May 08, 2015

e t a L HOME AND GARDEN GUIDE 2015

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Friday, May 8, 2015 Penticton Western News

The many everyday uses for vinegar Submitted

Check your kitchen pantry and you will probably find a bottle of vinegar.

While this substance can add much-needed tang to favorite recipes and even improve the leavening function of some baking ingredients, its power extends far beyond the kitchen.

Many are surprised upon learning how much vinegar can do. A sour-tasting liquid that contains acetic acid, vinegar can be used as a cleaning product and an influential ingredient in many recipes. Vinegar also is relatively inexpensive, making it a cost-effective home staple.

If you are ready to get more from that versatile vinegar in your kitchen pantry, explore the following ways to put it to use.

Cleaning

Vinegar is an effective cleaning fluid, perhaps best known for producing streak-free windows. Vinegar also can dissolve dirt from painted walls and remove grime from woodwork.

By boiling 1⁄4 cup of white distilled vinegar in the microwave with a cup of water, you can loosen splattered-on food and deodorize the appliance. Vinegar also can be used to deodorize garbage disposals, coffee makers and kitchen drains. It’s an effective means to removing pet odors from carpeting as well.

Around the bathroom, use vinegar to remove soap scum film from shower doors and tile surfaces. Remove stubborn toilet bowl stains as well. Corrosion and hard water can clog showerheads, and by soaking the shower nozzle in vinegar overnight, you can dislodge any material.

You can rely on vinegar when cleaning up

around your home office as well. Vinegar can help clean sticky scissor blades or remove ballpoint-pen marks from surfaces.

A vinegar-and-water solution can be used to clean keyboards and other electronic equipment. Apply with a damp cloth rather than spraying the solution directly onto the electronics.

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Some people say that vinegar can be used as an appetite suppressant. Using it on prepared foods may help you to eat less.

Vinegar is handy for relieving the pains

associated with sunburns and jellyfish stings.

Dot irritated areas with vinegar to relieve pain and itching. Because vinegar can act as an antibacterial, gargling it can alleviate some throat ailments. Even if it can’t prevent illness, a vinegar gargle can soothe throat soreness. Apple cider vinegar also may help soothe an upset stomach. Use two teaspoons of the vinegar to one cup of water.

Some people have used vinegar to soften skin and remove corns from feet. It also may dissolve warts. Be sure to check with a doctor before using vinegar to verify its safety with regard to your particular situation.

In addition to each of these uses, vinegar is handy in the laundry room, helping to remove stains and rinse detergents from fabrics more easily.

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Lawn and garden

Vinegar makes an effective weed deterrent and can kill grass that grows between the cracks on sidewalks and driveways.

Acid-loving plants, such as rhododendrons or azaleas, can benefit from a little vinegar mixed in when watering.

If you want to keep ants at bay, use vinegar when cleaning outdoor patio furniture or spray it around areas that are susceptible to ant infestations. You may find the ants steer clear of the smell.

More and more homeowners are embracing a relatively new way to shower.

Walk-in, or walk-behind, showers are doorless structures that are designed to give the shower a more open look.

Walk-in showers are often

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Though walk-in showers do not have doors, they do employ a glass partition to keep water in.

Walk-in showers often give a bathroom a more modern look, but their role is more than aesthetic. In fact, many seniors find it is easier to get in and out of a walk-in shower, something that could reduce their risk of falling and suffering an injury.

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Penticton Western News Friday, May 8, 2015

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Secrets to keeping an organized shed Submitted

Despite other intentions, homeowners often turn their garages into storage centres for random, little-used items, leaving little to no room for the tools and even vehicles that actually belong in a garage.

Such homeowners may turn to sheds to store their garage overflow and keep yard equipment at the ready, but storage sheds are not immune to clutter, and homeowners may find the very structure erected to keep them organized requires a bit of organization itself.

A well-organized shed can save homeowners time and energy, as it’s easy to abandon or delay a project if you can’t find that pair of work gloves you stashed.

The first step to any organizing project is to take everything out of the shed and determine just what needs to go back in.

Items that do not belong in the shed should be moved to their rightful locations or tossed in the trash if they’re no longer needed.

Make a pile of anything that will be kept, a separate one for donations and a third for garbage.

Take inventory of what you have so you know whether you’re missing any items or you have something and do not need to purchase another.

Now that the entire shed is empty, you can assess just how

much room you have. Utilizing vertical and overhead space effectively can free up areas on the floor for larger equipment.

Shelving, racks, pegboards and any other materials that enable you to hang or store items off the floor are good investments.

Visit your nearby home improvement retailer to find items that can simplify your storage.

You also may be able to put scrap wood to use to make your own storage shelves or a work bench.

Extra kitchen cabinets can be installed in the shed to organize ad-

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ditional items.

In order to remember where items go, label or sort them accordingly. Some people like to take organization a step further by tracing the outline of tools hung on the wall so they can be placed back in the same spot after

use. This also serves as a visual reminder of which tools are missing and which ones need to be purchased.

Don’t forget to utilize shed doors as additional storage space.

Hang frequently used tools, such as rakes and shovels, on the inside of the doors so they will always be easily accessible.

You also can repurpose storage solutions designed for other areas of the home.

For example, magnetic knife holders can be mounted to a shed wall to keep paintbrushes organized. These holders also can be used to keep many small metal tools tidy. Metal funnels can hold twine and string. Thread through the narrow end of the funnel for a handy dispenser.

Keep dangerous substances off the floor and out of reach. Gasoline, chemical fertilizers and other potentially dangerous substances should be stored high up to keep pets and children safe.

Make sure the shed floor is sturdy and level. This makes it easier to neatly store larger items.

Roll in the lawnmower, wheelbarrow and any other cumbersome items. Now that more things are mounted vertically, you should find that you have more area to move around.

Taking the time to clean and organize a shed can help make anyone more productive.

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Friday, May 8, 2015 Penticton Western News

Spring garden — Sherron Tierney puts up one of the colourful hanging baskets Home Hardware penticton has for sale in their garden centre.

Check out the garden centre for all your gardening needs Monday to Friday 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

dan Walton/ Western news

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Diversify

Provide a diverse assortment of flowering plants and encourage native species in your garden.

Favour plants that require direct sun and provide easily accessible pollen or nectar such as Monarda (also known as Bee Balm), Hollyhock and Columbine, to attract pollinators like hummingbirds and butterflies.

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Gardening Expert Mark Cullen shares his top tips Did you know that one of every three bites of food we eat is directly because of pollinators?

Thanks to the work of pollinators like bees, butterflies and birds, much of the food we eat and plants we enjoy are possible. Unfortunately, all too often the importance of pollinators is taken for granted.

Globally, there is a startling decline in their populations due to climate change and excessive pesticide use. According to a recent survey conducted by Ipsos Reid, while the majority of Canadians believe that pollination is important, almost half (49 per cent) of Canadians surveyed do not put forth an effort to attract pollinators.

Creating a pollinator-friendly habitat can be easy! Home Hardware Gardening Expert Mark Cullen shares his tips for attracting pollinators:

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Go Natural

Look for alternative ways to deal with pests and plant diseases.

Natural remedies like a homemade combination of biodegradable liquid dish soap and water can be very effective.

Help the Honeybee

Increasing the population of gentle-natured, solitary bees will help increase your garden harvest and supplement the stressed honeybee.

HoMe HardWare penticton employee Judy Martin arranging one of the many plants in their garden centre which opened mid-april.

dan Walton/Western news

By setting up a Bee Hut filled with EasyTear™ tubes from Home Hardware, you can raise these important pollinators with very little effort.

Encourage larvae

If you plant flowers to attract butterflies, then you need to provide them with a home.

Place a small branch inside a cedar butterfly habitat to provide a perch and then place this ‘house’ in your flower bed.

This will provide shelter for female adult butterflies and their eggs, protecting them from predators.

More expert gardening advice is available online at www.homehardware.ca.

Penticton Western News Friday, May 8, 2015

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Friday, May 8, 2015 Penticton Western News

Enjoy the best lawn ever — easily Courtesy of Home Hardware

Tips and tricks from Gardening Expert Mark Cullen With notoriously long winters, Canadians jump at the chance to revel in their backyards.

A recent survey conducted by Ipsos Reid found that eight out of 10 Canadians enjoy taking care of their lawn. In fact, Canadians were found to spend upwards of six hours a week perfecting their “green thumbs” to create beautiful outdoor spaces.

Maintaining a beautiful lawn does not have to be back-breaking work. By following these easy tips from Home Hardware Gardening Expert Mark Cullen, you can have the best looking lawn on the block.

Clear the Clutter. Once the snow has melted and the ground has dried, rake your lawn lightly with a fan rake to remove the loose debris from the previous fall. Raking gets the grass blades standing up, allowing for greater air circulation that discourages mildew growth.

Overseed. Overseeding is the best way to fill empty spaces and choke out weeds.

By building a thick, healthy lawn, weeds are shaded out. Use good quality grass seeds and remember that the ultimate pedigree of your lawn is in the bag! Lay down two to three centimetres of triple mix (equal parts top soil, peat moss and compost). Rake smooth and spread the grass seed thinly at one pound for 400 sq. ft (1/2 kg per 40 sq. metres).

Fertilize. Golfgreen® Iron Plus™ is all that I use on my lawn. With 10 times the amount of iron in each bag, the greening effect is extraordinarily fast, often in less than 72 hours. Fertilize again eight to 10 weeks after the early spring application using the same formula. You would have to be a professional golf course supervisor to access anything that greens up a lawn as quickly and lasts as long.

Cut High. This is essential for strong, healthy roots. If you think about a tree, the bigger the tree above the soil, the bigger its root structure beneath it. A healthy lawn also performs best with deep roots. Raise your mower blades to six - eight cm high to promote healthy roots that are better able to withstand the Canadian summer.

More expert gardening advice is available online at www.homehardware.ca.

Irene Homan, who works at the Penticton Home Hardware, shows off some of the colourful plants and flowers that are in their garden centre.

Dan Walton/Western news

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Penticton Western News Friday, May 8, 2015

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Veggie garden tips for beginners Submitted

Planting a vegetable garden can be a worthwhile endeavor for anyone who has an available patch of land. Gardens need not take up much space, and even apartment dwellers without yards can plant small gardens in containers they place on terraces or window boxes.

Although establishing a garden is easy enough, beginners may make a few mistakes along the way. Those who already have paved the garden way before can offer novice gardeners some worthwhile tips.

One of the first decisions novice gardeners must make is which crops to grow. This will help determine how much land you will need and which supplies or soil amend-

ments will be necessary. According to The Old Farmer’s Almanac, a common error for beginners is planting too much and more than anyone could ever consume, so it’s best to start small and be proud of that small garden.

Plants such as peppers, squash and tomatoes produce throughout the season, so you may not need many plants to provide for your needs. Less prolific plants may require a greater investment to produce a similar yield.

Locate your garden in an area that gets adequate sun.

Many vegetables need between six and eight hours of sunlight per day. Without enough light, they will not bear as much and could be susceptible to insect infestation. Vegetables and fruit also need plenty of water because

they’re not very drought-tolerant, so keep gardens close to a water source.

Another good tip is to locate the garden near the house or barbecue grill. This way you can easily harvest fresh produce and use it when cooking.

Soil preparation is also key. Till the soil and remove debris like rocks, sticks and hard clumps of dirt. Work with organic material, such as manure or compost. Apply mulch after planting to help maintain moisture levels in the soil.

Plant the tallest crops at the rear of your garden bed.

Work forward with shorter crops. Try to leave a foot or more between planting rows.

It’s easy to get a garden started and enjoy fresh food for many months to come.

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Friday, May 8, 2015 Penticton Western News

Ideas for pool perimeter landscaping Submitted

With the rise of the “staycation,” more and more homeowners are turning their backyards into their own private oases. The centerpiece of many such retreats is a refreshing and inviting pool.

Whether above-ground or inground models, pools make for welcoming spots to enjoy warm days and nights. A new pool can quickly turn a yard into the “it” spot to spend vacations or cool off at the end of hot summer days. While pools are often the focal point of a backyard, many homeowners want their pools to blend seamlessly with the rest of their yards.

When transforming a backyard that includes a pool, homeowners should consider a few factors to ensure each afternoon spent poolside is as safe as it is fun.

Safety first

Although the goal may be to soften the lines of the pool and/or create sight barriers that will provide some measure of privacy for swimmers, homeowners must put safety above all else. Before any decorative touches are added, it is important to surround a pool with a slip-resistant surface and fencing (many communities require fences be erected around pools). Consult with a landscaping contractor, who should be knowledgeable about safety codes, or speak to the permitissuing department at town hall.

There should be a list of requirements to ensure pool placement as well as any surrounding touches are legal and within code.

Nonslip surfaces

Concrete, brick and pavers and decking

are popular materials used to surround a pool.

Installers can make recommendations on materials and finishes, but one suggestion is to choose a rough finish.

Pool water can make surfaces slippery.

Concrete that is stamped or scarred provides extra traction than a smooth surface. The same can be said for brick patios and pavers.

Avoid smooth stones or pavers with shiny surfaces, as these may only increase the risk of falls.

Homeowners who have chosen wood or composite decking to surround a pool should

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talk to their contractor about nonslip protective coatings. Such coatings typically are acrylic-based liquids applied like a paint or sealer. Some composite decks may be crafted with texture or a built-in coating to reduce slipping. In addition, use nonstick mats on decks and patios to provide a little extra footing where people enter and exit the pool.

Mulch and stone

Homeowners often prefer some combination of mulch or stone to serve as a transition between the pool, concrete or paver hardscape and the lawn.

Stone may be more practical for those with inground pools because it will not easily blow onto the water surface.

With an above-ground pool, mulch or stone can do the trick, serving as a barrier so that pool water does not overly drench the surrounding lawn or damage grass after exposure to pool chemicals.

Mulch and stone also will provide drainage from water runoff from the pool and rain.

Another advantage of having an additional barrier between the pool and lawn is that lawn clippings will not be shot into the pool when mowing. Stone and mulch can be dressed up

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Finishing touches

Plants can provide the finishing touches for a poolside landscape.

Homeowners should keep in mind that pools are not often shaded from the sun, so plants placed around the pool will need to be sun- and drought-tolerant. Succulents, such as aloe and jade, may work, as can the perennial shrub yucca. Moderately growing grasses will offer a privacy barrier.

Keep trees and flowering plants far enough away from the pool’s edge so they do not contribute to debris that falls into the pool, which can complicate maintenance. Also, flowering plants may attract insects and other wildlife that may interfere with your enjoyment of the pool. It’s better to create a friendly environment for wildlife further away from the pool.

Homeowners who need some advice planning the landscaping around their pools can rely on the expertise of landscape architects as well as employees at lawn and garden centers.

Pool companies may work with landscapers and offer recommendations to people unaccustomed to working around pools.

Home additions: Up or out?

Submitted

You’ll find them on balconies and in small backyards, and occasionally in the boot of a car. Quite a bit bigger than the Weber Baby Q, they’re perfect for people who want to cook for up to 10 guests. Sleek, modern and stylish - a versatile barbeque, the Weber Q is enough to roast on a balcony or grill at a beach party.

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with statues, lawn ornaments and tolerant plants.

Homeowners hoping to expand their homes are faced with a number of choices.

One of the first they will have to make is which direction to take their expansion. Homeowners can choose to expand horizontally, increasing the footprint of their homes, or vertically.

One of the first considerations is land space. Building horizontally will cut into yard space that you may have already earmarked for a pool, shed or another feature. Proximity to neighbours and the dimensions of your property will also help to determine if expanding horizontally is a good idea.

Building codes and neighbourhood requirements also

must be considered before making any renovations.

Some municipalities may have rules in place that govern renovations. Add-ons may not be allowed to exceed certain height limits, nor may structures be built within a certain number of feet of property lines.

Homeowners who choose to build upward will have to contend with work crews and other staff being in their homes. Raising the roof may require vacating the premises at a certain point. Also, extensive renovation work will be needed on the lower level of the home, whether it’s to shore up the structure, clean up after the renovation or repair ceilings, drywall and other components where levels meet.

It may seem easier to expand outward, but this requires laying additional foundation for the new building structure. Bringing in digging equipment and masons can be costly. When you build vertically, such foundation work may not be necessary if your home is structurally sound and can bear the weight of the addition.

Building out typically involves the least disruption to your life and the existing space. Homeowners should keep in mind that any renovation will require permits or variances. In addition, if the project increases the value of the home, home insurance costs and property taxes may rise. Only after all considerations have been weighed should a project begin.

Penticton Western News Friday, May 8, 2015

www.pentictonwesternnews.com 9

Maintaining bird feeders and bird baths Submitted

Bird watching is a pastime enjoyed by people of all ages.

While many people trek into the woods to see their favorite birds, homeowners can take steps to entice these fascinating and feathered friends right to their backyards.

Homeowners who want to attract birds to their properties can do so by providing the birds food, shelter and places to wash up or cool off. Installing a bird feeder and a bird bath in your yard is one way to attract a bevy of winged creatures that can provide hours of enjoyment.

Establishing a birdfriendly environment may seem as simple as hanging a feeder on a pole or tree and erecting a bird bath nearby.

But a certain level of maintenance is needed to keep birds healthy and happy.

According to the experts at the Bird Watcher’s Digest, recent research indicates feeders can sometimes be a source of disease for the birds visiting them.

The Audubon Society echoes that warning, saying that bird feeders and baths can serve as transmission stations for diseases such as aspergillosis, avian pox and

salmonellosis. Recently, scientists noted that the spread of trichomonad protozoan parasites is on the rise, especially among mourning dove and band-tailed pigeon populations.

Such warnings are not meant to deter budding birding hobbyists. Organizations like the Audobon Society hope that such warnings send the message that disinfection and maintenance is necessary to maintain sanitary environments for birds.

Doing so is relatively easy and well worth the time for birding enthusiasts.

• The Humane Society of the United States advises cleaning hanging feeders once every two weeks or more often if they’re heavily used. Ground-feeding designs should be cleaned every two days. Feeders can be immersed in a very-diluted solution of bleach to water (nine parts water to one part bleach). Let soak for a few minutes, and then scrub the feeder with a stiff brush or scouring pad before rinsing. Allow the feeder to dry completely before refilling it with seed.

• Bird baths should be emptied of water each day.

Brush or wipe the bath clean, then rinse and refill with

fresh water. Do not leave standing water overnight; otherwise bird baths can easily become a breeding ground for mosquitoes and other parasites.

• Frequently collect discarded seed hulls and clean

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other bird food. For example, reduce the amount of suet offered in hot weather. Heat can cause suet to spoil, and sticky suet can become stuck in birds’ feathers and make it hard for them to keep clean.

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bird droppings from beneath feeders. If the area around the feeder has become especially soiled, relocate the feeder elsewhere and clean its initial location.

• Follow proper instructions with regard to seed and

than one feeder and bird bath to prevent overcrowding. Crowding can contribute to the spread of disease.

• Do not situate feeders and bird baths under perches where they can be soiled by droppings.

• If you notice birds look sick or are not acting strangely, halt feeding and bathing to prevent healthy birds from becoming ill. Wait a week before resuming feeding and notify wildlife officials if you find dead or sick birds around your property.

• Locate feeders and baths at least 30 feet away from windows so birds do not get confused by reflections and collide with the glass.

• Store seed in a dry container with a tight-fitting lid to prevent mold from forming and moisture from getting in.

Creating a thriving habitat for bird watching is easier than one might think. But once birds begin visiting a yard, homeowners must diligently maintain clean feeders and bird baths to ensure the birds stay as healthy as possible. Any questions about wild-bird care can be directed to a local Audubon Society chapter or by visiting a pet store or bird hobby centre.

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Do and dont’s of fire pits Submitted

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Once a rarity, fire pits have grown increasingly popular in recent years, as more and more homeowners turn their homes into private oases.

Fire pits run the gamut from the very simple to the more elaborate, and the fire pits homeowners choose often depend on the space they have available as well as their budgets.

But even homeowners without any space or budget constraints should give careful consideration to which fire pit they ultimately install, especially if they plan to make that installation themselves.

The following are some dos and don’ts of fire pits for those homeowners about to add this relaxing and popular accessory to their backyards.

DO confirm you can legally build a fire pit in your yard. Fire pits have become so commonplace that homeowners may think there are no regulations governing their construction.

However, it’s still best to confirm with your local government planning or zoning offices if you can build a fire pit and if any restrictions apply.

DON’T proceed with the project until you have been granted official approval.

Assuming you have the goahead to build a fire pit is not the same thing as knowing you have been approved.

Starting early could result in fines if it turns out you aren’t allowed to have a fire pit. But you may also begin building a bigger fire pit than the local government allows, and that could be money down the drain later. Wait until you get official word before you proceed with the project.

DO build on flat ground.

The fire pit should be built on flat ground to reduce risk of

accident and/or injury. A fire pit built on flat ground also means everyone can enjoy it comfortably and equally once the project is finished. If the ground around the pit is not flat, some people may be forced to sit crooked or lean forward just to enjoy the pit.

DON’T build near flammable structures. Build the fire pit far enough away from existing structures, such as your home, garage or shed, so flickering flames do not catch some wind and lead to disaster. Before building in a given spot, monitor the wind patterns for a few days by sitting in a lawn chair at the spot you ultimately want the fire pit to be. If you notice the wind is blowing toward your house, you will want to choose another area for the pit so smoke from the fire will not be blowing into your home every night.

DO choose the right size.

The size of your fire pit will depend on the space you have available, but even if you have a vast swath of space, keep

in mind that professional contractors typically recommend building a fire pit no bigger than 44 inches wide.

Anything larger can be unsightly and may not appeal to prospective buyers down the road. In addition, an especially large fire pit may result in potentially unruly flames that can present a fire hazard.

DON’T go it alone if your DIY skills are suspect. Installing a fire pit is a relatively inexpensive do-it-yourself job, but that does not mean anyone can do it.

Ground needs to be excavated and the slope of the yard must be measured so the fire pit is safe and functional for years to come. If your DIY skills are not up to snuff, hire a professional contractor so your backyard oasis does not become a costly headache.

A fire pit can turn a boring backyard into a relaxing retreat. But homeowners must adhere to the dos and don’ts of fire pits to ensure their retreat is something they can enjoy for years to come.

Tackle home maintenance Submitted

Much like the upkeep on your car, tackling home maintenance on a regular basis will prevent problems from developing and save you from larger repair costs down the road.

Some projects should be left to the professionals, but there are plenty of weekend jobs that any homeowner can easily handle, like these: Inspect your roof and make minor repairs.

Winter can be especially hard on a roof.

Look for ice, hail or water damage. Replace any cracked or missing shingles and clear any debris.

Clean your gutters. It’s not glamorous work, but your home’s gutters play an essential role in moving water away from your home and preventing damage. Consider installing gutter guards to ensure your gutters remain functional and free from debris.

Inspect windows and doors and re-caulk where necessary. Because a proper seal is essential in both heating and cooling seasons, this job should be performed twice a year to protect against drafts and moisture, and to keep insects out. Worn weather stripping should also be replaced.

Check your insulation. Attics should be insulated to R50, which can usually be achieved with an insulation depth of at least 16 inches. Top up with an insulation product that is water repellant and fire resistant, like Roxul Comfortbatt. Don’t forget to ensure that your basement headers are insulated properly to prevent overworking your furnace and air conditioner.

Other simple jobs include fixing leaky faucets, repairing and resealing decks, inspecting the foundation and scheduling a check-up for your HVAC system. The key is being honest about what you can handle and, when in doubt, call in the pros.

Penticton Western News Friday, May 8, 2015

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Janet Robertson, an employee at the Penticton Canadian Tire, sits among the colourful flowers available in their garden centre. The store is open 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. during the week, 9 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. on Saturday and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday.

Dan Walton/Western News

Get the right garden tools for the right job Courtesy of Canadian Tire

Gardening is a great hobby and having the right tools will make your work easier and set you up for success. The basic gardening tools you need depend on the type of garden you have.

We will provide you with a basic look at gardening tools you will need to maintain your garden like a pro.

Garden tool essentials

Spades and Shovels. For digging in your garden, a spade is the best choice. A shovel is good for digging large holes for transplanting trees or shrubs and also works well for moving loose materials like gravel, garden soil and mulch.

Gardening gloves are a necessity to protect your hands from wear and tear as well as dirt and water.

Garden hoes

The thin, flat blade of a hoe is perfect for loosening or cultivating soil, weeding or making rows in a

vegetable garden.

Grass trimmers

Grass trimmers are an essential tool that keep your lawn looking its very best by trimming areas your lawn mower simply cannot reach. Choosing the right trimmer will make it easy to give your yard a flawless finish. We’ll show you what to look for when comparing trimmers.

There are three main types; gas, electric and cordless. Think about what you’ll be using your grass trimmer for by asking yourself four questions — How large is your lawn? What kind of grass will you be trimming? Do you require the convenience of a cordless model?

Are you concerned with noise?

A gas trimmer is ideal if you’re cutting through large properties or through heavy and thick grass or weeds. It’s important to know that gas units require regular maintenance, which includes replacing air filters and spark plugs.

Grass trimmers can be equipped

with curved or straight shafts. The larger the trimmer shaft’s diameter, the more sturdy and durable the trimmer.

Curved shafts offer better balance and are easier to handle and lighter weight, ideal for trimming along sidewalks, driveways, or gardens.

Straight shafts are generally longer and are designed to be good at getting into hard to reach places like under decks, fences, or bushes.

The weight of a grass trimmer can vary depending on the type of trimmer.

A trimmer’s balance and power can often compensate for its weight.

Gas units range from 10 to 20 pounds while electric and cordless can be as light as four lbs. When choosing a trimmer, it should be easy and comfortable to hold. A “C” grip is standard, but many feature a “D” grip for left and right hand use, and easy switching from side-toside.

A wider cutting diameter can be more efficient and reduce the time

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you spend trimming, but a smaller diameter can be useful in smaller, hard-to-get-at places. In general, diameters can vary from about 8” to 18” (20-45 cm).

A guard is a shield on top of the cutting unit that helps prevent grass and other debris from being tossed at you while trimming.

The spool holds the trimmer line. This can either be fixed, which requires you to wind replacement string around them, or replaceable, which lets you pop in a new string cartridge when string runs out.

Through a trimmer line feed system, a line may feed manually, automatically, or with a bump’n’feed system. With auto-line advancement, each time the trimmer is stopped and restarted the line will advance in length. Bump’n’feed lets you advance new string by tapping the bottom of the unit on the ground.

Some trimmers offer dual line heads that can trim faster and more efficiently, while reducing vibration for most grass and weed applica-

15

tions. Brushcutter blades are specifically designed for cutting through dense bush and thick weeds.

Garden and leaf rakes

For removing debris or rocks in your garden or smoothing soil in your garden beds the best tool to use will be a garden rake. A leaf rake is perfect for sweeping up light debris or weeds.

Wheelbarrows

If you have a larger property or a lot of heavy materials to move around your garden, a cart or wheelbarrow is a must.

Garden trowels

A garden trowel is essential for digging smaller holes and for transplanting or for moving small amounts of soil into containers.

Cultivators

A cultivator works like a garden rake only smaller and is used to loosen soil around plants and mix in nutrients.

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