ATTRACT

Knowing what kinds of seeds different birds like can help you attract a variety of fine feathered friends to your feeders.

Consider these popular seed types and the common backyard birds they attract:

SUNFLOWER

Black sunflower seeds attract blue jays, goldfinches, woodpeckers, purple finches, chickadees, titmice and nuthatches. Striped sunflower seeds appeal to chickadees, doves, grosbeaks, northern cardinals, nuthatches, titmice and woodpeckers. Sunflower hearts (also known as “hulled sunflower” and “sunflower chips”) attract chickadees, common redpolls, juncos, doves, easier to maintain and may be all you need if you wish to grow just a few plants.

3. UNDERSTAND THE IMPORTANCE OF QUALITY SOIL You may think any dirt will do, but keep in mind the soil you plant in will be the primary source of nutrients for your produce. Not only that, but quality soil provides stability so plants can root firmly and grow healthy and sturdy to support their bounty. Quality soil also allows for ample drainage. Organic matter like compost, leaf mold or aged manure all help improve soil quality.

4. KEEP WATER CLOSE Lugging water can quickly eliminate the pleasure of tending your garden, so be sure you’re situated near a hose. You’ll know it’s time to water when the soil is dry about an inch below the surface.

5. PLAN FOR PLENTY OF SUN A bright, sunny spot is a must, since most vegetables, herbs and fruits depend on six or more hours of sun every day. Remember the sun’s path changes throughout the year, and as trees and foliage grow, they may produce more shade with each growing season.

6. CONSIDER WHAT YOU'LL GROW Starting with veggies you know you like is a smart starting point since you’ll be pouring sweat equity into making them grow. Over time, you might add new varieties, but early on, keep your focus on foods you know you like so you can see a meaningful return and avoid waste. You’ll also need to consider what you can grow finches, goldfinches, grosbeaks, nuthatches, pine siskins, titmice and woodpeckers.

WHILE ALMOST ALL BIRD SEED MAY LOOK PRETTY MUCH THE SAME TO YOU, IT DOESN’T TO THE BIRDS YOU’RE FEEDING.

Nyjer

These lightweight, tiny seeds are a favorite of goldfinches. Put nyjer seeds in a hanging feeder with tiny holes so the small seeds won’t get blown away. Nyjer also attracts redpolls, juncos, doves, indigo bunting and pine siskin.

Safflower

These white seeds are slightly smaller than black sunflower seeds. Because they are bitter, grackles, blue jays, starlings –and squirrels – don’t like them. However, they do attract doves, purple finches, chickadees, titmice and downy woodpeckers.

White Millet

Good for scattering on the ground, white millet attracts ground feeders such as juncos, sparrows, indigo buntings, towhees and mourning doves.

Cracked Corn

Popular with ground feeders, cracked corn appeals to doves, crows, jays, sparrows, juncos and towhees. Avoid getting finely cracked corn as it’s vulnerable to rot and can quickly turn to mush.

When choosing a bird seed mix, pay attention to the ingredients list on the package. Bird seed is required by law to list ingredients in order of content. Some cheaper mixes have filler seeds such as to maturity within your area’s growing season. If necessary, you might want to start transplants you can nurture indoors before moving them outside when the temperatures allow.

7. PLANT ACCORDING TO A CALENDAR Knowing how long it takes different foods to mature will help you create a planting calendar. You don’t want to harvest everything at once, and if you stagger planting and replant what you can, you’ll have a garden that produces food for your family for a longer period of time.

Find more helpful tips for managing your home & garden at eLivingtoday.com wheat, red milo, red millet or “assorted grain products.” Most backyard birds won’t eat those, and your seed mix could end up wasted on the ground.

Find more helpful tips for managing your home & garden at eLivingtoday.com

If you’ve hesitated about solar before or heard about missing some deadline for NEM 2.0 in April, worry no more. Solar is only going to make more and more sense.

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Look, we know you've seen lots of statistics on solar, and you’ve likely been inundated by facts for years, but the truth is that SDGE has the highest rates in the country and they don’t plan to stop raising them.

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As designers, we often get this question when it comes to kitchen countertops, ”Which is better - quartz or quartzite?”. It can be very perplexing if you are not informed. Hiring professionals, such as interior designers, can help educate and steer you toward the perfect countertop for your home. However, If you are managing your own remodel it helps to know about the products prior to heading out to the slab yard.

Two of the most popular surfaces we use with our clients are Quartzite and Quartz.. The names are a little deceiving as they sound the same and often are confused with one another. Quartzite is a natural stone while Quartz is a man-made material. Both are gorgeous and offer unique qualities specific to various needs. When choosing between the two you must consider style, practicality, and longevity. Following is a breakdown that will give you more insight into making the right choice for your home.

WHAT IS QUARTZITE?

Quartzite is a natural product formed when quartz

Quartzite or Quartz

WHICH SHOULD YOU USE IN YOUR KITCHEN?

sandstone is exposed to high temperatures and pressure. It comes from deep within the earth and is extracted in blocks by quarrying. When heated, individual quartz pieces recrystallize adding beautiful sparkly accents.

PROS:

Quartzite is a natural stone. Each slab is one-of-a-kind. No need to worry about a pattern repeat when using multiple slabs for your counters. Many clients fall in love with the natural veining and uniqueness of quartzite. There is nothing like the beauty of Mother Nature’s work. Quartzite is also a very durable material. On the Mohs scale of hardness (from 1 to 10, with 10 being the hardest) it is a 7. In comparison, granite on the same scale is a 6-6.5.

CONS:

The biggest con to quartzite is etching (surface damage). Be careful to use cutting boards with this natural stone. Quartzite also requires annual sealing as it is a naturally porous material. Acidic substances like lemon juice, ketchup, etc. can also cause surface damage if the stone is not sealed properly. If etching does occur, a stone resurfacing company can repair it. Another con is that quartzite is typically more expensive than quartz per slab. It will also cost more to fabricate as it is a tougher material to work with.

WHAT IS QUARTZ?

Quartz is engineered with the same quartz crystals found in quartzite, but a man-made process binds the crystal with resins, pigments, and other materials such as bits of glass. (MSI Stone Surfaces).

PROS:

Quartz is very durable and non-porous. It is resistant to chipping, scratching and bacteria and virtually needs no maintenance. Since it’s manmade, quartz comes in a wide variety of colors and designs. It typically is more cost-efficient than natural stone. Quartz may be the ideal choice if you have kids that like to use your countertops for arts and crafts, or if you are susceptible to spilling red wine ;)

CONS:

You cannot put hot pots or pans on quartz. Excessive heat can damage the resin which melts when in direct contact with heat. Quartz cannot be used outdoors. It can discolor and fade with direct sunlight. Another con to consider is the pattern. Unlike natural stone, the design on quartz is a pattern that is repeated through all its batches. One or two styles may offer a book-match option, but you still only have two patterns to use throughout your kitchen.

When it comes down to it, the choice is personal preference. Do you like the durable qualities of quartz or the beauty of natural stone? Depending on how your household functions and your personal taste, either can be a good choice. But fair warning, much as you may think you want one versus the other, looking at the full slab at a slab yard may change your mind completely. Keep an open mind. We have had many clients that come in adamant on the functionality of quartz but are mesmerized by the artistic beauty of Mother Nature’s quartzite. Countertops can be a very emotional purchase. It takes up a great amount of surface space in your kitchen. You see it every day. You use it every day. Seeing the quartz or quartzite slabs in full effect is highly recommended. If after visiting the slab yard you are still undecided, give us a ring.