Chester Home Appeal Spring 2015

home appeal merchandiseredition

SPRING 2015

home / garden / renovation

this issue: identifying your GARDEN PREFERENCES gardening MYTHS and FACTS CLEANING the exterior of your HOME growing VEGETABLES Published by Engle Printing & Publishing Co., Inc.

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Identifying

GARDEN PREFERENCES

In many ways, a personal garden is limited only by the constraints of a person’s imagination. The vast array of plants and flowers available from all over the world can turn anyone’s yard into a melange of functional spaces; however, there are some practical considerations for choosing the plantings and style that will best suit your environment and the amount of involvement needed in the project.

When designing a garden, many homeowners do not know where to begin. Much like decorating the interior of a home, how a garden landscape is executed depends on various factors.

CLIMATE AND CONDITIONS

The foremost consideration when planting a garden should be the climate where the garden will be located. Planting items that are not conducive to growing in certain conditions can be counterintuitive and a waste of money and effort.

Prospective gardeners must become familiar with the hardiness zones of their region prior to making any plans.

This will help gardeners to determine which types of plants will thrive on their landscape. Once this is determined, examination of the soil and conditions on the property is also helpful. Taking this step will help identify any plant deterrents, such as poor soil quality and pH, as well as any pests that may impede plant growth.

STYLE OF THE HOME

Landscaping designs often tie into the architectural style of a home. For example, an extensive Asian-inspired garden complete with koi pond and bonsai may look odd in front of a log home. Keep architecture in mind when planning a garden so the look of the home you present is cohesive and fits with the community and immediate vicinity.

DESIGN PREFERENCES

Are you a free spirit who doesn’t conform to convention with firm boundaries? Or are you one who likes order and things in their place? Knowing what makes you tick will help you to choose a gardening style that will be easier to maintain and also make you feel comfortable. For example, prairie-style planting or wildflower gardens are dramatic ways to create natural points of color over a large area. In these styles, most plants are allowed to grow as they may.

Those who like a dreamy, ethereal feel to their gardens may be inspired by cottage designs, where generously filled borders overflow into a flower and foliage paradise.

If you are more inclined to follow the rules and like an orderly landscape, a parterre, or formal planting bed, may be more your style. When carefully pruned, box hedging can show off symmetry and geometry in your space.

Some people are more focused on the accents in their gardens than on the plants themselves. Modern architecture pairs well with a contemporary style that blends minimalist accents and easy-to-maintain plants.

Although you can change plants in your garden, investing in a garden that you will be happy with for a long time can be a costly venture. You may want to consult a landscape architect or local nursery to find the plants and trees that fit with your design and lifestyle. These experts can also instruct you in how to maintain all of your hard work and when to expect the full impact of your new landscape to take form.

Homeowners can browse ideas for gardens in magazines and online, but ultimately it will be up to their personal design preferences and the climate where their home is located to determine which garden will look and grow best.

chester county [6] Spring Home Appeal 2015

GREENHOUSE

Greenhouses are a great place for gardeners to hone their crafts, but they can also be expensive.

Here are some things gardeners should consider before building or buying a greenhouse:

SIZE: A greenhouse can be grandiose or small in

stature. The size of a greenhouse depends on the gardener and the amount of property available.

Larger greenhouses can be breathtaking, but the homeowner in you might not want a greenhouse to dominate your entire property. In addition, if your planting plans are relatively modest, a bigger greenhouse probably doesn’t make much sense.

COST: Greenhouses can range from a few hundred dollars to several thousand dollars. If you want a large greenhouse but can only afford a small one, then it might be best to keep saving money until you can afford one that meets your needs.

USE: If you plan to use the greenhouse just during the standard gardening seasons, then you won’t need to heat it. If you are like most greenhouse owners, however, and want to use the greenhouse year-round, you will need to heat the interior. In addition, those who want to keep gardening during the dog days of summer will have to ventilate the greenhouse. Consider the use and the potential cost of a year-round greenhouse before making your decision.

LOCATION: The greenhouse will need to be in a place on the property that gets lots of sun. Before buying or building a greenhouse, choose an area on the property where plants will thrive. If that area is currently used for something else, ask yourself and those who share the home with you if converting that part of the property to a greenhouse is something they can all live with.

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Gardening is an age-old activity that was once a necessity but has transformed into a hobby for many people. While gardening still serves practical purposes, many gardeners still consider it a hobby first and foremost.

Time -tested gardening techniques have prevailed, but there remain certain myths about gardening that are best dispelled. The following are some of the more common myths associated with gardening.

myth:

Compost tea is more effective than traditional compost.

All over North America and the United Kingdom, gardeners have jumped on board the compost tea bandwagon. Compost tea is a fertilizer created by steeping compost in water mixed with sugar in brewing kits.

The mixture is allowed to sit and aerate to encourage beneficial organism growth before it is sprayed on plants.

According to supporters, compost tea suppresses disease and boosts plant yields; however, there is no evidence to suggest that compost tea works any better than adding compost in its normal state to the soil. In fact, leaving buckets of the “tea” around

FACTS to ferment could actually create a breeding ground for E. coli and other bacteria.

myth:

Plants under stress should be fertilized. This is not the case. Horticulturists advise that fertilizing plants that are not deficient in nutrients can actually add to existing stress levels for plants. Plants are not often stressed by a lack of food, but rather heat, faulty planting, or space constraints. A fed plant will use the energy to absorb the nutrients instead of defending against a blight or establishing better root systems.

myth:

Young trees need stakes. It may be tempting to stake that little sapling to protect it against the weather and strong winds, but doing so may actually work against the foundling tree. Staking trees to inhibit swaying may not stimulate the tree to grow thicker, lower trunks that will help the tree in the long run. The Royal Horticultural Society recommends that saplings be staked for about one year and then have the stakes removed to encourage the tree to be strong and stable on its own.

myth:

Water droplets and sunshine lead to burnt leaves. Gardeners have been told to resist watering their plants during the hottest times of the day.

Many assume it’s because water droplets on leaves will magnify the sun’s rays and burn the leaves.

According to Dr. Gabor Horvath at the Eoetvoes University in Budapest, water droplets will rarely damage plants because the drops are too close to the leaves to cause burning before they evaporate.

The reason that watering during the hottest points of the day is not advised is that water evaporates and gets wasted.

myth:

Sand added to clay soil makes it looser and better for plants. Clay soil is a deterrent to gardening because it can be so hard to dig and difficult to cultivate, but some feel it’s best to add sand to the clay to make it a better soil mixture.

You would need a great deal of sand to do this in the right manner, but many gardeners simply dig a hole, add sand, and hope for the best. Oftentimes, however, water runoff will pool in the sand and not be absorbed by the clay, potentially causing the plants to drown.

chester county [8] Spring Home Appeal 2015

Adding compost or potting soil to the planting hole for a tree or shrub is beneficial.

Gardeners frequently add compost or potting soil to the hole where the root ball of a tree or shrub will be placed. But this encourages the roots to grow only in this nutrient-rich area, rather than spreading throughout the landscape to form a stronger and more durable root system. If you are going to amend the soil, do so evenly across the landscape.

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myth:

Use gravel or rocks in the bottom of planting containers to improve drainage.

Rocks and gravel can actually impede the growth of plants and take away space for roots to grow. The drainage may be affected as well, as water will sit above the gravel or stones and saturate the roots. Stick with plain soil for better drainage results.

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Planting a garden can add aesthetic appeal and functionality to a property. Vegetable gardens can transform landscapes while putting healthy and homegrown food on the table. By growing their own fruits and vegetables, homeowners have total control over what foods can be harvested, and they can ensure that sustainable, safe practices are used to care for the plants.

Vegetable gardens can be compact or expansive, depending on how much space is available to cultivate.

However, first-time gardeners may want to begin small so they can hone their skills and experiment to see which plants are most likely to thrive in their gardens.

Expansion is a possibility down the road.

Choose a location

Spend some time examining your landscape.

Vegetables generally need ample warmth and sunlight to thrive, so find an area of the yard that gets several hours of direct sunlight per day.

A sunny spot is good, but you also want a location with adequate drainage so your garden does not succumb to flooding or fungus during and after heavy downpours. Don’t place the garden too close to rain gutters or near a pool, where splash-out may occur. Select a location that is isolated from pets so the plants are not trampled and cats and dogs do not relieve themselves nearby.

chester county [10] Spring Home Appeal 2015

Decide what to plant

When deciding what to plant, consider what you eat and how much produce the household consumes, then choose vegetables that fit with this diet. Some vegetables, like peppers, tomatoes, eggplant, and squash, produce throughout the season. Others, such as carrots and corn, produce one crop and then expire. Plan accordingly when you purchase plants or seeds, as you want enough food but not so much that it will go to waste.

Choose three to four different vegetables and plant them in the garden. Select varieties that require similar soil conditions, so that you can adjust the pH and mix of the soil accordingly. This will serve as good practice, particularly the first year of your garden. After you have mastered the basics, you can branch out into other produce.

but definitely after frost conditions have waned. Read seed packets to know exactly when to plant or consult with the nursery where you purchased established seedlings. You also can visit The Garden Helper at www.thegardenhelper.com/vegtips.html to find out when to plant, how deep to plant seeds, and how long it takes plants to reach maturity.

Vegetable gardens can become central components of outdoor home landscapes. Not only do gardens add aesthetic appeal, but also they produce fresh fruits and vegetables to enjoy throughout the season.

Know when to plant

Many of the foods grown in vegetable gardens, including tomatoes and peppers, are summer vegetables, which means they reach peak ripeness after the height of the summer season. Pumpkins, Brussels sprouts, and peas are planted to be harvested later on. These plants may be put in the ground a little later than others.

It is less expensive to start seedlings indoors and then transplant them to a garden when the time comes. Seeds can be started three to four weeks before they would be put outdoors.

Many vegetables are planted outside in April or May,

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6

Give Your Home Exterior

Spring Cleaning a

—But Practice Safety First!

The sun is out, temperatures are on the rise, and flowers are starting to bloom. Spring has arrived! In addition to all of the outdoor yard work homeowners are planning to do, there is another project that provides the finishing touch on eradicating winter from the property—pressure washing.

Exposure to the elements can take its toll on the exterior of a home. Dirt, mold, and mildew can compromise the look of a home and yard, which is why many people begin the spring season by dusting off the pressurewashing machine to strip the dirt off of siding, furniture, and patios. However, serious injuries can result if a pressure washer is used improperly.

It can be easy to underestimate the power of a pressure washer. An electric-powered machine may generate up to 1,000 pounds per square inch (psi) of water pressure. Gaspowered machines are even more dynamic, offering pressure up to 4,000 psi. That force, coupled with wet surfaces, can easily cause falls, slips, and abrasions, as well as other injuries. Pressure washers may even cause blindness when chemical cleaners are used in conjunction with the pressure washer.

It is advisable to leave pressure washing to a professional; however, for homeowners who do choose to try this cleaning method, safety precautions are essential.

Dress properly by donning rubber-soled shoes to prevent slips on wet surfaces. Wear protective eyewear to shield the eyes from any projectiles or injury from the water spray itself. Wear sturdy gloves with grips so you can have a firm hold on the nozzle while cleaning.

Be sure to read all of the safety precautions and

chester county [12] Spring Home Appeal 2015

operation instructions in the manual prior to operating the pressure washer.

Remove any debris surrounding the area you will be cleaning, including sticks, rocks, toys, and any other items that can be blown around with the pressure washer spray. In addition, remove any items that could be damaged by the pressure washer.

Use a safety harness if you will be using a pressure washer while on a ladder or elevated surface. The power of the device can easily compromise your balance. Use an extension cord that is water-resistant and acceptable for outdoor use. Ensure there are no breaks in the cord to minimize the chance for electrocution.

Keep children and pets away from the area while the cleaning is taking place. Pressure washers are powerful, and highly pressurized water spray can cause injuries.

To lessen the chance of highpressure injection (HPI), which is when water and other debris penetrates the skin, resulting in deep-tissue damage and infections, broaden the spray on the nozzle so it isn’t piercing like a needle. As you grow accustomed to the power of the washer, it is best to adjust the nozzle to a wide angle fan and the lowest pressure setting to see how effectively it cleans a given surface. Increase pressure accordingly as the project progresses. Making the water stream too narrow could cause damage. It takes time to learn the subtleties of the machine, so users should allow themselves ample time to grow comfortable with the machine.

Avoid hot water and steam pressure washers to eliminate the chance for burns. Many pressure washers work better when used in conjunction with some type of cleaning solution. A combination of bleach and water will help loosen dirt and will require less pressure from the washer.

Keep the pressure wand 10 to 12 inches away from the surface that needs cleaning. Make small passes and check the cleaned area, adjusting the pressure and stream accordingly.

Begin in the farthest corner of a deck, driveway, or patio and the highest spot of a home. Use slow, even sweeps with the pressure wand, being careful to maintain an equal distance from the tip to the work surface. This helps to ensure even cleaning and reduces the chances of streaks and overlapping of the pressure spray.

When working on a home, avoid spraying the water at a steep angle under siding or directly into corners.

Do not spray under the edges of window or doors.

Use caution around dryer and attic vents as well. You may end up soaking the inside of the home or causing water damage unwittingly.

If ever you feel uncomfortable using the pressure washer, stop and consider hiring a professional. It is much better to make that investment rather than damage your home or risk injury.

How to Treat

DRIVEWAY STAINS A driveway is one of the first things guests see when visiting a home. Taking up a good portion of the front acreage of a home, the driveway can add visual appeal to the property. But when driveways are stained, cracked, or pitted, they become eyesores that can rob a home of its curb appeal.

Concrete driveways are notorious for absorbing stains. Anything from automotive fluids to fallen leaves can affect the appearance of a concrete driveway, and while cleaning the driveway can take a little effort, the end result is well worth it.

Asphalt driveways may not show stains as visibly as concrete driveways, but that does not mean they cannot benefit from some TLC. The following cleaning methods can give a tired or dirty driveway a good-asnew look.

PRESSURE WASHING

Pressure washers may come equipped with various attachments to make the process easier and eliminate stripping. Beginners may want to consider an attachment to make the job less arduous.

A rotary turbo nozzle will focus the water in a fine stream but constantly rotate that stream to cover a wider area. A water broom will clean a wider area in one pass and some have castors that keep the nozzles the same height over the driveway surface. A surface cleaner is another attachment that enables you to push a rotary arm over the driveway for faster cleaning.

NON-CHEMICAL CLEANSERS

Sprinkle absorbent materials such as sawdust, cat litter, and baking soda on oily stains in the driveway and allow them to sit for a few days before sweeping away the residue. After a few days, the oily stain will most likely be minimized.

Also, try making a solution of water and a laundry detergent or dish soap of choice. Use a stiff-bristle broom to work the cleanser into the stained driveway, then rinse away the suds with a hose. Repeat until the stains have lifted.

COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS

Auto supply and paint stores typically sell driveway cleaners. Always read the manufacturer’s instructions and guidelines prior to purchase to determine if the product will work on your particular driveway surface to remove your specific driveway stains.

Muriatic acid, also known as hydrochloric acid, is a strong solvent that can clean stubborn driveway stains. Always exercise caution when using chemical cleansers. Wear eye protection and gloves, and be sure to mix properly, as many chemicals are flammable.

PREVENTING STAINS

Allowing fluids or other substances to sit on a driveway may contribute to soaked-in stains. Being proactive can mean less scouring later on. Routinely examine the driveway for automotive fluids, and take your car in for a tune-up to remedy any leaks.

Rinse away leaves and other debris before they affect your driveway’s appearance. Keep cat litter on hand to soak up minor spills and stains before they grow into larger problems.

chester county [13] Spring Home Appeal 2015

Give Your Home Exterior

Spring Cleaning a

—But Practice Safety First!

The sun is out, temperatures are on the rise, and flowers are starting to bloom. Spring has arrived! In addition to all of the outdoor yard work homeowners are planning to do, there is another project that provides the finishing touch on eradicating winter from the property—pressure washing.

Exposure to the elements can take its toll on the exterior of a home. Dirt, mold, and mildew can compromise the look of a home and yard, which is why many people begin the spring season by dusting off the pressurewashing machine to strip the dirt off of siding, furniture, and patios. However, serious injuries can result if a pressure washer is used improperly.

It can be easy to underestimate the power of a pressure washer. An electric-powered machine may generate up to 1,000 pounds per square inch (psi) of water pressure. Gaspowered machines are even more dynamic, offering pressure up to 4,000 psi. That force, coupled with wet surfaces, can easily cause falls, slips, and abrasions, as well as other injuries. Pressure washers may even cause blindness when chemical cleaners are used in conjunction with the pressure washer.

It is advisable to leave pressure washing to a professional; however, for homeowners who do choose to try this cleaning method, safety precautions are essential.

Dress properly by donning rubber-soled shoes to prevent slips on wet surfaces. Wear protective eyewear to shield the eyes from any projectiles or injury from the water spray itself. Wear sturdy gloves with grips so you can have a firm hold on the nozzle while cleaning.

Be sure to read all of the safety precautions and

chester county [12] Spring Home Appeal 2015

operation instructions in the manual prior to operating the pressure washer.

Remove any debris surrounding the area you will be cleaning, including sticks, rocks, toys, and any other items that can be blown around with the pressure washer spray. In addition, remove any items that could be damaged by the pressure washer.

Use a safety harness if you will be using a pressure washer while on a ladder or elevated surface. The power of the device can easily compromise your balance. Use an extension cord that is water-resistant and acceptable for outdoor use. Ensure there are no breaks in the cord to minimize the chance for electrocution.

Keep children and pets away from the area while the cleaning is taking place. Pressure washers are powerful, and highly pressurized water spray can cause injuries.

To lessen the chance of highpressure injection (HPI), which is when water and other debris penetrates the skin, resulting in deep-tissue damage and infections, broaden the spray on the nozzle so it isn’t piercing like a needle. As you grow accustomed to the power of the washer, it is best to adjust the nozzle to a wide angle fan and the lowest pressure setting to see how effectively it cleans a given surface. Increase pressure accordingly as the project progresses. Making the water stream too narrow could cause damage. It takes time to learn the subtleties of the machine, so users should allow themselves ample time to grow comfortable with the machine.

Avoid hot water and steam pressure washers to eliminate the chance for burns. Many pressure washers work better when used in conjunction with some type of cleaning solution. A combination of bleach and water will help loosen dirt and will require less pressure from the washer.

Keep the pressure wand 10 to 12 inches away from the surface that needs cleaning. Make small passes and check the cleaned area, adjusting the pressure and stream accordingly.

Begin in the farthest corner of a deck, driveway, or patio and the highest spot of a home. Use slow, even sweeps with the pressure wand, being careful to maintain an equal distance from the tip to the work surface. This helps to ensure even cleaning and reduces the chances of streaks and overlapping of the pressure spray.

When working on a home, avoid spraying the water at a steep angle under siding or directly into corners.

Do not spray under the edges of window or doors.

Use caution around dryer and attic vents as well. You may end up soaking the inside of the home or causing water damage unwittingly.

If ever you feel uncomfortable using the pressure washer, stop and consider hiring a professional. It is much better to make that investment rather than damage your home or risk injury.

How to Treat

DRIVEWAY STAINS A driveway is one of the first things guests see when visiting a home. Taking up a good portion of the front acreage of a home, the driveway can add visual appeal to the property. But when driveways are stained, cracked, or pitted, they become eyesores that can rob a home of its curb appeal.

Concrete driveways are notorious for absorbing stains. Anything from automotive fluids to fallen leaves can affect the appearance of a concrete driveway, and while cleaning the driveway can take a little effort, the end result is well worth it.

Asphalt driveways may not show stains as visibly as concrete driveways, but that does not mean they cannot benefit from some TLC. The following cleaning methods can give a tired or dirty driveway a good-asnew look.

PRESSURE WASHING

Pressure washers may come equipped with various attachments to make the process easier and eliminate stripping. Beginners may want to consider an attachment to make the job less arduous.

A rotary turbo nozzle will focus the water in a fine stream but constantly rotate that stream to cover a wider area. A water broom will clean a wider area in one pass and some have castors that keep the nozzles the same height over the driveway surface. A surface cleaner is another attachment that enables you to push a rotary arm over the driveway for faster cleaning.

NON-CHEMICAL CLEANSERS

Sprinkle absorbent materials such as sawdust, cat litter, and baking soda on oily stains in the driveway and allow them to sit for a few days before sweeping away the residue. After a few days, the oily stain will most likely be minimized.

Also, try making a solution of water and a laundry detergent or dish soap of choice. Use a stiff-bristle broom to work the cleanser into the stained driveway, then rinse away the suds with a hose. Repeat until the stains have lifted.

COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS

Auto supply and paint stores typically sell driveway cleaners. Always read the manufacturer’s instructions and guidelines prior to purchase to determine if the product will work on your particular driveway surface to remove your specific driveway stains.

Muriatic acid, also known as hydrochloric acid, is a strong solvent that can clean stubborn driveway stains. Always exercise caution when using chemical cleansers. Wear eye protection and gloves, and be sure to mix properly, as many chemicals are flammable.

PREVENTING STAINS

Allowing fluids or other substances to sit on a driveway may contribute to soaked-in stains. Being proactive can mean less scouring later on. Routinely examine the driveway for automotive fluids, and take your car in for a tune-up to remedy any leaks.

Rinse away leaves and other debris before they affect your driveway’s appearance. Keep cat litter on hand to soak up minor spills and stains before they grow into larger problems.

chester county [13] Spring Home Appeal 2015

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3 Cu. Ft. Bag

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