you motivated when the time comes to tackle the weeds. Other ways to stay invested include inviting friends over or enlisting the help of older children in your household. The more hands and laughter the better for monotonous projects such as weeding.
Dress Up Your Windows
Windows are major players in home design. How they are dressed and framed from the exterior lends to the curb appeal of your home. Keeping them clean and dressed with drapery inside will affect the overall mood of a room and how much natural light a room receives. All of this is to say don’t ignore your windows.
Adding or Repairing Shutters
Shutters add so much to the curb appeal of your home. Making sure yours are in good shape is a worthwhile investment.
Each year, inspect your shutters. Do they need a new coat of paint? Are they secured properly with no loose screws? If your home lacks shutters, consider adding them. There are few architectural styles that shutters work against, so be sure to consult with your local window and gutter installation company.
Dressing Window Boxes
If you have window boxes, spring is the ideal time to clean them out and prep them for foliage. Swing by your local hardware store or nursery and choose annuals with lots of color to fill them.
If you do not currently have window boxes, consider adding them to the mix. Window boxes add texture and flare to the exterior of any home.
Introducing New Draperies
If you recently replaced your drapes or love the ones you currently have, don’t underestimate what a good cleaning will do for them.
Check the tags and see if yours are machine washable. If not, you may have to take your drapes to the dry cleaners. This trip will be well worth it when you see how much brighter they look rehung across your windows.
A Good Power Wash
After a winter full of dreary weather and high wind chills, your windows are not at their peak performance when it comes to light.
Give them a good scrub inside before heading outside to hit up their exterior panes. If your windows are double-hung, this will be a much easier task. Always follow safety instructions on cleaning equipment, especially when you’re dealing with glass.
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Living the Cabana Life
When spring arrives, summer is just a hop, skip and jump away. There is nothing like relaxing by the pool on a hot summer’s day.
Thinking ahead when it comes to your pool will ensure you are party-ready come warmer weather.
Putting in a Pool
Thinking of adding a pool to your backyard oasis? Here are few things to keep in mind as you plan.
• Know the basics of what you want before requesting quotes. Do you want an above- or below-ground pool? What general size are you looking to install?
• It’s also important to be flexible on size if you aren’t too constrained by your property. Allow yourself the imagination of going a little wider or longer than you first considered.
• Understand the difference between vinyl, concrete and fiberglass. Not every material suits every need.
Refreshing Your Existing Pool
Diligence is required to maintain a clean, safe and attractive pool. By staying on top of pool maintenance, you will ward off major costs down the road.
Here are some key steps:
• Drain your pool cover and clean it before storing it for the season.
• Inspect your pool’s tile or lining and look for cracks or potentials for leaks.
• Consider adding water to your pool. Proper water levels are important for your pool skimmer to run properly.
• Turn on all equipment to make sure everything is running properly. If there is a problem, you don’t want to find out the weekend before a pool party.
Don’t Forget About the Toys
It is always a good idea to inspect your pool toys and floats before every season to be sure they are clean and safe.
Winter storage can produce mold or break down certain materials — weakening them and making them unsafe. Replace toys and floats that have been compromised and give toys that have survived the winter a good scrub before using them.
Spring Cleaning Checklist
Once spring weather hits, most people get the itch to dust out the corners and coffers for a truly fresh start to the New Year.
But many homeowners focus their attention on the inside of their houses and ignore important maintenance on the outside. Consider the following updates to give your home a spring overhaul.
Windows and Doors
Windows and doors are the most common places for leaks, which can allow hot summer air in and cooled air out. As you clean, look for cracks in the caulking and weather stripping. If you notice any fogging up of glass in windows or doors over the winter, this could be a sign that the weather seal has been compromised.
Air Conditioner Maintenance
Just as you (hopefully) serviced your furnace in the fall, it is important to give your air conditioner the once over before you need it. This includes replacing the filter and checking hose connections. Performing this chore in the spring means you won’t have any surprises come summer.
Exterior Walls, Roof and Attic
Do a perimeter sweep of the exterior of your home once all the snow melts away and you’re sure the last frost has come and gone. Look for damaged areas, especially near the gutters and foundation. Any openings are an invitation for water and small critters such as carpenter ants and termites.
Additionally, it is important to check over your roof — especially after a rough or particularly wet winter. Make plans to have any cracked or missing shingles replaced by a roofer.
The Garage
This is one “room” that gets ignored when it comes to our spring-induced zest for organization. In fact, 86 percent of Americans can’t even fit their cars in their garage for all the stuff they store in it. It is time to reclaim the garage.
Gather up recycling and take it to your local center. Organize the items you’ve been saving for the garage sale you still haven’t hosted and donate them. Grab a broom and give the garage floor a good sweep. No matter what level of clutter your garage houses, odds are it could use some TLC.
Spring Energy-Saving Tips
With the start of a new season comes a fresh opportunity to find ways to save energy and money.
The following tips from the U.S. Department of Energy can help.
1. Service your air conditioner. Easy maintenance, such as routinely replacing or cleaning air filters, can lower your cooling system’s energy consumption by up to 15 percent. Also, the first day of spring could serve as a reminder to check your air conditioner’s evaporator coil, which should be cleaned annually to ensure the system is performing at optimal levels.
2. Open windows. Opening windows creates a cross-breeze, allowing you to naturally cool your home without switching on air conditioners. This is an ideal tactic in spring, when temperatures are mild.
3. Use ceiling fans. Cooling your home with ceiling fans will allow you to raise your thermostat four degrees. This can help lower your electricity bills without sacrificing overall comfort.
4. Cook outside. On warmer spring days, keep the heat out of your home by using an outdoor grill instead of indoor ovens.
5. Install window treatments. Energy-efficient window treatments or coverings, such as blinds, shades and films, can slash heat gain when temperatures rise. These devices not only improve the look of your home but also reduce energy costs.
6. Caulk air leaks. Using low-cost caulk to seal cracks and openings in your home to keep warm air out — and cash in your wallet.
7. Bring in sunlight. During daylight hours, switch off artificial lights and use windows and skylights to brighten your home.
8. Set the thermostat. On warm days, setting a programmable thermostat to a higher setting when you are not at home can help reduce your energy costs by approximately 10 percent.
9. Seal ducts. Air loss through ducts can lead to high electricity costs, accounting for nearly 30 percent of a cooling system’s energy consumption. Sealing and insulating ducts can go a long way toward lowering your electricity bills.
10. Switch on bathroom fans. Bathroom fans suck out heat and humidity from your home, improving comfort.
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Protect Your Garden
Awell-designed garden should lay out the types of plants that will be grown, a specific area where they will grow, a water schedule and a protection plan against wildlife. Animals are constantly looking for their next meal. Don’t let the garden you worked so hard on become their next buffet.
The first step in planning your garden’s defense is knowing which animals to defend against. Before planting, make a list of animals that frequent your area. Learning their habits can make it easier to develop a solution.
Humane Approach
Eliminating garden pests can be tricky. Using poison baits can harm your pets, curious children or innocent animals that encounter an infected animal. A safe way to coexist with wildlife in your area is by using scent repellents. There are several different styles of repellent from which to choose.
• Liquid: These sprays are safe for flowers, shrubs and seedlings. Spraying directly to these surfaces will prevent animals from examining them.
• Granular: Spread these small grains in front of garden entryways or flowerbeds to keep invasive animals out of protected areas.
• Covered stations: A station is a covered, rainproof-repellent agent that can be staked in a garden or hung from a tree. Use multiples to set a repellent perimeter around your garden. Choosing to defend against animals with repellents is the most
humane defense you have. Rather than poisoning or trapping pests, you can simply create a barrier they won’t enter.
Build a Fence
Constructing a fence around the perimeter of your garden is an affordable way to ensure large animals like deer cannot enter. The great thing about garden fences is they can easily be disassembled when the season is over. It doesn’t have to take up space in your yard all year.
When building, remember the list you made of the animals that frequent your yard.
For large animals like deer, height is key. The United State Department of Agriculture recommends a deer-defense barrier should be at least 8 to 10 feet tall. Also, be sure to use fence material that will hold up to their large bodies ramming into it. You can use chain link or woven wire material.
For burrowing animals, such as gophers or moles, an exterior fence won’t do you much good. They can dig tunnels underground to infiltrate your garden. If they are a problem in your area, consider wire cages to enclose your favorite plants in the garden.
Wasp-Be-Gone
Wasps can absolutely terrorize a homeowner and family members if not kept at bay. They quickly build nests in sometimes hard-to-reach places as to keep their base hidden from any human danger.
Their ability to fly makes it harder to catch them, but fortunately you are smarter than a wasp. Your ability to spot a wasp nest from a distance gives you a distinct advantage in the fight for your yard, but you must make sure to approach or treat one carefully.
If you are allergic to wasp stings, it is not worth the risk to treat a nest yourself. Call in your local exterminator to handle the project for you.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention offers up these tips to protect yourself from wasp stings:
• Wear light-colored, smooth-finished clothing;
• Avoid perfumed soaps, shampoos, and deodorants;
• Wear clothing to cover as much of the body as possible;
• Avoid flowering plants when possible;
• Keep work areas clean;
• Remain calm and still if a single stinging insect is flying around; and
• If attacked by several stinging insects, run to get away; and
• Go indoors.
Using Pesticides
Before deciding to use pesticides for your wasp problem, consider that if any of your pets were to ingest a wasp sprayed with pesticide, it could become poisoned. Some pesticides also can damage your grass or plants.
If you choose to use pesticide, be sure to treat according to the manufacturer’s specifications. You may be surprised how little is actually recommended to destroy the nests of flying insects such as wasps.
Also, be sure to find and discard any dead wasps that may have landed in your yard, barn or patio area. This will keep your pets from happening upon a potentially dangerous situation.
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Summer HVAC Inspection
None wants to deal with an HVAC system blowing hot air during blazing hot temperatures. Take precautions by scheduling an HVAC inspection of all your important air conditioning components.
Scheduling a service before the heat arrives gives you a better chance of staying cool all summer long without mid-season emergencies. Service calls during busy months may come with higher rates and longer wait times, as HVAC companies will be extremely busy.
Get to know some of the important components that work together to keep your home cool during summer. An early inspection will ensure that these components are working efficiently.
Changing of Filters
Just like your car, an air conditioning unit depends on air filters to keep debris and dust out of the system. A clogged filter can disrupt airflow and not only cause your home’s temperature to rise but also can cause the AC unit to overheat. This extra heat can have serious consequences for expensive mechanical and electrical parts.
Examining the Electrical System
Your HVAC tech will check all electrical connections for signs of corrosion. This can happen when you skip regular maintenance and may cause shortages that ultimately damage wires and the circuit breaker.
Inspection of the Fan Motor
The fan is the part of your air conditioning unit that pushes the air through the system. Your tech will look for any damage to the blade and ensure that it spins to its full potential. A fan that moves too slowly may be in need of a new motor or capacitor. Finding these issues before summer months is much better than dealing with them when temperatures are extremely high.
Health of the Compressor
Consider the compressor the heart of an air conditioning system. It is responsible for circulating the refrigerant through coils, creating the cool air you feel. A compressor might be compromised by condensation buildup in the coils or damaged electrical components.
You can catch early signs of compressor problems during a regular maintenance check-up. Finding and correcting these issues before a compressor completely fails can save you big bucks.
Summer Energy Savings
Summer can have a big impact on your home’s cooling costs. Protecting your home from the heat outdoors and maintaining a cool interior temperature is crucial. There are many ways you can help make your home more energy-efficient.
Ceiling Fans
The Department of Energy estimates that an efficient ceiling fan used with air conditioning allows you to increase your thermostat by an average of four degrees without losing comfortability.
Ceiling fans boost cooling efficiency by creating a wind chill. Remember, you can turn them off when you leave the room as they are meant to cool people, not rooms.
Most ceiling fans feature a switch to change their direction. Be sure your fan is running counter-clockwise to blow air straight down. A ceiling fan that bears the Energy Star logo can be used at high settings without much of an impact on your electricity bill.
Manage Your Appliances
The comfortability of your home’s interior can be negatively affected by heat-producing appliances on hot days. Here’s how to lower their impact.
• Cook outside. Summer is a great time for grilling. Try to keep the oven off on blazing hot days. Instead, head outside for a backyard BBQ. If you do not have access to a grill, you can still limit oven use by using a stovetop or microwave.
• Limit drying appliances. If the weather complies, you can save big bucks (and heat) by avoiding drying appliances. Consider air-drying dishes and hanging wet clothes on an outdoor clothesline. If you must use these appliances, make sure you only operate them with full loads.
• Install low-energy light bulbs. Inefficient light bulbs only need about 15 percent of the electricity they receive to operate. The rest is tuned into heat. Install Energy Star light bulbs and turn off lights when they are unneeded.
Keep the Hot Air Out
Making sure your home is sealed from outside elements will greatly boost your home’s efficiency.
Check the perimeter of your home’s interior for drafts and higher levels of heat. Areas that allow heat inside should be sealed. You can sometimes correct small cracks with caulk.
Windows and doors are common areas to look for incoming air. Check with a local contractor to see if the problem can be resolved or if new doors and windows are required.
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Storing Winter Wear
Summer means saying goodbye to your sweatshirts and jackets and welcoming tank tops or T-shirts.
Making room in your closet to store these large winter clothes can cause big headaches. Since your winter clothing will not need to be easily accessed during summer, you can store small items in concealed bins. These spacesaving containers prevent air and moisture from entering and keep your clothing fresh. There are other ways to keep your larger items safe while in storage.
Clean Before You Store
It is important to give your winter wear an appropriate cleaning before storage. Follow the manufacturer’s directions on proper washing procedure. Stains might be hard to see and will have plenty of time to set while clothes are in storage. By the time you notice them next winter, they can be nearly impossible to eradicate.
Cleaning also will defend against moths and the musty odor they produce.
If clothes have been dry cleaned, make sure to remove them from their plastic carrying bags. If they are enclosed, they will attract moisture, which can promote mildew. Instead of plastic, cover your important clothes in cotton bags or cotton sheets. You will eliminate a risk of dust accumulation while allowing air to flow freely.
Finding an area for storing your winter wear can be difficult, especially if you are already limited on space. The room you choose should be properly ventilated, cooled and most importantly, dry.
Try to avoid using an attic or unfinished basement for storage. They can produce high temperature or moisture levels that can be dangerous to the integrity of your clothing.
If finding a suitable location is difficult, consider sorting your clothing and donating outfits you don’t necessarily need to a shelter or secondhand store.
Choosing Boxes
Cardboard boxes are popular choices when it comes to storing clothing, but did you know that this material can be hazardous to your clothes? Cardboard contains acid and glues that attracts pests that may wreak havoc on your winter wear.
Using plastic storage containers with sealed lids will create safe housing for your clothing away from pests and other dangerous elements.
Organize your Garage
The garage: the catchall section of our homes that never seems to get as much TLC as it deserves. It’s where the overflow of holiday decorations, outgrown clothes and sports equipment converge, often in disarray.
It’s time to take back control of this versatile space in your home. The garage has so much to offer if you’re willing to regularly maintain it. This may mean hanging new shelving for extra storage space or repainting the floor for a protective, great-looking shine.
Here are three steps you can take this weekend to achieve a more organized garage:
1. Give Yourself Enough
Time
Many homeowners think they can power through a garage reorganization in a matter of a couple of hours. Sure, if your garage is already in relatively good shape, that may be possible. But for people looking to complete an organizational overhaul, it is best to devote the bulk of a weekend to the chore.
Not doing so can leave you feeling frustrated by a job half done. Give yourself enough time to not only assess your current garage storage situation, but then also to put together a plan that highlights what goes where and how much you’re willing to spend on new storage materials.
2. Be Ready to Donate
Overflow can be a real problem in the garage. Fishing poles, soccer balls and kids’ bikes may as well call the garage their own. Without ample space for these materials, the garage’s walls may feel like they are caving in on you.
The solution: Give things away. Plenty of organizations offer some sort of item drop-off. Start a donate pile outside of your garage to collect all the extra items for which you have no use. Take your extra toys and baseball gloves to a deserving charity, but only if you’re sure you won’t need them again down the road.
3. Never Organize Alone
One of the best tips for organizing your garage is to invite friends and family members over to help. A major garage overhaul can be time consuming, requiring numerous hands on deck if you’re hoping to finish anytime soon. Call over some friends and family members. Have a list of specific responsibilities for volunteers to maximize their time when they are helping you. And remember to always treat your helpers to hot coffee or lunch, a gesture that will let them know they are appreciated.
Consider a Swimming Pool
Backyard swimming pools are a great source of relaxation and exercise. They are sometimes expensive but can greatly boost your home’s value while creating entertainment for your family and friends. There are several factors to consider before making this wet investment.
Do You Have Enough Room?
Swimming pools and their surround accessories, such as attractive landscaping, decks and pumps, can take up a lot of room in your yard. Make sure you are installing your new pool in an area that leaves you with enough space to do the things you love outdoors.
Before installing a pool, your professional installers will need to completely level the ground. Choosing an area of land that is already considerably level may save you money in labor costs.
Try to plan for an open area away from trees when choosing a plot for your pool. While a tree can provide shade, it also will necessitate extra maintenance. You likely will be scooping leaves and droppings from the birds above each time you want to take a swim.
Considering Costs
When deciding to install a swimming pool in your backyard, consider more than the initial installation cost. Pools require extensive upkeep, including a variety of chemicals to keep the water clean and suitable for swimming.
Prices also will vary depending on depth and diameter. Ask yourself how many people will typically be swimming at once before deciding on a size. You can save money by choosing a pool that isn’t too large for your needs.
Check with local officials to determine any requirements
before installing a pool. Some cities may require the pool to be enclosed within a fence, which can be another expensive project.
Swimming Safety Tips
The American Red Cross reports that more than 200 young children drown in backyard swimming pools each year. If you plan to allow small children in your pool, safety is extremely important. Follow these Red Cross safety tips to boost safety in the pool:
• Never leave children unattended when they are in or around the pool. Younger children should never be out of arm’s reach.
• Young or inexperienced swimmers should always wear a life jacket.
• Consider a pool alarm to alert you when someone enters the pool.
• Make sure the entire household is educated through water safety and CPR courses.
Change of Season, Change of Linens
We tend to shut our homes up during the winter months and perform our own version of hibernating.
And while we enjoy the cozy feeling this hibernation provides, it also can induce poor circulation of air and accumulation of dust and germs. Washing and changing out your linens is a necessary stage of spring cleaning. Go through every room thoroughly, and be sure to wash any winter items before storing. By the end, your home will be a brighter, cleaner version of itself.
Bedrooms
Say goodbye to all those heavy comforters, and welcome in light summer quilts. Changing out your bedding for lighter fabrics in an attractive print will go a long way toward freshening your bedroom.
Since spring can still be cool, keep a cozy but light throw at the foot of your bed. Not only does it make for an easy grab in the middle of the night, but will soften the look of your spring bedding.
Living Areas
Think throws, pillows and draperies. Not only is it good to change out these items for their lighter counterparts, but it also is smart to begin storing excess. Spring requires fewer layers, so start putting away what you know you won’t use. Give your draperies a good wash and inspect your blinds.
Keeping a space clean and bright is the trick to a quick “freshen up.”
Kitchen Towels and Door Mats
These often are forgotten items that can have a major impact on the freshness and cleanliness of your home. Winter weather can be hard on door mats — both indoor and outdoor. Replacing these with fresh mats will not only help keep the effects of spring showers out of your house but gives you the opportunity to introduce a spring design.
And don’t forget those kitchen towels. After all those holiday meals, they’ve most likely been more than pulling their weight.
If you don’t want to purchase new kitchen cloths, run your current ones through the wash with a good dose of bleach, and dry them with a few drops of your favorite essential oils.
Reducing Lawn Stress
When you think of stress, the last thing you might think of is your lawn. Summer temperatures can cause a great amount of stress to your lawn. Reducing this stress will promote a healthy lawn and help it grow to its full potential.
Some major stressful situations your lawn might experience come from extreme heat, lack of rain and heavy foot traffic. These factors will make it harder for your grass to grow.
Other factors that might become a more serious risk to an already stressed-out lawn include weeds and bugs. Take time to practice the following strategies to ease the stress on your lawn and give yourself a beautiful yard where you can relax after a long day.
Mowing Tips
The way you mow your grass has a big impact on the overall health of your lawn. Be sure to keep your blades sharp, as dull blades shred grass, making it harder to retain moisture. Also, shredded grass will turn brown, leaving your lawn looking dull if clippings are not cleaned after mowing.
Your blade should be kept at a high setting. Keeping your grass taller allows it to grow longer roots making it easier to reach the rich moisture deeper in the soil.
When to Water
During the summer, watering your lawn before 10 a.m. is beneficial. It gives your lawn time to absorb most of the water it needs before evaporation sets in, and it can dry out before nighttime comes.
Nighttime watering promotes bacterial and fungus diseases, as they depend on wet areas for reproduction and spreading
Sheer Shadings
purposes. Soaking your lawn at night will give these pathogens ample time to overtake your lawn.
The United States Environmental Protection Agency reports that Americans waste up to 50 percent of water used for irrigation due to an improper watering schedule. They encourage testing your lawn by stepping on a patch of grass. If it springs back, it is still holding proper moisture levels.
Seeding After a Stressful Summer
If you noticed your lawn showing signs of stress, you can give it an advantage for next summer by seeding it in the fall.
Ask your nursery for a great breed that thrives in heat and drought in your area. Your seeds should be ready to flourish by the time summer comes back around.
Flowers in Bloom
Attractive landscaping makes for a beautiful backdrop for relaxing and hosting outdoor events. Create a great backyard atmosphere with full-sun blooms.
The United States Department of Agriculture has created a beneficial hardiness zone map. You can reference the map before deciding on flowers. Depending on where you live, you might have more specific options you can take advantage of.
The flowers featured here will thrive in full sunlight anywhere in the United States.
Profusion Zinnias
These annual blooms create an attractive border for paths or landscaping stones and look beautiful in a vase. If you are looking for an attractive flower that will last into fall, Profusion Zinnias are the solution.
You can find these in a variety of colors including cherry, gold, white and orange-red.
Brown-eyed Susan
Your backyard will pop when you showcase these amazing yellow or orange flowers that attract both butterflies and birds. Their drooping leaves are highlighted with a polka-dot center. Warm-weather climates can enjoy these annuals well into winter months. You can also find these flowers in a perennial breed.
Sunflowers
A staple in backyards across America, sunflowers provide amazing views and tasty snacks. There are many different variations of these flowers, so be sure to read the growth chart before planting. Sunflower heights can range from 2 to 15 feet tall. Near the
end of the season, don’t forget to harvest the delicious seeds produced by these large flowers.
Marigolds
These cheerful yellow or orange flowers will add highlights to your backyard. They are known for their powerful fragrance, which is effective in keeping pests out of gardens. Marigolds are incredibly easy to grow and require little maintenance. Some can grow up to 2 feet tall.
Globe Amaranth
This is a clover-like flower that can last year round and stands out in bouquets or gardens. Different varieties can be found in colors of red, white or purple, giving you plenty of options when planting your garden. Two standout breeds are Strawberry Fields and All-Around Purple.
Plants for Window Boxes
Window boxes make for the perfect design elements to the exterior of your home. With the right flowers, they can serve as a downright stunning focal point of your backyard.
Whether you choose a collection of colorful annuals spilling over your box or a row of cute miniature flowers, window boxes are sure to catch some attention this spring.
Before filling your boxes, it is important to know the growing habits and requirements of the plants you plan to use. Factors such as sunlight, shade, watering and bloom time all must be taken into consideration.
The key to any awe-inspiring window box is to have fun. Don’t be afraid to let your creativity shine as you build your collection of flowers.
Sunlight
If your window box is exposed to full sunlight, you have a bevy of flower options at your disposal. From vinca to marigolds, you can find flowers with gorgeous combinations of green foliage and colorful petals.
Geraniums are low-maintenance bloomers that can
generally reach about 12 inches tall — the perfect option if you’re looking to add a little height to your flower box.
A slightly shorter option that is just as colorful is the petunia. These beauties grow to a height of 4 to 12 inches, and like the geranium, come in a trailing variety that can help you put together a flower box overflowing with vibrant colors.
Shade
If your window box will be located in partial or full shade, be sure to choose shade-loving plants such as impatiens, begonias or caladium for maximum impact. All of these varieties are available in a full range of colors and tones, making your job of matching the flowers to the hue of your home an easy one.
Find flowers that give off pops of bright pinks and purples if you’re looking to make a dramatic statement near your home’s entry or any other prominent spot. Be sure to maintain your flowers throughout the year to keep your widow boxes in striking form.
Installing Drywall
Do you have a room with damaged drywall? Maybe you’re looking to replace older paneling with the smooth, more modern appeal of drywall.
Installing and finishing your own drywall is a tedious, yet doable project for the average homeowner. Drywall comes in large sheets that are easy to screw into your wall’s studs. Once you have removed your damaged drywall or paneling, it’s time to get to work.
Hanging Your Drywall
Before you hang your drywall, it’s important to hold a piece up to your wall to make sure both ends of it are on a stud. With a cordless drill and the proper drywall screws, drive a screw every 8 inches along the perimeter of each sheet.
Drive your screws until they are imprinted into the drywall, not flush with the surface. You will apply joint compound to these dimpled areas later for a smooth finish.
Don’t forget to measure, mark and cut your drywall where any electrical outlets or light switches will need to go.
Mudding Your Drywall
Once your drywall is hung, it’s time to apply joint compound to all taped areas and any screw holes or dents. Also known as mud, this compound will
take care of any imperfections and make your various pieces of drywall appear as one.
• Smooth on the compound with a taping knife;
• Wait for the first coat to dry and then apply a second; and
• Remember you will be sanding this later so only use what you need.
Sanding Drywall
Use a medium-grit sandpaper in your first round of sanding to bring down any rough areas left over from mudding. Too coarse a paper could damage the drywall paper surface. Too light a paper could be ineffective in breaking through layers of mud.
For ceilings you can use a pole-mounted drywall sanding tool. For small areas, you can sand with a wet sponge to reduce drywall dust.
Repairing Leaky Faucets
Drip, drip, drip. That sound means water leaving your faucet and money leaving your wallet. A leaky faucet can increase your water bill in no time, so it’s important to act quickly.
In most cases, repairing a leaky faucet is simple work. It generally requires removing a worn washer. Even homeowners with little experience in plumbing can take care of this issue themselves.
This article focuses on the standard compression faucet — the most common style. Others include ceramic disk, cartridge and ball type.
Fixing a compression faucet usually involves replacing a washer. Fixing others can require the replacement of Orings or neoprene seals.
Always keep your owner’s manual for fixtures, as some may have more elaborate repair specifications than others.
For repairing a compression faucet, there are some simple steps to take before you get started.
First Steps
• Always remember to shut off the water under the sink. You will be removing parts that essentially block the water from gushing out of your faucet, so it’s important to follow this first step.
• Cover your sink drain with a cloth or paper towel in case you drop a small part or screw.
• Prepare your wrench for action by duct-taping its jaws. This will prevent any scratching of your fixture.
Fixing the Issue
Now that you’re ready for repair, it’s time to disassemble the faucet. Depending on what yours looks like, you should start by prying off the decorative cap on the handle.
After that:
• Remove the handle screw;
• Use a wrench to unscrew the packing nut;
• Unscrew the stem;
• Remove the worn seat washer (which may be held in place by a brass screw); and
• Coat the new washer with plumber’s grease and reinstall the fixture.
As good as your newly installed parts look, the true test will come in turning on the water. After you’ve reinstalled all screws and parts, turn back on your water and check for leaks.
Benefits of a Hot Tub
KWhat better way to relieve the stress of a long, hard day than soaking in a hot tub? Whether in your bathroom or on your deck, little can beat the warmth and relaxing benefits of a hot tub. It simply has a way of shedding the hassles of a hectic day.
If you’re considering buying and installing a hot tub, it’s smart to have some idea of what is available on the market and how you plan to use one prior to making your purchase. The installation of a hot tub is significantly more complicated than that of your standard bathtub. So if your bathroom remodeling plans include a hot tub, talk with your framing contractor, plumber and electrician prior to purchasing one. A hot tub requires additional framing, and the extra weight of it when filled with water may require strengthening of the floor. In addition, a
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hot tub typically requires larger plumbing supply lines and electricity to drive the necessary electrical system. Another key consideration is the size and shape of the tub. Hot tubs come in a variety of shapes and sizes. Prior to shopping, write down the measurements for the area you have reserved for it. Some hot tubs fit a rectangular footprint similar to that of a standard tub and are perfect for mounting on walls, whereas others are oval or circular in shape. There are even hot tubs that are designed to fit into corners to conserve floor space.
Although most large home improvement centers sell hot tubs, you may find a wider selection and more options by shopping at a specialty store. A specialty store often offers installation services, as well, and no doubt the people there will know more about hot tubs than the average employee working at a home improvement center. Also, they will
likely have better access to replacement parts when the time comes for making repairs to your hot tub -- which inevitably will happen. Pumps and motors are moveable parts that over time wear out. When shopping for a hot tub, compare warranties. They can vary significantly between manufacturers. The specialty store may also offer its own warranty for installation.
Expect to pay two to three times the cost of a standard bathtub for your hot tub. Also, expect to pay several hundred dollars more for the installation of the hot tub. There is simply a lot more work required in installing a hot tub than there is with a basic bathtub.
So go for it. Spend some extra money on that hot tub. You won’t regret it down the road. Really, there is little that can dissolve the day’s headaches and hassles better than a hot evening soak in a hot tub.
Move over Round-Up, there’s a new kid on the block
Poison ivy, the noxious, invasive weed, intrudes in our lives in the most undesirable way. Wild Floribunda Rose has a beautiful smell, the plant, if not controlled, can take over an area in record time. Then there are the other two overachievers that smell divine but can quickly take over our landscapes – the dreaded wild honeysuckle and kudzu vines.
That’s just to name a few of the plant criminals that are busily robbing homeowners, property owners and farmers of the use of their most precious asset, their land.
Many thousands of our hardearned dollars are spent each year trying to regain control of areas that are being overrun with noxious and invasive weeds. Most of the money is used to buy chemical herbicides like RoundUp. The other alternative is to hire man and machine to clear the land, which can become very costly, and both are not good for the environment.
Chemicals leach into nearby streams and water sources and
can easily poison the water. Machinery pollutes the air, creates noise pollution, compacts the soil and disrupts natural ecosystems by destroying the habitats of animals, insects and birds that inhabit that area.
As stewards of our environment, we are constantly seeking out new and greener ways to get jobs done. For brush, weed control and land clearing, we had to look no further than the barnyard. Right in front of our noses were weed-eating, brushclearing, eco-friendly machines – goats!
Goats are the new tool being added to the landscaping arsenal. Goats have been kept for years for their milk, meat, pelts and fibers, but with the recent invention of portable electric fencing powered by solar chargers, herders are now able to contain them in concentrated areas to clear away unwanted vegetation.
Although managed goat grazing is not a new concept, it is now coming to light because we are becoming a greener society.
It has been used for a long time in the American West to eliminate dead brush and limit wildfires. Goat grazing is now catching on in the East as companies, towns, farmers, landowners, communities and homeowners are being introduced to the eco-friendly advantages of managed goat grazing.
The National Cemetery in Washington, D.C., The National Forest Service, The Bureau of Land Management and companies like Google are using goats in an effort to become greener. Many state, county and city contractors are choosing to use managed goat grazing. Goats do their job well and are great ambassadors for the green way of clearing unwanted vegetation.
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Green Grazers
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The pros of managed goat grazing:
• Goats are herbivores, and they will munch on broadleafed vegetation until every leaf is gone. They are not lawn mowers! The grass is the last thing they will eat.
• Goats eat and rest and eat some more. Thirty goats can clear an average of one-quarter of an acre of dense brush and vegetation in a day.
• Goats are easy on the soil. They are extremely agile and can clear areas such as culverts, hilly and rocky terrains, retention basins, hedgerows and floodplains where other alternatives are not feasible.
• Goats are fertilizer spreaders. What goes in as weeds comes out as pelleted fertilizer that the goats trample into the ground, thereby nourishing the grasses and desirable vegetation with an all-natural boost.
• Goats have a natural ability to destroy weed seeds in the process of chewing and digestion, making the seeds nonviable in their droppings.
• Goats are docile animals. They are entertaining to watch as they do their work. They find the greatest pleasure in climbing and jumping on the smallest rocks to the largest boulders.
Of course, goats are not selective about what they eat. If you want it kept, they want to eat it. So care must be given to save the plants you want to keep. The pros, therefore, far outweigh the cons where managed goat grazing is concerned, and it’s a win-win proposition for all. For more information on Managed Goat Grazing, or to find a herd of goat grazers near you, contact Green Grazer Goats at www. GreenGrazer Goats.com.
Go green. Go goats!
•Grass & Brush Cutting on steep slopes or difficult terrain
•Stump Grinding•Garden Tilling•Snow Removal
•Gravel Driveway/Parking Lot Restoration
•Grading and Leveling Applications
•Trenching for Drainage, Irrigation, Electrical, Plumbing, Invisible Pet Fences, etc.
•Moving of Mulch, Soil and Stone
•Blade Sharpening for Knives and Chainsaws
Discounts for Veterans and First Responders
and
8 Wheels and a low center of gravity are what sets us apart from the others. We won’t leave ruts behind either. Our job isn’t done until you are COMPLETELY SATISFIED.
Attend a Spring Garden Festival
In between some shade trees with the breeze gently pushing you through rows upon rows of fresh vegetables, locally made crafts and one-of-a-kind food items. Is there a better way to spend a spring day?
Every year, millions of people take to the centers of their respective communities to celebrate all things garden. And considering the emerging popularity of movements focused on eating clean and consuming more organic products, local growers are finding their services in high demand. Spring garden festivals provide enjoyable experiences for people of all ages, tastes and preferences for items such as flowers, bushes or trees. No matter what you’re looking for at a spring garden festival, you’re sure to find it.
Get Inspired
One of the best aspects of attending a spring garden festival is the accessibility of local experts. This is your chance to ask your lawn and garden questions to a true specialist in the field.
You will likely find professionals from local nurseries, garden centers and outdoor construction firms. Use this opportunity to pick their brains on projects you have in mind for your home, such as a new garden fence or outdoor kitchen area.
Get Products
Don’t let the word “garden” fool you into thinking you’ll only be able to find flowers or plants at your spring festival. Quite the opposite.
Vendors will be ready to sell all types of food, drinks, gardening tools, lawn accessories and decorative outdoor pieces, as well.
Many downtowns host sidewalk sales during their spring festivals. Here you can find local businesses selling their unique jewelry and housewares, all during a convenient stroll down your city streets.
Get Going
What are you waiting for? Touch base with your local tourism organization and check the upcoming events section of your local newspaper to find your town’s next summer garden festival.
Don’t forget to bring a cart or wagon for all the goodies you’ll find.
A pickup truck will make it easy to haul the annuals, perennials, vegetables, herbs and spices you find from your favorite local businesses.
