SV HomeStyle & Garden Spring 2021

SPRING 2021

A supplement to the Skagit Valley Herald and Anacortes American goskagit.com

HOMEstyle & GARDEN SPRING 2021

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CHOOSE THE RIGHT TOOLS Invest in quality equipment to ensure your cleaning is as effective as possible. For example, using a vacuum with a HEPA filter wi l signifi antly reduce the number of particles that get recirculated into the air. Similarly, a strong sponge will hold up to scrubbing even the toughest stains if it’s paired with the right cleaning product.

How to simplify your spring cleaning

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fter a long winter cooped up inside, and with warmer weather on the horizon, now’s the perfect opportunity to thoroughly clean your home. Here are a few tips that can make spring cleaning easier.

CLEAN FROM TOP TO BOTTOM Even if you use a cloth or brush designed to trap and hold dust, there are sure to be particles that get swept into the air as you clean. Since dust settles, however, you can catch any remaining debris as you work your way toward the floo .

USE YOUR TOOLS CORRECTLY If your vacuum has several attachments, alternate between them to effectively clean blinds, curtains, fabric lampshades, armchairs and narrow spaces. Do you have a highperformance washer? If so, take the time to read the labels on your rugs, cushions and other decorative pieces so you can wash them using the right settings.

Visit local stores to find a l the cleaning products and equipment you need to make your home shine this spring.

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In This Issue

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WELCOME SPRING 2 How to simplify your spring cleaning 4 A weekend guide to welcoming spring into your home 5 Spring cleaning: get your backyard ready for summer 7 5 things that will bring spring into your bedroom BETTER GARDENING 9 Potting soil vs. garden soil 10 How to grow microgreens 11 What you need for a butterfly garden 12 A brief guide to pruning roses 13 4 benefits of companion planting 14 How to protect plants during a heat wave 15 Signs of a nitrogen imbalance

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A weekend guide to welcoming spring into your home

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re you ready to shake off the bleakness of winter and embrace the season of new beginnings? Here’s a guide to help you welcome spring into your home in just two days.

SATURDAY In the morning, focus on cleaning your home from top to bottom. Dust and vacuum each room, and put away

thick blankets and other winter decor.

Now’s also a good opportunity to declutter your home, setting aside items to throw out, recycle or donate.

In the afternoon, get all of your shopping done. Head to a farmers market or garden shop to pick up an assortment of plants and fl wers.

Additionally, stop by a home decor store to find sp ing accessories that’ll help brighten up your living space. cont. on pg.5

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WEEKEND from pg.4 SUNDAY In the morning, transplant your new fl wers and greenery into pots you picked out the day before.

Take the time to create a variety of arrangements. While you’re at it, trim yellow leaves and dead stems from the plants already in your home.

In the afternoon, set about findin spots for your new decorative items.

Play around with tones, textures and shapes to best showcase each piece.

Consider rearranging some of your furniture or installing lighter curtains to make the space feel airier.

After the weekend’s over, you can sit back and enjoy the beauty of spring in your own home.

Spring cleaning: get your backyard ready for summer

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s the days get longer and warmer, you may find ourself anticipating how to make the most of your outdoor living space.

Here’s some advice to ensure your backyard is ready for summer.

THE PATIO AND FENCE Since the patio and fence are prominent features of your outdoor living area, their appearance will set the tone for the space. Sweep away any rocks, leaves and cont. on pg.6

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CLEANING from pg.6 other debris before cleaning the patio and fence with a pressure washer and specialized product. Make sure you choose the right setting so you don’t damage the surface. Depending on the material, apply a coat of varnish or paint to freshen up and protect these backyard features.

THE FURNITURE As you take each piece of furniture out of storage, check to make sure it’s in good condition. You may need to wash it to spot rust, stains or other signs of damage. In some cases, you might get another season out of your furniture by applying a new coat of paint. Additionally, worn cushions can be replaced or repaired by a professional. However, if your patio furniture has seen better days, consider starting off the season with a new setup.

THE BARBECUE To make sure you’re ready for summer cookouts, clean all the stainless-steel surfaces of your barbecue. Be sure to check the condition of the grates and any other components that come in contact with

food. Finally, inspect the propane tank and test each burner.

By following these tips, you’ll soon be ready to enjoy lazy afternoons and warm evenings outside.

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5 things that will bring spring into your bedroom

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o you want to refresh your home for the season? Here are a few design elements you can incorporate into any bedroom to create a spring-like atmosphere.

1.

Pastels. Choose soft shades of pink, blue or green to give your room a fresh feel. Additionally, opt for white walls, bedding or accessories to help brighten up the space.

2.

Flowers. From dried and artificial ar angements to flo al-pattern fabrics and wallpaper, there are plenty of ways to bring spring blooms into a bedroom. Go for classics like roses, tulips, lilacs and cotton fl wers.

Japanese interior design trends can serve as inspiration.

3.

Wood. This is a timeless and elegant material that’ll 5. match any design style. To evoke the lightness of spring, consider introducing rattan, slatted or driftwood furniture, depending on the theme of your room.

4.

Light materials. Berber rugs, sheer curtains, linen cushions and macramé are all great options for a minimalist space that captures the airiness of spring.

Storage. If you want to create a calming atmosphere, your room needs to be clean and organized.

Additionally, removing clutter can help you shed the heavy feeling associated with winter and give you a sense of renewal.

For more inspiration, visit home decor shops in your area or speak with an interior designer.

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POTTING SOIL VS. GARDEN SOIL

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f you want your plants to thrive, you need to use the right type of soil. Here’s a look at the difference between potting soil and garden soil.

POTTING SOIL

Potting soil has a mixture of organic materials and minerals that help plants grow in containers. Moss, compost and other matter feeds the plants, while minerals like perlite and vermiculite facilitate drainage and prevent the soil from compacting. Additionally, potting soil is sterile, which protects plants from fungi and other pathogens.

GARDEN SOIL

Garden soil is regular dirt enriched with compost or other organic materials. It can be used to create and maintain gardens or raised beds to ensure the soil contains enough nutrients to support plant life. Without additives like perlite, garden soil doesn’t provide enough drainage for potted plants, but it can help prevent flower beds from drying out by retaining moisture. It’s also more affordable than potting mixes.

If you’re not sure what type of soil you need, speak with an expert at your local farmers market, nursery or garden center.

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HOW TO GROW MICROGREENS

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icrogreens contain more nutrients than mature vegetables and can be used to add color, texture and flavor to a variety of dishes. Some of the simplest microgreens to grow are broccoli, cabbage, collards, mustard and radish. Here’s how to do it.

1.

Cover the bottom of a seed-starting tray with about two to three inches of damp potting soil.

2.

Scatter the seeds over the soil in an even layer, then cover them with a bit more damp soil.

3.

Mist the surface using a spray bottle, and repeat this once or twice a day to keep the soil damp but not soaked.

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Place the container on a sunny windowsill once the sprouts appear, and continue to mist the plants daily.

5.

Harvest the microgreens when they’re about one to three inches tall (after one to three weeks) using scissors to cut them at soil level.

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Rinse your microgreens and use them in salads, sandwiches or as a garnish.

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WHAT YOU NEED FOR A BUTTERFLY GARDEN

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any plants rely on butterflies to pollinate them. Here’s what you’ll need to create a habitat for these beautiful insects in your backyard.

1. Sunshine. Choose a site that gets plenty of sunlight

and is sheltered from the wind. Add a few flat rocks so butterflies can warm up.

2. Host plants. Adult butterflies need to lay their eggs

on plants that caterpillars can eat such as dill, fennel, milkweed and parsley.

3. Mud puddles. Some butterflies get their nutrients

from the water in damp soil and sand, so leave a few areas free of mulch and keep them moist.

4. Nectar plants. Asters, coneflowers, milkweed, phlox and zinnias are just some of the flowering plants that attract butterflies. Choose species native to your region.

5. Varied blooms. To provide

butterflies with a viable home, you’ll need a variety of plants so there are flowers in your garden from spring until fall.

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A BRIEF GUIDE TO PRUNING ROSES

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utting back rose bushes promotes new growth and reduces the risk for fungal diseases. Here’s what you should know.

When to prune Most types of rose plants should be cut back in the spring after the last hard frost but before the leaf buds bloom. The ideal time to prune roses depends on where you live, but it generally falls between midMarch and the end of May.

How to prune Be sure to wear thick gardening gloves and a heavy long-sleeve shirt to protect yourself from thorns. Using a clean, sharp bypass pruner or lopper, remove: • Dead, damaged and diseased branches at the base or a healthy spot on the stem • Branches that cross or create too much congestion in the middle of the plant

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You can also cut back healthy branches to give the plant a more appealing shape. Just remember to make cuts at a 45-degree angle so water doesn’t pool on the stem.

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4 BENEFITS OF COMPANION PLANTING

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ompanion planting is based on the theory that certain plants can improve each other’s health and yields when grown together. Here are some other advantages to this gardening practice.

1.

It allows you to make the most of the space in a small garden because you can pair sprawling and upright plants or sow fast-growing crops alongside slower ones.

2.

It enriches the soil because certain plants absorb or release nutrients, which creates better growing conditions for nearby species. Plus, it helps the soil retain moisture.

3.

It provides plants with natural support, either in the form of shade or by allowing tall plants, like sunflowers and corn, to act as a trellis for vining crops like cucumbers.

4.

It minimizes the amount of open area where weeds can grow, and mixing various plants makes it harder for pests and disease to devastate a single species.

If you want to try companion planting in your garden, consider pairing basil with tomatoes, marigolds with squash, mint with lettuce or spinach with radishes.

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HOW TO PROTECT PLANTS DURING A HEAT WAVE

H

ot weather can wreak havoc on your garden.

Here’s how to protect your

plants during a heat wave.

Apply mulch High temperatures can dehydrate

your garden, so apply a liberal layer of mulch to reduce evaporation. Opt for light-colored mulch such as dry grass clippings, as this will reflect sunlight and help keep the ground cool.

Water early If you water your plants early in the morning, you’ll give them more time to absorb the water before it evaporates. This will help protect shallow roots from dehydration and reduce the risk of heat stress, which is essentially a plant sunburn.

Provide shade Install shade cloth over your plants to protect them from the sun during periods of extreme heat. You can find this product in various sizes at your local garden center. Just be sure not to enclose the plants, as this will trap heat and reduce air circulation.

Finally, remember to protect yourself as well. Wear sunscreen and a widebrimmed hat when you garden, and avoid strenuous outdoor work during heat waves.

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SIGNS OF A NITROGEN IMBALANCE

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our garden’s soil needs to contain the right amount of nitrogen to ensure healthy plant growth and reproduction.

Here’s how to spot an imbalance and what you can do about it.

don’t add too much and create an excess. However, if the test reveals a deficiency, you can use organic fertilizer such as compost to add

nutrients to the soil.

Pick up a soil testing kit and organic fertilizer at your local garden center.

• • • • • •

Not enough If your plants don’t have access to enough of this essential nutrient, they’ll look sickly and their leaves will eventually yellow and fall off. A nitrogen deficiency will also affect the plant’s growth, possibly delaying the production of flowers and fruit.

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Too much While your plants need plenty of nitrogen to thrive, an excess will prevent them from blooming or producing fruit. Nitrogen toxicity is also characterized by extremely dark green leaves, sometimes with brown, crispy edges.

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