Home and Garden
Inside: Spring cleaning while staying environmentally friendly. 2 Lighting sets the stage for outdoor fun. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Simple ways to childproof your home. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Nine ways to boost curb appeal. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Window screen repair and replacement. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Home projects perfect for spring. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Open windows benefit the environment. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Weeding out gardening myths . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Home improvement tips learned the hard way . . . . . . . . . . 3 Watering key to creating a lush lawn. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 How to inspect for roof damage. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Improve your home and your diet. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
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Home & Garden
The Daily Dispatch
Spring 2014
Inside Your Home
Spring clean and keep green
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try to do so only when the windows are open and fresh air can enter the home.
pring is a time of year when many people resolve to give their homes or apar tments a thorough cleaning. Spring cleaning projects help people revitalize their homes for the war m months ahead, when windows are once again opened, fresh air pervades homes and items that might have accumulated over a dark and dreary winter have become a distant memory. Many families have spring cleaning rituals that allow them to efficiently clean their homes in a single weekend. But it’s just as impor tant for spring cleaners to place as great an emphasis on the environment as they do on ef ficiency when cleaning a home. Eco-friendly spring cleaning practices produce less waste and rely on less chemicals to rejuvenate a home and get it ready for those seasons when huddling inside under the covers takes a backseat to lounging around the house as fresh air washes into the home. The following are a handful of ways to efficiently clean a home while also protecting the environment.
Ensure appliances are working at peak efficiency
Spring cleaning is a great time to inspect appliances to make sure they are operating ef ficiently. Clean or replace filters on window air conditioning units. Dusty or dir ty filters will force the air conditioner to work harder and use more energy to cool a room. In addition, dir ty or dusty filters make units less efficient, which means rooms won’t cool as quickly on those scorching summer afternoons. Appliances forced to work harder also cost more money, and those costs can be considerable. When checking appliances, be sure to check the refrigerator as well. Refrigerators are plugged in all day long, and those that are not operating at peak ef ficiency can cost you a lot of money in the long r un. Periodically clean the coils on the back of your refrigerator so it can operate more efficiently, saving energy and money. Vacuum cleaners should also be inspected before each use to make sure reels are not covered in hair, which can make it nearly impossible for the machine to collect dir t and dust from the floors.
Clear out the clutter
Clutter is an enemy to homeowners and the environment alike. That’s because addressing clutter is often an inef ficient process in which homeowners methodically go through items that have accumulated over the years, individually choosing which items to keep and which items to discard. Clutter can also prove har mful to the environment because rooms filled with clutter tend to collect dust, reducing air quality and leading to more indoor air pollution that can prove harmful to human health. When sifting through clutter in a home, discard those items that have gone ignored for years, as they likely have little or no financial value and it’s safe to assume they serve no practical purpose as well. Once clutter has been cleared out, prevent more of it from accumulating by making a conscious effort to discard items once they no longer serve any practical purpose. This includes old newspapers and magazines, as well as any other items that are likely to sit in a pile or on a shelf for months on end. Pre-
Use reusable cloths
Homeowners should periodically inspect their appliances, including vacuum cleaners, to ensure they are working at peak efficiency and not expending excess energy. star t on spring cleaning in late winter, when the weather might have started to warm up but has not yet warmed to the point when windows throughout the home can be opened. Though there’s nothing wrong Use cleaners only when with starting early, avoid using windows are open Many people get a head cleaning products on days
venting the buildup of clutter reduces the amount of time you need to spend spring cleaning next year while also improving indoor air quality.
when you can’t open the windows. Many cleaning products contain ample or even just trace amounts of chemicals that can compromise indoor air quality and may exacerbate existing medical conditions like respiratory ailments. When using cleaning products,
Another way to tur n spring cleaning into a more eco-friendly af fair is to forgo using paper towels in favor of reusable cloths. Reusable wash cloths can be just as ef fective at wiping down counters as paper towels, which require more and more tr ees to be cut down and eventually end up in landfills. If you are feeling especially eco-friendly, you can go the extra mile and create your own reusable cleaning cloths out of old clothes or linens, saving you money and making use of items that might other wise have been headed straight for a landfill. Spring cleaning can rejuvenate a home after a long winter. Emphasizing eco-friendly techniques when cleaning can ensure your home’s revival is as beneficial to the environment as it is to the home’s inhabitants.
Simple ways to childproof your home
B
ringing a new baby home from the hospital is a great moment for parents. But as a child settles into his or her new home, parents look around that home and see less “home” and more “hazard.” Kids are going to get some bumps and br uises along the way, but it’s still important that parents childproof their homes to keep such instances to a minimum and ensure that trips and falls don’t lead to something far worse than just some scrapes and tears. Childproofing a home is typically more difficult for first-time parents who don’t have the trained eye for hazard spots that parents of one or more children feel is second nature. But a practical approach to childproofing a home can keep kids safe and let parents rest easy knowing their youngsters are safe. The following are just a handful of the many ways parents can make their homes safer for newborns and young children.
Lower the water heater
Young children are susceptible to burns from hot water, even if that water temperature is perfectly fine for the rest of the family. Mayo Clinic recommends setting the tem-
perature on the hot water heater to below 120 F and installing antiscald devices on bathtubs and showerheads. In addition, always test the water before your child gets into the tub.
Store potentially dangerous household items high up
Childproof locks on cupboards and drawers can be an effective deterrent to curious babies, but parents should never underestimate just how inquisitive some youngsters can be. To safeguard especially curious kids from their own behaviors, always store potentially harmful household items in high cabinets that little boys and girls won’t be able to reach. Knives, household cleaners and scissors are just a few items that should be stored well beyond kids’ reach until they have clearly demonstrated they can handle such objects without cause for concern.
Remove magnets from the refrigerator
Small magnets on a refrigerator often fall off when doors are open or closed. Babies or toddlers can easily find such magnets, which then become a choking hazard. Kids should not be in the kitch-
en anyway, but curious kids have a way of finding their way into rooms parents try to make off-limits, so it’s better to be safe than sorry.
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The Daily Dispatch
Home & Garden
3
Spring 2014
Inside Your Home
How to repair and replace window screens
W
indow screens can let fresh air into a home while preventing insects and outdoor critters from making their way inside. But screens are far less effective at keeping critters out of a home when they’re damaged. Addressing such damage is typically an easy do-it-yourself project, one that begins with gathering the right materials, including: • new screening, either synthetic or aluminum • a rubber spline • a screen rolling tool • a razor knife or sharp scissor • measuring tape • masking tape • a screwdriver or an awl Once those materials have been gathered, the process of replacing or repairing damaged screens is rather simple. 1. Measure the area of the window to deter mine how much replacement screening you will need. Remember to leave extra room in your measurements so you have slack to make the new screen fit taut. The measurement will also help you determine how much spline you will need. 2. Remove the screen from the
window frame. Some windows do not have removable screen frames, and you will have to work on the screen in its upright position. 3. Use the screwdriver or awl to pry the edge of the existing spline that holds the screening material in the frame. Pull out the old spline and remove the damaged screening. 4. Measure the new screening from a replacement roll. Lay the screening down on the frame, ensuring there is overhang on all sides. If necessar y, use masking tape to temporarily secure the screening to the frame while freeing up your hands. This also works if you must replace screening vertically and cannot remove the window frame and make repairs on a flat surface. 5. Take a new piece of rubber spline and push it into the edge of the screen frame, securing a corner of the new screening to the frame. Continue to press the spline around the perimeter of the screen frame firmly into the groove with the screen rolling tool, which looks like a small pizza cutter. This effectively secures the screen into the frame. 6. Continue around the edge of
the frame, pulling the new screening taut as you go. This helps to keep it free of wrinkles. 7. Once you have inserted the spline all the way around, cut it off from the spline spool and push in the edge. 8. Use a razor knife or sharp scissor to cut off the excess screening, being careful not to dislodge it from behind the spline when cutting. 9. Replace the screen in the window. In the case of small tears in a screen, a complete replacement may not be necessar y. Home improvement stores sell screen patch kits. Some work by cutting out a piece of patch that is attached to an adhesive backing and sticking it over the hole. Other patches are small, woven wires that can be threaded through the hole in the screen. A really small hole can be mended with a drop of clear-drying glue. The same method of screen replacement can be used to replace screens on screened-in porches, aluminum doors or sliding patio doors. Just be sure to purchase replacement screening that will fit the dimensions.
Home improvement tips learned the hard way
‘T
is the season for home improvement projects, and weekend war riors will soon be visiting home supply retailers to buy everything from paint to plywood. There are many advantages to making home improvements on your own, including the opportunity to test your mettle at projects big and small. Many a novice DIYer has learned the ups and downs of home improvement through trial and error. But the following are a handful of lessons first-timers can heed before beginning their maiden voyages into the world of DIY home improvements.
Measure twice, cut once
Perhaps this is the best-known mantra of home improvement, yet many still ignore it. Whether you’re anxious to get started or simply because you still cannot conver t metric to standard formula, you must take the time to measure twice befor e cutting. Lear ning that you’re a hair too shor t later will be prove frustrating and time-consuming and often necessitates a last-minute run to the store for more materials. Always measure multiple times before making cuts.
Enlist a helper
Having a partner helping with the work is the most efficient way to tackle a project. This person can assist you with heavy lifting or moving things or by holding the ladder or simply passing tools your way. He or she also can manage work while you make another run to the home center for more supplies. Having a helper around also provides companionship during tedious projects.
dressers before moving them. Rely on sliding pads when moving furniture so items can be slid into place instead of lifted. Always ask a buddy to help move especially heavy items.
Prime before painting
Painting can be a timeconsuming task. In an effort to save time, some people will look for painting shortcuts, and these may include skipping the priming portion of painting. Priming helps to cover existing paint color and prevent bleed-through of stains or darker hues to the next coat of paint. Failure to use a primer could mean having to paint coat after coat, which can become costly and take up a significant amount of time. Always rely on a priming product, or look for a paint that blends a primer within to achieve better coverage. And while you are ensuring a proper paint job, remem- Double-checking measurements is one way to avoid ber to use painter’s tape or potentially costly home improvement project mistakes. an edging product to help keep paint off of moldings current. This means shut- sorts of hidden problems and trim. ting down the power on when doing seemingly the breaker box. A live minor repairs. Removal Use the right tools The right tools make wire can provide a minor of dr ywall may uncover work safer and easier. shock or lead to serious insect damage in beams Think about how much injur y. Take the extra or indications of water faster you can cut through time to ensure the power infiltration. Some people a tree trunk with a chain- is off before working with take down old paneling, only to discover it was saw rather than a handsaw. any exposed wiring. covering heavily damImprovising or using the aged walls beneath. One Expect the unexpected wrong tools for the job can repair project can r un Although many renocost you time and increase vation projects go of f into another when home your risk of injury. without a hitch, you improvements are being Turn electricity off at never know what you m a d e . A l w a y s l e a v e m i g h t u n c o v e r w h e n breathing room in your the panel box Be especially cautious you embark on repairs budget and schedule when working with elec- or remodels. Homeown- extra time for unforeseen tricity, tur ning of f the ers have come across all tasks as well.
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In addition to making an indoor space more inviting, open windows improve indoor air quality.
Open windows benefit the environment W arm days full of sunshine give homeowners good reason to open windows and let fresh air into their homes. Not only can open windows boost mood and create an inviting living space, but open windows also can be good for the environment.
Open windows improve indoor air quality
Indoor air pollution has been described by the United States Environmental Protection Agency as a primar y environmental health problem. Indoor air quality can be up to five times worse than outdoor air. In addition, the American College of Allergists states that 50 percent of all illnesses are caused by polluted indoor air. Because many homes are built to be air-tight to conserve energy and money, unhealthy levels of air pollutants can build up inside homes when windows remain closed. These pollutants may include radon gas, cigarette smoke, chemical fumes from paints and solvents and leached chemicals from modern building and furnishing materials. Opening windows for extended periods of time allows fresh air to spread throughout the home. Houseplants can also filter indoor air and make it healthier to breathe.
Open windows reduce energy consumption
A cool breeze entering a home through open windows can reduce the temperature inside of a home without having to turn on fans or air conditioners. This not only
helps individuals save money, but also it reduc es reliance on electricity and fossil fuels. Opening several windows on oppo site sides of the home can create a cross-breeze that will keep the home cool without the help o energy-guzzling applianc es. Open attic vents can release hot air trapped inside the house as well.
Open windows reduce reliance on chemical air fresheners
Fresh air can quickly remove odors from a home. These can include old cooking smells, ciga rette smoke, pet odors or simply stale air. By opening windows, hom eowners can clean the ai in their homes naturally without covering it up with chemical air fresh eners or other cleaners The fresh air itself may simply smell good, o this pleasant aroma can be enhanced by blooming flowers or other natura scents from outdoors.
Open windows cut down on use of cleaning products
A home that never get any fresh air can quickly succumb to allergen such as dust, dander and soot, necessitating the use of vacuums and othe cleaning tools and prod ucts. But open window can greatly reduce the buildup of such allergens and therefore reduce reli ance on appliances tha guzzle energy or prod ucts that release harmfu chemicals into the air. Open windows allow fresh air to flow through out a home, improving personal health and ben efiting the environment a the same time.
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4
Home & Garden
The Daily Dispatch
Outside Your Home
Spring 2014
How to inspect for roof damage S water to infiltrate.
pring is a good time to inspect roofs, which are often at the mercy of harsh conditions throughout the winter. Heavy snow, ice and biting winds can do significant damage, making spring the perfect time to assess if any such damage occurred and address any issues.
Go directly on the roof and check
Work with a partner and carefully climb on the roof while someone holds the ladder below. Walk on the perimeter of the roof, looking for peeling or warped shingles, missing shingles, holes, or scrapes. If the roof is compromised in any way, it will need to be repaired. The problem will only grow more significant and repairs more expensive if damage is ignored. Sometimes a repair can be as simple as patching a leak with a new shingle and roofing cement. Popped nails can be pounded down and any curled shingles can be nailed or cemented back into place.
Start the inspection in the interior of the home
Outdoor lighting can play up the more decorative features of a yard, including flower beds.
Lighting sets the stage for outdoor fun
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hile there are many worthy projects to pursue when warm weather arrives, adding outdoor lighting to a home can help increase its value and make the home safer and more attractive in the evening hours. According to the American Lighting Association, with a few updates to outside lighting, families can make even better use of their homes at night. Adding outdoor lighting is easier and less expensive than many homeowners may know, allowing them to transform an existing patio, deck or pool area into an enjoyable nighttime retreat. Pool parties, dinners on the patio or barbecues with neighbors become even more memorable when outdoor lighting is added or improved. But homeowners who want to install or upgrade their outdoor lighting should consider the following tips, courtesy of ALA.
used around cooking or gardening areas. Ambient light will cast a comforting glow around any outdoor space.
Enhance security
To improve visibility and security, combine a motion detector with a sconce to illuminate dark corners or entryways. Be sure to aim lights away from the door to improve visibility. Lanterns on either side of the door can give a home a warm, welcoming appearance and improve the safety of entryways.
Create outdoor rooms
subtract as necessary. Exterior-safe dimmers also can provide flexible control over the level of light, as can movable fixtures added to a patio or porch.
Add decorative elements
Just as arbors, pergolas, patios and other outdoor elements help to enhance the style of an outdoor space, so, too, can lighting contribute to a well-designed landscape. Lighting should play up decorative features of a yard and add the ambiance that homeowners desire. Step lights make passage safe while also highlighting molding or trim details. An outdoor chandelier can make for a wonderful accent during dinnertime on the deck or under a pergola. Patio lights provide atmosphere as well as illumination for cooking outside.
Outdoor lighting at the borders of a space is a great way to create barriers, both ver tically and horizontally. Lights in a tree create something akin to a chandelier hung in the middle of the sky, and even accent lights in the general area of the edge of a patio, deck or Enhance views from inside porch will shine across the space Outdoor lighting can make Improve navigation and provide enough of a comfort the view from inside pleasant and Lighting is typically layered into level for people to understand enjoyable. Use a variety of lights, a room or outdoor space in three where things are. including spotlights on trees, lights ways: overhead, task and ambidotted along pathways and accent ent. Even outdoors, where there lights on unique landscape feaReduce glare are no typical boundaries and borOutdoor lighting that casts a tures, to create an idyllic landscape ders, those three layers are neces- glare can be blinding, as can light visible from inside the home. sar y. Outdoor overhead lighting that’s too bright. Lighting along Outdoor lighting enhances funcshould improve visibility on steps, paths should be cast downward, tionality of yards and landscapes paths and walking surfaces, espe- with fixtures that are hooded. A while making such areas safer for cially where there’s a bend or an variety of lighting options will cre- homeowners and their guests once intersection. Task lighting can be ate layers, allowing you to add or the sun has gone down.
Nine ways to boost curb appeal H omeowners who want their homes to make strong first impressions must prioritize curb appeal. Homes with strong curb appeal sell well and can impart a welcoming feel to all visitors. Improving curb appeal need not be expensive, and the following are a handful of ways to improve the appearance of your home. • Install a bold-looking door in a vibrant color or one with a custom design. This helps the home stand out from other proper ties in the neighborhood. • Edge the driveway to create a distinct border between the driveway and the lawn or other landscaping features. This helps homes appear neat and well kept.
rior to remove mildew or discolorations from the siding, driveway, patio, and other outdoor elements. • Improve landscapes with fresh plants and seasonal color. Homeowners without the time to plant can consider container gar dens, which don’t take much time to assemble but still add appeal to a home’s exterior. • Prune planting beds and add new mulch to restore color. • Add shutters and accent trim to a home’s exterior to improve on the beauty of the house. • Install new fencing or give a fresh coat of paint or stain to an existFresh plants and seasonal color can help a home stand ing fence. out from others in the neighborhood. • Replace concrete paths with tile or stone • Use outdoor light- also makes proper ties walkways to make entrying to make a home more safer to traverse at night. ways more impressive inviting. Outdoor lighting • Clean a home’s exte- and inviting.
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Before breaking out the ladder and climbing up to the roof, inspect the home’s interior, pinpointing potential problems that may indicate roof damage. Check for stains on the ceiling which may indicate leaks that need to be addressed. Homeowners with attics should enter their attics and look for signs of water damage, making note of any damp or wet insulation. This will let you know if water has been entering the attic all winter. Pay attention to the location of any wet spots or stains so you can match them up to the exterior of the roof later on. Musty smells also may be indicative of moisture problems, even if there are no visible leaks.
Consult a roofing expert
If you are unsure if your roof has made it through the winter unscathed and would like a second opinion or if you find there is considerable damage, contact a roofing contractor. This person will offer a professional assessment of what can be repaired or if the roof should be replaced. If your roof is metal or Inspect the roof features clay tiles, you outside may not have the experGrab a set of binocu- tise to make repairs yourlars and inspect the exte- self and will need to hire rior of the roof. Look at a professional. the roof flashing, including around the chimney Check the gutters, too and other areas of proWhile you are up on truding pipes and vents. the roof, inspect the gutIf the flashing is warped ters and downspouts as or damaged, moisture well. Cracked or damage might be settling under- gutters will cause water to neath. Sealant around leak down the side of the dormers or skylights can home, potentially damagalso degrade, resulting ing the foundation. Clear in leaks. Check for spall- any debris or leftover ing on masonry, such as leaves from the gutters to the mortar of chimneys. ensure the rain can wash Porous areas will allow through unobstructed.
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Home & Garden
The Daily Dispatch
5
Spring 2014
Outside Your Home
Home projects perfect for spring
T
he rejuvenating spirit of spring makes this beloved season an ideal time for homeowners to take stock of their homes and properties and address any issues that arose during the winter. While some homes make it through winter unscathed, the harsh weather of the year’s coldest season can add several tasks to homeowners’ springtime to-do lists. While some projects are best left to the professionals, others can be tackled even by those homeowners with little or no DIY experience. The following are a handful of projects tailor-made for spring.
Inspect the gutters
cets, turn the water on and then place a thumb or finger over the opening of the faucet. If your thumb or finger can completely stop the flow of water, the pipe where the water is coming from is likely damaged and will need to be replaced.
days and nights. When reattaching loose gutters, make sure the downspouts are draining away from the foundation, as gutters that are not draining properly can cause damage to that foundation and possibly lead to flooding.
Take stock of roof shingles
Examine the lawn for low spots
Much like its gutters and downspouts, a home’s roof can suffer significant damage over the course of a typical winter. Shingles may be lost to harsh winter winds and storms, so homeowners should examine the roof to determine if any shingles were lost (lost shingles might even be lying around the property) or suffered damage that’s considerable enough to require replacement. Summer can be especially brutal on shingles, especially those that suffered significant damage during the winter. If left unchecked or unaddressed, problems with damaged shingles can quickly escalate into larger issues when spring rains and summer sun inevitably arrive, so homeowners should prioritize fixing or replacing damaged shingles as Each spring, homeowners should inspect their gutters to ensure the quickly as possible. gutters are still attached to their homes and free of debris.
Gutters tend to bear the brunt of harsh winter weather, and come spring gutters are in need of inspection if not repair. Winter winds, snow and heavy rainfall can compromise the effectiveness of gutters, which can easily accumulate debris and detach from homes during winter storms. In addition, gutters sometimes develop leaks over the winter months. As a result, homeowners should conduct a careful inspection of their gutters come the spring, being sure to look for leaks while Check for freeze damage clearing the gutters of debris Frozen temperatures can be and reattaching gutters that hard on humans and homes might have become detached alike, but unlike humans who from the home on windy winter can stay inside when tem-
Once a lawn has thawed out, homeowners can patrol their properties looking for low spots in the yard or even low spots within spitting distance of the home’s foundation. Such spots increase the likelihood of flooding. Flooding near a home’s foundation increases the risk of potentially costly damage, while low spots on the lawn that go ignored can make great breeding grounds for insects, including mosquitoes, when the weather warms up. When low spots are detected, fill them in with compacted soil. Compacted soil can prevent spring rains from flooding a yard or damaging a home’s foundation. Assessing potential property damage is a rite of passage for homeowners in the spring. Though some damage is significant, oftentimes even novice DIYers can work their homes peratures dip below freezing, winter. External hose faucets and properties back into shape homes are forced to withstand are often susceptible to freeze in time to enjoy spring and the elements throughout the damage. To inspect such fau- summer.
In Your Garden
Weed out gardening myths from facts
G
ardening is an age-old activity that was once a necessity but has transformed into a hobby for thousands of people. While gardening still ser ves practical purposes, many gardeners still consider it a hobby first and foremost. T ime-tested gardening techniques have prevailed, but there remain certain myths about gardening that are best dispelled. The following are some of the more common myths associated with gardening.
MYTH: Compost tea is more effective than traditional compost
All over Nor th America and the United Kingdom, gar deners have jumped on board the compost tea bandwagon. Compost tea is a fer tilizer created by steeping compost in water mixed with sugar in brewing kits. The mixture is allowed to sit and aerate to encourage beneficial organism growth before it is sprayed on plants. According to suppor ters, compost tea suppresses disease and boosts plant yields. However, ther e is no evidence to suggest that compost tea works any
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better than adding compost in its normal state to the soil. In fact, leaving buckets of the “tea” around to ferment could actually create a breeding ground for E coli and other bacteria.
MYTH: Plants under stress should be fertilized
This is not the case. Hor ticulturists advise that fer tilizing plants that are not deficient in nutrients can actually add to existing stress levels for plants. Plants are not often stressed by a lack of food, but rather heat, faulty planting or space constraints. A fed plant will use the energy to absorb the nutrients instead of defending against a blight or establishing better root systems.
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voes University in Budapest, water droplets will rar ely damage plants because the drops are too close to the leaves to cause burning before they evaporate. Watering during the hottest points of the day is not advised because water evaporates and gets wasted.
MYTH: Sand added to clay soil makes it looser and better for plants
Clay soil is a deterrent to gardening because it can be so hard to dig and difficult to cultivate, but some feel it’s best to add sand to the clay to make it a better soil m i x t u r e . Yo u w o u l d need a great deal of sand to do this in the right manner, but many gar deners simply dig a hole, add sand and hope for the best. However, water r unof f will pool in the sand and not be absorbed by the
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MYTH: Use gravel or MYTH: Adding rocks in the bottom of compost or potting planting containers to soil to the planting hole improve drainage for a tree or shrub Rocks and gravel is beneficial can actually impede the
Gardeners frequently add compost or potting soil to the hole where the root ball of a tree or shr ub will be placed. But this encourages the roots to grow only in this nutrientrich area, rather than spreading throughout the landscape to for m a stronger and more durable root system. If you are going to amend the soil, do so evenly
growth of plants and take away space for roots to grow. The drainage may be af fected as well, as water will sit above the gravel or stones and saturate the roots. Stick with plain soil for better drainage results. A variety of gardening myths still prevail. Over time, behaviors can be changed if gardeners learn to separate myths from facts.
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clay, potentially causing across the landscape. the plants to drown.
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MYTH: Water droplets and sunshine lead to burnt leaves
Gardeners have been told to resist watering their plants during the hottest times of the day. Many assume it’s because water droplets lying on leaves will magnify the sun’s rays MYTH: Young trees and bur n the leaves. need stakes It may be tempting According to Dr. Gabor to stake that little sap- Hor vath at the Eoet-
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Henderson N. 27536
ling to protect it against the weather and strong winds, but doing so may actually work against the foundling tree. Staking trees to inhibit swaying may not stimulate the tree to grow thicker, lower tr unks that will help the tree in the long r un. The Royal Hor ticultural Society recommends that saplings be staked for around one year and then have the stakes removed to encourage the tree to be strong and stable on its own.
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The Daily Dispatch
Home & Garden
Spring 2014
In Your Garden
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Watering can make all the difference in a lush lawn
roper watering is essential when tr ying to restore or maintain a lush green lawn. If watered incorrectly, a lawn can be susceptible to a host of problems, including insect infestation, weak roots and disease. When watering a lawn, especially when temperatures start to soar in the summer, it’s easy to think a lawn needs more water and needs it during those hours of the day when the sun is at its most intense. However, those are two common misconceptions about watering. The following are a handful of tips for homeowners who want to help their lawns endure the summer heat and maintain their lush appeal into the fall.
Water when temperatures are mild
In the summertime, humans typically need water when temperatures are at their most extreme, but that does not mean lawns should be watered when temperatures soar. Water attracts the sun, so watering when temperatures are at their hottest, which is typically around midday and into early afternoon, will likely lead to brown spots indicative of a burned lawn. That’s because the sun
Lean on mulch
will be drawn to the water, bearing down on the lawn and burning the grass as a result. When summer arrives, a lawn is best watered when temperatures are at their most mild. That often translates to early morning or early evening. An added benefit of watering when temperatures are on the mild side is less water will be lost to evaporation during this time, meaning you won’t be wasting water.
Homeowners tend to fear drought for a variety of reasons, not the least of which is that drought can cause a green lawn to turn brown, potentially affecting property value and robbing a landscape of its beauty. But there are ways to help the soil retain moisture when temperatures are especially hot and dry. Mulch around trees, flower beds, gardens and shrubs can help homeowners get the most bang for their watering buck. That’s because mulch retains moisture, even when temperatures are especially hot. This helps foster stronger root growth and healthier landscapes.
Situate sprinklers to conserve water
Homeowners who won’t be hand watering their lawns should make sure their sprinklers are placed properly throughout their property. Situate sprinklers so they aren’t watering driveways, walkways or patios. All of the water should be going to the grass, especially when drought restrictions are in place and the amount of watering the law allows is limited. It’s also important to make sure water from sprinklers isn’t being blocked from reaching the grass by trees. Homeowners with especially large trees on their property should consider hand watering the grass beneath such trees to ensure these areas receive adequate water.
Get to know your lawn
Local climate is a variable to consider, as is whether or not a lawn was fertilized (experts typically recommend a lawn be fertilized several times, beginning in the spring and ending in October). Soil type and grass type also help to determine how much water a lawn needs, and homeowners who need to determine the type of soil and grass on their property can consult a local lawn care center or landscaping professional.
Poorly situated sprinkler heads can deny lawns the water they desperately need when the temperatures rise.
Improve your home and your diet
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them in the garden. Select varieties that require similar soil conditions, so that you can adjust the pH and mix of the soil accordingly. This will serve as good practice, particularly the first year of your garden. After you have mastered the basics, you can branch out into other produce.
lanting a garden can add aesthetic appeal and functionality to a property. Vegetable gardens can transform landscapes while putting healthy and homegrown food on the table. By growing their own fruits and vegetables, homeowners have total control over what foods can be harvested, and they can ensure sustainable, safe practices are used to care for the plants. Vegetable gardens can be compact or expansive, depending on how much space is available to cultivate. However, first-time gardeners may want to begin small so they can hone their skills and experiment to see which plants are most likely to thrive in their gardens. Expansion is always a possibility down the road.
Choose a location
Know when to plant
Choosing the right location is essential when planting a S p e n d s o m e t i m e vegetable garden. It can mean the difference between a examining your landscape. bountiful harvest and a strikeout season. Vegetables generally need ample warmth and sunlight to thrive, so find an area of may occur. Select a loca- diet. Some vegetables, the yard that gets several tion that is isolated from like peppers, tomatoes, hours of direct sunlight per pets so the plants are not eggplant, and squash, proday. trampled and cats and duce throughout the seaA sunny spot is good, dogs do not relieve them- son. Others, such as carbut you also want a loca- selves nearby. rots and corn, produce one tion with adequate draincrop and then expire. Plan age so your garden does Decide what to plant accordingly when you purnot succumb to flooding When deciding what to chase plants or seeds, as or fungus during and after plant, consider what you you want enough food but heavy downpours. Don’t eat and how much pro- not so much that it will go place the garden too close duce the household con- to waste. to rain gutters or near a sumes, then choose vegChoose three to four difpool, where splash-out etables that fit with your ferent vegetables and plant
Many of the foods grown in vegetable gardens, including tomatoes and peppers, are summer vegetables, which means they reach peak ripeness after the height of the summer season. Pumpkins, brussel sprouts and peas are planted to be harvested later on. These plants may be put in the ground a little later than others. It is less expensive to star t seedlings indoors and then transplant them to a garden when the time comes. Seeds can be started three to four weeks before they would be put outdoors. Many vegetables are planted outside in April or May, but definitely after frost conditions have waned. Read seed packets to know exactly when to plant or consult with the nurser y where you purchased established seedlings. You also can visit The Garden Helper at thegardenhelper.com/vegtips to find out when to plant, seed depth and how long it takes plants to reach maturity.
Fertilizing for beginners F
ertilizing a lawn is a springtime tradition for many homeowners. While lawn-and-garden enthusiasts might know the ins and outs of fertilizing a lawn, novices might need a little help as they look to restore their lawns.
Find out what your lawn needs
Before fertilizing a lawn, homeowners should determine the needs of their lawns. A soil test can determine if the lawn has any nutrient deficiencies.
Don’t overdo it with nitrogen
Fertilizing with too much nitrogen is a common mistake, as too much nitrogen can be harmful, decreasing root growth and increasing a lawn’s susceptibility to disease. A slow-release fertilizer may be an option, as such fer tilizers break down nutrients over a longer period of time, which also allows homeowners to extend the inter vals between fertilizing sessions. But a lawn can get nitrogen from other sources as well. Such sources include grass clippings or raked leaves left on the lawn after being shredded by a mulching mower.
Consider using granules instead of spray
Spraying is typically best left to the professionals. That’s because novices often struggle to evenly apply the fertilizer when spraying, and many do not account for the wind when spraying fertilizer. A traditional spreader that fertilizes a lawn with granules makes it easier for nonprofessionals to apply the fertilizer accurately and evenly. Before fertilizing with granules, read the package to determine if you need to water the lawn before application, as some fertilizers are only effective when applied to a lawn after it has been watered. Also, be sure to fill the spreader on asphalt instead of the lawn.
Plan to fertilize several times
Some homeowners only fertilize twice a year, once in the spring and then once again in the fall. But fertilizer should be applied multiple times throughout the year, beginning in the early spring.
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