Spring Home & Garden 2022

localmatters 2022

Spring

HOME&

GARDEN S

outhern Minnesota's go to section for Sping Home & Garden tips and information.

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SoMinn SPRING HOME & GARDEN | Wednesday, April 27, 2022 | PAGE A2

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SoMinn SPRING HOME & GARDEN | Wednesday, April 27, 2022 | PAGE A4

to make

your

garden more

H

successful

omeowners enjoy gardening for many different reasons. In addition to adding beauty to a property, gardens can offset grocery costs by yielding tasty produce. They also offer important habitats and food sources for both

insects and animals.

While growing a vegetable or flower garden can turn into a rewarding hobby, or even a passion, gardening also can be overwhelming - particularly when the results are less than stellar. Novice gardeners have scores of resources at their disposal, including the advice of gardeners who have made mistakes and learned from them. The following guidance can make home gardens that much more successful.

Start small You may have visions of an expansive garden growing rows of crops or acres of flowers. But it is smart to start small and build on what you find successful, which includes plants that thrive in your lawn and garden.

This also is beneficial if you are unsure of vegetable yields. Several blooming plants producing bushels of

HOME

GARDEN

crops can be overwhelming, especially if you can’t get to harvesting or cooking them in a timely fashion.

Assess the soil Plants need nutrient-rich soil to encourage extensive root systems and produce strong, hardy plants, according to the gardening resource GrowVeg. Nourish soil with organic matter, such as manure, compost, shredded leaves, and natural mulch. Add this organic matter in the off-season to give it enough time to be incorporated into the ground before spring. You can have your soil tested for pH and other characteristics that make it friendly or averse to plants at a local garden center.

Arm yourself with knowledge Do you know how deeply to plant seeds and how far apart to space plants? Are you aware of the sunlight needs of certain flowers or plants? If not, read the packaging and do your research so your plants have the best chance of not only sprouting, but also surviving.

Many people prefer to start seedlings indoors in late winter and then transfer those plants outdoors when they are stronger and more established.

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Sit in your yard and observe Watch the way the sunlight dances over areas of your landscape. Take note of which areas get the most sun and shade. This will help you plan what to plant and where to plant it. Vegetable gardens tend to need ample sunlight to bear pick-worthy produce. You can give plants a leg up by growing them in optimal conditions.

Choose hardy varieties Certain plants have been bred to thrive in your climate, including heat-tolerant plants for climates with sweltering summer sun. Consult with a local gardening center to figure out which plant zone you are in and which plants will do best within that zone.

Use rainwater Rainwater contains fewer contaminants and additives than tap water, which can benefit garden plants. Collect rainwater in rain barrels and use irrigation systems to deliver it to the garden.

Home gardens can yield many gifts, from flowers to fruit. Beginners can utilize some time-tested strategies to increase their chances of planting a successful garden. 

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SoMinn SPRING HOME & GARDEN | Wednesday, April 27, 2022 | Page A5

Basic preparation

PAYS OFF in the garden

T

he work you putin making some basic preparations in the spring can pay off with a garden that performs well all season long.

Spring is the time to sharpen and repair tools, get the shed in order, plant bulbs and start your compost pile. Here are some tips to get you started.

spread of disease. Give the wheelbarrow a good cleaning, oil the wheels and tighten any wobbly bearings.

Inventory the shed for supplies you’ll need in the coming year. Be sure you have fertilizers and soil amendments on hand for the season. Some supplies such as grass seed, might not hold up over time, so dispose of old product and replace it with new.

Shed and Tools

Plant and Divide

You could find some nasty surprises lurking inside your garden shed in spring, especially if it isn’t lighted or heated during the winter. Rodents or other animals could have made their home there, or the structure might have suffered a leak or exposure to the elements. Once it’s warm enough, venture into the shed to make any necessary repairs.

While you’re there, sharpen tools with blades, such as shears, loppers and pruners, with a mill file, and oil those with moving parts. If any tools still have last year’s dirt or mud on them, remove it with a garden hose and clean them in warm, soapy water. This will help prevent the

Spring is the time not only to plant new bulbs for summer and fall blooms but to divide any perennials that have gotten overgrown or crowded. Dividing them now will allow them to re-establish themselves in a new location and put down strong roots by the winter. In general, fallblooming plants are best divided in the spring, but some plants should be divided just after they flower. Be sure to consult with your local extension

office for your plants’ needs.

This is also the time to put down new mulch. Dyed mulch, even those varieties intended to last for multiple seasons, typically needs to be replaced each spring.

Mulching early will help prevent weed growth before they have time to sprout.

Remember that any organic material you remove from your flowerbeds when you clean them out in the spring to prepare for planting, such as leaves, foliage, stems and sticks, can help start your compost pile for the year. 

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SoMinn SPRING HOME & GARDEN | Wednesday, April 27, 2022 | PAGE A6

Can you have a

lush lawn and a healthy

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pring is here once again–that time of year when at least one smiling, well-spoken young man will come to your door, glance disapprovingly around your yard, and offer you lawn services.

You’ll ask whether the chemicals they use are safe for your beloved furkid, and he’ll say, “Absolutely.”

You might be tempted to think about his offer. You’d love to have a lush lawn. And companies can’t say their products are safe if they aren’t, can it?

Unfortunately, they can.

So, is there a solution for people who want a beautiful lawn and safe pets?

Absolutely!

However, the truth is...

WEED KILLERS Home remedies like sugar , vinegar, boiling hot water, and salt are actually very effective at killing weeds. In addition, commercial brands like Green Gobbler Vinegar Weed and Grass Killer, Doctor Kirchner Weed Killer, and Dr. Earth FInal Stop are safe and efficient weed killer options.

And of course, there’s always the age-old hand-pulling; therapeutic and satisfying!

No chemical pesticide or fertilizer is truly safe for pets.

Skin exposure can lead to infection, swelling, irritation, and allergic reactions. Ingestion can cause an upset stomach at best and vomiting, seizures, and death at worst.

On top of that, research links some pesticide and fertilizer ingredients to cancer, liver and kidney disease, and nerve damage.

Even minimal exposure can be a problem. Bioaccumulation–toxins accumulated slowly over long periods of time–can make our pets sick.

Grass is not safe just because it’s dry; chemical residue remains. If your pet runs or rolls through the grass, this residue can cling to his paws and fur, allowing him to track it into the house. Eventually, he will lick his paws and ingest it.

Start with healthy grass First and foremost, reduce the need for pesticides by ensuring your lawn’s ecosystem is healthy. Start with a foundation of rich, nutrient-dense, fertile soil. Use hardy, resistant grass for your lawn and native plants for your garden.

Choose natural, safe products

FERTILIZERS Compost and raw manure are always good lawn fertilizer options. But there are also truly natural commercial fertilizers available, like Pet and Kid Safe Lawn Fertilizer, Jobe’s Organic Fertilizer (be careful with stake variety; dogs have been known to dig them up and eat them), and

Just Scentsational Soil Conditioning Granules.

Although these weed and fertilizer remedies are nontoxic, your pet should still not be allowed to consume them. So, be sure to follow directions.

ACCEPT IMPERFECTION Lawns don’t have to be shining jewels of perfection.

They’re ever-changing ecosystems brimming with life.

If you can let go of the ideal and love your lawn for its unique character, you can have a healthier yard–and a healthier pet.

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SoMinn SPRING HOME & GARDEN | Wednesday, April 27, 2022 | Page A7

Figuring out your

best garage storage options

T

he garage is a great place to store household items when they’re not in use. Basic — but sturdy — shelving units can do the job.

If you’re short on space in your garage, however, consider some creative storage options to maximize your storage space.

don’t access on a regular basis can be hoisted up. Look for bicycle storage systems that use rope and a pulley with hooks attached at the end to allow you to safely store your bikes overhead. A similar pulley system can be used to elevate a metal shelf where you can store items in plastic bins overhead. If you have access to a ladder, a fixed overhead storage shelf is also an option.

Suspended Storage

Wall Storage

Using the vertical space in your garage helps free up floor space. Anything you

Figuring out your best garage storage optionsIf you’re short on floor space, look

for creative options for storing items such as bikes, and sports and lawn equipment on the wall. A modular wall-mounted slat storage system allows you to customize your storage for your particular items.

Add hooks, wire baskets or shelves to the slats to store items of a variety of shapes and sizes — from a rake to a garden hose to a bicycle.

Even the inside of your garage door can be made into useful storage space. Attach metal brackets to hold light sports equipment such as fishing rods horizontally.

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SoMinn SPRING HOME & GARDEN | Wednesday, April 27, 2022 | PAGE A8

LE SUEUR COUNTY EXTENSION:

Practice patience for spring lawn care

W

ell, the arctic freezer blast in February followed by the warmup in March certainly increased our longing for green things. Around this time of the year, homeowners commonly call the office for help keeping their lawn said green color. However, early spring is more a season of patience than aggressive action for lawns.

During times where we have a soil blanketed with snow for months, snow molds can sometimes give you a nasty surprise during spring thaw. Grey snow molds appear as whitish dead patches dotting along your lawn. Often, the blades of grass are matted down with cottony, fungal fuzz. These diseases love extra nitrogen fertilizer almost as much as stubborn snow — yet By SHANE BUGEJA Guest Columnist another reason to make sure you have a soil test for your yard. For treating snow mold, be sure to rake the matted grass to allow more air movement. Afterward, it may take a bit for the fungus to die out and the grass to come back. Usually the prognosis is good, and no further action is needed. Leave the fungicides for the golf course, most of the time raking that mat up and watching your fertilizer use should be enough.

If you find yourself wanting to take that rake and immediately use it to reseed that dead patch, slow down a bit. Cool season grasses like Kentucky bluegrass or fine fescue tend to do a little better with a late August to September planting versus a May to June one. Why? The rainfall might be a tad less than spring but that is not a

dealbreaker. Temperatures might be similar too between late spring and early fall. So, for the weather, it becomes more of a wash between those two seasons. However, the biggest reason Extension recommends seeding later rather than earlier are the weeds. Everything is getting ready to pop out of the soil soon, henbit, creeping Charlie, you name it. In September, the weedy crowd tends to thin out a bit, and could give your grass seedlings a better chance at success.

Speaking of weeds, one that warrants action in early spring is crabgrass. If you decide to use a chemical control on it, timing is extremely important. Products that work great against crabgrass do this by stopping their seeds from germinating. These chemicals are called

pre-emergent herbicides. To effectively control crabgrass, they need to be used sometime in April or early May. This can be tricky; we want to apply before the weather is nice enough for the crabgrass to pop up but not too early as to make the chemical useless. To help you make a decision, you can use growing degree day models, such as Michigan State Extension’s GDDTracker (gddtracker. msu.edu). You can even use forsythia blooming as a bit of hint as well. Before applying any herbicide, please read the label, and do not hesitate to give us a call at the Extension office if you have any other questions.  Shane Bugeja is the extension educator for Blue Earth and Le Sueur counties — Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources.

Make your lawn do double duty – plant a bee lawn

A

re you interested in doing more to help our native pollinator insects? You can make your lawn do double duty. A flowering lawn can provide much-needed food resources for bees and other beneficial pollinators in addition to being a place for recreation.

One way to provide resources for pollinators while keeping the function of a lawn is to incorporate other plants such as dutch white clover, self-heal and creeping thyme. These plants have the right type of flowers for bees, are low growing, can be mowed and can tolerate foot traffic. They are also moderately competitive – they can hold their own with turfgrasses with-

out taking over.

When you read “dutch white clover” you may think “hey that’s a weed.” It is unfortunate that white clover is often thought of

By CLAIRE LACANNE as a weed Guest columnist in home lawns, because it has many positive traits that make

it ideal for a bee lawn.

It is tolerant to some shade and is adaptable to different soil types. White clover also has one particular trait that the other two bee lawn flowers don’t have: As a legume, it has the ability to fix nitrogen. This means that white clover doesn’t need to be fertilized with nitrogen, making it a good part of a low-input lawn.

Along with thinking about which species of flowers you might add to your lawn, you’ll want to think about which turfgrasses will be compatible with added flowers. Studies by University of Minnesota researchers have identified a few species of cool-season grasses that perform better in bee lawns in Minnesota.

A mix of fine fescues is considered the best option for bee lawns because fine

fescues do well with little to no inputs of fertilizer, irrigation, or pesticides for weed control. Plus they are compatible growing together with bee lawn flowers.

Fine fescues are a group of five different species that include: strong creeping red fescue, slender creeping red fescue, chewings fescue, hard fescue and sheep fescue.

The popularity of bee lawns has led to the availability of pre-mixed seed blends.

As a general rule, per 1,000 square feet, we recommend a seeding rate of: • Fine fescue - 4 lbs • Dutch white clover - 1.1 oz • Creeping thyme - 0.16 oz • Self-heal - 1.2 oz You don’t need to convert your entire lawn. It’s okay to convert only a particular area or tackle one area at a time.

SoMinn SPRING HOME & GARDEN | Wednesday, April 27, 2022 | Page A9

POWER!

A honeybee harvests pollen from one of the clover blooms on a residential lawn. (AP file photo)

Consider how much your lawn is used.

Lower traffic areas are good choices for a bee lawn to give pollinating insects space to forage. If you have a sloped area, that could be a good option.

Whoever mows the lawn may appreciate mowing that part of the yard less frequently. Bee lawns are designed to be low input and don’t need as much mowing.

Once you’ve established your bee lawn,

you will need to care for it moving forward. If you have already been maintaining a lawn, it really isn’t much different.

Potentially, your bee lawn will become less work, but with more insect wildlife enjoyment.  For more information, contact Claire LaCanne, local Ag Extension educator for Rice and Steele counties, at 507-330-0447 or lacanne@umn.edu.

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10 ways

SoMinn SPRING HOME & GARDEN | Wednesday, April 27, 2022 | PAGE A10 drain” near you keeping it free of leaves and other debris that would otherwise find its way into your lake.

5 6 7 to improve lakes at home 8 1 9 3 10 2 4 Grass clippings and yard waste:

Locate your septic system: A

failing septic system can be a serious threat to water quality. Sewage from your leach field or holding tank contains bacteria and nutrients that are harmful to groundwater and surface water. Make sure your system is functioning properly by having it inspected every 3 years and have your tank pumped every 3-5 years.

Pick up after your pets: Failing to

pick up after pets can also impact water quality by introducing harmful bacteria and other pathogens into lakes and potentially harming human health. Be sure to pick up after your pets and deposit waste in the trash. The Waseca Lakes Association provides doggie bags on the trails throughout town for this purpose.

Rake for leaf-free streets: Studies show leaves account for nearly 50% of phosphorus in lakes. When left in the street, stormwater passes through leaves like a teabag and brings the phosphorus with it. Raking leaves from the street edge (three feet from the curb) and onto lawns will help fertilize the grass and reduce algae blooms in our lakes.

of native plants with deep roots which create natural buffers, protect against erosion, filter stormwater runoff, reduce harmful pollutant loads while providing habitat for mosquito-eating amphibians, fish, birds and beneficial insects.

Did you know one bushel of grass clippings contain 0.1 pound of phosphorus. That doesn’t sound like much, but it has a big impact when it reaches a lake. It’s enough to produce up to 50 pounds of algae.

Therefore, never blow or push grass clippings, leaves, or other yard waste into the curb and gutter, onto the street, or into a storm drain.

Use fertilizer wisely: Fertilizers

contain nutrients that help your lawn to grow.

Unfortunately, these are the same nutrients that help aquatic vegetation, like algae, to grow.

When over-applied or if applied before a rainstorm, they can runoff directly into our local waterways. The fertilizer analysis order on a bag shows percent of Nitrogen-Phosphorus-Potassium, so use one with a zero in the middle indicating it does not contain phosphorus such 10-0-10.

By DUANE RATHMANN Stop Guest Columnist mowing near streams, lakes and ponds:

Regularly clean storm drains and curbside debris: Removing debris

Mowing near streams, lakes and ponds eliminates the natural protective buffer that tall grasses, shrubs and trees provide. Instead consider installation

that collects in nearby stormwater catch basins, storm drains and along curbs promotes cleaner runoff and reduces the amount of pollution and trash entering our waterways. We encourage you to “adopt a

survive.

Create a rain garden: Not only will rain gardens capture stormwater runoff and beautify your property and they also provide biodiversity that helps butterflies and bees Redirect downspouts and sump pump drains: This simple action allows

you to redirect rainwater to your lawn or garden, while also reducing the amount of stormwater that goes to streets and directly into the lakes via storm sewers.

Get involved with the Waseca Lakes Association (WLA): The

WLA works closely with the MN DNR, City and County Government, along with other lake quality experts and partners on decisions that have an impact on water quality. Issues such as storm water management, AIS management, external loading issues (phosphorus control ordinances) that can impact water quality. You can reach us at wasecalakes@ gmail.com, visit us on Facebook or via our website at

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SoMinn SPRING HOME & GARDEN | Wednesday, April 27, 2022 | Page A11

BEE LAWNS PART 2:

Establishing & maintaining a bee lawn

I

n my last article, I provided information about adding flowering plants to your turf grass to make a bee lawn. That article mostly focused on why you might want a flowering bee lawn as well as the preliminary steps such as selecting species and choosing a site. Now I will discuss some tips for establishing a flowering bee lawn and maintaining it once it’s established.

The best time to seed a bee lawn (and a good time to seed lawns, in general) is in the late fall. Spring seeding is the second-best option.

For a spring-seeded bee lawn in Minnesota, seed is planted after the risk of frost is over. Unlike dormant seeding, the site will need to be watered regularly after planting.

Because spring is upon us, I am going to focus on spring seeding here.

By CLAIRE LACANNE This Guest columnist method of seeding is similar whether you are overseeding or renovating an area. When

using a bee lawn seed mixture, the recommended rate is usually around 4-5 pounds of seed per 1,000 square feet.

I’ll remind you that there are pre-mixed seed blends available for bee lawns. Per 1,000 square feet, we recommend a seeding rate of: • Fine fescue - 4 lbs.

• Dutch white clover - 1.1 oz • Creeping thyme - 0.16 oz • Self-heal - 1.2 oz After spreading, lightly rake the seed into the soil. Most of the seed should be lightly covered. If a soil test shows a

lawn, with a few differences.

Mowing should be done at a higher height, so adjust your mower to at least 3 inches or more. You should mow less frequently in general, about every 2 to 3 weeks depending on the time of the year and it is best to hold off on mowing when bee LOWER LEFT CIRCLE: Self-heal.

(The Tortoise Table) UPPER CIRCLE: Fine fescue LOWER RIGHT CIRCLE: Creeping thyme lawn. (osakastaioncity. com)

lawn flowers are in nutrient full bloom to deficiency, you allow pollinators may benefit from using time to forage. a starter fertilizer for spring estabAfter seeding and getting through the lishment. Keep off the area just like you first season, you may wonder if your plantwould for any new lawn planting. ing is a success. Realize that your bee lawn For spring establishment, lightly water 2 may take some time to become fully esto 3 times per day for a few weeks to keep tablished. In the first year, you should see the ground consistently moist. Once you mostly turf grass with some foliage from see new seedlings, you can gradually cut the flower plants and maybe a few white back on watering. After the first season, clover flowers. But by the second year, very little supplemental watering should there should be even more white clover be needed. flowers, along with self-heal and creeping Once the newly seeded bee lawn is 5 or 6 thyme flowers. Then the bees and other inches tall, you can mow for the first time. pollinators should follow!  Be sure to only mow the top one-third of the lawn height. After that, mowing an es- For more information, contact Claire LaCanne, local Ag Extension educator for Rice and Steele counties, at tablished bee lawn is like mowing a regular 507-330-0447 or lacanne@umn.edu.

SoMinn SPRING HOME & GARDEN | Wednesday, April 27, 2022 | PAGE A12

Choosing Patio Furniture B uilding a nice patio is one thing, but it won’t do you much good without furniture for relaxing (or partying).

W

© FOTOLIA

hile you’re shopping for the perfect patio furniture, Better Homes and Gardens has a few tips to make the right choice for your space.

Figure out what you want

It seems obvious, but the first step is to gauge your available space and visualize how you want to lay it out. Check out Pinterest or design magazines for ideas on the different types of furniture, then make a list of the different pieces you’d like to have, with the choices driven by what will fit on your patio. A longer, couch-style piece and two chairs? Or a table for eating outdoors? The options are limitless, so think long and hard about how you’ll actually use the space. You might like the look of a certain chair, but if you plan on eating breakfast on the patio four days a week, you might want to go with the table and chairs set.

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your time and try out some different sets and pieces that fit what you want. Think long and hard about the materials, too. Is you patio covered, or open air? The materials (seat cushions, etc.) make a big difference. Aim for something as low-maintenance as possible. Better Homes and Gardens notes most metal, teak, cedar and all-weather wicker pieces are unfazed by whatever nature throws their way. Going with one of these materials should keep your patio looking fresh for years to come.

Don’t forget about storage With some savvy design, your patio can double as storage for all those grilling tools and other outdoor items you use in the warmer months. It can help keep those items handy, and safe from the elements.

Thinking beyond storage, you might want to also consider creating a space to store your patio furniture when it is out of season. That furniture won’t get much use in the winter anyway, and that’s also when some of the most damaging elements come into play. If you have a basement or shed accessible, it could be worth it to set aside some space to keep your patio furniture safe and dry. 

SoMinn SPRING HOME & GARDEN | Wednesday, April 27, 2022 | Page A13

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SoMinn SPRING HOME & GARDEN | Wednesday, April 27, 2022 | PAGE A14

What to know before planting around your property

W

The color quandary W

By TRESA ERICKSON

arm days are here again, and it’s time you got serious about your home’s exterior. It could use some work, and while a paint job would do wonders, you’re thinking about taking a different route—vinyl siding. That’s right.

You’re ready to shell out some bucks to rid yourself of the hassles of painting. No more hauling five-gallon buckets of paint home, hoisting everything up the ladder and spending long hours under the sun with a paintbrush in hand. You’ve found a siding installer. You’ve selected a siding style. Now all you need to do is choose the right siding color for your home.

Vinyl siding is easy to install, requires very little maintenance and lasts a long time, making it a popular choice among homeowners. It costs more than paint, however, so you will want to make sure you choose the right color the first time around. If the exterior of your home has been the same color since you bought it and you like that color, then the choice might be a no-brainer. Look for a siding color similar to the paint color already on your home. If you are not real fond of the color of your home’s exterior and are ready for a change, the decision might be a little more difficult. Here are some tips to ensure you select the right color.

Consider your neighborhood

Study your neighborhood. What color are most of the homes in the area? Brown, white and gray? If so, then you might want to stick to a neutral shade. A bright pink home in a sea of brown, white and gray will get the neighbors talking and might even bother some of them. Take your color cues from your neighbor’s

homes. If there is quite a mix of colors, then you may have more leeway. Just be careful that you don’t pick a color that draws unwanted attention.

Consider your landscape

Study your yard and the yards around your home. What do you see? Lush, green lawns? City streets? Desert landscapes?

Select a siding color that will accentuate the landscape. A lavender home might look out of place in a desert landscape but work well in an urban landscape, especially one known for its array of colors.

Consider your home’s architectural style

Study the architectural style of your home. What colors would suit it best?

Some architectural styles lend themselves to a certain color palette. Colonials, for example, look best in white, cream or beige, while Craftsman homes look best in darker colors like browns and reds. Do a little research on the architectural style of your home and find out what colors traditionally work best on the exterior.

Consider your home’s features

Study the features of your home. What do you see? Red brick? Ornate columns?

Rustic window boxes and shutters? Black shingles? White gutters? The siding color you select should complement the features of your home. Red brick and black shingles might not work with buttercup yellow siding. While you could paint the brick, you don’t want to cause undue work for yourself. Do yourself a favor and choose a siding color that will complement all of the features of your home.

Consider your own preferences

Study your preferences. Do you want your home to stand out or blend in? Do you have a color in mind for your home’s exterior that you can’t live without? It’s your home, so choose a siding color you can live with for years to come. If you want your home to stand out and complement your rose beds, go ahead and choose the rosy pink siding. If you want your home to blend in and complement your red brick, choose the reddish-brown siding. If you cannot bear the thought of your home being any color but yellow, then go ahead and choose the buttercup yellow siding.

Consider the limitations of vinyl

While vinyl siding does last, it will fade over time. Understand that the siding color you select today may not be the same color years from now. That deep blue could be a much softer blue 10 years from now and a really pale blue 30 years from. Try to choose a siding color that will fade less or you can live with as it fades.

Selecting the color of vinyl siding takes time. Don’t rush it. Study the color choices carefully, select the ones that appeal to you most and start narrowing down the options based upon the criteria above. When you have three or four choices in mind, ask for a list of homes featuring those vinyl siding colors and drive by them to see what the colors look like in the sunlight. Vinyl siding is a costly endeavor that you do not want to have to redo. Make sure you choose the right color! 

hen planning a landscape, it's tempting to pick the most colorful, vibrant plants. An eye-popping property filled with yellows, purples, pinks, and other bold colors is sure to catch anyone's eye. However, the right plant for a property is not always the most colorful.

Gardening novices can easily be overwhelmed on a trip to their local garden center, where employees may ask a host of questions that have little to do with homeowners' preferences and everything to do with the growing conditions around their properties. Those questions may seem a little intense, but they're well-intentioned.

Successful gardening is more about soil conditions and access to sunlight than it is about the plants themselves. An awe-inspiring hydrangea bush will only impress if it's planted in a location where it can thrive.

Homeowners should learn about the following site conditions, and ultimately share that knowledge with local garden center representatives, before they pick and plant anything around their properties.

• Hardiness zone: The Plant Hardiness Zone Map from the U.S. Department of Agriculture is designed to help gardeners determine which plants are most likely to thrive where they live. The map can be found on the USDA website at www.usda. gov.

• Light availability, intensity, and duration, from full sun to deep shade: Prior to planting, homeowners can document this information in a notebook or on their smartphones. Do so for a long enough period of time that you can get an accurate of idea of the conditions in which plants will have to grow, and then take that information with you to the garden center where you will buy your plants. Employees can then use this info to help you find the right fit given the light conditions.

• Water availability, both quantity and quality, as well as ease of access • Exposure to wind and temperature extremes • Exposure to weather events, snow loads, erosion, and flooding: Garden center employees can likely recommend plants based on traditional weather patterns in a given area.

• Soil type, drainage and compaction: Homeowners can take note of any areas of their property where water pools or the ground feels especially soggy after rainfall.

Share this information with garden center employees prior to picking plants for such areas. If soil appears compacted, aeration prior to planting may be necessary.

• Competition from existing vegetation, keeping in mind the roots underground that you can't see • Above ground wires or obstructions: Trees will grow up, and the presence of power lines or other obstructions may threaten the trees or prove dangerous if trees eventually grow into or hang over power lines.

Knowledge of various conditions prior to planting can save homeowners the cost of replacing plants and the hassle of dealing with plants that don't take.

SoMinn SPRING HOME & GARDEN | Wednesday, April 27, 2022 | Page A15

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SoMinn SPRING HOME & GARDEN | Wednesday, April 27, 2022 | PAGE A16

Container gardens with a

F

By TRESA ERICKSON rom high-rise condos to country cottages, container gardens can make a great addition to any home.

And, they’re easy to create. All it takes is a little soil, some seedlings and a few containers. You can find potting soil and seedlings at your local nursery and all the containers you need at home.

Almost anything that can hold soil and plants can be used for a container garden. Consider these options: • Aquariums • Baby buggies • Barrels • Baskets • Bathtubs • Boots and shoes • Bottles • Bowls • Buckets • Cans

t s i w t

• Chairs • Coffee mugs • Colanders • Cradles • Crates • Cups • Desks • Dresser drawers • Hats • Helmets • Jars • Jugs • Kettles • Kids’ pools • Lunchboxes • Mailboxes • Paint cans • Pitchers • Pots and pans • Rowboats • Shopping carts • Sinks • Tins • Tires • Tackle boxes • Toolboxes • Toy cars and trucks • Wagons • Watering cans • Wheelbarrows

With a few modifications, any of these items would make great container gardens. Take a look around your home.

You are sure to find more options. Old burlap sacks, for example, can easily be converted into hanging planters. Got a worn table sitting in the back of the garage?

Convert it into a planter. Cut a hole in the top, sink a pot into the hole and twist any vines that emerge around the table legs. Now that’s a planter, and the best part is, you re-

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SoMinn SPRING HOME & GARDEN | Wednesday, April 27, 2022 | Page A17

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SoMinn SPRING HOME & GARDEN | Wednesday, April 27, 2022 | PAGE A18

Spring Spruce-Up Clean out the gutters

They’re probably one of the last things you think about when it comes to home maintenance, but gutters play a critical role in your home exterior and landscape.

Gutters divert thousands of gallons of water off your roof and away from your home. If they’re not clear, all that water ends up near your foundation and can cause leaks or roof damage.

Use a ladder tall enough to reach your gutters safely, and make sure the ladder is secure before climbing up. Scoop out any wet leaves and debris, and wet caked-on dirt so you can scoop out the mud with a trowel. A water hose also can be used to gently flush out any small debris, after larger items have been removed.

To prevent debris from piling up in your gutters, mesh covers can be installed.

Even if you use these “guards,” however, you still should check the gutters at least once per year to ensure they’re flowing smoothly.

Make sure your deck is healthy Keeping tabs on your deck can save a lot of time and maintenance, so Allstate recommends taking a close look to visually inspect the boards for curling, cracked or rotting wood. If you see a damaged board, remove it and replace it with a board cut to fit the same space.

Take the time to inspect underneath

S

pring is a good time to tackle maintenance projects around the house. © FOTOLIA

your deck to ensure the support system is in good shape. The boards may look good on top, but a problem underneath could still cause a major collapse. Have a pest control ser-vice check underneath, to ensure you don’t have animals digging up and nesting under your deck or porch.

If your deck is finished, some experts also recommend retreating the deck every few years with new water-proofer and sealant. This can give an old deck a new look, while providing much-needed protection. 

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SoMinn SPRING HOME & GARDEN | Wednesday, April 27, 2022 | PAGE A20 A koi pond can be a relaxing hobby and a wonderful accent point for your backyard.

ig a hole, fill it with water and watch your koi grow. That’s the secret to your koi pond, right? Actually, much like a pool or indoor aquarium, koi require some work.

In fact, koi are quite sensitive fish that require a carefully maintained environment for optimal health.

Routine skimming of the water surface can catch debris that falls into the water and contaminates the delicate ecosystem of the pond.

Koi should be protected overhead from predators.

Therefore, koi ponds generally feature lush foliage for their protection. Rocks or overhangs under which koi can hide are features you should include.

An algaecide is also a necessity, to prevent the

Koi are colorful fish that go by the name nishikigoi in Japanese. They are a specially bred form of carp, not oversized goldfish, enjoyed for their vivid coloring. In the 19th century, Japanese farmers began breeding decorative carp, selecting brightly colored specimens to ornament gardens in luxurious fish pools.

The Japanese consider koi good luck. There are certain varieties that are preferred over others. Kohaku -- the favorite -- are white-skinned koi with a red upper pattern. Tancho are white koi with a red dot on their head.

Koi are cool-water fish that prefer a deep pond. In the warmer weather they will swim to the bottom of the pond to avoid the heat.

When planning on a koi pond, keep this in mind.

You may also want to plan your pond in an area that is shaded from direct sun, to moderate the water temperature even more.

Think about installing a koi pond as you would a home aquarium, complete with filtration system. This will help you maintain a clean environment for the fish.

overgrowth of algae in the pond.

Consider special water additives sold at pet stores or online that can enhance the water environment for your koi.

Because koi generally like to swim unseen, their type of food is a floating pellet, which encourages the fish to come to the surface. This way you can assess whether the fish look healthy. Koi can even be trained to recognize humans and take food from your hand.

Start small with your koi pond.

One or two fish is adequate.

Experts recommend one small- or medium-sized koi per 500 gallons of water. If you have too many fish, their waste can contaminate the water if not properly filtered. 

RESTORED Y

By TRESA ERICKSON

ou love to shop at flea markets, thrift stores and garage sales and pick up old pieces of furniture to use around the house. Much of what you find is not in pristine condition, but that doesn’t matter to you. You like the distressed look. Unfortunately, some of the pieces you pick up are a little too worn, forcing you to cover them up or relegate them to a dusty corner in your basement.

Your basement is filled with pieces that could use some work, refinishing work you believe. Before you go that route, consider if you could take some simpler steps to return each piece to its former glory. You may just need to clean the piece and repair the damaged areas. Here is a list of some of the most common problems and tips for resolving them.

Black Spots

These indicate water damage. Water has penetrated the finish and set long enough for mildew to grow. To correct the problem, strip off the finish in the affected area, bleach the wood to kill the mildew and reapply the finish.

SoMinn SPRING HOME & GARDEN | Wednesday, April 27, 2022 | Page A21

Buckled Veneer

This also indicates water damage. Water has gotten beneath the veneer and set long enough to make it buckle. To correct the problem, flush out the space with water to loosen the affected veneer completely. Then refasten the veneer to the base with some glue and set a wooden block on top of it to smooth out the wrinkles and ensure a good seal.

Dents

These can also vary in size. To repair a small dent, turn an iron on the steam setting and raise it an inch above the area.

The steam should pull up and straighten the wood fibers. If that doesn’t work, fill the area with putty, sand it and stain it to match.

Odors

Wood is known for absorbing odors. To remove a foul odor from wood, place an air freshener in or near it. The wood will absorb the scent of the freshener and the foul odor with fade.

Scratches

These can vary in depth. To repair a light scratch, try rubbing over it with an almond oil stick or a repair stick.

To repair a deep scratch, apply a drop of solvent to it and blend it in with the surrounding varnish. Let it dry and then apply some lemon or orange oil to it. To repair a really deep scratch, apply a touch of solvent to it. Then heat up the end of a pallet knife, place a wax wood filler stick against it and let the filler melt into the depression. Spread it around, let it

dry and use a razor blade to level it off. Then sand and stain it to match.

Water Rings

These can be a common problem, especially among younger family members. To remove a water ring, try ironing it out first. Place a cloth over the ring and iron it on the warm setting until it disappears. If that doesn’t work, apply some lemon or orange oil to the ring, let it sit overnight and wipe away the excess. If that doesn’t work, make a buffing solution of one part toothpaste and one part baking soda. Rub the solution on the ring and buff it out with another cloth.

These are some of the more common blemishes that may affect your furniture finds. Don’t be afraid to try to repair them first before refinishing a piece. It could save you a lot of time and labor. 

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SoMinn SPRING HOME & GARDEN | Wednesday, April 27, 2022 | PAGE A22

Basement Renovation

T

By DORIS A. BLACK

urning an unfinished basement into a comfortable living space can be a rewarding adventure.

Whether you need the extra space to accommodate an office, entertainment room or for growing children to use as bedrooms, you’ll need to set a financial budget and plan accordingly.

Planning for function is the most important step in the remodeling process. Gather everyone who might use the space and ask them to make a list of elements they would like included into the new space. Choose common elements and decide if they will fit into the budget. Once an overall plan is set, look at each piece of the puzzle one at a time. For example, if the basement is to be divided between bedroom space and entertainment space, each will have its own special requirements for lighting, storage and seating.

Both spaces should be comfortable and cheerful. One of the hardest elements to incorporate into a basement is natural lighting. Every effort should be made to include windows in the plan, especially in a bedroom so the occupant doesn’t feel like they are living in a cave. If typical small-sized basement windows exist, enlarge them. A good rule of thumb to remember is this: A window area should be at least one-tenth the size of the room.

To decorate, use light-colored paneling and paint so the space won’t seem dreary.

Don’t forget the trim work either. Molding around the perimeter of the ceiling or a chair rail can add a special detail to a basement. Seating should be comfortable and arranged in groupings. Include plenty of storage space for games, sports equipment and books. The space under the stairs can be fit with shelving for storage if closet space is unavailable. Do try to include a closet in a basement bedroom.

For entertaining, you might want to con-

sider the addition of a wet bar or a small kitchen. Use apartment-sized appliances and fixtures that require less space. Cabinet space for storage and countertops for food preparation and serving will be needed as well.

Lighting adds atmosphere to a room. In a basement with a dropped ceiling, recessed lighting is attractive for general illumination. Floor or table lamps should also be provided for reading or handiwork. Add a hanging lamp over a game table for cards or craft projects. The electrical requirements of the space will depend on how it is used. As a media center, you’ll want ample outlets for a television, VCR player, DVD player and stereo. If a computer with Internet access will be used in the bedroom, you’ll need ample electrical outlets there, too, along with a phone jack. Don’t forget a smoke alarm. If you choose the type that is hard-wired into the house, be sure to mention it to the electrician.

Carpeting is a good choice as flooring for a basement. It adds warmth and muffles sound. Select a texture, color or pattern based on your personal style of decorating or preferences of those using the space. Be sure to figure a good carpet pad into the budget.

Basements usually have easy access to plumbing, so consider installing a full bath. It will get more use than you ever imagined. A fireplace also makes a cozy addition to a basement room. Consult with your contractor as to feasibility and cost. You may be able to work it into your budget.

Basements are naturally cool, so depending on where you live, air conditioning may not be necessary; however, heating will be important in colder climates. Ask a heating professional to look over your space and explain to them your plans for finishing the basement. They may recommend additional ductwork and vents. If your basement has any moisture, include a sump pump and dehumidifier in your plan. For wet basements, consult with pro-

fessionals about installing a de-watering system.

Before starting your renovation, check the local building codes in your town.

Find out if you will need any permits or inspections to complete your project.

When making an investment like this into your home, keep in mind the overall price range of houses in your neighborhood. Will this project price your home

out of the market? A real estate agent may be able to tell you. Experts suggest investing no more than 12% the value of the average home in your neighborhood to keep you in a seller’s market. But if you plan to stay in your home for the long term, the satisfaction you receive from your renovation project may be worth the investment no matter what the cost. 

OIL or LATEX?

By TRESA ERICKSON

Y

our kitchen cabinets have seen better days, and while you would like to change them, you can’t afford to do so at this time. You’re going to paint them instead, and some friends have suggested you use oil paint, while others have suggested you use latex paint. You have worked with latex paint but not oil paint. What is the difference between the two?

Oil-based paint offers many advantages. It goes on smoothly and covers a lot. It shrinks very little, making sanding between coats unnecessary. It dries slowly, giving you more time to work. It produces a shiny, hard coat that is tough to penetrate and holds up well in hightraffic areas.

There are some drawbacks to using oil-based paint. It has a strong odor, making it difficult to work with for some people. Although hard, it will crack over time. It may also fade and yellow. Oil-based paint can be difficult to clean up. You must use solvents. It is also hazardous and must be disposed of properly.

Latex also offers many advantages. It is widely available and is better for the environment altogether. It dries quickly and doesn’t yellow.

It is also easy to clean up with soap and water. It does swell, however, making sanding between coats on wood essential.

For walls, many experts recommend latex. For wood, metal and other surfaces, oil-based might be better. The choice is yours. Research the two options further, discuss the matter with the professionals and make your choice carefully. 

SoMinn SPRING HOME & GARDEN | Wednesday, April 27, 2022 | Page A23

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