Q&A Master Gardeners

What can I do to guarantee my perennials come back in the spring? For example, my lavender didn’t make it through this past winter. I planted last May and it had good blooms.

When it comes to gardening, guaranteeing anything can be risky business. There are just so many variables to consider. We can, however,doourresearchandincrease ourchancesof success.

When planting perennials, such as lavender, one of the first things to check includes hardiness of the particular variety or cultivar you are planting. Lavender originated in the

Mediterranean regions and prefers fullsun,dryair,andwell-drainedsoil. It does not require a lot of fertilizer. Sandyorgravellysoilwilldojustfine. Therootsneedtobreathe.

There are a number of different cultivars to choose from available from commercial nurseries. French lavender and Spanish varieties are not hardy in most of the Northeast (e.g. French lavender – zone 7-9). There are, however, a few English cultivarsthatcantakethecoldwinters hereinupstateNY(zone5-8).

The less hardy cultivars may grow well and bloom for one summer season but will not survive our winters. Be sure to check the hardiness of any perennial you are considering planting. We are currentlyconsideredtobeinzone5. Have specific questions like the following? Why do my lilacs keep getting uprooted by NY winds?

Why do my butterfly bushes keep dying after 3 or so years? How/ where to plant juniper trees? Why do tulips die after 1 or 3 seasons?

Contact CCE to facilitate scheduling a site visit with a Master Gardener to assist with evaluating these issues as itcouldbeasoilissue.

Soundproof Your Home

What’s the first step in sound proofing your home? Finding which rooms have the least amount of sound resistance.

To do this, make sure everyone is out of the house, unplug all electronics and close all doors and windows. Take a quick walk through your house and pause for a few moments in each room to evaluate which ones are the noisiest. Now consider if you’re installing a media room or teenage recreational room where volumes will be blasting on TV’s and stereos. With this information, you should have a good idea of where you need to soundproof and create barriers against noise. Here are some tips to help you achieve the optimal result of peace and quiet:

• Plant trees and hedges along the exterior of your home, perhaps along a fence. Not only do trees and hedges help with the environment and provide a good amount of privacy, they also slow down the travel of noise from the neighborhood into your home.

• Insulate your walls and ceilings. Better insulation in your interiors and exteriors won’t just drive away excess noise, it will also reduce your heating and cooling bills during the hot and cold months.

• Seal up all cracks and holes around windows and doors, and add double glazed windows to your current glass panes.

How

Cut Costs On Home Renovations

Hire a contractor: Even avid do-it-yourselfers can sometimes benefit from a contractor’s expertise, particularly for complex tasks. Don’t waste money by trying tough jobs yourself; rely on an experienced contractor who can get supplies for less money and will do the job right the first time. Compare bids from several different contractors and figure out the best value.

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PLANNING AHEAD IS VITAL TO A SUCCESSFUL RENOVATION

Get necessary permits: Permits are designed to ensure the work is being done to code and in a safe manner. However, they are not without additional costs and processing time, and that can cause some homeowners to skip this step. According to the home information site The Spruce, building permits cost anywhere from $400 to about $2,200 for new home construction. Building permits for smaller projects can cost $100 or less, and typically are based on a percentage of the anticipated cost of the project. Apermit may be issued the day the application is submitted,while other cities and towns may issue permits up to two or more weeks later. Factor permit fees and processing times into the renovation plan.

If it comes to light a homeowner did work without a required permit, he or she may face penalties; may have to tear out work done to have it inspected or redone; some may be unable to sell a home until permits have been obtained and work has been done to code. Homeowners insurance coverage also may be affected if homeowners do not obtain the proper permits.

THIS SPRING, IT’S ALL ABOUT THAT BASS FISHING -AND YOUR BASIC GEAR

FIND THE RIGHT PANTS. Spring days on the water are usually an all-day event, and call for versatility in your clothing. To that point, pants that convert to shorts are ideal. Like shirts, pants should be stain-resistant.Additionally,the pants should have plenty of pockets (with zippers) to carry anything extra. If you don’t have access to a boat or dock, extend your fishing range with a good pair of fishing waders.

How To Stay Safe On Diy Projects

Make sure you choose the right ladder. DIYers may spend ample time shopping for drills and other electronic tools and gadgets that are fun to use. But ample time also must be afforded to the type of ladder you intend to use on a project. Estimates from the West Bend Insurance Company indicate that roughly 90,000 people visit the emergency room due to ladder accidents each year. Never use a broken ladder or an aging ladder that’s uneven. In addition, do not use a ladder that forces you to reach far away. If you’re leaning while using a ladder, the ladder is either too short for your project or positioned too far away from the wall. The National Home Security Alliance advises DIYers to place their ladder one foot from the wall for every four feet it rises above the ground. Test your ladders for their sturdiness prior to beginning work so you aren’t tempted to use a subpar ladder.

Tree

The day’s main aim is to encourage more people to become BBQ masters as they spend time outdoors and enjoy a meal with their loved ones.

29–JUNE 4

Guessing Game

Can you guess what game the picture is depicting? Write your answer below.

The word ‘barbecue’ is said to have come from the Caribbean word ‘Barabicu,’ a structure made of sticks used for cooking by the indigenous people of the Caribbean who were called Taino. Food was prepared over an indirect flame and placed to the side or above the fire. It resulted in a charred and smokey

Common Terms Found On Food Labels

Sodium: Otherwise known as salt, sodium is necessary to maintain nerve and muscle health. However, many people consume too much sodium, oftentimesbecauseofprocessedfoods.WebMDnotesthatsodiumintake should be limited to 2,300 milligrams or less per day. Certain people, such as those over the age of 51, African Americans or those with certain conditions, such as hypertension and diabetes, should consume no more than 1,500 milligrams of sodium per day.