Spring Home & Garden 2017

Spring

HOME & GARDEN A special section of

Gulf Coast Media

Awaken your senses

PAGE 4

with a sensory garden

PAGE 14

PAGE 10

Gardening activities for your toddler

The pine

pples of my eye

>>>>Table

of Contents >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> a sensory 4 Plant garden this spring to enjoy all year to grow 10 Learn new pineapples

10

4

from the tops

14

Your toddler can help with these garden tasks

are a few 15 Here tips for cooking with the foods you grow

14 15

17

17

19

Pick a punchy color for your front door

these 19 Try super easy spring cleaning projects

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2 Spring Home & Garden 2017

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Spring Home & Garden 2017 3

Awaken the senses with a springtime sensory garden

A

s our senses awaken to the beautiful spring of the year, why not consider designing and planting a garden where each plant possesses individual, pleasing characteristics that entice all of our senses in unique ways as we walk the garden path.

Remember to also include hardThere is nothing so pleasant as scape elements, such as benches, a stroll through a gorgeous garden paths, water fountains, bird feeders, where the plantings continue harchimes and garden art for added moniously to provide a rainbow sensory effect. of colors and a diversity When choosing your in textures, as well as the plants for a sensory garden, sweet fragrances of flowers remember to choose plants newly bloomed. known to thrive in our All gardens are, in varyregion. Native plants work ing extents, sensory, yet, great here because they are sensory gardens kick it DOOLEY accustomed to the environup a notch by maximizing BERRY ment and are generally less the impact the garden has Beyond susceptible to disease and on its admirers. A sensory the Garden Gate require lower maintenance. garden can be presented Be highly aware of choosing plants by theme, divided into sensory that will entice all of the senses. sections or planted as a whole. SenHere are a few ideas: sory gardens should definitely be user-friendly and encourage garden Sound guests to look, touch, smell, listen, To appeal to hearing, choose admire, and sometimes, taste. Creplants which make pleasing sounds ating a sensory garden is definitely as the wind passes through them, worth the effort as it provides opsuch as bamboo or purple fountain portunities to teach others, as well grass. Many seedpods make interas provide horticultural healing esting sounds and, at the end of seatechniques.

Sensory garden designs and ideas son, provide a fun crunching sound underfoot. You may decide to inare only limited by the gardener's clude plants that encourage wildlife imagination. If grandparents are in the garden. A bee buzzing among thinking of planning a garden as pretty flowers, the chirp of a cricket a learning area for their grandor the whizzing of hummingbirds children, the space for the garden all create pleasant sounds in your should be smaller, with plant sensory garden. heights within the reach of tiny hands. The beauty of sensory garTouch dens lies in how adaptable they are.

There are so many choices of As you design your plan, be sure plants that offer fascinating texto accommodate the maturing size tures just begging to be touched. of the plants you have chosen by allowing plenty of garden space.

SEE SENSES, PAGE 8 4 Spring Home & Garden 2017

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Spring Home & Garden 2017 5

Tools of the home

renovator's trade FROM METRO CREATIVE

Home renovation projects can be both exciting and tricky. Do-it-yourselfers are inspired by designs showcased in magazines, websites and their own communities. When DIY enthusiasts see a design they like, it's understandable that they may want to emulate these looks at home.

Remodeling is one of the larger DIY undertakings, and it goes beyond simple carpentry. Considering demolition, reconstruction, electrical, plumbing, and masonry work may be part of the DIY package, homeowners who are thinking about renovations must first stock up on the tools and other supplies of the trade. Having the right tools can mean the difference between a job well done and a job that needs to be redone.

Crowbar or prybar: Before you can put in new construction, you might have to get your hands dirty with some demolition. Crowbars or prybars can be used to pry up wood slats, remove nails or remove old decking.

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Tool pouch: A tool and fastener pouch gives DIYers a place other than their pockets to store fasteners and hand tools. Pouches can be attached to tool belts for added storage capacity.

Stud finder: Invest in a more fool-proof method of locating studs behind drywall then knocking on the wall. Stud finders can provide a picture of studs, pipes and other hidden items inside an entire length of wall. This is essential to driving nails where they belong and can also prevent sending fasteners into wires or nearby plumbing.

Level: A level is an essential tool for everyone from casual decorators to more involved renovators.

Whether hanging pictures or ensuring molding is parallel, levels are must-have tools for DIYers.

Safety glasses: Invest in a pair of safety glasses so no one working on a project deals with obstructed vision. Safety glasses also provide ample eye protection.

Extension cords: If power tools are part of the renovation picture, extension cords can safely extend power where it is needed. Be sure to invest in a gauge that is large enough to handle the amperage of your most powerful tool.

Measuring tape: The "measure twice, cut once" mantra is key to home improvements. To measure accurately each and every time, no tool chest is complete without a sturdy measuring tape.

Ladder varieties: Home improvements aren't always at ground level. Purchase ladders of various heights so you can safely reach various areas of the home. Step stools, a step ladder and an extension ladder all have their purposes on the job.

Digital inspection scope: A scope lets you see inside walls, floors and ceilings to find the exact location of pipes, wires and joists. It also can be used to seek out the source of clogged drains or anywhere you desire sight into hard-to-maneuver areas.

Spring Home & Garden 2017 6

Growing strawberries at home requires little space, effort

BY JOAN CASANOVA Green Earth Media Group

Homegrown strawberries are a billion times better tasting than the hard, rarely ripe, flavorless selection in the supermarket. Strawberries are cold-hardy and adaptable, making them one of the easiest berries to grow. While most fruit trees take several years to begin bearing, you can harvest your own strawberries the very first summer. And even if you live in an apartment or small home, you can grow strawberries in a container, on your balcony, rooftop, or patio. If your horizontal space is GulfCoastNewsToday.com

limited, consider growing strawberries in a hanging basket or stacked planter, which will allow you to take advantage of vertical growing space as the strawberry plants tumble out over the sides.

There are two main kinds of strawberries: "June-bearing" and "Ever-bearing" varieties. June-bearing, bear all at once, usually over a period of about 3 weeks. Because of their earliness, high quality and concentrated fruit set, June-bearers produce high yields of very large, sweet, extra juicy berries in late mid-season, which is usually late spring and early summer, depending on your geographic region.

These are the best variety for preserving.

"Ever-bearing" strawberries produce a big crop from spring flowers, set light flushes of fruit through summer, and then bloom and bear again in late summer and fall. Perfect for large containers or raised beds, where you can give them attentive watering and regular feeding.

Bonnie Plants, available at most garden retailers, offers a good selection of strawberries including: • "Ozark Beauty" — This ever-bearing variety produces high yields of SEE STRAWBERRIES, PAGE

22

Spring Home & Garden 2017 7

SENSES CONTINUED FROM 4

From the baby soft feel of Lamb's Ears to the cooling sensation of moss passing through the fingers or rough seedpods, it is easy to incorporate many interesting textures. It is probably best not to include prickly roses or spiny agaves!

Smell Something about the smells of favorite plants is extremely primordial, it remains long after the plant has died away. Aromas seem to readily find their place in our memory banks. Most sensory gardens are filled with pleasant aromas that entice a wide range of emotions.

Highly aromatic plants, such as sweet-smelling gardenias, honeysuckle and evocative herbs and spices all stimulate the sense of smell quite nicely.

Sight Adding visual interest to a sensory garden can easily be accomplished by choosing plants with varying growth habits, such as those that creep, climb, trail, bush or stand upright.

Including plants with different blooms, leaves, barks and stem color will provide great visual appeal as well.

Don't forget to include a variety of harmonizing colors that you like.

Taste Edible fruits, vegetables, herbs and spices included in a sensory garden definitely will offer visitors the opportunity to experience nature's bounty while engaging their taste buds.

So, as spring sings her beautiful tune this year, plan a sensory garden as a tribute. Start by imagining treats for the eyes, such as bright flowers, bold foliage

and interesting shapes. Use ornamental grasses for their soft, rustling sounds and waterfalls for their relaxing music. Attract birds to the garden with birdbaths and birdhouses to attract their birdsong.

Hidden tinkling wind chimes will add a bit of mystery. Include fragrant herbs like rosemary and basil to entice the sense of smell. Flowers like gardenias and lilies are beautiful, and fragrant as well. Garden signs and art can combine to tantalize all of the senses.

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Spring Home & Garden 2017 9

The pine

pples of my eye

BY ALLISON WOODHAM allison@gulfcoastmedia.com

I

grew up in a family that had green thumbs … no, green arms and legs. My parents can grow anything and they absolutely love it.

Having my own place — and my own yard, more importantly — has made me want to give gardening a shot. I loved seeing my mom and dad’s passion for spending time outdoors, planting, mowing and fixing the yard up, depending on the season. I wanted that same feeling (and my yard to look amazing, too!).

Last year, I grew jalapenos and green peppers in containers that did pretty well, and this year I plan to start an in-ground garden and plant more veggies.

One fruit my parents grew that I distinctly remember is pineapples, probably because they look so unusual. They’re a little difficult to miss. My dad always talked about how easy they were to grow, especially with our tropical climate. He would always just say, “Stick it in the ground and that’s it.”

So, why not give it a try?

Last year at the Gulf Coast Hot Air Balloon Festival, I noticed one of the vendors was making drinks out of hollowed-out pineapples. They were just tossing the tops off by the trash. I was there with two friends and asked them if they would walk with 10 Spring Home & Garden 2017

PHOTO BY ALLISON WOODHAM

me back to the car if I got a box of pineapple tops. I know they thought I was kidding.

I asked one of the workers if I could have the tops they were throwing away.

“I wish you would take them all,” she said.

Music to my ears.

I grabbed a box and started piling them in.

I had 24 tops and stuck them in the car.

When I got home that night, I started preparing them for planting.

These plants really are easy to pot. Take your top and cut any of the fruit off as it will just rot, and probably stink, if you plant it in the ground. Peel about two or three layers of the smaller leaves off the bottom of the pineapple top.

Then, it’s time to wait. Let the tops dry out for three days to one week.

Next, it’s time to choose your container. You can choose to plant it in the

ground or in a pot.

Because Mother Nature in south Alabama can be so indecisive, I chose to plant my pineapples in pots. I know it doesn’t get too cold here, but I didn’t want the frost to get to my plants.

I started several of the plants in one-gallon pots, but most of them I have had to replant. I would recommend three-gallon pots. That way you won’t have to replant. Just start with the large containers.

I used a basic Miracle Grow soil and just stuck the tops into the soil. I watered around the top and just set them outside.

My front porch gets the morning sun, so the plants never get too hot. These plants like warm weather, but you have to be careful placing them in full sun or they’ll blister.

As far as fertilizer, I only fertilized my plants twice. Both times were

right when I planted my pineapples last year. It was just a scoop of fertilizer in my watering can. Did it make a difference? I’m not too sure. I think pineapples will grow just fine without them.

When watering, you don’t have to give them much. My personal rule of thumb is to fill up the small cup in the middle of the leaves. Usually the rain here is enough to suffice. I think the only time I water my pineapples is during the hottest months, July, August and September, or when we’ve had a few weeks without rain. I think the humidity and dew helps these plants here. When it did drop below freezing this past winter, I took the pineapples inside and they took up my guest bathroom and guest bedroom for a weekend or two.

For my amateur planting skills, my 24 pineapple plants are still growing (and not to brag or anything, they are larger than any my parents ever grew). I don’t claim to know everything about pineapples; this is just my experience. Your home or apartment may be totally different, so expect change and be ready to learn.

These plants are easy to manage, but don’t expect the fruits of your labor right away. Pineapples take anywhere from 18 months to three years to produce fruit. So hopefully, I’ll be seeing some pineapples. Eventually.

Then, I can start the process over again with those pineapple tops.

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Spring Home & Garden 2017 13

Gardening activities for your toddler

By CRYSTAL COLE

Watering flowers

crystal@gulfcoastmedia.com

I have the unbelievable blessing of having a helper child. Whenever I ask for her assistance, she drops everything and comes running. Regardless of your toddler’s abilities or eagerness to help, getting out in this beautiful weather to garden is a no-brainer way to bond.

Here are a few ways to get your kiddos involved. Disclaimer: Your kid, and probably you as well, will need to be hosed down afterward.

Digging holes for seeds/saplings

This one is super simple, but super fun, as long as they’re not wearing their Sunday best. We have a ton of sand castle supplies and they usually pull double duty as garden spades. Grab a tarp to use as a dirt splash guard.

Pulling weeds

Your kids will delight in identifying (for the hundredth time) the weeds and getting to yank them out of the ground.

I will not be held liable if they do the same to your roses.

Raking pine straw

I cannot begin to tell you the glorious naps that have followed raking sessions in our old backyard. My child slept a little as well. Bonus, you don’t have to go to Lowe’s for landscaping filler.

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Whether you break out the hose or a watering can, I have yet to meet a child who didn’t enjoy any activity with water.

Actual planting of flowers/ seeds/ saplings

Alright, this one needs plenty of adult supervision, but it is still something the little ones can help with. Although, it might also be fun to let them have at it and wake up to surprise tomatoes in the middle of your yard. Totally your call.

Labeling the plants

Not technically an activity entirely outdoors, but a great way to work in some fun learning time centered around a hands-on activity. You can talk about the plants and what they need to grow while also working in some fine motor skill work.

Harvesting

Several weeks, or months, after your initial work, you and your child will get to see the literal and figurative fruits of your labor. Never fail to highlight to your child how they have helped create something and, if you’ve grown food, how they have helped provide nourishment for the family. Let them have chest-swelling pride. And cake.

Gardening is hard.

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Tips for growing, cooking your home-grown produce (StatePoint) Nearly 50 percent of fresh fruits and 20 percent of fresh vegetables in the U.S. are imported, according to FoodSafety.gov. This means that your food traveled long distances to get to your plate. To better enjoy fruits and vegetables, many families are now growing their own at home.

Want to know exactly where your food is coming from and have

the freshest possible flavors within arm’s reach? Bring “farm-to-table” dining into your everyday life by creating your own garden. Follow these tips to grow and harvest fruits, veggies and herbs at peak ripeness to enjoy in simple, healthful meals.

Room to Grow When starting a garden, it’s important to have a plan. Find a spa-

cious area with plenty of sunlight to help plants take root and flourish — whether that’s in your backyard or a nearby community garden. For cooler climates, raised garden beds are highly recommended. These allow fruits and vegetables the space needed to expand their roots and hold in water. For hot, arid climates, SEE PRODUCE, PAGE

16

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PRODUCE CONTINUED FROM 15

create an in-ground garden, as it holds in moisture better, requiring less irrigation.

Selecting what to grow is your next challenge. Herb gardens are perfect for those with limited experience or limited space. Herbs like basil, cilantro and chives are easy to maintain.

Most herbs can withstand changing climates, meaning you can cook with fresh herbs year-round, adding them to nearly any meal to increase depths of flavor and allow you to “play” with your food.

Farm with flavor Having access to a variety of fresh produce lets you expand your menu at home while keeping it healthy.

Many items found in simple salads, like carrots, tomatoes, radishes, lettuce and other leafy greens

16 Spring Home & Garden 2017

are considered “beginner crops.” Certain berries are also easy to cultivate. If you’ve ever tasted a ripe, just-picked strawberry or a fresh, juicy tomato, you’ll know that it’s worth the effort to grow these items yourself !

Mix it up Having a high-quality blender, like the Vitamix

A3500, can make transforming your harvest into vibrant meals easy. Vitamix machines can be used to chop, purée or juice any ingredients that may come from your budding garden.

Put new spins on old family recipes. Next time your kids ask for spaghetti and meatballs, try spaghetti with roasted vegetable sauce. Made with

fresh, garden ingredients, including Roma tomatoes, carrots and fresh basil leaves, this robust sauce will become a staple in your weekly meal rotation.

You might even want to try it on top of spaghetti squash or zucchini noodles to take advantage of more nutritious, fresh-grown produce.

Try something new and create sweet potato soup with seared tomatillos using fresh jalapenos, poblanos and tomatillos from your garden. Or dress up a less than exciting salad with a brightly flavored strawberry vinaigrette, using fresh strawberries and herbs.

Growing greens (plus reds, yellows, oranges, purples and blues) gives you peace of mind in knowing exactly where your meals come from, and the pride of nurturing something wholesome.

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Go bold with your front door

BY KASEY MEREDITH Special to Osteen Publishing Co.

After spending the winter months cooped up in your home, it can be quite a shock to see the exterior of your home.

Deciding on a color is a big commitment. Choosing a chic versus classic color for the outside of your home is difficult, but neutrals are always a safe bet.

Glenda Joye, who’s worked 36 years in the painting business, said that grays are in demand.

“Gray is the new neutral,” Joye said.

It's not all about the outer walls. One element that has been getting a lot of attention is the front door.

“People are starting to go bolder with their color

Questions?

PHOTO BY KASEY MEREDITH / SPECIAL TO OSTEEN PUBLISHING CO.

A statement door, like this light blue, contrasts nicely with taupe home colors. choices. I’m getting a lot of turquoises, aquas and terracottas,” Joye said.

Grays are a popular color choice for the outside and

See Deena for her expert gardening advice!

interior of a house. Joye said that grays are versatile and allow people to play around with fabrics in their house.

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Joye recommends the Clark+Kensignton paint brand because she said it goes on nice and covers well. Regardless of what brand you end up choosing, the glossier the finish, the easier it will be to clean.

For front doors, Joye recommends latex, gloss and semi-gloss finishes.

The name of the game is mixing and matching.

“I’m getting a lot of earthly tones for the exterior of the house and punchy colors on the front door,” Joye said.

Some Clark+Kensignton colors that Joye suggests are “Garden Stone,” “After the Rain” and “Coastal Pleasure” which are all grays. For the front door, she suggests “Shopaholic” also from the Clark+Kensignton line.

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BRING IN YOUR SOIL SAMPLES FOR TESTING Spring Home & Garden 2017 17

Tackle your spring

cleaning task by task by organizing items

BY KASEY MEREDITH Special to Osteen Publishing Co.

Spring cleaning can be a daunting subject for most of us, but decluttering and organizing doesn’t have to be a headache.

Sandi Davis, who has been organizing professionally since 2004, said that when you see everything put into place you feel so good.

Start with small spaces first, Davis said, then follow the three basic rules to organizing: file the item if you can, know the difference between neat and organized and be able to obtain the item in two to three steps.

Organizing your whole home bit by bit can be tedious. “ The main thing is to not get overwhelmed, visualize the end result,” Davis said.

Whether you’re tackling the kitchen or your closet, Davis suggests having three boxes to sort your items: donate, relocate and give. Part of spring cleaning is clearing out and getting rid of things, Davis said.

Finding what motivates you to downsize is the key to decluttering. Whether it be a new wardrobe, moving house or wanting to help others, the motivation has to work for the individual.

For those who are sentimental, letting go of collections and random knickknacks are the hardest. “Almost everyone can tell you a story about an item,” Davis said. In this case, the giving box usually becomes really handy. Sometimes we’ll name the box someone's name, so the client can pass on items to that someone who might appreciate the items more,” she said.

After the decluttering, minimizing wasted space is the end goal. Some examples are: looking for shelves and walls that aren’t being used, stacking your t-shirts in your closet more efficiently and utilizing open space in your kitchen for possible storage.

Lastly, if you start to feel unmotivated or frustrated, pick the task back up the next day. “You have to be in the right frame of mind and the right mood,” Davis said. “Again, spring cleaning is a little-by-little process.”

18 Spring Home & Garden 2017

PHOTOS BY KASEY MEREDITH / SPECIAL TO OSTEEN PUBLISHING CO.

Shelving can be used vertically and horizontally, professional organizer Sandi Davis said. Using shelving in closets helps maximize space and keep everything where you can see it.

Davis said that “filing” items in drawers, like these towels above, is often better than folding them.

Davis suggests using small plastic containers to unjunk your junk drawers. The containers can be found at Dollar Tree or Walmart and are useful in any type of drawer.

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Super easy spring cleaning projects FROM METRO CREATIVE Warmer days are here and what better way to spend them than cleaning?

Although enjoying the great outdoors is probably high on many a to-do list come spring, by the end of winter, homes can probably do with a much-needed overhaul. Owners and renters can rely on temperate days to throw open the windows and engage in some easy spring-cleaning projects. The earlier one begins spring cleaning, the more quickly he or she will be able to head outside and bask in the warm spring sun.

Spring cleaning tasks can be stretched out across several days to make the jobs more manageable. While certain spring cleaning tasks can be time-consuming, many projects can be started and completed in 30 minutes or less.

1. Look up Start by looking up at ceilings, molding and ceiling fans. Chances are strong that some cobwebs and dust have formed in these areas. Always begin cleaning by working from the top downward so you don't have to clean any SEE CLEANING, PAGE

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www.ingersollac.com Spring Home & Garden 2017 19

CLEANING CONTINUED FROM 19

tables countertops or floors twice.

Static-charged dusting cloths work well to catch and contain dust. Use a pillowcase on ceiling fan blades to clear the dust and keep it from cascading to the floor.

2. Blinds and curtains Heavy window treatments can be removed and replaced with more gauzy fabrics. This lets in more light and warmth from the sun. Many curtains can be freshened up right in the laundry, but blinds may require a bit more effort. If the blinds can be snapped out of the brackets, place them in a tub full of vinegar, dish soap and water.

Allow them to soak and then rinse with the shower nozzle. Stationary blinds can be cleaned using an old sock over your hand, dipped in a vinegar and water solution.

3. Change linens Remove and launder bed linens.

While the linens are in the wash, thoroughly dust all furniture and vacuum the carpets. Move furniture so you can

reach areas where dust gathers, such as under the bed or dresser.

4. Grout cleaner Grade school science lessons can be put to use as you look to remove stubborn dirt. Combining baking soda and vinegar produces a reaction that causes the formation of gassy bubbles. These bubbles can help to break up dirt that clings to crevices, such as grout between tiles. Some light scrubbing, and then subsequent rinsing, can rid surfaces of hardto-remove dirt.

5. Vacuum

vent intakes Many houses are heated by forced-air systems. The air intake vents can become clogged with dust and other debris.

Vacuum these vents so that air flow is not im-

peded. Let the heat run for a few minutes to catch any small particles that become dislodged, and then change the furnace filter.

6. Clean out the

refrigerator Now is a great time to remove any of those mystery containers growing fuzzy experiments in the back of the refrigerator.

Take the food out of the refrigerator and use a food-safe cleaner to scour the shelves and inside of crisper drawers.

Spring cleaning is a necessary task, but it doesn't have to be a headache. Break up the work into manageable chunks of time, and projects won't feel like such a hassle.

Landscaping matters.

Keep your power flowing uninterrupted and Baldwin EMC’s crews safe by following these guidelines for landscaping.

Near underground equipment: •

Leave at least 10 feet of clear space in front of pad-mount transformers.

•

Allow no less than four feet of space on both sides and behind the transformer.

Near power poles: •

Short trees (less than 25 feet tall when fully grown) should be planted at least 25 feet from power poles.

•

Medium trees (25 to 40 feet tall when fully grown) should be planted no less than 40 feet from power poles.

•

Tall trees (40 feet tall or higher when fully grown) should be planted at least 60 feet from power poles.

If you have questions or concerns about landscaping safety around electrical equipment, call Baldwin EMC at (251) 989-6247.

www.baldwinemc.com (251) 989-6247 20 Spring Home & Garden 2017

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Follow tips to achieve a lush lawn FROM METRO CREATIVE Homeowners who live in regions that get especially hot in the summertime often worry that their lawns won't make it through the dog days of summer looking lush. But lawns don't have to succumb to the sizzling summer sun. Oftentimes, the right watering strategies can help homeowners nurse their lawns through the hottest months of the year, ensuring the lawns make it to autumn looking as green as they did back at the height of spring. • Reconsider when you're watering. Come summertime, homeowners may want a glass of water at high noon, when temperatures seem to be at their hottest. But you and your lawn are different, so the best time to satiate your thirst is not necessarily the best time to water your lawn.

Watering in the middle of the day is often ineffective, as water SEE LUSH LAWN, PAGE

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22

METRO IMAGE

Poorly placed sprinklers that shoot water out onto driveways and other surfaces that do not need water can rob a lawn of water it desperately needs when temperatures climb in the summertime.

Spring Home & Garden 2017 21

LUSH LAWN CONTINUED FROM 21

tends to evaporate quickly in the afternoons when temperatures are peaking. Nighttime watering can contribute to the growth of fungus, which can create an entirely new set of headaches for homeowners.

Morning watering sessions tend to be most effective during the summertime, as temperatures tend to be cooler in the morning, leading to less evaporation. Less evaporation means all that watering isn't going to waste.

• Reconsider your sprinkler. If you can't afford an in-ground irrigation system, which many landscaping professionals agree is the most effective and efficient way to water a lawn, then you likely will rely on a sprinkler to keep your lawn looking lush through the summer months. When choosing a

STRAWBERRIES CONTINUED FROM 7

large, very sweet fruit from late spring until frost, with concentrated fruiting in summer and again in fall.

Ideal for jam, preserves, or desserts. Plants are cold-hardy, send out long runners and are great for containers.

• "Quinalt" — the most popular ever-bearing variety, offers large, soft, deliciously sweet fruit, ideal for preserves or fresh eating.

• June-bearing "Allstar" produces high yields of very large, sweet, extra juicy berries in late mid-season, which is usually late spring and early summer, depending on when summer arrives in your area. As a Junebearer, the harvest season is concentrated over a few weeks, making it a good choice if you want to freeze or cook with a lot of berries at one time. Remember to GulfCoastNewsToday.com

sprinkler, look for one that shoots water out horizontally as opposed to vertically. A vertical sprinkler system is more vulnerable to wind and evaporation than one that shoots water out horizontally, so make sure your sprinkler system is sending water into your lawn and not into the breeze.

• Avoid overwatering. How much water your lawn needs in the summertime depends on a host of factors, including where you live and how often rain falls in that region. Overwatering can promote the growth of fungus and adversely affect your lawn's root system, making it difficult for roots to grow deep. Speak with a local landscaping professional to determine how often you should water your lawn each week.

• Strategically position your sprinklers. When choosing where to put down your sprinklers, hook them up to your hose, turn them

plant so the crown is just above soil level.

Timely tips to ensure strawberry success: • When planting strawberries, be sure the crown is above soil level and the upper most roots are 1/4 inch beneath soil level, buried crowns rot and exposed roots dry out. Strawberry plants should be placed approximately 14 to 18 inches apart from each other in neat rows that are separated by 2 to 3 feet each. Let runners fill in until plants are 7 to 10 inches apart.

• Use mulch to keep berries clean, conserve moisture and control weeds.

• If you want to keep it simple, plant strawberries in a container. Just remember that container plantings need much more water than in-ground plantings, usually once a day; and if it's hot, twice. Strawberry pots are the obvious, best container choice for growing strawberries. You can fit several plants in one pot;

on, and then watch to see where the water is going. Areas exposed to sun are most in need of water, so make sure the bulk of your water isn't going to shaded areas beneath trees. In addition, make sure you aren't wasting water on sidewalks, patios and driveways. Sprinklers should be positioned so none of the water they're shooting out is landing on surfaces that don't need water. It sounds simple, but too often homeowners drop their sprinklers down, turn them on and then walk away without waiting to see where the water is landing. Position sprinklers or adjust sprinkler heads so all the water is landing on your lawn.

Keeping a lawn lush and green at the height of summer requires homeowners to adopt effective strategies. Such strategies can make the difference between a lush landscape and one that succumbs to summer heat.

just make sure whatever type of garden pot you use has good drainage. Strawberries have a relatively small root ball and can be grown in containers as small as 10 to 12 inches in diameter and 8 inches deep. However, the smaller the container, the more frequently you will need to water. Synthetic and light colored pots will keep the roots cooler than dark colors and natural materials that conduct heat.

• Strawberries like welldrained fairly rich soil, so be sure to add compost or other organic matter when preparing the pot or patch.

• Strawberry plants need full sun, 6 to 8 hours per day, and frequent, deep soakings. They will grow in all zones and should be fed twice a year — when growth begins and after the first crop. You'll need to feed them with a plant food like Bonnie Plant Food, this natural herb and vegetable plant food has nutrients

and growth stimulants that your strawberry plants will love.

• Control slugs and snails by handpicking them off plants and prevent theft from birds by covering your patch with netting as the first berries ripen.

Strawberries are one of the easiest and most delicious home garden fruits to grow. Try growing them with kids, plants produce fruit throughout the summer and children will love to pluck them right off the plant, wash and eat! If your kids have yet to plant and care for a fruit or vegetable, strawberries are a perfect choice for their first gardening experience. Kids can help create a delicious strawberry desert too, using super sweet, delectable strawberries picked right in the backyard.

For more information on growing strawberries as well as vegetables and herbs, visit www.bonnieplants.com Spring Home & Garden 2017 22

Spring is here, now is the time to plant!

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www.baldwintractor.com *$0 down, 0% A.P.R. financing for up to 48 months on purchases of new Kubota Z700 Series equipment is available to qualified purchasers from participating dealers’ in-stock inventory through 3/31/2017. Example: A 48-month monthly installment repayment term at 0% A.P.R. requires 48 payments of $20.83 per $1,000 financed. 0% A.P.R. interest is available to customers if no dealer documentation preparation fee is charged. Dealer charge for document preparation fee shall be in accordance with state laws. Inclusion of ineligible equipment may result in a higher blended A.P.R. 0% A.P.R. and low-rate financing may not be available with customer instant rebate offers. Financing is available through Kubota Credit Corporation, U.S.A., 3401 Del Amo Blvd., Torrance, CA 90503; subject to credit approval. Some exceptions apply. Offer expires 3/31/2017. See us for details on these and other low-rate options or go to www.kubota.com for more information. Optional equipment may be shown.

24 Spring Home & Garden 2017

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