2018 Home, Lawn & Garden

Home, Lawn & Garden Make safe ant spray. Page 3 Stain brings deck to life. Page 6 Add heavenly scents to garden. Page 7 Plants can help cure ailments. Page 13 What vinegar keeps house clean? Page 18 Gardening tips, tricks. Page 19

The Herald â– YO U R C O M M U N I T Y N E W S PA P E R S I N C E 1 8 9 5 DUBOISCOUNTYHERALD.COM

DUBOIS COUNTY, INDIANA

FRIDAY, MARCH 23, 2018 SECTION B

PAGE 2 ■ HOME, LAWN & GARDEN

THE HERALD ■ FRIDAY, MARCH 23, 2018

Power wash it clean

By DIANNE CROWN Creators.com

Routine outdoor spring-cleaning often just takes a few garden tools, sponges, scrubbers and a good hose. But some larger jobs, such as cleaning siding, decks, fences or sidewalks, require the water, reach and pressure of a power washer. Sometimes this is a do-it-yourself project; other times it requires the help of a professional.

Safe, successful pressure washing requires using the right amount of force. Too much force might damage the surface you’re cleaning by gouging it. Additionally, heavy-duty rental units can be more difficult to handle and could cause you to hurt yourself by losing balance on a ladder, for example, or hitting yourself with the high-pressure stream.

Meanwhile, the lower-pressure units for sale at big-box stores might be safer but might not clean satisfactorily.

For small jobs that don’t require deep cleaning, an electric unit should be sufficient. But for larger, more challenging jobs, Roy Berendsohn of Popular Mechanics says a gas-powered washer might be necessary.

To avoid damaging softer surfaces and to prevent harsh cleaners from harming your landscape, follow these tips, courtesy of Danny Lipford at Today’s Homeowner: Use a wide tip on softer surfaces; find the distance from the tip to the surface that cleans best without causing damage; when cleaning wood, move the tip with the grain of the wood; use a cleaner made for pressure washers, and the tip made for applying cleaners; if bleach is necessary, use oxygen bleach instead of chlorine bleach; use a surface cleaner attachment for large horizontal areas.

Mike Aden, owner of Pow’rClean, describes the differences between DIY and professional services. “The safety aspect is the No. 1 reason” to opt for professional services, Aden says. “That is, knowing how to use different tips and pressures.”

Pressure washing can be a quick way to make old surfaces look new.

POW’R-CLEAN CREATORS.COM

In addition, many commercial units deliver up to 3,500 psi (pounds per square inch) of water, including very hot water when needed.

Rental units might only provide a third of that pressure, he says.

According to Aden, hiring an experienced professional with references and insurance helps to ensure the job will be completed more quickly, without damage and with sufficient reach to clean high places safely.

And finally, Aden uses a variety of special biodegradable cleaners and sealers for various cleaning and restoration applications.

Of special concern may be masonry with very hard brick and very soft mortar; older wooden decking that needs special care not to splinter; siding with paint that has oxidized but can be easily gouged, and more. In these cases and others, Aden recommends calling an experienced professional for a free estimate.

For more tips on pressure washing, go to http://www.to dayshomeowner.com and search for the video “How to Clean Your Home With a Pressure Washer.”

For specific tips on mildew, visit https://www.popularmechan ics.com and find the article “How to Pressure Wash Your House.”

For considerations when deal-

ing with wood-frame homes, leadbased paint, soft mortar and other

surfaces, see the article “Four Reasons You Should Never Pres-

sure Wash Your House” at http:// thecraftsmanblog.com.

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THE HERALD ■ FRIDAY, MARCH 23, 2018

HOME, LAWN & GARDEN ■ PAGE 3

Make your own safe and effective ant spray

By MARY HUNT Creators.com If you’ve ever had to deal with an invasion of ants, you know the meaning of frustration. While the kids think they’re so cute marching in formation, stopping to help one another and working hard to prepare for life challenges ahead, its better to study these amazing creatures than to face the day when you wake up to find a million or so feasting on that piece of bread someone left out on the counter last night.

While there are dozens of homemade remedies for dealing with ants, including poisoning them with boric acid, Borax or ammonia, the ingredients can create toxic situations for crawling babies, pets and that sandwich you’re about to make on the counter. Other methods like blowing up their digestive systems with cornmeal, though more effective and safe than harsh chemicals, can create a new challenge because they’re messy to clean up.

Today I want to tell you about a recipe for an ant spray you can make yourself from natural products that are toxic to ants but perfectly safe for pets and people.

This recipe is safe, quick, natural and highly effective. You are going to love it.

Compared with the cost of an annual visit from an exterminator (which costs around $200 depending on where you live and the severity of the problem), the supplies to make this ant spray ($20 to $30 depending on your source) are a true bargain. Whenever it’s appropriate and effective, I always prefer to do things myself rather than calling in the pros.

Here’s what you will need to get started: 1) Dark glass spray bottle fitted with a filtered sprayer. The ingredients in this ant spray are sensitive to light, which degrades its effectiveness in a big hurry. Keeping your ant spray in a dark glass container in a dark cupboard will extend its effectiveness for up to a few months, or even longer. Still, you want to make this spray in small batches of no more than about 2 cups (16 ounces) at a time.

Because this ant spray will have a bit of sediment in it, a regular household sprayer will become clogged up quickly. You will want to use a sprayer that is fitted with a small filter to prevent it from becoming clogged.

2) Ground cayenne pepper.

This is in the spice aisle of any grocery store. It’s the exact same ingredient you use in the kitchen to make foods and drinks delightfully spicy.

3) 100 percent natural therapeutic-grade undiluted tea tree essential oil.

4) 100 percent natural therapeutic-grade undiluted peppermint essential oil.

5) Tap water.

Note: Essential oils come in all different strengths. Some are highly diluted or laced with perfume and or other additives. For this ant spray, you want pure high-quality essential oils with no pesticides, herbicides, GMOs or other additives.

To make the ant spray: Fill a 16oz. amber spray bottle up to about 1 inch from the top with tap water.

Add 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper, 20 drops pure tea tree essential oil and 20 drops pure peppermint essential oil. Apply the sprayer top, and shake well to mix. Label the bottle and store it in a dark place.

To use this ant spray inside the home: This spray will kill ants on contact. That’s how much they cannot tolerate these ingredients.

If it does not kill on contact, that’s

your sign that your spray has lost its effectiveness and its old. Make a new batch. Do not hesitate to use this ant spray any place in your home. The beauty of this spray is that it can be used on any surface without fear of harm to appliances, fixtures, granite, quartz, painted surfaces, wood and laminate floors and appliances.

This ant spray is a powerful deterrent when sprayed along ant trails and inside cracks through which ants are entering your home.

To use this ant spray outside the home: You can spray this along outside walls and other places you see ants congregating in their little planning sessions.

Your most effective use of this recipe can be in the anthill or nest if you can locate it. Here is how to make and deliver the mother of all ant bombs.

Start with a tea kettle of boiling water. Add 2 or 3 teaspoons of ground cayenne pepper, 20 drops of your pure tea tree essential oil and 20 drop of the peppermint essential oil.

Using a stake, a pipe or other such device, drive it deep into the nest — at least 18 inches into the

You can make your own ant spray that is harmless to pets, humans and surfaces, yet deadly to insects.

JU IRUN CREATORS.COM

ground — to create a hole. Remove the stake carefully so the hole doesn’t refill with dirt.

Carefully pour the contents of

the tea kettle into the hole. It will be very hot, so be careful. The heat from boiling water alone will kill ants on contact. But the pep-

per and oils in this cocktail will leach into the areas surrounding that deep hole, making it totally unsuitable for an ant colony.

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PAGE 4 ■ HOME, LAWN & GARDEN

THE HERALD ■ FRIDAY, MARCH 23, 2018

Window framing: Directions for every project

By MARK J. DONOVAN Creators.com When framing exterior walls, some extra work and skill are required. And it is even more complicated if you need to frame a window opening into an existing wall. Before tackling a window framing project, make sure you obtain the rough opening requirements for the window you plan to install. If you don’t frame the window opening to the window’s rough opening specifications, you either won’t be able to insert the window into the opening or won’t have the play in the opening to square and plumb up the window in the opening. This latter issue is particularly insidious and painful because of the false sense of security. You might have been able to squeeze the window into the rough window frame opening, but you may not realize until much later that the window will not open and close properly because you weren’t able to square it up adequately.

Normally, the rough opening specifications call for the window frame opening to be 2 inches longer and wider than the window itself. This allows for about 1 inch of play all around the window in the opening so that you can square and plumb it up. A carpenter’s level and shims are used to ensure the window is level and plumb in the opening.

Also, typically two-by-fours or two-by-sixes are used for residential framing, including the window frame opening.

New construction When you’re framing a new wall and you need to frame a window opening, first mark on the top plate and the sole plate the location of the window. Make marks on both plates for a king stud and a jack stud to be positioned on either side of the window opening.

Again, the rough opening between the two jack studs should be the required rough window opening specifications, 2 inches wider than the window itself.

Next, nail two king studs between the top plate and sole plate of the wall. Then nail the bottom/ inside jack studs to the king studs, again making sure the rough opening between the two jack studs meets the window’s rough opening requirements. Also, make sure the height of the jack studs meets the height requirements, minus 1.5 inches for the sill plate, for where you want the window to sit in the wall.

Now attach a sill plate to the top of the jack studs. Note that when the sill plate is nailed into place, the window will now sit on it; at the total height of the sole plate, plus the jack stud, plus the sill plate. Also note that the sill plate sits on its flat side on top of the jack studs. Nail the sill plate to the top of the jack studs.

Next, install trimmer studs on top of the sill plate, and nail them to the king studs. The height of the trimmer studs should be the rough opening window height specification, or 2 inches taller than the window itself. Install any additional jack studs required between the bottom of the sill plate and the sole plate. A jack stud should be installed on 16-inch centers.

Then install a header that rests on top of the trimmer studs. The header is usually composed of two two-by-sixes or two-by-eights that are sistered together and placed on their edge on top of the trimmer studs. Spacers are commonly used between the two sistered pieces of lumber to obtain the same depth/thickness as the

MARK J. DONOVAN/CREATORS.COM

Before tackling a window framing project, make sure you obtain the rough opening requirements for the window you plan to install. framed walls.

Next, nail the header to the king studs and to the trimmer studs.

Lastly, install cripple studs between the window header and top wall plate. A cripple stud should be placed against each king stud, and if necessary, additional ones should go every 16 inches along the top of the window header. Nail the cripple studs to the king studs, header and top wall plate. Typically, the center cripple studs are

toenailed into the header and top wall plate.

Existing wall The steps for framing a window opening into an existing wall are the same as the steps for framing one into a new wall. However, the existing exterior wall has to be demolished first so there’s room for the window frame opening, and the actual framing of the window needs to be stick-built. With stickbuilding, instead of framing the

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wall on the ground and then raising the wall into place, you install every window frame stud piece by piece into the existing framed wall. The use of a framing nail gun is highly recommended, as a lot of toenailing is required when stick-building walls.

For the demolition phase of the project, first make sure all electri-

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cal power to the wall that you are going to demolish is turned off at the main circuit panel. Also make sure that any plumbing pipes are located and marked on the plasterboard and floor prior to starting demolition. Take care not to cut or damage electrical wires and plumbing pipes.

Once you have addressed the electrical and plumbing concerns, you can start the demolition. Start by removing all the plasterboard on the wall, or at least within 2 feet of each side of where the window is to be framed.

Then remove insulation from the walls.

Next — and this is where a reciprocating saw really comes in handy — cut away any vertical stud members between the top wall plate and the bottom sill plate. Note that if you are removing just one or two vertical wall studs, you typically have nothing to fear with structurally impacting the integrity of the home. Any more than two vertical wall studs and you may want to check with your local building inspector or an engineer to ensure that you will not compromise the structural integrity of the home and your personal safety. You may need to temporarily add some bracing between the floor and the ceiling of the room while you frame the window opening.

Once the window opening has been framed, you can remove the plywood and outside house sheathing to allow for the installation of the window. Again, a reciprocating saw is useful.

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THE HERALD ■ FRIDAY, MARCH 23, 2018

HOME, LAWN & GARDEN ■ PAGE 5

Outdoor living: Latest patio, walkway trends

By SHARON NAYLOR Creators.com Homeowners dream about gorgeous patio space for entertaining, al fresco family dinners and relaxation. Those with existing patios seek to improve upon them, and those without patios seek to design them and have them installed. The desired result is wowfactor beauty in a new space for togetherness and celebrations.

You’ve most likely spotted a few jaw-dropping designs online and on your favorite HGTV shows.

Perhaps you envision your circle of friends and family sipping iced tea or cocktails at your outdoor bar and then venturing to cozy seats around the fire pit. It’s The Good Life: Outdoor Edition.

Joining patios on the homeowner’s wish list are stunning walkways, patterned paths of beauty leading to your front door or your patio, and perhaps throughout your garden grounds.

The walk to your outdoor spaces and to your home becomes lovelier, adding greater curb appeal and even more value to your home.

As you seek to design or upgrade your patio and walkways, keep these rising trends in mind.

Spacious patios Whether or not you have French doors opening directly to your patio, a spacious outdoors creates the effect of an additional room for living, dining or entertaining. Outdoor seating areas with cozy, upscale couches, chairs, coffee tables, end tables and outdoor rugs are on trend as spaces for gathering. Double up on cooking prep space with an outdoor

ing seasonal variations like lush greenery in early spring and a sea of lilac or other blooming flowers in summer. Strings of patio lights above create an intimate lit setting for dinner parties and gatherings.

Stone edging Create an interesting visual perimeter to your patio and walkways with stone edging. It keeps mulch, gravel, stones and weeds away from the walking path and looks so much prettier than that old black rubber barrier line. It may even be color-stamped for a more defined perimeter.

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A patio with true bluestone flat work and natural Boston Blend stone is just one example of the newest design trends in patios and walkways. bar and kitchen. Ones with elite designer grills, refrigerators, wine chillers and stone pizza ovens are rising in popularity as we become more inspired by the “after” images on design shows (and the designs of our friends, family and neighbors).

Natural Mmaterials Pete Houghton, owner of Limbach’s Landscaping in Green Village, New Jersey, says: “We’re currently seeing a swing away from pavers and manufactured blocks towards reclaimed, used brick and natural stone, or a combination of the two, in patio and walkway design, such as reclaimed brick and bleached pavers.” There will be a swing back toward new and innovative construction materials, such as concrete surfaces that look like wood, as the industry

continues to evolve.

Mix-and-match stone color These days, homeowners are stepping away from neutral colors. “We’re using a lot more bluestone, that when used with brick creates a blue and red palette,” says Houghton. “In many stone designs, each piece has a range of colors from tans to pinks to purples, allowing for an interesting range of hues in the construction of a patio or walkway.”

Wall benches Rather than patio furniture sets, folks are building low benches right into walls. These add even more seating space for gatherings and can be accessorized with outdoor cushions and pillows.

Fireplaces, fire pits The benefit of these fire fea-

tures is threefold: They add ambiance and elegance, offer a cozy gathering space for loved ones and extend your outdoor-living season by providing warmth during chillier spring and fall days, or perhaps even winter. Visit the Family Living Today website, a resource for family safety information, to read about the 50 best fire pits for 2018. Varieties include freestanding, 360-degree fire view, propane-fueled and more.

Patio covers Pergolas and retractable awnings are a beautiful aesthetic touch that increase opportunities for outside enjoyment. Open pergolas are on trend for providing a bit of shade and an attractive contrast in wood and stone natural materials. Some homeowners train vines to grow up and over, even add-

Personalized design elements When getting creative with design, it’s fun to take the opportunity to personalize. Houghton says, “We’ve done stone rondeles with the house number etched into it as a personalized, visual piece on a front walkway.” The same effect can be created on a patio with monogrammed letters sandblasted into the center stones.

The idea of seemingly endless choices might be overwhelming, but have no fear. Speak with a reputable landscape designer about the space first. It could be that only certain types of stones can endure the dramatic temperature changes in your region. Stamped concrete designs may be ideal for your particular patio location, or it might be best to go with bricks or pavers that can be easily removed to access underground pipes. This guidance and more will help you make informed decisions.

Upgrading your walkways and patio will enhance your living experience and potentially increase the value of your home.

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PAGE 6 ■ HOME, LAWN & GARDEN

THE HERALD ■ FRIDAY, MARCH 23, 2018

Color of the season: Blue

By JOSEPH PUBILLONES Creators.com

Cobalt blue is a fascinating color and the only color listed in the periodic table. It is a vibrant color that is familiar to most as the accent color used in blue and white Delft and Oriental export porcelain of the 16th through the 20th century, and as the color of the blueprints of yesteryear. The color is also evocative of the ocean and of the summer.

Summer has come to your door.

If your desire is to move your home away from the cold winter and start to adapt to the season of light, adding lively colors is the way to go. To shake away the cold and add impact to your transformation, I suggest adding an injection of the color of the season.

This touch of electricity will energize your favorite room. There are many ways to use cobalt blue.

Choose the most important, architectural, prominent wall of the room and paint it cobalt blue. This

wall should not be too overloaded or decorated, or the result will be too flashy. Choose a wall that is not hidden behind furniture, or above all, select a wall that does not have too many pictures or art.

With the bold color of the paint you, compensate for that lack of or minimal decoration; try Benjamin Moore Champion Cobalt 206120 or Twilight Blue 2058-10.

If you’ve been wanting to redecorate your living room or any room for some time, now maybe the time to do it. Re-upholstering the sofa is one way to start. Buy an occasional table or coffee table in cobalt blue or a distinct work of art that highlights this celestial tone. With bold colors such as this one, it is important to think big and make your furniture take all the attention.

Printed fabric will always be fashionable and give a room a boost and if they are in cobalt blue, better than before. Stripes, patterns and prints are fun to combine, but you have to be very

careful and take into account the rest of the room’s decoration so that it does not clash.

Wall coverings are yet another way to add a splash of cobalt blue to a room. Scalamandre has an enlarged toile version called Summer Palace, a porcelain colored background and a mix of navy blue and cobalt blue chinoiserie print, which is breathtakingly beautiful. Pacific Design’s Midnight Blue grass-cloth color is deep blue with a silky sheen perfect for a bedroom wall or an entire bedroom suite.

Following the lines of the latest interior trends, colorful accessories can achieve the result that we want if they are used correctly -- a carpet, a vase, the decorative pillows of the sofa, the curtains or some flowers. Kitchen cabinets and kitchen appliances are another place where we are seeing cobalt blue emerge. All these add a fresh and summery touch to your home without having to transform the whole environment.

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Adding lively colors, like cobalt blue, will re-energize your home.

Thorough staining job brings decking back to life

By MARK J. DONOVAN Creators.com One of the first projects I tackled in our new home was to restain the deck. The deck was constructed using pressure-treated two-by-six pieces of lumber as the decking boards.

Though not necessarily my decking material of choice, the deck boards were structurally sound. The only real issue was the old stain. Due to a rusting chimney cap, the deck had a large ugly orange patch on its surface.

In addition, a solid deck stain was used and, based on the amount of chipping and flaking, it appeared this was several years ago. Fortunately, the previous owner had left a can of the old deck stain around.

It was a can of water-based Cabot solid acrylic deck stain, an overall excellent product.

The weather had been ideal for a number of days prior to staining the deck. It’d been rain-free for several days, and the hot summer sun had dried out the wood. It’s imperative that the decking lumber moisture level be below 15 percent prior to staining it, according to Cabot. The forecast also looked good for the next several days.

A couple of days prior to applying the solid acrylic deck stain, I swept the area thoroughly and applied a cleaner to the deck surface using a sprayer. The cleaner removed algae and mold that had become embedded into the surface of the desk. It also helped to brighten up the lumber and remove some of the orange rust stain that had become impregnated into the decking boards.

In my experience, the best way to apply a solid acrylic deck stain is the old-fashion way, using a 4-inch natural-bristle brush. Its backbreaking work, as it takes significantly longer to apply the deck stain in this fashion; however, the deck stain holds up much longer to the weather elements. A brush helps to work the stain into the wood compared with using a roller.

When applying deck stain it’s also important to start nearest the home and work your way outwards in such a way that you don’t paint/stain yourself into a corner.

With my particular deck there were no deck railings to stain. For those of you with deck railings, I would advise you to stain them first, particularly when using a solid deck stain. That way there are less concerns of dripping

make sure before staining a deck that the weather forecast shows no signs of rain for at least 24 hours.

With a water-based acrylic

solid stain clean up is a breeze. I simply cleaned my brush out with soapy water, rinsed it with clean water, shook out the water and then hung it out to dry.

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Mix your paint cans together before you start staining your deck to ensure uniformity throughout. stain onto a freshly stained deck surface.

Another helpful tip when staining a deck is to mix cans of deck stain together. If your deck requires more than one can of deck stain, then you can be assured to have one common color of deck stain. You’d be surprised how many cans of stain with the exact

hue formula have slight variations in color tone. It only takes a fraction of a second for a store clerk to add a bit too much pigment to the base stain, causing two theoretically identical cans of stain to have a slight difference in color.

After staining a deck, allow at least 24 hours for the stain to fully dry prior to walking on it. Again,

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HOME, LAWN & GARDEN ■ PAGE 7

How to select, care for plants that smell good

By KRISTEN CASTILLO Creators.com We can reap many rewards from gardening, such as beautiful flowers, delicious veggies — and heavenly scents.

“One of the easiest ways to start a garden that smells good is to begin with herbs,” says Dianne Venetta, who runs the garden blog BloominThyme. “Rosemary and basil are top of the list when it comes to scented plants and are both easy to care for, indoors or out. All they require is a sunny location, well-drained soil and consistent moisture.”

Consider planting ingredients for a tasty meal.

“A pizza garden will smell amazing,” says personal gardener Sandra Bach, who suggests growing tomatoes, basil, oregano, green bell peppers and onions.

Aromatic plants Breathe in the fresh smells of a well-curated aroma garden.

“Some of our favorite aromatic plants include lavender, clary sage, peppermint and rose,” says Cindy Jones of the Sagescript Institute, a farm-based cosmetics science company that creates skincare products from herbs and botanicals.

The company also grows cucumber, blue spruce, fennel and tulsi for their scents.

With a variety of plants growing on one plot, one might worry that the combined smells would be overwhelming. But conflicting scents are not a concern.

“I do not think that plant scents clash, and I love the look of gardens interspersed with a number of plants,” says Jones. “Tall ones in the back, such as rose, and shorter ones in the front, such as peppermint and lavender.” Venetta says jasmine grows “like a weed” and makes an ideal natural fence for your garden.

It’s important to know what you’re planting and how to maintain it. For example, Jones says, there are many types of lavender that can grow to different sizes, so do your research before you buy.

You should also know which plants pair well together. “Peppermint can get out of hand quickly, so I limit the water I give it,” says Jones. “Since lavender needs very little water, peppermint is good to plant close to lavender.”

Randy Schultz, master gar-

DIANNE VENETTA/CREATORS.COM

Rosemary, left, is easy to grow and smells wonderful, while basil can be grown as part of a “pizza garden.” dener and content editor of the website Home Garden and Homestead, is a fan of lavender, as well as rosemary.

“Both are woody perennials, and in the right climates and the right spots in the garden, they can live for many years,” he says, noting that even when the plants aren’t flowering, they smell great.

“Just brushing your hand on the plants releases a wonderful aroma,” he says. *Everything’s coming up roses A great-smelling garden isn’t limited to herbs.

“A fragrant flower can leave an imprint on your heart that you never forget, and every time that smell is in the air it brings a little happiness to your soul,” says John Toepfer, vice president of content for gardening website Blooming Secrets.

Here are Toepfer’s top five fragrant-flowers selections: ■■ Carolina-allspice: This shrub grows in sun and shade and in a range of soil conditions. It flowers in the spring and summer and has a fruity smell. When crushed, the leaves have a spicy odor.

■■ Easter lily: A white flower that typically blooms in spring home. Toepfer describes the scent as a “heavenly fragrance.”

■■ Gardenia: “Few flowers can rival the gardenia in terms of its beauty or fragrance,” says Toepfer, who explains the bloom is highly sensitive to cold temperatures, which is why it’s often a houseplant. Venetta suggests growing gardenias in a sunny spot that has good airflow. Without these ideal conditions, gardenias can get moldy.

■■ Honeysuckle: This flower-

ing shrub has a “distinctive and pleasing fragrance,” says Toepfer.

No wonder hummingbirds love its sweet blooms!

■■ Lilac: This purple-bloomed shrub, which also has a pleasing scent, needs full sun. They make great cut flowers, too, so go ahead and clip a few from the garden to enjoy indoors. Make sure lilacs have full sun and good air circulation to prevent diseases, such as powdery mildew. Remove a third of the branches yearly after the shrub finishes blooming. That “thinning” process keeps it healthy.

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PAGE 8 ■ HOME, LAWN & GARDEN

THE HERALD ■ FRIDAY, MARCH 23, 2018

Revitalize old linoleum flooring with paint Dear JAMES DULLEY Creators.com Dear James: I am half way through my kitchen remodel.

I find I cannot afford now to replace the old linoleum flooring. Is it possible to paint the old flooring and will it hold up?

— Kim S. Dear Kim: It often happens that you run out of money near the end of a project and have to change your plans. Since the floor area is large and has a major impact on the decor of the room, you should do something to spruce it up a little.

You are in luck, because a linoleum floor can be painted, and painted floors are considered to be very stylish today. With the new, durable do-it-yourself coatings available, a painted linoleum floor can have a surface finish almost as durable as hardwood.

The keys to a lasting job are making sure the old linoleum floor really is in good condition and then carefully preparing the old floor surface to accept the paint. Plan on spending the better part of a week on refinishing the old linoleum floor.

First, scrub the old floor thoroughly with a strong floor cleaning solution. Don’t just use a sponge mop. Actually scrub it with a brush, especially in the high traffic areas where the floor will be worn the most.

Using a magnifying glass, inspect the floor surface for tiny cracks. When you find imperfections, probe them with the tip of a steak knife. If you are able to easily pick out small specks of the linoleum, the floor is probably beyond repair. Even if you paint and finish it properly, specks will continue to flake off and expose the old color.

If the floor surface checks out okay, you are ready to begin the preparation. The cleaning you did before should have removed any wax residue, but you should still lightly sand the entire floor with medium-grit sandpaper on a hand sanding block. This will slightly roughen the surface for better paint adhesion and smooth out any rough spots.

Run your vacuum cleaner brush attachment over the floor to remove the sanding dust and grit.

Wet mopping is also a good idea.

Lay a flashlight on the floor and shine the beam along the floor.

This will highlight any damaged spots. Fill them it with wood filler or automobile body filler.

Using a roller and a brush (for the corners), apply a coat of oil-based primer for the best adhesion. You will probably want to crack open a window for some fresh air. If you are planning to paint a dark floor color, also have the primer tinted. If the finish coat

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When using oil-based primer and top coat paints, it is important

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High-quality paint will probably cover in one coat, but applying a second coat is extra insurance

for a uniform appearance. Give the paint several days to dry and then finish the surface with two coats of floor urethane.

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HOME, LAWN & GARDEN ■ PAGE 9

PAGE 10 ■ HOME, LAWN & GARDEN

THE HERALD ■ FRIDAY, MARCH 23, 2018

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HOME, LAWN & GARDEN ■ PAGE 11

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THE HERALD ■ FRIDAY, MARCH 23, 2018

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THE HERALD ■ FRIDAY, MARCH 23, 2018

HOME, LAWN & GARDEN ■ PAGE 13

Plants help produce remedies for common ailments

By ALISSA STEVENS Creators.com

Transfer the mixture to a 4-ounce spray bottle. Keeps for months at room temperature.

Come spring and summer, as the days grow longer and the sun shines brighter, new adventures await. But should you or your children get bumps or bruises along the way, look no further than your backyard garden to find easy, inexpensive, toxin-free remedies.

“Homeopathy looks beyond the labels of disease to cure their causes rather than merely their symptoms, and it stimulates the body’s own natural healing powers to bring health, vitality and well-being,” according the European Committee for Homeopathy.

Here are just a few common garden plants with profound healing abilities.

Aloe The aloe vera plant is a wonderful option to soothe summertime sunburns, and it can also replace certain first-aid products.

The gel in its leaves contains polysaccharides, which promote wound healing, have gastroprotective properties and act as an anti-inflammatory. Katie Wells, the “Wellness Mama,” is a wife and mom of six, as well as an author, award-winning blogger and podcaster. On her Wellness Mama blog, she provides simple instructions for harvesting aloe vera gel.

Break off one aloe leaf, and cut it into 8-inch sections. Cut off the serrated leaf edge, getting as close a cut as possible. Cut the 8-inch sections into two or three long strips. Take a strip, turn the blade to its side, and slide it just under the skin at one end. Carefully slide the knife along the edge of the skin down the whole length. Take the skin off. Flip the section over.

Repeat with the other side. Cut the flesh into two or three pieces, and place them in a blender. Repeat until all sections have been skinned and gathered. Blend until smooth. Frothing is normal. Pour the gel into a clean storage container and refrigerate. Rub onto sunburns and let dry for a cool relief. This keeps for one week.

Along with sunburns, itchy

Mint Mint is a herbal remedy with a rich history. It was cultivated 3,000 years ago by the Egyptians due to its abilities to calm upset stomachs and nausea, improve digestion and relieve coughs. Jace Mortensen, a gardener who works with Dr. Andrew Weil, a innovator of integrative medicine, sees mint as “the mature, responsible beverage.” In an article for Dr. Weil’s website, he shares how he grows mint and prepares it for tea: “Mint leaves are easily dried on a screen, but I find it even simpler to strip dried leaves from the stems, and then wrap twine around a fresh bundle to dry. I store a few bound bundles in a small paper bag, and remove the leaves as needed.

Dried mint leaves can keep for a couple years if stored in a cool, dark place.”

If you’re interested in making this tea, “you will need to steep twice as many fresh leaves as dried ones for mint tea,” says Mortensen. He recommends a

rounded teaspoon of fresh-picked leaves for each cup. Though the herb is caffeine-free, Mortensen also finds it to be “at once stimulating and calming,” a great alternative if you’re trying to kick caffeine cravings.

Heartsease Heartsease, also known as Viola tricolor and Johnny jumpujp, is a vibrant violet pansy known for brightening up gardens, though its medicinal uses are less renowned. It can be used topically to treat eczema, acne and even babies’ cradle cap (it’s that gentle), but is more commonly taken internally to ease arthritis symptoms. The Herbal Academy online school of herbalism suggests a nutritious spring tonic tea with violet using equal amounts of dried violet, dandelion, nettle, red clover and mint leaves. One teaspoon of dried herbs per 16 ounces of water is common, so adjust as necessary.

With these homeopathic remedies, you can take advantage of the plants in your backyard to stay active and healthful all spring and summer long.

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Look no further than your backyard for homeopathic remedies to ailments such as sunburns, coughs and upset stomachs. mosquito bites, poison ivy rashes and encounters with stinging nettles are likely in the warmer seasons. This summer, be prepared with Wellness Mama’s Homemade Anti-Itch Spray.

Homemade Anti-Itch Spray 1⁄4 cup natural witch hazel extract 1⁄2 teaspoon menthol crystals (approximately 1-2 crystals) 1 teaspoon natural salt 2 tablespoons aloe vera gel 1 tablespoon organic apple cider vinegar (optional) 5 drops calendula essential oil

(optional) 5 drops of lavender essential oil (optional) Heat witch hazel extract in small saucepan until warm. Add the salt, stirring until dissolved.

Use gloves or tweezers to add menthol crystals, and stir until dissolved. Add aloe vera gel, apple cider vinegar and essential oils.

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THE HERALD ■ FRIDAY, MARCH 23, 2018

Keep your home cool without air conditioning

By KRISTEN CASTILLO Creators.com

Light-blocking curtains like those made by Eclipse have two layers of thick fabric that work to keep sun and heat out. Eclipse says its curtains, “block over 99 percent of intrusive light, increase savings by lowering energy costs, reduce unwanted noise, increase quality of sleep and reduce stress levels.”

Even without light-blocking curtains, it’s smart to close curtains, blinds and shades during the weather.

Another product that promises to control heat, 3M Sun Control Window Film, is designed to reject 97 percent of infrared light.

The film, applied to the inside of windows, says it will lower energy costs while still maintaining natural light aesthetics in a room.

Hot houses are great for growing tomatoes, but they’re very uncomfortable for people. What can you do when you want to lower the temperature inside your home?

Air conditioning is an option, but it has its challenges: It can be expensive to install and pricey to use, too.

“Climate change is causing temperatures to soar every summer, driving up air conditioning energy use, which further fuels climate change,” says Greer Ryan, renewable energy and research specialist for Center for Biological Diversity, who notes you’ll save money and energy by avoiding using air conditioning.

Staying cool inside without AC is possible but it takes some planning.

Stay in the shade Retiree Rae Anne Campellone lives in the Southwest and describes the weather as “brutally hot.”

She recommends planting trees on your property to shade your home.

“I added 15 trees, which shade the south and west sides of my home, and solar screens on every window, which cut down on the heat,” says Campellone, who does use air conditioning but keeps her

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Light-blocking curtains have double panels and are made to block heat and light, keeping rooms cool. thermostat set at 78 degrees all summer.

She also removed the carpeting in her house and replaced it with tile, which keeps the flooring cool.

Sun block “South and west-facing rooms

are the trickiest to keep cool,” says Richard Ciresi, owner of Aire Serv. “Draw the shades over the windows to reduce heat and sunlight coming in from outside.”

Go a step further by hanging curtains that stop those rays.

Seal asphalt drive within 6 months

By JAMES DULLEY Creators.com Dear James: I was told not to reseal our new asphalt driveway for several years. After three years now, it looks a bit worn. Is it time to seal it, and what is the best sealer and method to apply to it? — Juan T. Dear Juan: You are probably about 21⁄2 years late for the first sealing of your driveway. Although it will probably be fine, you really should have sealed it within the first six months for the longest life and best long-term appearance.

It normally takes about three to six months for light oils and other volatile chemicals to evaporate from a new asphalt driveway.

It should not be sealed during this time so as to allow these chemicals to escape from the surface as it solidifies.

After this initial period, the surface should be sealed to protect it from such things as gasoline, engine oil, dirt and the sun.

When it gets hot in the sun, these

things can cause the surface to begin to oxidize and rob it of its natural oils. This, along with the sun’s damaging ultraviolet rays, make the asphalt become brittle and discolored.

An asphalt driveway is a mixture of sand, gravel and asphalt material. The gravel and sand provide the strength for the driveway to support the weight of cars.

The asphalt itself is just the glue that holds the sand and gravel together. It is a similar concept to concrete, which uses cement to hold sand and gravel together for strength.

There are several types of sealers available, and their quality and prices vary. You can probably buy some inexpensive sealer on sale at most hardware and home center stores. It is basically just liquid asphalt, which you spread over the driveway. It typically has a life of about two to three years.

The next step up in quality is the same basic type of sealer with additional additives that are more resistant to petroleum chemicals and the sun. Coal tars, sand and

clay are common additives. If your driveway is hilly, the sand and clay will improve the traction in rainy weather.

Acrylic-based sealer is probably the best product to use. It can cost as much as double the price of basic sealer, but overall, it is less expensive because it can last up to eight years. It looks good when applied and maintains its good appearance. It is often used on tennis courts.

It is not difficult to apply sealer, but it is messy. Wear old sneakers and plan on discarding them when you are done.

Fan fanfare Cool off rooms with fans. For a breeze, make sure ceiling fans are positioned so the air blows downward.

“Running a fan is one of the most convenient and effective ways to keep a room cool in summer without AC,” says Ciresi.

While a fan doesn’t actually reduce the temperature, it makes dealing with the heat easier.

“The wind chill effect makes you feel about four degrees cooler, which can make an 84-degree house feel like a much more bearable 80 degrees.”

Bright idea Even swapping out light bulbs can help a house stay more comfortable.

“Switch out fluorescent lights for CFLs,” suggests Ryan. “Not only do CFLs use less energy, they also radiate less heat.”

Minimize interior heat Do your best to not create more heat inside the home.

“Avoid using appliances that radiate excess heat during the day, such as ovens,” says Ryan.

Instead of baking dinner or using the stove, use microwaves and slow cookers for hot meals, or grill outside. Inside, prepare cold meals like salads, sandwiches and other foods that don’t require heating.

Doing laundry, especially using a dryer, can warm up the house, too. The smart solution is to wash and dry clothes at night; or use drying racks indoors or clotheslines outside to dry clothes.

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Don’t forget to turn off the fan when you leave the room. You’ll save energy.

At night, put fans in the windows to draw in colder outside air.

If you have an attic fan, open the windows and run the fan at night. Turn it off in the morning and be sure to close the windows early in the day to keep the cold air indoors.

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HOME, LAWN & GARDEN ■ PAGE 15

Planting plans ruined?

Talk to Mother Nature

By CHELLE CORDERO Creators.com

You spent hours plotting your vegetable garden out on paper, checked the calendar for recommended planting dates, purchased saplings and ordered the very best seeds you could afford. Then came the hours of bending and kneeling and carefully planting the promised delectables when suddenly, you hear the weather forecast It seems that no one bothered to share these planting plans with Mother Nature, and she has plans of her own.

What do you do when the weather forecast predicts an unexpected freeze? It really isn’t feasible to dig up all your plants — not when roots have already started to grab on. Relax; there are things to do to protect those young saplings that will keep your plants healthy and strong. Surround your plantings with mulch or an organic like straw that will help to keep the soil warmer and keep it moist. In windy areas, cover the straw with bark or wood chips; you could also use black-and-white newspaper covered by a layer of wood mulch.

When you water, use a gentle trickle or light spray over an extended period of time to help the roots grown downward and make the plant stronger.

Another precaution you can take in advance is to stake a wind tunnel frame over your plants by setting a row of curved PVC pipe over saplings; when the cold weather hits, pull a light blanket or burlap over the tunnel and hold it in place with stones around the edges. You can also use a heavy layer of vinyl, which will also keep the heavy rains from flattening the early growth. Covering the plants and blocking the sun’s rays for up to three days is usually not harmful, the covering can be pulled back during a sunny afternoon and covered again at night.

Another option is to cut the bottoms off of transparent plastic soda bottles, remove the caps (save them) and place a bottle over each sapling. The bottles can be capped for protection on cold nights.

Farmers have long used a variety of “cloches” to protect their crops. Cloches are, quite simply, plant covers, some of which can emulate greenhouse conditions.

Clear glass bells are used over newly sprouted seedlings because they hold the sun’s heat in and protect the new growth from the elements. It is important to also allow air to circulate or you could suffocate the plants, so raise the glass off the soil with a ring of stones or sticks. Soda bottles and glass jars are alternative cloches.

Pre-manufactured cloth cloches can be purchased en-masse and simply placed on plants, although many home gardeners prefer to poke a hole or two on the sides to allow for air circulation. A plastic grocery produce bag over a stake (taller than the plant height) and held down with stones can make do temporarily.

If you are really caught short by a freeze and don’t have to contend with heavy winds, surround your garden with lawn furniture and suspend a blanket using rocks, clothespins or nails to hold it in place. To protect your plants from high winds, surround the garden with stakes and attach

THE MOST COMPLETE COVERAGE OF LOCAL NEWS. THE HERALD

vinyl, burlap or heavy mesh to each stake. If you are cultivating young fruit trees, wrap the trunks with burlap to protect them from the cold. And if you receive an extended freeze forecast, make sure to pick all of your nearly mature produce to finish ripening on the kitchen counter.

Deck gardens are also subject to Mother Nature’s whims.

Bring small hanging plants indoors when there is an unexpect-

ed freeze. Wrap bubble-wrap or blankets around the containers of larger plants to insulate the soil and use cloches over the plants if you can’t shelter them indoors.

Move your outdoor deck plants close to the building and fashion a secured wind screen (heavy mesh, burlap or a blanket) on a lean-to from the building to protect them from frosty winds. The heat from the structure will help to keep the plants warm.

PAUL ENGLEFIELD/CREATORS.COM

Functional and beautiful, decorative cloches are used to protect plants in this walled garden.

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PAGE 16 ■ HOME, LAWN & GARDEN

THE HERALD ■ FRIDAY, MARCH 23, 2018

Wood siding may simply need cleaning

By MARK J. DONOVAN Creators.com If your wood siding is a looking a little dull and you’re thinking that it needs a fresh coat of paint, take a minute and look at the wood siding a bit more carefully.

It just may be that all it needs is a good cleaning. Though homeowners love the look of wood siding, all of us dread paying the cost of having it repainted or doing the tedious and often dangerous work ourselves.

Examine closely to see if the paint is showing any signs of cracking or peeling. If it is not, then all you really need to do to make it look vibrant again is to give it a good washing.

Cleaning wood siding, however, has to be done with a great deal of care. Do not use a pressure washer on it unless you know exactly what you are doing.

A pressure washer can destroy not only the existing house siding paint, but also damage the wood permanently and potentially foster mold and mildew growth. A pressure washer can gouge the wood, strip the existing paint off, loosen caulk and force water underneath the clapboards, where it can end up causing mold and mildew growth.

It is best to use a standard garden hose and a cleaning wand. A Hyde Pivot Pro outdoor cleaning wand does a perfect job. It will provide just the right pressure to aide in cleaning the wood siding without damaging the wood. This said, plan to do some hand scrubbing, as well.

Along with the cleaning wand, you will need a garden hose, wood siding cleaning product, a soft brush and some plastic sheeting to cover and protect any plants or shrub around the house foundation.

First, close all the windows on

the house and cover all shrubs and plants around the house foundation to protect them from becoming damaged by the wood siding cleaner. Similarly, cover any electrical outlets on the house with plastic. As you prepare to clean the house siding, pay close attention to any areas of the siding with any visible mold on it. You’ll want to keep these areas in mind when cleaning the siding.

Start at the roofline and work your way down the house siding, continuously moving the wand side to side while applying the cleansing water over all surfaces of the house, siding windows and doors.

After applying the cleansing water that contains the house siding cleaner, allow it to sit for a few minutes before rinsing with just clean water.

Where there are mold areas on the house siding, apply the wand for a bit more time. You may also want to gently scrub the affected areas with a soft brush; however, don’t overdo the scrubbing, as you can cause damage to the paint.

You can also use one of the brushes that come with the Hyde Pivot Pro cleaning wand.

To address the mold areas, you may alternatively want to use a mildewcide that you can purchase from your local home improvement center. Pour the mildewcide into the mixing reservoir that is integrated into the Hyde Pivot Pro Outdoor cleaning wand to easily apply it to the house siding.

Again, after applying the mildewcide, wait a few minutes before rinsing it off with clean water.

When cleaning house siding, it is best to work in small sections, such as 10- or 20-square-foot sections at a time.

Continue this process over the entire house siding. After you are finished and all the siding has

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had time to dry, stand back and take a look at your work. You’ll be amazed by the improved difference in the appearance of the house siding and your home.

So before calling the house painter or pulling out the ladders and paintbrushes yourself, consider giving your house siding a good cleaning instead. If you are

still unsatisfied with the appearance after cleaning the house siding, at least you will have fully prepared your house for a fresh coat of paint.

THE HERALD ■ FRIDAY, MARCH 23, 2018

HOME, LAWN & GARDEN ■ PAGE 17

Community gardens making impact around world

By TERESA IQBAL Creators.com Community gardens have a varied history around the world.

They are defined by the Marin Master Gardeners as “any piece of land gardened by a group of people, utilizing either individual or shared plots on private or public land.” In addition, “the land may produce fruit, vegetables, and/or ornamentals. Community gardens may be found in neighborhoods, schools, connected to institutions such as hospitals, and on residential housing grounds.”

Known as “allotments” in the United Kingdom, these community gardens were formed in the 19th century as a way to aid poor laborers who could not sustain themselves on meager wages alone. They were eventually made available to all citizens, specifically at a time when servicemen were returning from the first world war.

In the United States, community gardens formed out of necessity and in response to the economic recession of the 1900s, when both jobs and food were scarce. Detroit was the first U.S. city to initiate such a program.

The concept then spread to cities such as Boston, San Francisco and Philadelphia. The popularity of community gardens has wavered over the years, with peak interest forming during World War II. During this time, community gardens earned the names “liberty gardens,” “war gardens” and “victory gardens.” They were touted as patriotic opportunities to aid with the war effort back at home.

Such campaigns by the U.S. government were highly successful in achieving big results by citizens.

In fact, according to the Smithsonian Institution, by 1944, between 18 million and 20 million “families with victory gardens were providing 40 percent of the vegetables in America.”

After the war, the popularity of community gardens decreased. But then the rise of processed foods and a lack of fresh foods brought on a worldwide obesity epidemic, and many consider community gardens to be a necessity in fighting back against unhealthy eating habits. Gardeners and social activists are working tirelessly around the world to instill healthy eating habits through the creation of community gardens.

Ron Finley of Los Angeles is a major proponent of urban gardening. His involvement in the community garden scene stemmed from the rise of “food deserts” in urban cities. The U.S. Department of Agriculture defines food deserts as “parts of the country vapid of fresh fruit, vegetables, and other healthful whole foods, usually found in impoverished areas.” They are largely caused by a lack of food stores and farmers markets. In many communities, the only access to fresh produce may be nothing more than a sad collection of overpriced bruised apples and bananas at the corner liquor store. Finley became aware of the need for access to fresh produce in impoverished communities. He proposed the growing of plants anywhere and everywhere, a process he referred to as “guerrilla gardening.” Guerrilla gardening entails planting even in places where it may not be legally permissible. In fact, Finley was fined for planting in the concrete parking median in his neighborhood, but he persisted anyway.

Finley was determined to aid his community by providing a bounty of fresh produce where it was oth-

A community garden is a great education tool for children.

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erwise scarce.

There are other well-known names in the community garden scene, such as British celebrity chef Jamie Oliver. Oliver has also expressed interest in reforming unhealthy diets through the use of community gardens. His focus has been on school meals and the

detrimental impact that they have had on the health of children. Oliver won the 2010 TED Prize for his TED Talk on the subject of revolutionizing meals that children have access to while in school. He chose to combat this problem by becoming one of the pioneers of the community garden movement in

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schools. Schoolchildren are aided in the gardening and harvesting of the very fruits and vegetables that will be incorporated into their meals. Finley agreed in his own TED Talk about the potential success of having children grow their own food. He said, “If kids grow kale, kids eat kale; if they grow to-

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You don’t need to be a celebrity chef or live in a large city to participate in community gardening.

Many cities around the globe have recognized the need for a central location where neighbors can participate in creating a healthier and greener community.

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THE HERALD ■ FRIDAY, MARCH 23, 2018

How to open home after wintering elsewhere

By CHRISTOPHER CROWN Creators.com Nothing ruins the excitement of returning to the family summer home more than driving up to find a slew of things that broke or leaked during the winter. To avoid this, you put much effort into the process of closing down your vacation home at the end of the season — but what’s the most efficient way to reopen the family cabin? Several home specialists and real estate authorities weigh in on the best tips for streamlining your summer setup.

To spend as little time and effort reopening your vacation home as possible, it’s imperative to follow some of the end-of-season closing protocols. Scott Stueber, blogger for West Bend Cares, says that the first and most important step is to do a complete walk-around of your property, assess any damage and create a plan for dealing with it either before close-down or after reopening. Key areas to investigate include the roof, the chimney, eaves, gutters, siding and any trees that are leaning over your property or have branches near windows. Although this can take away from the Labor Day weekend fun, a proper full-house inspection and some tree trimming can save thousands of dollars in

FRANCK BARSKE/CREATORS.COM

Make reopening your vacation home a breeze with some simple tips to streamline your summer return. roof and deck repair. Additionally, it is critical to turn off your water supply, clean and unplug all appliances, set your thermostat to the appropriate settings, and pack up all valuables and outdoor furniture. With these simple steps, reopening will be a breeze.

When the season finally comes back around and it’s time to reopen your vacation home, tenant needs are the first important factor to consider. If you are renting your vacation home, there will most likely be more immediate repairs and improvements neces-

sary to make your home presentable. If it’s just your family, you might have a little more time to restain the deck or polish the floors.

However, there are some universal steps to making a vacation home livable again. HouseLogic, a resource for home maintenance,

Amazing ways to use white vinegar

By MARY HUNT Creators.com It costs hardly anything ($2 a gallon or less on sale); it’s available in every grocery in the universe; and it’s so useful around your home you are going to have a hard time believing it. That’s the power of vinegar. Yep, plain, cheap, 5 percent acidity white vinegar.

1) Instead of fabric softener or dryer sheets, add 1⁄2 to 1 cup vinegar to the last rinse in your washing machine (as you would liquid softener). Your clothes will come out soft because the vinegar helps to remove every trace of laundry detergent, which causes fabrics to stiffen.

2) Add 1⁄4 cup white vinegar to 1 quart of very warm water to make a good window cleaner. Wipe with crumpled newspaper, and your windows will sparkle.

3) Vinegar will dissolve hardwater marks like those on shower doors and faucets, and in vases. If the vinegar is hot (heat in the microwave), it works even faster.

4) Instead of pricey commercial rinse agents, fill that little reservoir in your dishwasher with white vinegar. Your dishes will sparkle. Refill often. If your dishwasher does not have this feature, simple add 1⁄2 to 1 cup (depending on the hardness of your water) into the last rinse.

5) Wash your windshield with vinegar to help keep ice and frost at bay.

6) When diluted 50-50 with water, vinegar will take pet odors out of carpets. Find the offending area, and saturate it well (you want to use more liquid than the amount the pet contributed). Let it set for a while, and then blot all you can with a clean white towel.

Don’t scrub; blot! Stand on that towel to bring the liquid into the towel.

7) Vinegar makes a great wallpaper remover. First, remove all the wallpaper you can by simply pulling it off. You’ll probably only get the top layer of the paper, but that’s OK. Then, spray

full-strength vinegar on what remains. This will begin to dissolve the glue. Once softened you’ll be able to remove the rest without harsh chemicals.

8) Use the acidity of vinegar to tenderize meat. I add several tablespoons to pot roast, soups and stews. If you have balsamic vinegar, it will add a wonderful flavor, but white vinegar tenderizes just as well. Your guests will think you are serving them filet mignon.

9) You can clean copper-bottom pots with a paste made of salt and vinegar. Caution: Do not use this on decorative copper that has a lacquer coating.

10) Wash your vinyl and ceramic tile floors with a mixture of hot water and white vinegar (1 cup per gallon of water). No need to rinse. You will never have that nasty film that plain water leaves

behind. And wow! Your floor will shine line a new penny.

11) White vinegar will take the sting out of sunburn. Just soak a towel and apply to the burn. The smell is far more tolerable that the pain of a sunburn. Caution: Never self-treat a severe burn. Contact your health professional immediately if you have any doubt.

12) Clean your steam iron from the inside out. Fill the steam reservoir with white vinegar, and heat to the hottest setting. It’s going to steam vinegar, so get prepared for a strong smell. You will see all kinds of hard-water deposits come out of the steam holes. Empty remaining vinegar; fill reservoir with water; and allow it to steam well to remove all traces of vinegar. Repeat as necessary.

lays out the checklist (although simply retracing your close-down checklist can often cover most reopening needs): ■■ Conduct another walkaround. Look for any evidence of winter damage, and take this opportunity to trim back any winter growth from surrounding trees, grasses and shrubs.

■■ Restock the kitchen, pantry and bathroom, looking for any evidence of rodents, insects or moth damage to linens.

■■ Inspect and plug in all utilities. Follow this by turning on the water (and electricity, if applicable).

■■ Check all smoke detectors, and replace batteries.

■■ Replace all furnace filters and any necessary lightbulbs.

In addition to HouseLogic’s advice, it is also crucial to open the windows to get rid of any stale air and also run water through all the appropriate appliances until any rust or air pockets have passed.

Towels and sheets will need rewashing if they smell funky, and outdoor furniture should be dusted and put back out.

By following these simple steps, you can take the guesswork out of reopening your vacation home and more quickly get to what’s important: relaxing.

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THE HERALD ■ FRIDAY, MARCH 23, 2018

HOME, LAWN & GARDEN ■ PAGE 19

Do-it-yourself gardening tips, tricks and recipes

By MARY HUNT Creators.com Is there anything more gratifying than having a beautiful home garden? Considering the cost of gardening products, though, one trip to the garden center to pick up soil amendments, weed-barrier cloth and weedkiller can pretty much zap all the joy out of the experience. That’s why I love today’s tips, tricks and — back by popular demand — recipes for my homemade weedkiller.

■■ Garden vitamins. While you may have no use for spent coffee grounds, your garden would love them. Used coffee grounds are like megavitamins for garden soil. They’re rich in phosphorus and magnesium, important nutrients that help plants grow. It’s easy to sprinkle them around your garden plants and work them into the soil. They’re even the same color as the soil. If you’re not much of a coffee drinker, don’t despair. Starbucks has a program called Grounds for Your Garden, where select stores scoop used coffee grounds into the bags the beans originally came in and offer them to customers for free. Ask a barista at your local Starbucks to see if that store participates in the program.

■■ Free calcium. We throw away eggshells every day. Why wouldn’t we? They’re not good for anything, right? Wrong! Eggshells are a delicious source of calcium for your garden. Be sure to crush them well and work them into the soil, right along with those coffee grounds. Calcium will help keep your garden soil and plants healthy.

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Using Mary Hunt’s tips, tricks and recipes will help you grow a beautiful garden.

■■ Weed cloth. Once you’ve spent hours upon hours hunched over, weeding a garden or flowerbed by hand, you’ll want a good weed cloth. Newspaper makes the best weed cloth (well, sort-of cloth). It’s free, it allows water to drain through it and it is also biodegradable, which is very good for the soil. Newspaper will definitely last through the season, preventing unwanted vegetation from growing up through it. Prepare your garden and then lay a thick layer of newspaper over the entire area, eight to 10 sheets. Cover the newspaper with a thick layer of mulch. Cut an X through the mulch and paper at each place you wish to plant a seedling.

■■ Weedkiller for areas you want to replant. If you have weeds in areas of your garden you want to replant, do this: Fill an ordinary garden sprayer with white vinegar, and add about 1 teaspoon of liquid dishwashing soap (like blue Dawn). Screw on the sprayer top and turn the nozzle (or follow the instructions on the bottle) to get it ready to spray. That’s it.

Seriously. It’s that simple. Pick a hot, dry day to spray the weeds until saturated, and they will wilt and shrivel up within hours.

That being said, be careful not to spray anything you want to live.

But don’t worry about the vinegar killing anything below the soil. It won’t harm the soil, so you can safely replant the area once the

weeds have died.

■■ Weedkiller for plants you don’t want to grow again. To kill all vegetation in walkways, driveways and other areas where you don’t want anything growing, mix 2 cups of ordinary table salt with 1 gallon of white vinegar. Do this in a container that holds more than 1 gallon so you have room for the salt. Fasten the lid and shake the container to dissolve the salt.

Salt dissolves more quickly in vinegar than in water, but it takes a bit of shaking. It may not completely dissolve, but that’s OK. After, add 1 teaspoon of liquid dishwashing soap. Pour the mixture into any kind of garden sprayer or spray bottle. Spray the mixture on weeds or grass on a dry, sunny.

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There are a few things to note when tending to your garden.

■■ Ordinary distilled white vinegar with 5 percent acidity (the kind you find in the supermarket) is cheap and works great. If you can find a higher acidity, even up to 30 percent (I find this at Home Depot for about $2 for one halfgallon), it will work faster, but the end result will be the same.

■■ It is the presence of salt in the second weed-killer recipe that makes the effect permanent. The salt penetrates and leaches into the soil. It may take several applications, but in time, the salt will sterilize the soil so nothing will grow there in the future. Plan well before you go this permanent route.

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PAGE 20 ■ HOME, LAWN & GARDEN

THE HERALD ■ FRIDAY, MARCH 23, 2018

Attract hummingbirds to your outdoor space

By DIANNE CROWN Creators.com Hummingbird aerobatics and beauty fascinate birders along the North American migration flyway from late spring to early fall each year. To ensure your yard is a popular stop, provide colorful sources of fresh nectar, slender perches with a view and a cool mist on the hottest days. They’ll appreciate your efforts this year and for years to come. Here’s how: Feeding hummers Vivid red, orange, yellow and blue flowers attract hummingbirds, so one of the most important features of your hummingbird (and butterfly and bee) garden is a combination of nectar-rich plants that will bloom at different times throughout the growing season. Select plants with tubular flowers that accommodate the birds but limit insects’ access to the nectar inside,

says The Hummingbird Society.

Find a list of flowers, succulents, shrubs and other plants suited for various regions on the society’s website. A few popular choices include bee balm, columbine, fuchsia, honeysuckle and sage (a blue salvia). For more information, visit The Old Farmer’s Almanac and other online sources.

To supplement your blooming landscape, offer fresh nectar in clean, colorful feeders. They are widely available in glass or plastic with features designed to make eating easy for the birds, access difficult for ants and bees, and cleaning easy for you. Either offer dye-free commercial nectar or make your own with this simple, commonly used recipe.

Homemade Nectar 2 cups water 1⁄2 cup white granulated sugar Pour water in a saucepan,

predators and lookouts for any territorial hummers. Trees also provide safe haven for young hummingbird families living in their tiny cup-shaped nests of plant materials, spider silk and animal fur, says Melissa Mayntz at The Spruce.

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Make your backyard a hot stop for hummingbirds using fresh nectar and slender perches. and add granulated sugar (1 part sugar to 4 parts water). Stir well.

Bring mixture to a boil, and cook for 1 minute. Cool and serve.

In warm weather, change the nectar mix every few days, cleaning the feeder thoroughly each time. Nectar spoils quickly in hot weather and should be changed every couple of days.

Finally, avoid insect sprays.

Hummingbirds can help control your insect population and will benefit from the protein.

Places to perch, nest Hummingbirds’ tiny feet need thin perches, such as twigs or clotheslines. Place feeders near trees and shrubs as cover from

Water sources Shallow pools, such as plant saucers and conventional birdbaths partially filled with small pebbles, provide useful bathing and drinking. Clean and refill them daily to maintain freshness.

Moving water with a drip, gentle fountain or ripple feature attracts hummingbirds and discourages mosquito breeding.

Your lovely garden While creating a welcoming hummingbird habitat, add a combination of flowering baskets, a colorful banner to attract passing hummingbirds. Once they’ve found you, they’ll be back.

Seeds of potential: Plan for a successful vegetable garden

By JEFF RUGG Creators.com Have you received any garden seed catalogs yet? Developing a vegetable garden site takes time and resources — a home vegetable garden can take three to five years to start producing well. Container gardening is a more short-term gardening option that works well with locations that have space restrictions, such as patios.

There are a few conditions needed to constitute a good vegetable garden location. First, most vegetable crops need at least six hours of direct sun each day. Select the location with the best sunlight. A south-facing gradual slope is ideal; the next best location is the area with the least shade. Less sunlight will cause the plants to produce less. Be aware that southfacing slopes warm up earlier in the spring but could get too hot in summer.

The second most important feature is the proximity of the water source to the garden. Gardens in the corner of the yard can be difficult to water and will suffer accordingly, but there are some solutions. Drip irrigation, rain barrels, plastic row covers and abundant mulch can all help reduce water demand. Timers attached to hoses help water plants and reduce dis-

ease problems. Watering early in the morning prevents sun damage to wet plants and allows plants to dry before nighttime. Wet plants at night will increase the plants’ chance of contracting disease.

The condition of the soil prevents many gardens from producing well from the start. Subdivision soil is often thin, compacted and low in organic matter and has drainage problems. Soil tests can be beneficial in determining the acidity of the soil and whether any nutrients are lacking. Using composted organic matter as a supplement is very beneficial to almost all soil types. If it is not composted, such as fresh leaves or grass clippings, additional fertilizer may need to be added.

After removing any grass and before rototilling, add several

inches of compost and 1.5 pounds of 10-10-10 fertilizer per 10-by-10 foot area, and till both into the top 10 inches of soil. Do not use a fertilizer that has herbicides or insecticides. Do not add lime, gypsum or sulfur without a soil test showing a need for them.

A Square Foot Garden, an EarthBox and adding new soil to create a raised bed are all good vegetable gardening methods to get around poor soil on site. The Square Foot Garden and EarthBox use a soil mix of peat moss, perlite, vermiculite and compost to create a weed-free well-drained soil that easily grows garden vegetables.

The last environmental aspect is wind. Gardens in windy locations dry out quickly, and strong winds can knock over tomato plants in cages, corn plants and

trellises of peas, beans and melons. Make sure everything is anchored securely.

Weeds harbor insects and diseases and can cause a complete loss of harvest due to competition for water and sunlight. Start weed control early and don’t give up. Pre-emergent herbicides, weed barrier cloth and mulch help prevent weed growth. If weeds get the upper hand, cut them down to prevent any seed production.

Consider the kinds of vegetables your family will eat and what you will do with them before you

buy seeds or plants. Are you going to can or preserve them, or eat them fresh? Sweet corn, for example, is great fresh from the garden, but it takes up lots of space for a small harvest, and fresh sweet corn at the store is very inexpensive. So is it worth growing? As far as tomatoes go, to have enough to can all at the same time, get a determinate variety that bears its crop all at once. For fresh eating over a long period of time, buy an indeterminate variety.

Don’t forget to donate some vegetables to a local food pantry.

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