Spring Home, Lawn & Garden

pri n g Home S Lawn & Garden • Page 4: Vegetable gardening 101 • Page 6: Owner of M&S Outdoor Equipment gives tips for a healthy lawn and equipment • Page 8: How to make your outdoor living spaces useful all year.

Tuesday, April 22, 2013

Page 2 • Home, Lawn & Garden • Albert Lea Tribune • Tuesday, April 22, 2014

Find low maintenance materials when building a deck that can withstand wear and tear.

Outdoor living projects that can be done in a few weekends

Spring is the perfect time to put your home’s best face forward. The good news is you can refresh your outdoor living space with easy-to-tackle projects that can be done in a few weekends.

Whether you’re building a brand new deck from the bottom-up or updating your existing outdoor living space, here are five simple tips to help do-it-yourselfers turn their dream deck into a reality.

Find online inspiration

Determine the type of outdoor living space you want to create that will fit your family’s needs and complement your existing exterior and architecture. Tap your inner designer by flipping through pages of your favorite magazines, perusing online inspiration via Houzz or Pinterest and experimenting with online virtual applications that allow you to test different colors and configurations.

Take it to the store

After gathering inspiration, visit your nearby home improvement store for additional ideas. Explore the aisles to check out materials, calculate costs and purchase necessary tools and supplies. Bring with you a list of questions you might have regarding your project.

Store associates are always willing to give advice — tap their knowledge for any inquiries you might have.

Enhance your deck with quality materials

With so many types of decking material available it is hard to know which products will give you the best return on your investment. When

researching, find quality low maintenance materials that can withstand years of wear and tear from weather, outdoor furniture, dropped grilling tools and foot traffic. A high-performance wood-alternative decking offers superior durability and longlasting appearance. It’s resistant to fading, staining, scratching and mold, offers hassle-free maintenance and only requires an occasional washing with soap and water.

Test your green thumb

From flower beds to vegetable gardens, landscaping can add privacy, beauty and create a better backyard for entertaining family and friends.

Evaluate your climate, land, existing plants and structures that will affect your landscape design. After assessing your space, visit your local nursery or home improvement store to select the kind of plants you want to use.

Talk with store associates to find out what types of plants grow best in your environment. For smaller spaces, consider planting container gardens.

Mix perennials, annuals, ornamental grasses and shrubs in pots for bright bursts of color.

Complete with accessories, furnishings

Finish your outdoor space with durable, all-weather furniture and decorative accessories. Incorporate color with an assortment of weatherresistant cushions, throw pillows and umbrellas in stylish patterns.

Finally, add ambiance and safety with outdoor lighting.

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Albert Lea Tribune • Tuesday, April 22, 2014 • Home, Lawn & Garden • Page 3

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Page 4 • Home, Lawn & Garden • Albert Lea Tribune • Tuesday, April 22, 2014

Vegetable gardening 101

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Planting a vegetable garden is not really that difficult, and I believe everyone should grow at least some of their own vegetables. And especially for those who have younger children, gardening can be a wonderful learning experience.

When planning for a garden, you will want to look for a location with good soil, access to the sun for most of the day and access to water. Once you have found a good location, you can begin planning your garden on paper.

Usually it is best to have your rows straight and parallel. The distance between the rows depends on what you are planting. Carrots, radishes, lettuce and onions can be fairly close together. Vine crops need more room to spread out, and you may want them on one end of the garden.

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Some people start their seeds inside when it is too cold to plant them outside. of space. Tomatoes should be either in cages, trellised or tied up to keep the fruit off the ground. And try to arrange your garden so taller things will not shade out smaller things. Keep in mind how much your family can use, and which are their favorite vegetables, when planning your garden. If your space is very small, you may want to plant high yielding vegetables, such as lettuce, swiss chard, green beans and tomatoes.

Some vegetables that can be grown in the spring can also be planted again in the cooler weather of fall, such as radishes, lettuce, spinach and peas. Succession plantings of things like green beans can give you a supply throughout the summer. Sweet corn should be grown in blocks (several rows) in order to pollinate properly, and may not be a good crop if you are limited on space.

When the soil is dry enough in the spring, you will want to spade or till to a depth of 7 or 8 inches. Use a rake or hoe to break up the lumps, and level the soil. Never work up soil when it is too wet! If the soil does not crumble when squeezed into a ball, it is too wet. Soil amendments such as compost or well rotted manure can be added, as well as fertilizers.

Plant cool season crops first. As soon as the soil works up well in the spring, you can plant onions, radishes, lettuce, spinach, peas and even carrots and beets. You can also set out broccoli and cabbage plants quite early, as they will be able to take a light frost. Do not plant green beans, tomatoes, peppers, vine crops or sweet corn until the danger of frost is past.

The depth that you plant seeds depends primarily on the size of the seed.

Smaller seeds should be about 1/4 to 1/2 inch deep. Try to space the seeds so that the plants will not be crowded too much. If your plants come up too thick,

thin them. An unwanted plant is a weed, and plants that are too crowded will never grow well.

Summer care of your vegetable gardens will include weeding and hoeing.

Shallow hoeing between the rows, and pulling the weeds within the row, will help your vegetables grow well. If lack of rainfall causes your plants to get too dry, you will need to provide additional water. Overhead sprinklers will work fine, but probably should be used in the morning so the plants are not wet overnight. Mulching around the plants can also help conserve moisture. Water only when the plants need it, and then water enough so the moisture reaches the plant roots.

Watering too frequently can cause plant roots to stay shallow and not go down to get the nutrients they need.

Watch for insect damage and diseases and treat when noticed. Rotate your different crops so you do not grow the same plants in the same location until three or four years have passed. This will avoid some of the soil-borne plant diseases. Also, try to wait until foliage is dry before working around your plants.

Harvesting your vegetables is the fun and rewarding part of gardening. Most vegetables are at the highest quality when picked in the young, tender stages, and generally picking in the cool morning is better. And sampling (while you are picking), can be part of the fun. Nothing better than sampling a freshly picked snap pea, or taking a bite of that juicy, red tomato.

Keeping garden records of the variety planted, when it was planted, and noting any other details about insect damage or diseases, and even when you first harvested from that planting, can be interesting and helpful when making plans for your garden the next year.

Albert Lea Tribune • Tuesday, April 22, 2014 • Home, Lawn & Garden • Page 5

How to bring life back into your yard and garden this spring

Spring season is a time of regeneration and renewal as you prepare to bring life back to your lawn and garden. Taking the proper steps after seasonal changes or severe weather conditions can prove to be the difference between creating a breathtaking landscape or an outdoor space with unsightly mishaps.

By following a few simple steps, you can take pride in your backyard year after year.

Inspect and replace tools of the trade

The first step to creating an outdoor masterpiece begins with the proper equipment.

You can’t very well dig, rake or mow with broken or dull materials, so now is the time to inspect each of your tools. Check your lawnmower and other garden essentials for signs of damage or rust.

Making sure that your garden tools are in good condition at the start of the season will help establish the right foundation for a successful planting and growing season.

“The right tools can make all the difference in creating a lawn that leaves a lasting impression,” said Alan Luxmore, host of A&E’s hit television show “Fix This Yard.” “Arm yourself with tools that are not only durable, but easy to use.”

Bring new life into the garden

Once your soil is permeable, it should be prepped for the upcoming planting season by removing dead leaves and plants that may have been left over from the previous season.

Use a rotary tiller to break up and aerate hard soil. Once the old material has been removed from the work area and your soil is ready, begin planting your new plants,

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flowers, vegetables and grass. You can also help your trees, bushes and even certain plants have a more robust look by trimming them back to encourage new bud growth.

Establish a regular watering regimen

One of the most important steps to maintaining a healthy lawn and garden is providing it with the proper nutrients.

Using a hose for daily irrigation seems simple, but without the proper watering set up, your efforts could be futile. A proper watering guide and the following tips from the watering experts at Nelson can increase efficiency and bring you one step closer to creating a yard with envious curb appeal.

• Give your greens a thorough soaking once in a while to produce extended and robust roots.

• The best time to water is in the morning, when the air is cool and moist.

The warmth of the sun and the rising temperature gently dries the grass and the leaves on the plants.

And since morning air is damp, you don’t waste water through evaporation.

• Follow a regular watering schedule to discourage bugs by providing them with an inhospitable environment.

Insects, with the possible exception of the water bug, aren’t terribly fond of water.

• To be certain your lawn is hydrated adequately when it has failed to rain, the standard rule of thumb is to sprinkle one inch of water per week.

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Page 6 • Home, Lawn & Garden • Albert Lea Tribune • Tuesday, April 22, 2014

Tips for a healthy lawn – and healthy lawn equipment

By Hannah Dillon

news@albertleatribune.com

For nearly 20 years, M&S Outdoor Equipment of Albert Lea has provided lawn equipment to local consumers.

Mike and Susan Draayer opened M&S Outdoor Equipment in October of 1994, and the business started in their home. Since then, they have moved to their current store at 519 Prospect Ave. and have built a few add-ons.

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variety of equipment, including chainsaws, mowers and trimmers as well as safety equipment, and sells Husqvarna, Stihl and Exmark brand products.

Mike Draayer has a variety of tips and suggestions for keeping your lawn looking healthy and your outdoor equipment working well this spring.

A healthy lawn

Soil aeration is important, Draayer said. Keeping your lawn aerated in the fall helps nutrients and minerals get to the roots of the grass. Oftentimes after a large snow pile melts, the grass below will be smashed to the ground.

Draayer suggested using a rake or aeration tool to lift the blades off the soil to allow the sun to reach the soil.

Draayer said to pick up any leaves and debris in your yard after the snow melts, as this can “choke,” or hinder the growth and nutrition, of the grass.

He said to fertilize lawns in fall and spring to keep them healthy.

Fall fertilization created strong roots for grass and plants, allowing a strong base to get through winter.

Fertilizing in September gets your lawn through a hot summer, but fertilizing in October is key to keeping strong roots through winter.

Use a sharp blade when mowing the lawn. A dull blade can rip grass blades instead of cut them, leaving grass dead and bruised.

Lastly, he said to water grass when it gets too dry. Draayer said this might seem obvious, but it can help keep your lawn looking healthy and green.

Caring for equipment

Just like lawn care, lawn equipment care starts in the fall. Draayer said to use a fuel stabilizer in the fall so that your equipment starts up in the spring. He said to use clean oil and a clean filter in all of your equipment. Changing your oil and filter at the beginning of the mowing season will keep your equipment running smoothly.

It’s important to use a sharp blade, Draayer said. Sharp blades cut grass with less effort, and it results in a

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better-looking lawn. Dull blades rip grass blades instead of cut them, leaving dead and bruised tips of grass in your lawn.

Mowing speed is also important.

Mowing too fast can result in missed blades, giving an uneven look to your lawn. If you are mowing too fast, your mower’s engine will pull down and put strain on it. Mowing too slow can result in grass that is cut too short, and short grass promotes weed growth. Longer grass holds moisture better, Draayer said.

Draayer finally said to make sure to cut your grass when it is dry, because wet grass will clump. Late afternoon is the optimal time for mowing, Draayer said.

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• When operating a lawn mower, start with basic safety concerns such as wearing the proper attire, including substantial shoes (no sandals or flip-flops), long pants and snug-fitting clothes. Inspect the mower for loose belts or hoses before you start it. Be sure no one else is nearby as you prepare to start the mower, especially children and pets. If you have a riding mower, start it while sitting in the driver’s seat, never while standing beside the mower.

• When operating a chain saw, wear protective gear such as safety footwear, gloves, chaps, safety goggles and hearing protection. Never carry a running chain saw when it isn’t being used, and be sure your work area is clear of debris that could trip you while operating the saw. Keep other people out of your work area. If you’re cutting down a tree, plan a retreat route for when the tree falls. Be aware of “kickback,” which can happen when the nose or tip of the guide bar touches an object, or when the wood you’re cutting pinches the saw chain in the cut. These scenarios could result in the guide bar kicking back toward the user.

Albert Lea Tribune • Tuesday, April 22, 2014 • Home, Lawn & Garden • Page 7

Composite or wood? What to know about building a deck

As temperatures warm across the country, many homeowners will begin thinking about home improvement. Adding a deck or replacing an old one is a popular project in spring and summer — one that provides outdoor entertaining space and enhances home value. If you’re considering a deck project this season, will you choose to build with wood or composite?

Decks built from either material have a high return on investment at the time of resale. Both can provide your family with a great space in which to enjoy warm weather. Before you decide which material is right for your deck, however, consider these facts, and learn the truth behind some common myths about composite decking: Myth: Wood is “greener” than composite decking.

Truth: In many ways, composite decking is far more eco-friendly than wood. When you consider the life cycle of both products, composite products like Fiberon emerge as materials with minimal environmental impact. Composite production processes require less energy and water, create fewer emissions and make use of recycled materials.

Because Fiberon purchases most materials from sources within 500 miles of the production plant, less energy is consumed transporting materials.

Your final, finished deck requires no harsh chemical treatments to make it resist rot and stain, and it will last for decades. That durability means less

energy consumption, fewer resources needed to replace it and less discarded material in landfills.

Myth: Composite fades, looks fake and doesn’t have wood’s beauty.

Truth: Like any new technology, composite decking has evolved from its basic beginnings. Today’s composite deck material comes in an array of colors and textures that are fade resistant. Wood is undeniably beautiful, and many composite decking options now mimic the natural grain and beauty of wood. Whether your taste runs to classic or contemporary, you’ll find composite selections from Fiberon that deliver the look of traditional wood grains and even exotic hardwoods. Advances in composite technology have yielded products that so closely resemble wood, you may not be able to tell the difference until you step on one barefoot - you’ll find the composite smooth and splinter-free!

Myth: Composite decking is too expensive.

Truth: While the initial outlay for materials may be the same as exotic woods or more than pressure treated wood, the durability, longevity and low-maintenance requirements of composite mean it will actually cost less over its lifetime than wood. Composite eliminates the cost of re-staining a deck every year, and its rot-resistant qualities greatly curtail repair costs.

Myth: Wood is a better material for do-it-yourself decks.

Truth: If your DIY skills are up to working with wood, you can definitely

Wood is better for do-it-yourself decks. build your own deck using composite materials. In fact, composite products are easier to work with than wood in many ways. Unlike wood, composite planks won’t splinter or fracture. Finally, when your deck is done, you can start enjoying it right away, without the need to stain or seal the deck before you can use it.

Myth: You can’t make custom designs with composite decking.

Truth: Composite decking offers vast design flexibility, just like wood.

Whether your dream deck involves

multiple tiers and multi-function spaces, customized railings, built-in seating or an outdoor kitchen, you can achieve it with composite decking.

Finally, if you’re still unsure about composite decking, consider this: a composite deck will return about 74 percent of its construction cost when you sell your home, according to Remodeling Magazine’s Cost vs. Value Report. Until then, your low-maintenance composite deck will can provide decades of worry-free enjoyment to your family.

Simple tips to create the perfect outdoor living room this year It’s that time of year — time to dust off your patio furniture, fill your planters and set up to spend the spring outdoors. While expanding an outdoor space is a top renovation project for homeowners and renters alike, it does not have to induce a state of pre-spring stress. With a few simple tips, you can create an outdoor space that adds value and comfort to your home.

Focus on your front entrance

“Enhance your home’s curb appeal by brightening up your front entrance,” said The Home Depot’s Director of Trend and Design, Sarah Fishburne. “A coat of brightly colored paint on your front door can redefine the look of your home.” This year, go bold with your color choice — try

coral, tomato red, teal, aqua, violet, pistachio and cobalt. Add a wreath, doormat, kick plates and new door hardware to complete the look. Knobs and handles with a burnished bronze finish also hide fingerprints and don’t show tarnish as easily. After all, a fabulous front entrance can make a powerful first impression.

Design your dream deck

The base of any great outdoor space is a clean slate. Start with a good scrub and power wash. Echo the feel of your interior to create a cohesive style that makes it easy for you to move indoor decor outside when you are hosting. Start by creating a sense of space with an arbor or trellis. Use colors, furniture finishes and seasonal accessories

that complement each other. If you’re unsure where to start, use an online patio planning tool to make it easier to customize the look. Mix and match patterns, textures and sheens for a designer-inspired finish.

For urban dwellers in apartments or small spaces, you can create a great outdoor space by installing a vertical garden filled with succulents and a small cocktail table and chairs.

Accessorize and add color

Accessories aren’t just about making a fashion statement,” said Fishburne. “In fact, adding finishing touches to your front and back porch creates a polished look and feel.”

Not only does a weather-resistant, indoor/outdoor rug anchor furniture just like in a living room but it also

adds a punch of pattern and color to complement your outdoor furniture.

Adding big, bright flowers, such as red geraniums is a simple and cost effective way to brighten up your outdoor space. Not a gardener? Not a problem. Achieve beautiful results with minimal effort by using premixed containers of bright spring flowers. For additional pop, whitewash or paint your tired planters with this season’s hottest colors — pollen yellow or aquatic green.

Plan for a party

What’s a great outdoor space without others to share it with? Set up your space to host parties all season long. Don’t leave your guests in the dark — hang up string lights or place solar lights around the patio to get the party going.

Page 8 • Home, Lawn & Garden • Albert Lea Tribune • Tuesday, April 22, 2014

Ways to make your outdoor living spaces more useful all year No matter if you live on a coast or in the Upper Midwest, you can use your outdoor spaces to the fullest in any season by adding a few enhancements. Whether you do it yourself or hire a professional, it’s easy to add features like a seat wall and a fire ring for an outdoor gathering spot, or an outdoor kitchen to create the taste of summer all year. A few simple improvements can help you create a space that keeps you outside longer into the night, earlier in the spring and later into the cooler seasons.

1. Add a fire feature.

Even in sunny Florida, it can get chilly at night. An outdoor fireplace, fire table, fire pit or chiminea will enhance any outdoor space. A 2013 membership survey by the American Society of Landscape Architects found that 97 percent of respondents saw moderate to high demand for fire pits and fireplaces.

“Some of our most popular installations feature fireplaces on a patio or a fire ring surrounded by a seat wall,” said Kelly O’Donahue, a landscape designer in St. Paul. “A fire feature is a useful and beautiful addition to any outdoor living space that you can enjoy in all seasons.”

2. Create a convenient outdoor cooking space.

A dedicated space for the grill close to a door lets you barbecue in any season. A complete outdoor kitchen

is even better. “Cooking outside isn’t just for summertime anymore,” said O’Donahue. “Grill islands and outdoor kitchens are very popular requests when designing outdoor spaces.”

3. Add lighting.

A variety of lighting options for outdoor spaces exist, and it’s a good idea to include lighting design for safety and aesthetics in your landscaping plans, said O’Donahue. Low-voltage LED uplights along walls and structures and downlights along pathways and walkways are popular. “Lighting can be installed within retaining walls, under capstones and among paving stone pathways and patios,” says O’Donahue. Even a simple string of lights around a patio or deck railing adds a warm ambience to evenings and cool nights.

4. Install a paving stone patio.

Interlocking concrete paving stones fit any outdoor landscape style, from classic to contemporary. Pavers are easy to install, come in many styles and colors and require little to no maintenance. Some pavers feature a surface texture like natural stone.

5. Select year-round outdoor furniture.

Look for outdoor furniture that’s durable and doesn’t need storage or annual maintenance other than cleaning.

Concrete pavers are easy to install and come in many styles and colors. a variety of pergolas, awnings and other coverings for patios and decks that not only provide shade but also help protect from wind and inclement weather.

7. Turn on the heat.

A variety of portable outdoor gas or electric patio heaters and lamps adds warmth and light to outdoor spaces. “Freestanding heaters, lamps and tabletop fire bowls and pots are very popular,” Johnson said.

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