Home & Garden

2018 Fayette County Spring Home & Garden

Hess Landscape & Pool Company

POOLSIDE PARADISE

GOING GREEN

in your Lawn & Garden

Plus!

RENOVATION IDEAS FAST GROWING VEGETABLES ADDING BOLD COLORS

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2nd Generation Owners Michael & Jackie Sacks

979.249.3117

438 N. Washington, Round Top

Mon. - Sat. 7:30 am - 6 pm • Sun. 9 am - 3 pm

WWW.ROUNDTOPMERCANTILE.COM

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Pool & Landscape

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Renovations

Table of Contents HOME Certified Pool Operator

6

Remodeling Company with Flair

8

Laundry Room Renovation Ideas

10

Surviving a Home Renovation

12

Bold Colors add Vitality to Homes

13

Growing Trends in Today’s Homes

14

The Tiny House Movement

16

The Benefit of Hiring a Professional Contractor

18

Sutherland’s Big Winner

19

GARDEN

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24

Simple Ways to Avoid Injury while Gardening

22

A Worm’s Worth

23

Fast Growning Vegetables

24

How to Plant a Tree for Successful Growth

25

Going Green in Your Lawn and Garden this Spring

26

29

Advertiser Index

THE FAYETTE COUNTY

RECORD

Vegetables

On the Cover 2018 Fayette

Home County Spring

& Garden

e & Pool Company

Hess Landscap

POOLSIDE PARADISE

EEN G GRGar GOINLaw n & den

in your

Plus!

20

OTHER

Gardening

p.

Be Sure to Share the Seeds

Hess Landscape & Pool Company began offering more than just lawn maintenance services. Nathan Hess holds his Landscape Irrigator license from TCEQ and is a Certified Pool Operator .

N IDEAS S RENOVATIO G VEGETABLE FAST GROWIN D COLORS ADDING BOL

4 | FEBRUARY 2018 HOME & GARDEN

Published every Tuesday and Friday, except the publication immediately following Christmas, by Fayette County Record, Inc. Serving Fayette County since 1922. Locally owned by the Barton family since 1976. (USPS 188-440) 127 S. Washington, P.O. Box 400, La Grange, Texas 78945.

Telephone: 979-968-3155; Fax: 979-968-6767 Email: editor@fayettecountyrecord.com; www.fayettecountyrecord.com

Publisher

Regina Barton Keilers

Editor

Jeff Wick Digital Editor Andy Behlen News and Office H.H. Howze Andy Behlen Lou Ann Adcox Hertha Kruse

Special Section Design Lindsey Fojtik - Lindsey Fojtik Designs Accounting Nonnie Barton Theresia Karstedt Advertising Director Becky Weise Classified Advertising Jackie Daniels Production Manager John Castaneda

Circulation Manager Theresia Karstedt Circulation Jo Ann Mueller Bennie Vasek George Kana Bobby Bedient Sandra Boehm

SUBSCRIPTION RATES: Fayette County: Year $51.00; Elsewhere in Texas $59.00; Out of State $64.00.

Special Rates for Senior Citizens: In county, $46; in Texas $54; US $59.

For digital subscriptions via internet, go to www.fayettecountyrecord.com Retail & Classified Deadline: Tuesday paper - Friday 10 a.m.

Friday paper - Tuesday 10 a.m.

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Whether you want to make sure funds are available for your loved ones if you’re not there, or provide funds for your children’s education or supplement your retirement income, our goal is to help you develop a Life Insurance program that does what Renters coverage is very affordable you want it to do, while staying and is not usually included in the within your budget. rental agreement. Your personal property can easily be covered Talk to us about: against loss.

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Monday - Friday 8:30 am - 5 pm • Evenings & Weekends by Appointment

HOME Section

CERTIFIED

Pool Operator Written by Hess Landscape and Pool Company Hess Landscape Company was started by Nathan Hess’ dad, Jerry Hess, in 1990, offering lawn maintenance services. As he got older, Nathan enjoyed helping his dad work and realized that this is what he wanted to do as a career.

Upon graduating from La Grange High School in 2003, Nathan attended Texas State Technical College in Waco, where he completed a two-year program and earned a certificate in Golf Course and Landscape Design. Nathan returned home to La Grange and in 2006 took over the business full-time.

He began offering more than just lawn maintenance services. He holds his Landscape Irrigator license from TCEQ and is a Certified Pool Operator with the National Swimming Pool Foundation.

Nathan prides himself on a strong traditional work ethic based on honesty, integrity and quality.

His favorite part of this business is seeing the transformation of a project unfold and seeing the excitement of the customer throughout the process and upon seeing the final project.

Give Nathan a call today to talk with him about your next landscape or pool project at (979) 249-7243.

6 | FEBRUARY 2018 HOME & GARDEN

HOME Section

Remodeling Company

with Flair

8 | FEBRUARY 2018 HOME & GARDEN

Written by Hill & Co.

Hill & Company is a full-service remodeling company and home improvement store located in La Grange and has served Fayette County customers since 2005. We specialize in kitchens, baths, and flooring. Dustin Hill, Hill & Company’s general contractor, has 12 years building and remodeling experience, and in 2016 Dustin was designated a Graduate Master Builder by the National Association of Home Builders. Dustin is a graduate of La Grange High School, and he and his family live in La Grange in a Hill & Company remodeled home.

Whether you are building a new home or remodeling your existing one, Hill & Company can outfit your living space with an exciting selection of flooring, countertops, cabinetry, lighting, and plumbing fixtures. In the store, you can create your kitchen, bath, or new floor with the guidance of their design professionals. Hill & Company has thousands of samples to help you pull together a whole-room look, so whatever your style, Hill & Company has what you need. All professional design services are absolutely free with Hill & Company including in-home measurements, quotes, and color selection assistance. Visit the store and discover everything you want to improve your home right in La Grange.

FEBRUARY 2018 | 9

HOME Section

Laundry Room Renovation To former apartment dwellers or those who have never enjoyed the benefit of a dedicated laundry area, even the smallest washer and dryer space can seem like a luxury. The benefits of dedicated laundry rooms abound. However, disorganized laundry rooms can nullify such benefits. Depending on the needs and preferences of each homeowner, laundry room designs can be customized for convenience.

Employ vertical space

Floor space may be at a premium in a laundry room, especially for those who want to devote as much space as possible to bulk-size washer and dryer units. Therefore, utilizing wall space is key. Use shelving, wire racks, hooks, and other organizational tools to store items on the wall. Shelves can be tucked into just about any space, and there are different options that can fit into corners or shallow areas. These are a great option for keeping detergent or other laundry essentials nearby.

Clean designs reduce clutter

Simple, clean designs can be an asset in a laundry room. If budget and space permits, cabinetry built into the design will help keep items out of sight in the laundry room. Cabinets hung directly above the appliances can store detergent, bleach and fabric softener. Use cabinets elsewhere in the room as catch-alls for cleaning supplies used in various other rooms around the house.

Incorporate a sink in the design

Some older laundry room setups have a slop sink to drain

10 | FEBRUARY 2018 HOME & GARDEN

Ideas

discharged water from the washing machine. However, newer homes may have plumbing installed directly through the floor or walls. It is still a worthwhile idea to have a sink in the laundry room for rinsing out stains, handwashing items and having a go-to sink for messier cleanup.

Utilize a tension rod

A rod installed between two cabinets or across a narrow width of space in the laundry room is a handy spot to hang shirts or pants to prevent wrinkling. Repurposing a ladder and suspending it from the ceiling also creates a spot to hang clothes.

Consider laundry room flooring

It’s important to select flooring materials that will not be damaged by contact with moisture or spills. Vinyl, tile and some composite products often make good laundry room floor materials. Resilient flooring that mimics the look of hardwood may add a classy touch, and give the appearance of wood without having to worry about damage. To alleviate fatigue while spending long moments in the laundry room, invest in a memory foam mat that can be placed underfoot.

Keep lighting in mind

Lighting can be important in the laundry room. Rely on task lighting, under-cabinet strip lighting and overhead lights as needed for efficiency. Laundry room design can maximize the space available and make it more convenient to launder and sort clothes.

HOME Section Homeowners invest large sums into improving their homes to make them more comfortable living spaces or to increase their odds of selling quickly. The Remodeling Futures Program at the Joint Center for Housing Studies of Harvard University predicted U.S. spending on home renovations and repairs to peak at $327 billion in 2017.

Whether one is doing a large renovation or a small remodel, life may be turned upside down during the project. Furniture may be moved out of the room, walls may be demolished, water or electricity may be turned off, and appliances may be missing or not hooked up.

Home improvements often drum up dust and disarray. Such projects can try the patience of any homeowner, and things may get worse before they get better.

Even though remodeling can be taxing, the end result is often worth it. Here’s how to look forward to the silver lining and come out unscathed.

Discuss the project before it starts.

All family members should be in agreement before the first hammer is swung. Decide on as many details as you can ahead of time and have a firm plan in place. Establish back-up choices for tiles or color schemes in case the items you want are out of stock. Trying to make decisions under duress may result in bad choices.

Do one project at a time.

It’s tempting to want to improve as much as possible at once to maxi-

12 | FEBRUARY 2018 HOME & GARDEN

mize motivation and renovation materials. However, having no place in which to escape the mess can elevate stress levels. Do not think about renovating kitchens and bathrooms all at once, or you will not have any working fixtures for tasks like washing up.

Have everything in place …

Before demolition even begins, have building materials bought and stored, contractors and subcontractors lined up, and see what you can do to minimize the time workers need to spend in your home.

… but expect delays.

In a world where things move at lightning speeds, renovations have not gotten the memo. Home projects take lots of time and will likely take longer if you are doing the work yourself in your free time.

Build lots of extra time into the project so you are not disappointed when delays happen — even when you’ve done your best to avoid them.

Plan an escape zone

Construction environments can be messy, loud, smelly, and a host of other unsavory adjectives. The chaos that ensues when life is turned upside down can be overwhelming, particularly for the person who spends the most time in the home while work is being done. Build escape moments into the plan and make sure everyone else at home is on board. During the real grind of the project, a night or two at a hotel may be a welcome respite.

BOLD COLORS add vitality to homes Whether it’s Independence Day, St. Patrick’s Day or the holiday season, the bold hues that are synonymous with these events add a splash of color to rooms that can use a little design lift.

While some colors may be synonymous with certain times of year, homeowners can employ bold colors in their homes all year long. By embracing bold painting and decorating styles, homeowners can use fresh color palettes to make rooms more inviting and colorful. These popular color combinations can provide inspiration.

Green and pink Colors on opposite ends of the color wheel will always complement each other. Green paired with pink (a lighter shade of green’s opposite, red) calls to mind the great outdoors.

These hues can add a touch of floral spring sunshine even when that season has long since passed. Opt for a deep green and a carnation pink for maximum impact. And don’t forget a vase full of fresh blooms as the finishing factor.

Lavender and deep blue

Did You Know?

If you want a light-colored room, choose colors that are slightly more saturated than offwhite or light pastel. Very light color can feel bright and stark when it appears on all surfaces in a room. However, two or more medium-light, closely related pastel colors can create a luminous effect when used in the same room.

Analogous colors are three colors that sit side-by-side on the color wheel and share a common denominator in terms of shade. Lavender, blue and an orchid pink are examples of such hues. This cool, regal combination can add femininity to a bedroom or even drama to another space in the house. If painting the walls dark blue or lavender seems scary, opt for a neutral shade on walls and then dress up the space with inky and violet accents.

Turquoise and brick red Enhance the “wow” factor with these bold colors. Although they are striking, when they work together, they also can impart a soothing feel, particularly since they are often inspired by Asian influences. Feature a light turquoise sofa with red throw pillows.

Or dress up meals with a red tablecloth on the dining table and turquoise, white and red, patterned place mats.

Gray and yellow Yellow is a pick-me-up color any time of the year, but, when combined with a gray, it’s toned down to be soothing instead of startling. This color combination is popular in kitchens, nurseries and entryways. Have fun in the kitchen with mottled gray stone countertops, pale yellow walls and canary café curtains.

Color can affect mood and transform spaces with just a small investment of time and money. Homeowners can experiment with color palettes so rooms remain vibrant all year long.

FEBRUARY 2018 | 13

HOME Section Although the heydays of the real estate boom of the early 2000s have not quite returned, things look positive. In the United States, 1,226,000 new homes were built in 2016, according to data from Consumer Reports. That was the most since 2007.

Resales also have been more promising. The National Association of Realtors® says the median number of days a home was on the market in April 2017 reached a new low of 29 days. However, low supply levels did stanch existing home sales somewhat. By mid-2017, the market was a seller’s market, with more people in the market for homes than properties available. But sales during that time were still outpacing sales figures from a year prior. In fact, in May 2017, home sales in Canada increased to their highest level in more than five years, according to the Canadian MLS® Systems.

Low interest rates on mortgages and more confidence in the economy has driven many people to make improvements to their existing homes. As is typical, the things homeowners are looking for in 2017 have evolved from years past. The following are some trends that are helping to steer the real estate market further.

• Smaller homes: Home sizes in the United States steadily increased for decades, eventually leading to an average of 2,453 square feet in 2014, according to U.S. Census figures. However, Realtor. com reported in 2015 that new construction homes have already begun to shrink by 40 square feet. There seems to be a slight trend

14 | FEBRUARY 2018 HOME & GARDEN

toward more modest homes as people consider affordability and maintenance on larger properties. The National Association of Home Builders states buyers are now looking for smaller, more livable homes with flexible floor plans, energy-efficient appliances and plenty of storage space.

• Matte finishes: Stainless steel and luster have been popular for years. However, the next big thing is matte finishes on faucets, appliances and even in countertops. These less flashy finishes are prized for their warmth and elegance. While some high-end models with matte finishes have been available for several years, even less expensive models are now available.

• Smarter technology: Many homeowners are embracing smart technology throughout their homes, but it’s not just lights that turn on with voice command or more efficient thermostats. Innovative technology includes toilets that can autonomously stay clean and sanitized, refrigerators equipped with cameras so homeowners can see the contents inside and indoor food recyclers that can turn food waste into fertilizer.

Staying abreast of the ever-changing trends in home improvement and real estate can help consumers make the best choices with regard to buying and building their homes.

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FEBRUARY 2018 | 15

HOME Section

The TINY HOUSE movement The tiny house movement has transformed the way many people look at housing and how it can help them downsize not only their residences, but also their lives.

Living small has been embraced as an eco-friendly way to cut costs and simplify life. According to the tiny house resource The Tiny Life, the typical American home is 2,600 square feet, while the typical tiny house is between 100 and 400 square feet. Many tiny homes are smaller than the average urban apartment. Proponents of the small house movement say that living the tiny life isn’t really a sacrifice, but a way to experience a simpler, fuller life that frees them from expensive mortgage payments and unnecessary clutter.

One of the advantages of tiny house living is that buyers are often able to buy their homes (whether stationary or mobile) outright, eliminating the need to finance their purchases. Tiny homes also boast much lower utility bills than more traditional homes.

Outfitting tiny homes with wood-burning appliances can keep heating costs to a minimum. In some instances, tiny homes are completely off the grid, harvesting electricity through solar panels and employing rain-capturing technology to supply water.

According to the resource Living Big in a Tiny House, the tiny house movement is eco-friendly. Small homes create much smaller carbon footprints than large homes. In addition, the resources needed to build and sustain such homes pales in comparison to those needed to build and maintain more traditional homes. Furthermore, with less interior space, residents of tiny homes are less likely to acquire items they don’t necessarily need, reducing clutter and saving money.

The following statistics, courtesy of The Tiny Life, paint a picture of the tiny home lifestyle: • Sixty-eight percent of tiny house people have no mortgage, and 78 percent own their home.

• The average cost to build a tiny house is $23,000 for do-it-you selfers.

• Eighty-nine percent of tiny house dwellers have less credit card debt than the average person.

• Tiny house owners earn an average of $42,038 each year.

• Many tiny home owners are age 50 or older.

Those interested in the tiny house lifestyle can find many companies that now specialize in these dwellings. Empty-nesters looking to downsize may find tiny homes are an affordable way to simplify their lives.

16 | FEBRUARY 2018 HOME & GARDEN

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FEBRUARY 2018 | 17

HOME Section

The Benefit of Hiring A Professional Contractor The DIY movement has inspired many homeowners to tackle home repair and remodeling projects on their own. DIY projects can be rewarding, and many homeowners who have embraced the DIY movement have discovered talents they never before knew they had.

But no matter how simple popular home renovation television shows make remodeling projects appear, homeowners should know that such undertakings are far more difficult than they appear on television. Homeowners who overestimate their abilities and the time they have to complete projects can cost themselves substantial amounts of money. In fact, there are a variety of reasons homeowners might want to work with professional contractors when tackling home improvement projects.

Experience

A trial and error approach can work with various projects and problems. But applying such an approach to home improvement projects is risky and potentially dangerous, not to mention costly.

Experienced professional contractors with strong track records (seek recommendations from friends or neighbors) won’t have to go through trial and error and are therefore more likely than DIYers to complete a project on time and on budget.

Inspiration

One oft-overlooked benefit of working with professional contractors is the likelihood that they can draw up ideas for projects that homeowners might otherwise never have thought up on their own.

Homeowners without specific ideas in mind can ask contractors to come up with various scenarios before committing to a particular one. Veteran contractors can draw on years of experience to create

18 | FEBRUARY 2018 HOME & GARDEN

designs that DIYers might be incapable of coming up with and/or incapable of seeing through to completion.

Cost

Conventional wisdom suggests it’s less expensive to do something yourself than to hire someone else to do it for you, but that’s not necessarily true of home improvement projects. Labor costs typically account for a substantial amount of professionally contracted projects, but homeowners can cut those costs by volunteering to do some of the simpler tasks themselves. In addition, contractors often purchase materials at a much lower cost than individual homeowners because contractors buy in bulk. So while labor costs might be lower on DIY projects, the cost of materials can offset those savings.

Resale value

Many homeowners renovate their homes with eyes on improving the resale value of those homes. But if homeowners want to showcase a newly remodeled kitchen when selling their homes, they should be prepared for prospective buyers to ask who worked on the project. Fearing potential problems down the road, some buyers might be put off by homes that were remodeled by DIYers and not professional contractors.

Renovating a home on your own can be a rewarding project for homeowners. But it’s important that homeowners recognize the many benefits of working with professional contractors before making any final decisions with regard to who will tackle their next project.

Sutherlands

Big Winner Twice a year Sutherlands holds a

Helping You Build It Better.

Calendar of Sales 15% OFF

drawing for a $5,000

March 17, July 4, & November 24

shopping spree for its customers. Every

Memorial Day, Labor Day, & New Years Day

store draws three names for a $25, $50,

30% OFF Prefigured Building Packages and All Furniture on Black Friday

and $100 gift card.

All of the stores send those entries in for a

August 16 Ladies Night 20% OFF 4pm-7pm

chance to win a $5,000 shopping spree. This fall a customer from the La Grange store won, Bob Wessels.

Metal Buildings

Metal Roofing 907 E. State Business Hwy 71 • La Grange, TX 78945 979.968.5654 www.supaksbuildingsupply.com

2125 W State Highway 71 La Grange, TX 78945 Telephone: (979) 968-4925 MON-FRI 7:30-7 SAT 7:30-6 SUN 9-5 FEBRUARY 2018 | 19

GARDEN Section

Be Sure to

Share the Seeds

Written by Becky Matthijetz-Weise, Weise Farms

When mowing the lawn, does it smell like salsa? Or pickles? Or pesto?

You may think this is a silly question, but heirloom seeds are so prolific, they pop up in abundance, even in the lawn.

Nothing reminds me of salsa more than cilantro.

SALSA RECIPE

•10 pounds of vine ripened tomatoes •12 jalapeños (take seeds out for milder salsa) •4 large onions •6 toes garlic •2 bunches or the equivalent of cilantro •salt & pepper to taste On a cookie sheet, oven roast the tomatoes in a 375 degree oven and remove skins. In a skillet, char whole jalapeños and onions.

20 | FEBRUARY 2018 HOME & GARDEN

Use a food processor to pulse tomatoes to the desired texture. Set aside in a large cooking pot. Do the same for the remaining ingredients and combine in the same cooking pot. Bring to boil. Add chopped cilantro last.

Fill sterilized pint jars with salsa, leaving 1/2” headspace.

Using a canner, bring enough water to a boil to cover the tops of the jars. This is called a water bath. Bring back to a boil and let the jars in the water bath for 15 minutes.

Remove and let cool. All the lids should seal.

We started out with a small patch of heirloom cilantro seeds. At the time we were newbies.

When the end of growing season arrived, the plants were loaded with seeds. We made sure to collect the vine-dried seeds in a brown paper bag and stored them in airtight jars in the refrigerator. We made a note on the calendar when to plant them for the next growing season. Little did we know they are self-sewers! There was no need to replant. In fact, we had more than ever before. And each year after, the patch has grown.

Cilantro seed produces the spice known as coriander. Coriander has a mild flavor compared to Cilantro, but it ads brightness to chicken, fish, rice and more. Broaden your flavor pallet by searching for recipes to use this delicious spice.

Did you know coriander is known for its health benefits? A quick Google search using the words “coriander seed uses” will return a result of recipes for more than just cooking.

There are coriander recipes & remedies for skin diseases, including acne. Other home remedies include facilitating hair growth, aiding in digestion, relieving cold & flu symptoms, providing assistance for diabetics, preventing anemia, normalizing vitamin D levels, treating conjunctivitis, and many more due to the antibacterial properties of coriander.

Other areas of the lawn are interwoven with healthy dill plants that make me think of pickles.

PICKLE RECIPE

Sterilize quart jars •Place several sprigs of dill •two toes of garlic •2 dried red chili-peppers •tightly pack pre-washed pickling cucumbers into the jars •add another layer of dill & garlic to the top •for crispy pickles, add ¼ tsp Alum to each jar In a large stainless-steel pot bring to boil •4 quarts water •1 quart of 90 or 100 grain pickling vinegar •1-1/4 c pickling salt

PREPARATION

1. Combine basil leaves, pine nuts or walnuts and garlic in a food processor and process until very finely minced.

2. With the machine running slowly dribble in the oil and process until the mixture is smooth.

3. Add the cheese and process very briefly, just long enough to combine. Store in refrigerator or freezer.

Like all herbs, basil has a host of disease-fighting antioxidants. It is an anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and antibacterial. Basil is said to protect the liver, fight cancer, reduce pain, and help reduce stress.

That’s because it works as an ‘adaptogen’ that helps the body adapt to stress. Another search will show results that will make you want to add this herb into your diet.

Herbs make a wonderful gift in plant form, seed form or as a little bouquet of freshly cut herbs.

So if you enjoy giving a little parting gift to visitors, herbs are a great choice. You can share them in one form or another almost any time of the year.

Place a handful of freshly picked herbs in a glass of water and enjoy the distressing aroma, the beauty and the taste for the next few days.

Give heirloom herbs and vegetables a try and when you find a good variety, be sure to share the seeds.

Carefully pour boiling water over the top of the packed jars, leaving 1/2” headspace Ad lids and rings immediately Allow to cool All the lids should seal Refrigerate until ready to use Here again, a Google search for “health benefits of dill” surprised me as it can lower cholesterol, act as a bug repellent, aid in digestion, protect against free radicals, remedy depression, and provide antimicrobial effects known to fight infections like staph. There’s a host of other benefits and recipes for the leaves and the seed.

Sweet basil is another self-sewing herb I enjoy. It brings to mind pasta dishes with basil pesto, a mouthful of wonderful. Of course you can buy it in a jar, but nothing compares to making it yourself.

And the leaves taste so fresh on homemade pizza.

INGREDIENTS • • • • •

2 cups fresh basil leaves (no stems) 2 tablespoons pine nuts or walnuts 2 large cloves garlic cup extra-virgin olive oil cup freshly grated parmesan cheese

FEBRUARY 2018 | 21

GARDEN Section

Simple Ways to Avoid Injury While Gardening During the winter, many people anxiously await the arrival of warm weather so they can get back outdoors. Gardening is one outdoor activity that attracts many a devotee.

Although gardening can be a worthwhile and enjoyable hobby for people of all ages, like other activities, gardening carries certain safety risks, even though few people may give much thought to the risk of getting hurt when gardening. The Consumer Product Safety Commission reports that gardeners suffer thousands of injuries every year. Many of these injuries involve lawn and garden equipment or accessories used while tending to plants. From lawn mowers to pruners to manual garden tools, gardeners may handle various pieces of equipment that can make them susceptible to injury if they’re not careful.

To reduce their risk for injury, gardeners can follow these important safety precautions.

• Plant gardens in raised garden beds and containers to reduce the need to stoop down to tend to plants. Raised beds are easier on gardeners’ backs and knees.

• Wear long-sleeved shirts and durable pants to protect arms and legs from branches, thorns and insects.

• Remove tripping hazards, such as roots, lumber, rocks, and loose gravel, from the yard at the start of gardening season.

• Wear gloves to prevent blisters from forming and to protect hands

22 | FEBRUARY 2018 HOME & GARDEN

from any chemical products used in the garden. Gloves also can keep hands clean, ensuring bacteria and fungi do not find their way into open cuts or scrapes.

• Vary activities and take periodic breaks so prolonged repetitive motions do not contribute to soreness or injury.

• Follow instructions for tools, and always use the right tool for the job.

A Worm’s Worth

Earthworms produce the richest natural fertilizer known to man. This end product is commonly called “worm castings.” As earthworms eat, the bacteria in their digestive tract transform waste products into natural fertilizer. Because worm castings are non-toxic and do not burn plants, you can use as much as you like. Worm castings, the digested remnants from earthworms, are beneficial in growing any plant. Earthworm castings provide nutrients to plants up to 6 times longer than typical potting soil. Did you know worm castings, often used in garden and houseplant soils, are odorless?

Plan *Before You Plant* Before you plant, be knowledgable of the tree’s growth patterns so that you don’t plant them where they will grow dangerously close to power lines when they mature.

The largest worm farm in the United States is in Tennessee.

If you hoe a layer of barren soil, add a layer of worm castings, and give it some water, you will be surprised at the growth of your first season’s plants. Worm castings, when used in planting soils, increase the ability of the soil to retain water. Worm castings can be added to the base of houseplants or spread across a large scale with a spreader. Using 20-30% worm castings with sand makes an excellent germination mixture for any plant. Home gardeners use worm castings in and around the house for vegetables, flowers, or even landscape plants.

Earthworms ventilate the soil as they plow up the earth, converting decaying matter into byproduct called “casting” that act as a rich plant fertilizer.

FEBRUARY 2018 | 23

GARDEN Section

Fast-Growing Vegetables

for the Impatient Gardener Stepping outdoors and picking a freshly grown vegetable is a joy for many homeowners who like to garden.

Growing vegetables at home offers many benefits. In addition to providing a worthwhile hobby that can increase your physical activity, having control over your own produce can reduce exposure to a number of chemical pesticides and fertilizers. This translates into foods that are healthier for the body and the environment.

Gardens also can help the average person save money on often costly produce, all the while reducing gardeners’ carbon footprints.

Waiting to reap the rewards of a harvest can try the patience of those accustomed to satisfying their needs on a moment’s notice. This is especially true for young gardeners who have grown up in a society that increasingly provides immediate gratification.

While tomatoes, peppers and watermelons require long growing seasons, many other fruits and vegetables grow much faster. This offers plenty of bounty in a short time for those who may have gotten a later start on their gardens or simply don’t have the patience to wait on the more time-consuming growers.

Arugula, Radishes, Snap beans, Turnips, Squash, and Green onions are among the list of vegetables that grow the quickest.

Speak with a garden center expert to learn more about which vegetables, fruits and herbs grow quickly and will thrive in your home garden.

24 | FEBRUARY 2018 HOME & GARDEN

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How to plant a tree for successful growth More sunlight and warm temperatures frequently inspire homeowners to spend more time in the great outdoors during spring and summer. Outdoor projects often top homeowners’ to-do lists in spring and summer, with gardens and landscapes taking center stage.

Planting more trees around the yard is one popular project that can improve property value and benefit the environment.

Why plant trees?

There are plenty of reasons to plant trees. Trees provide a natural form of shade, reducing air temperature by blocking the sun’s rays.

This can reduce reliance on air conditioning systems and make it more comfortable to spend time outdoors during the summer.

North Carolina State University College of Agriculture & Life Sciences says trees absorb and block noise and reduce glare. They also can trap dust, pollen and smoke. Trees also absorb carbon dioxide and potentially harmful gasses from the air. One large tree can supply a day’s worth of oxygen for as many as four people, while also storing 13 pounds of carbon per year.

expand and properly anchor the tree. The next method of success is to ensure that the tree has a large enough hole to contain the existing root ball and allow for roots to grow and expand. Better Homes and Gardens experts say to prepare a hole that is two to three times as wide as the root ball of the tree. Treat the root ball gently. If the roots are wrapped in burlap, remove the burlap or push it to the bottom of the hole. Backfill the hole with soil and check that the tree is straight. Stake the tree to help it stay upright and straight until the roots anchor it more effectively. A layer of mulch around the base of the tree can prevent weeds and reduce water loss. Water daily for several weeks until the roots have fanned out. It’s best to leave trees be for the first growing season, only removing broken or diseased limbs. Resist pruning and shaping until the tree has survived its first growing season.

Getting started

Visit a garden center or nursery and select a tree that will be hardy in your planting zone. Choosing native trees can increase the likelihood that the new tree will adapt to its surroundings. Also, inspect trees to determine if they’re healthy before taking them home. Look for evidence of root girdling, which occurs when the roots circle around the perimeter of the container and surround the trunk. Trees should not have any dead or dormant branches. The DIY Network suggests locating the tree where it can thrive. This means selecting a spot that can make it easier for the tree to grow tall and wide. Avoid planting near the house, where roots can crack concrete or asphalt, and always plant away from underground pipes.

Planting the tree

Now it is time to amend the soil. It’s not enough to enrich only the soil in the hole where the tree will be placed. Move out into a circular area beyond where the roots will start so that roots can

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GARDEN Section

GOING GREEN

in your lawn and garden this spring Spring is a season of rejuvenation. As the cold days of winter drift away, spring blooms begin to sprout and grass regains its lush green look.

than gas-powered mowers. Planet Natural also notes that reel mowers snip grass like scissors, leaving finer trimmings that can serve as nourishing, weed-deterring mulch for yards.

Green is certainly a color that’s synonymous with spring. Gardening enthusiasts can find a way to make spring even more green by embracing several eco-friendly gardening practices as they bring their lawns and gardens back to life in the months to come.

• Water at the right times of day. Homeowners who water their lawns and gardens at the right time of day can help the planet and reduce their energy bills. As spring gradually gives way to summer, temperatures typically rise. Watering during the coolest times of the day means less water will be lost to evaporation, ensuring waterneedy soil will get all it needs to help lawns and gardens thrive. Early morning watering before the sun reaches its midday peak and/or evening watering as the sun is setting are typically great times to water lawns and gardens, rather than when temperatures are at their hottest.

• Create a compost pile. Composting is an eco-friendly way to enrich lawns and gardens. Composting helps to conserve water because compost promotes moisture retention in soil, reducing homeowners’ need to water their lawns and gardens while also helping them to save money on their water bills. Composting also helps homeowners avoid the need to use potentially harmful chemical fertilizers because compost is a natural, slow release fertilizer. In addition, according to Canada’s Green Action Centre, compostable materials make up 40 percent of residential waste. So composting can dramatically reduce the amount of waste homeowners ultimately send to landfills.

• Replace gas-powered mowers with reel lawn mowers. Reel mowers may seem like relics from simpler times, but today’s reel mowers, while just as eco-friendly as their predecessors, are unlike those of yesteryear. According to the Planet Natural Research Center, an online resource for organic gardeners, gas-powered engines emit more than 10 times the hydrocarbons per amount of gas burned than auto engines. But reel mowers are fuel-free and less expensive

26 | FEBRUARY 2018 HOME & GARDEN

• Use a rain barrel. Rain barrels provide another great way to conserve water while tending to lawns and gardens. Rain barrels collect and store rain water from roofs and downspouts, keeping water from washing into sewage systems where it can’t be put to good use. Water collected in rain barrels can be used in various ways. Many homeowners can use water from rain barrels to water their lawns, gardens and houseplants, saving money on their water bills along the way.

Spring gardening season provides a great opportunity for lawn and garden enthusiasts to embrace a variety of eco-friendly practices that can save them money and protect the planet.

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Advertiser Index

•BOTLEFI NGSTAION

Budget Blinds...................................................................27

National Bank & Trust....................................................15

CTL Tree Service..............................................................25

Paige Tractors Inc.............................................................2

Electric Motor Service.....................................................31

Fayetteville Bank............................................................28

Fayette Electric Coop....................................................23

Reeder’s Air Conditioning & Heating Inc.....................15

Fayetteville Bank............................................................28

Round Top Mercantile.....................................................3

Fayetteville Propane Company....................................29

Round Top State Bank....................................................17

Fixin Things........................................................................28

Shweiki Printing................................................................13

Herb Society of America...............................................27

Supaks Building & Roofing Systems..............................19

Hess Pool & Landscape Company.................................7

Sutherlands.....................................................................19

Hill & Co...........................................................................11

Tex Propane....................................................................17

Jones Insurance Services.................................................5

Texas Irrigation & Pipe LLC............................................29

KJK Dozer..........................................................................15

Vincents Roofing.............................................................32

Kleiber Tractor & Equipment.........................................30

Weise Farms.....................................................................27

Kolbe-Hill, Inc...................................................................23 La Grange Farm & Ranch Supply Inc..........................24 La Grange Overhead Door...........................................28 MG Farm..........................................................................17

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