Spring Home Improvement

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 28, 2021

1B

THE COASTLAND TIMES

SPRING

H O M E Improvement

Planting a thriving garden on the Outer Banks

By Summer Stevens summer.stevens@ thecoastlandtimes.com

The days are getting longer, azaleas are in full bloom and the smell of freshly cut grass is once again returning to the Outer Banks. If you haven’t already, it’s time to plant your garden!

Gardening can be challenging in a coastal climate, with high winds, sandy, nutrient-poor soils and salty air. However, selecting the right plants and knowing how to take care of them in this unique environment can result in a thriving harvest. But first, a few of the basics: Most of Dare County is in the USDA hardiness zone 8b; Currituck and Tyrrell counties are in zone 8a. Both zones share the last average spring frost date of March 15 and the first average fall frost date of November 15. The difference in 8a and 8b lies in lowest expected low temperatures (10 degrees for 8a and 15 degrees for 8b)—it is important to know a plant’s hardiness when selecting trees, bushes and shrubs.

You can choose plants one level beyond your zone if you take extra care to choose a well-protected spot in your garden cover plants during cold or windy weather. Shopping at local nurseries and hardware stores is helpful in choosing plants that will do well with your particular wind or shade needs.

Gardening Education The Outer Banks Arboretum and Teaching Garden is located behind the post office in Kill Devil Hills. According to outerbanks.com, “Besides providing locals and visitors a place of relaxation and visual beauty, the goal of the garden is to test and display labeled plantings and to investigate and showcase planting practices that are most suitable for the Outer Banks’ coastal climate. Featured at the garden are a number of salt- and pest-resistant native plants that are able to thrive in this area despite its often challenging, coastal microclimates of beach dunes, wetlands and maritime forests.”

The North Carolina State Extension has an office in every county in the

SUMMER STEVENS PHOTO

Luke Stevens, right, with his sister Gina and brother Alexander tending his plot at the Roanoke Island Community Garden.

state. Extension offices offer programs and partnerships focus on agriculture and food, health and nutrition and 4-H youth development. Resources are area-specific and range from food preservation classes to gardening tips. Some centers offer free soil sampling and teaches residents how to read the results to help plants succeed.

Have specific gardening questions? Residents are encouraged to contact local Master Gardeners. These are volunteers who’ve gone through horticulture training with the express purpose of serving their communities. The “Ask a Master Gardener” booth will be available Mondays at the Cooperative Extension office in Manteo from 9 to 11 a.m. and Wednesdays weather permitting at the Outer Banks Arboretum and Teaching Garden every from 9 to 11 a.m. Residents are encouraged to bring garden questions, samples and photos or

pick up a soil sample kit.

Master Gardener contact information: Dare County: greenlineobx@gmail.com (252) 473-4290

Currituck County: ctblaha@ncsu.edu (252) 232-2262

Hyde & Tyrrell County: beaufortcomg@gmail. com (252) 946-0111

Plant Identification and Community Resources There are lots of apps and computer programs available for plant identification. Check out iNaturalist, PictureThis, PlantNet and others.

If you’d prefer to go on a computer for plant identification, another great resource is the North Carolina Extension Garden Plant Toolbox, which offers descriptions and photographs of 4,466 plants that grow in and around the state. Users can search

for plants by name or by description (color, leaf shape, size, etc.). Access it here: https://plants.ces. ncsu.edu.

If you lack space in your yard but still want to have a garden, check out community gardens in your area. Many community gardens offer a small plot in exchange for a small fee and a commitment to upkeep your plot. Community gardens also promote friendship among gardeners and also often grow food to share with others in need. Talk to your local nursery or hardware store for a community garden near you, or visit the directory at the North Carolina Community Gardens: http://www.nccgp. org/garden_directory.

For inspiration and ideas, and how to have a garden that can be admired all year long, check out The Elizabethan Gardens’ month by month list of what’s in bloom: https:// www.elizabethangardens. or g/what s-i n-bloom/

plants-by-season/.

12 Best Fruits and Vegetables for Sandy Soil • Carrots • Beets • Potatoes • Parsnips • Garlic • Onions • Asparagus • Strawberries • Radishes • Squash • Beans • Lettuce

Five Best Fruit Trees and Vines to Grow in the Outer Banks • Figs • Peaches • Apricots • Pears • Grapes

Tips for a Thriving Harvest The Roanoke Island C ommunit y Ga rden members shared their tips and tricks for a thriving harvest: • “The #1 coastal

gardening need: water, water, water!”

• “Work on building up organic matter in order to hold nutrients and build soil structure. Otherwise, nutrients added leach out to the groundwater. Our sandy soils are very porous and nutrient-poor overall.”

• “Minimal or no-till methods can really help keep organic matter in the soil, thus helping with soil structure, water retention and even weed reduction.”

• “We use cover crops to: loosen soil, add and bring up nutrients, feed pollinators and beneficials, shade out weeds, improve water infiltration and prevent runoff and add organic matter to the soil.”

• “Wait until low temperatures are 55 or above to plant summer veggies like okra, peppers, sweet potatoes, cucumbers, squash and melons.”

• “ Tomatoes don’t prefer heat (>90), cold (<50), humidity or wet leaves.

See GARDEN, 8B

Spring Home Improvement 2B

I n s p e c t i n g your home and completing monthly home improvement projects is a start toward keeping your maintenance schedule on track and easier to manage. Some items appear more than once. If you get stuck, or run across something too difficult to handle, call your local handyman to help you out. Here is a list of basic monthly home improvements: ● Check indoor and outdoor air vents to ensure they are not blocked. ● Check your water softener and add salt if needed. ● Clean faucet aerators and shower-heads to remove any accumulated mineral deposits.

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 28, 2021 THE COASTLAND TIMES

Home maintenance checklist

● Clean the kitchen sink garbage disposal. ● Clean range hood filters with a degreaser. ● Clean the furnace filter to remove dust build-ups. ● Hide a Hole With a Smoke Detector. ● Inspect electrical cords for wear. ● Inspect tub and sink drains for hair and other debris. ● Inspect your fire extinguisher(s). Ensure that the gauge shows adequate pressure, and that it has no visible signs of wear and tear. ● Test all GFCI (ground fault circuit interrupter) outlets monthly. Press the test button and use a voltage tester to make sure the power goes off. ● Test smoke alarms,

carbon monoxide detectors, fire extinguishers. ● Test your garage door opener monthly to ensure that it reverses when it hits an obstruction or when its sensor beam is interrupted. ● Vacuum heat registers and heat vents.

Here is a quarterly list: ● Check water softener, add salt if needed. Salt probably not needed every month, but checking it only takes about 5 seconds. ● Clean leaves and debris from the condenser of a central air conditioner seasonally. ● Flush out hot water from the water heater to remove accumulated sediment. ● Replace furnace filters quarterly, or as recommended by the furnace manufacturer, that are not done monthly. ● Run water in sinks and flush toilets in guest bathrooms and other unused spaces. ● Test garage door auto-reverse feature. Required on all garage doors made after 1993. If a door doesn’t immediately go back up, you have a problem. ● Test smoke/carbon dioxide detectors.

Here is a biannual list: ● Give your house a deep clean. Take a day every six months with the entire family, and give the house a top-to-bottom deep clean for appliances, windows, as well as dusting every nook and cranny. ● Replace batteries in smoke/carbon dioxide detectors. Check the manufacture date and replace if more than 10 years old. ● Test your water heater’s pressure relief valve

to prevent mineral and corrosion buildup, a safeguard against leaks. ● Vacuum refrigerator coils.

Annually each spring:

● Change the air-conditioner filter. ● Check exterior drainage. Will rain water flow away from the house?

Puddles should not stand around your home for more than 24 hours. ● Check trees for interference with electric lines. Have professionally trimmed if necessary. ● Clean out gutters.

They’ve likely accumulated leaves from the fall and grime/sediment from the winter snows and/or rains. ● Clean window and door screens. ● Clear dead plants/ shrubs. Pay close attention to any exterior decorative vines. ● Drain or flush water heater. ● Fertilize your lawn. ● Have air-conditioning system serviced. ● Have a professional inspect and pump the septic tank. ● Inspect chimney for damage. ● Inspect roofing for missing, loose, or damaged shingles and leaks. ● Inspect sink, shower, and bath caulking for deterioration. ● Inspect the exterior of your home for paint chipping or siding damage. ● Polish wood furniture, and dust light fixtures. ● Power-wash windows and siding. ● Refinish the deck. ● Remove insulation from outdoor faucets and check sprinkler heads. ● Remove leaves and debris from gutters and downspouts. ● Repair or replace caulking and weather stripping around windows, doors, and mechanicals. ● Repair/replace damaged window screens. ● Replace the batteries in smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. ● Vacuum lint from dryer vent.

Annually each summer: ● Check and clean dryer vent, other exhaust vents to exterior of home. While the dryer is running check that the exhaust is coming out. ● Check and repair deck/patio for any loose boards or posts and repair as needed. ● Check around kitchen and bathroom cabinets and around toilets for leaks. ● Check dishwasher for leaks. ● Check grout in bathrooms, kitchen, etc. and repair as needed. ● Clean garage. ● Clean kitchen exhaust

fan filter. ● Clean out debris in window wells. ● Clean refrigerator and freezer coils and empty and clean drip trays. ● Clean the deck/patio as needed. A good washing generally takes care of it but it may need re-staining. ● Inspect plumbing for leaks, clean aerators on faucets. ● Oil garage-door opener and chain, garage door, and all door hinges. ● Prune trees and shrubs. ● Remove lint from inside and outside washer hoses and dryer vents. ● Replace interior and exterior faucet and shower-head washers if needed. ● Seal tile grout. ● Take care of any insect problems.

Annually each fall: ● Buy winter gear, sidewalk salt, and good shovels, etc. ● Check for any leaks in windows or doors ● Check for frayed cords and wires. ● Check water heater for leaks. ● Clean the carpets. ● Clean window and door screens. ● Drain and store hoses, and drain in-ground sprinkler systems. ● Drain and winterize exterior plumbing. ● Flush hoses and store them. ● Flush hot water heater and remove sediment to prolong the life of the heater and helps with efficiency. ● Get chimney cleaned, if you have one. Some folks say to do this in the spring, some say fall. Either way, just make sure it’s done once per year. ● Get heating system ready for winter. ● Have fireplace professionally inspected. ● Have furnace serviced/inspected at least every other year, preferably annually. ● Inspect exterior door hardware; fix squeaky handles and loose locks. ● Inspect roofing for missing, loose, or damaged shingles and leaks.

Power-wash windows and siding. ● Install a smoke detector on every floor of your home, including the basement. ● Make sure heating vents are open and not blocked by furniture. ● Mend cracks and gaps in the driveway and walkway. ● Rake leaves and aerate the lawn. ● Remove leaves and debris from gutters and downspouts. ● Repair or replace siding. ● Replace the batteries in smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. ● Test sump pump.

● Touch up exterior siding and trim with paint. ● Tune up major home appliances before the holidays. ● Turn off and flush outdoor water faucets. ● Vacuum lint from dryer vent. ● Winterize air conditioning systems. Remove and store window units and cover the outside unit with a tarp or plastic sheeting and secure with bungee cords. ● Winterize sprinkler systems if you have one. ● Wrap insulation around outdoor faucets and pipes in unheated garages.

Annually each winter: ● Check all locks and deadbolts on your doors and windows. If it doesn’t work right, replace it. ● Check basement for leaks during thaws. ● Check caulking around showers and bathtubs; repair as needed. ● Check your emergency flashlight. Do the batteries work? If not, replace them, or consider upgrading to a non-battery powered, manual wind-up model. ● Check your water heater for signs of leakage or rust. ● Clean drains in sinks, tubs, showers, and dishwashers. ● Clean the air conditioner grill and register. ● C le a n you r coffeemaker. ● Clean your kitchen exhaust hood. Clean or replace the filter. ● Conduct a garage door safety check. ● Cover your air-conditioning unit. ● Deep clean and inspect the basement. ● Have the fireplace chimney inspected and cleaned annually. ● Inspect the roof, gutters, and downspouts for damage after storms. ● Inspect window and door caulking and weather stripping yearly. ● Inspect your furnace. Any signs of rust or scale? Any weird noises?

If so, book a professional inspection. ● Look for worn extension cords. Replace them. ● Once a year, vacuum the refrigerator coils underneath the appliance. ● Pick a ground fault circuit interrupter outlet (GFCI) and test it. ● Polish your natural wood front door. If painted, surface wash it. ● Regularly check for ice dams and icicles. Don’t let icicles grow. ● Replace the batteries in smoke detectors yearly. And remember, even recent hard-wired smoke detectors have backup batteries that must be replaced. ● Replace your furnace

See CHECKLIST, 6B

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WEDNESDAY, APRIL 28, 2021

Spring Home Improvement 3B

THE COASTLAND TIMES

Spring Cleaning Checklist Spring cleaning is a chance for a fresh start.

After a long winter spent cooped up at home, spring is a natural time to declutter, clean and organize your home. Here is a checklist of spring cleaning jobs to remember. You can go it alone, or consider hiring a local cleaning service to help you really make your home shine.

Ma r t haStewa r t.com recommends replenishing your cleaning supplies before you get started. That way you’ll have all the tools you need for the job.

• Basic cleaning. Sweep, mop, vacuum, clean toilets, the works. This is the time to tackle deep-cleaning jobs you’ve been putting off. Sanitize the hardto-reach area behind the toilet. Scrub off caked-on soap scum and grime on the bathroom faucet. Really get in there and finish

the job.

• Once-in-a-while jobs.

This is the time to clean the oven, open all the windows and clean the tracks, glass and screens.

Degrease the kitchen cabinet doors and hinges. Give the refrigerator a deep clean, including the door seals and glass. Defrost the freezer, if needed. Deep clean the kitchen sink disposal. Polish any silver. Dust the blinds and wash or vacuum the curtains. Shampoo rugs. Clean washing machine seals. Dust and wipe down baseboards and crown molding. Clean and sanitize remote controls. Check or replace smoke and carbon monoxide detector batteries. Replace air filters. Dust and clean light fixtures and ceiling fans. Vacuum refrigerator coils. Flip mattresses. Wash comforters

and other large bedding, or take them to the cleaners. Reseal grout. Polish or wax wooden furniture.

Wax flooring.

• Seasonal maintenance.

Clean gutters. Clean and repair outdoor furniture.

Pressure wash the deck or patio. Clean any debris from the roof. Consider having your air conditioning unit cleaned and serviced.

• Declutter. Spring is a great time to go through adults’ and kids’ closets to see which clothes no longer fit or have holes/stains.

Make a donation pile and organize the remaining clothes in drawers and closets. Do the same with toys and books. Toss any food that’s been hanging around in the refrigerator a bit too long. Inventory the deep freeze so you can use up foods that have been lurking there.

Plant Summer-Blooming Bulbs Spring is the time to plant summer-blooming bulbs, such as dahlias, gladiolas, lilies, calladiums and elephant ears. Bulbs should be stored in a cool, dry place until all danger of frost has passed. Then it’s time to plant.

When to Plant Exactly when you plant will depend on what planting zone you live in. According to GardenDesign.com, in colder climates such as USDA Zones 4 to 7, summer-flowering bulbs should be planted in mid to late spring (May to June), and in Zones 8 to 10, in early to mid-spring (late March to May).

How to Plant The best resource for knowing how deep to plant your bulbs is the packaging they came in. In general, dig a hole that’s 2-3 times as deep as the bulb is tall. The pointy side of the bulb should face up.

The roots should face down. Give the bulbs a good watering. Continue watering whenever the soil is dry. Keep in mind that over-watering can cause the bulb to rot.

Mind your Soil Most bulbs need rich soil, so mix some compost into your soil for the best

results, especially if your soil is heavy clay or has poor drainage. Loamy or slightly sandy soil is ideal.

Prevent Weeds The best way to prevent weeds is to add 2-3 inches of mulch on top of your flowerbeds. Bulbs can easily grow up through the mulch. Weeds will have a harder time. Weed barrier fabric is not idea to use when planting bulbs, because it can prevent moisture from reaching the roots of the developing bulb. If you must use weed barrier fabric, cut slits in the fabric at the site of each bulb.

Plant for Visual Effect Consider when your flowers will bloom to provide blooms all season long.

Different plants bloom at different times during the season. Others, such as such as seedum, daylilies, hosta or bleeding heart, will bloom repeatedly until late fall or provide consistent, rich foliage.

Mix up your plantings so that your flowerbeds provide visual interest all season long.

Consult Longfield Gardens’ Bloom Time Chart for Spring and Summer Bulbs at bit.ly/2KTQuQm to help you plan your flowerbeds.

Spring Home Improvement 4B

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 28, 2021

Spring Pruning Basics

THE COASTLAND TIMES

Many perennial plants need a spring pruning.

Their foliage may provide protection during the winter, but by spring, it’s time to prune in order to encourage new growth. This means pruning is an essential part of your spring gardening plans.

Here are some pruning basics to get you started.

When to Prune According to the Old Farmers Almanac, the timing of pruning a tree or shrub depends mostly on when it blooms and whether it blooms on old or new growth. In general, plants that flower after midsummer should be pruned in the spring, while those that bloom in winter, spring and early summer should be pruned soon after flowering.

Burger Farm and Garden Center reminds gardeners that while an illtimed pruning may lead to fewer flowers and fruits, it is rarely fatal to the plant.

What to Prune Fruit trees such as apple, cherry, peach and plum, and vines such as trumpet vine and wisteria, should be pruned in early spring. Spring-flowering shrubs such as lilacs and rhododendrons need to be pruned as soon as their early-spring blooms have faded. This will help ensure a good bloom next year. According to TheSpruce.com, Black-eyed Susan, gayfeather, purple coneflower and globe

thistle seed heads are great food for birds, so leave them be until early spring, while coral bells, delphiniums, hostas, turtleheads and mums need the protection of their foliage during winter.

Don’t cut them back until spring.

your pruning tools sharp.

While a plant can easily recover form a clean cut, a botched cut can weaken the plant and make the plant susceptible to disease. Sharpen shears and clippers, and oil moving parts to keep them working smoothly.

Pruning Tools It’s important to keep

How to Prune Some plants need more

aggressive pruning than others. Consult the Old Farmers Almanac or your local extension service for particulars on how much to prune a particular shrub or plant.

In general, when pruning a tree, begin with removing any dead or dying branches, as well as any “suckers” — sprouts emerging from the base

of the trunk. Make clean cuts flush to the branch, with no part of the growth remaining. Also remove “watersprouts,” which are small, straight vertical shoots growing on the main branches.

Thin out the tree by removing branches that grow downward, toward the center of the tree or that cross paths with

another branch, as well as any limbs along the trunk that are bigger in diameter than the trunk.

Then focus on evening out the branches and removing competing branches. Finally, prune the tree from the outermost growth to give it a pleasing shape, and promote the growth of shorter, thicker branches.

Stay in the Know on Recalls

In December 2020, a U.S. ceiling fan manufacturer recalled nearly 200,000 fans due to a risk of the fan blades detaching during use, causing injury and property damage. It’s important to keep tabs on recalled products that might be laying around your house with the potential to do harm.

You might think you have nothing to worry about, but in December 2020 alone, the CPSC issued recalls of dozens of household items, including the following: all-terrain vehicles, home energy storage batteries, gas camping stoves, portable baby sleepers, tents, flashlights, pole saws, bicycles,

cell phone chargers, multi-cookers and more.

The risks include burns, fire hazards, fall risks, suffocation and more.

To stay in the know, regularly visit the Consumer Product Safety Commission’s recall website at www.cpsc.gov/Recalls.

See RECALL, 5B

Spring Home Improvement

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 28, 2021

5B

THE COASTLAND TIMES

Ideas for Repurposing a Shed A backyard shed is handy for storing outdoor items, such as gardening tools, bicycles, lawnmowers and more. There’s a trend, however, of repurposing backyard sheds into more usable living or storage spaces.

If your shed needs new life or you’re looking for more space, consider these remodels. You can do a basic update on a budget, or go all out and turn the shed into a brand new space.

A Standard Remodel Update a gardening shed with a fresh coat of paint and new fixtures, such as a custom handmade potting bench complete with a wash basin, customized storage for gardening tools and gear and window boxes with flowers.

Man Cave or She Shed If you can afford to put more money into the project, why not turn the shed into a space all your own?

Convert the shed to a man cave or she-shed. Add a TV, sofa and mini fridge for an entertaining space.

Add custom storage and a craft table to make a crafting space.

Have a hobby? Wire the shed to run a pottery wheel, woodworking tools or more. Or make it

RECALL From 4B You can also sign up for e-mails about recalls in specific categories of products.

In Case of Recall If you own a recalled

a peaceful yoga space.

A Guest House If you could use a space for guests, consider converting the shed into a bull-blown guest house.

You’ll likely need to add insulation and heating/ cooling, electricity and

product, the company that produced the product may offer repair, replacement or a refund. You may not need your receipt, so it’s important to always look into rectifying the situation.

If you do receive a replacement product or refund, you will likely be required to destroy and

furniture to convert the space to a living area. You could also add a TV and internet access. If your budget allows, you could even add plumbing.

A Home Office The COVID-19 pandemic sent many people

dispose of the faulty product safely to keep it off the market.

Sell Smart If you’re planning a rummage sale or selling goods through the classifieds or an online marketplace, do your part to help keep dangerous products out of the marketplace by

scrambling to find space in their homes for a home office. With internet access, soundproofing, insulation and HVAC, your shed could become your new work-from-home space.

Add a Shed

checking the CPSC website for recalls. Selling recalled products is illegal, not just for retailers but for individual sellers. If you find a product is recalled, immediately destroy and dispose of it to help keep others safe. Many baby cribs with drop sides, as well as most cribs manufactured before June

If you don’t currently have a shed, consider adding one. You can buy premade sheds or build your own, or consider a prefab model that can be customized for the intended use.

No matter what you do, check into local ordinances regarding sheds. Sheds

above a certain size may need to be permitted and inspected.

If you live in a neighborhood with a homeowner’s association sheds may not be permitted or may need to be approved by the HOA board and meet certain design standards.

2011, have been recalled and should not be resold.

Check out the CPSC’s publication “Resellers Guide to Selling Safer Products” at https://bit.ly/3rFFdnj.

reports of harm caused by products are cataloged in a searchable database.

On the website, you can search by brand and model number and read reports made by consumers about their experience with products from air purifiers to dishwashers to thermostats to lawn equipment and more.

Shop Smart To protect your family from unsafe products before you guy, visit SaferProducts.gov, where

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Spring Home Improvement 6B

Your home’s siding protects the structure of your home, but what protects your siding? The warranty.

Whether you’re shopping for new siding or interested in maintaining the value of your current siding, it’s important to understand how siding warranties work. That way you’ll know what will be covered and what will not, and you can maintain your siding accordingly.

Labor or materials.

Your siding manufacturer will likely provide a warranty on the siding itself.

The installer might warranty the installation job, to be sure it’s installed in accordance with the manufacturer’s specifications.

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 28, 2021 THE COASTLAND TIMES

Protect your Siding Warranty Your installer should be able to explain the warranty options for both.

In general, warranties that last longer or provide more protection will be more expensive. Consider how much the protection is worth to you. Would you have room in your budget to replace siding in a situation in which the materials and labor would not be covered? It might be worth spending a little more upfront to prevent major expenses later.

Coverage limits. What’s covered by the warranty will also vary among manufacturer, product grade and material.

A warranty may include protection from insects,

hale, rot, delamination, excessive fading, peeling, cracking, rusting, corroding and more. Warranties will differ based on the material. Wood siding is much more susceptible to damage from things like water and insects, whereas composite siding is much more durable, with the ability to resist severe weather and repel insects.

Term. The term of the loan is another important consideration. Many

CHECKLIST From 2B filters seasonally. ● Self-clean the oven ● Test your electricity to the extent that you can, always being careful when

manufacturers offer a limited lifetime warranty. If the warranty covers only a set period, such as 50 years, check whether the warranty is pro-rated.

This means that the older the siding is at the time of a claim, the less the manufacturer will pay. If you are remodeling a home to sell or intend to sell in the near future, consider whether the warranty can be transferred to new owners. This feature could increase the value

of the home. Be sure to let the new owners know how to take advantage of the transfer. There is usually a time limit in which the transfer must be completed, such as 30 or 45 days after the sale of the home.

Some features of the warranty may not transfer, and the term may be reduced after the transfer.

Routine maintenance.

The siding manufacturer will likely require that you keep the siding maintained to a certain

standard. For example, you may be required to use a soft-bristled brush as opposed to a pressure-washer. The manufacturer will offer recommended products to clean the siding and warn against using strong chemical cleaners.

Damage caused by issues such as mold left on the surface of the siding may not be covered. The warranty may also prohibit you from painting, varnishing or otherwise refinishing your siding.

working with electricity. ● Tighten any handles, knobs, racks, etc. Go through the house and inspect anything that could have a loose screw. ● Vacuum bathroom exhaust fan grill. ● Vacuum refrigerator and freezer coils and

empty and clean drip trays. ● Vacuum the clothes dryer’s exhaust duct at least once a year. If the duct is plastic, replace it (it’s a fire hazard). Rigid sheet-metal ducting is best. ● Vacuum the condenser coils at the back of your

fridge annually.

While this list is certainly covers a lot, it is not intended as a complete list of all the things you can do for your home.

What do you do to keep your home in tip-top shape depends on your individual needs.

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Spring Home Improvement

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 28, 2021

7B

THE COASTLAND TIMES

Shopping for Solar A solar array is installed in America every two minutes, according to community solar advocates Solstice.

With solar getting more affordable, more homeowners are jumping on board, having solar panels installed on their homes.

Given the newness of solar energy, however, knowing what to look for while

shopping for solar panels can be tricky.

The U.S. Department of Energy offers a primer for homeowners called “Homeowner’s Guide to Going Solar.” The website (bit.ly/3rIT1xk) covers the basics of how solar energy works, how to determine if your home is suitable for a solar installation, and the financial and safety

considerations involved.

Home Suitability Many factors are considered in determining whether your home is suitable for solar panels.

In general, you will need to own your home and have a newer roof with a south-facing slope that isn’t obscured by excessive shade. Each individual

solar company will have its own requirements.

Financial Matters You can buy solar panels outright, finance them with a loan, or lease panels. With a loan or lease, your monthly payments could be lower than your monthly electricity bill, but you will be locked into a long-term contract.

Another option is a power purchase agreement, through which a consumer agrees to purchase power produced by panels installed on his home at a set price. Purchasing panels could allow you to qualify for the Solar Investment Tax Credit, a 30% federal tax credit available through 2022. Lease and PPA agreements do not

qualify for the credit.

Also ask about net metering. This arrangement allows you to receive credit on your electric bill for power that your system feeds back into the grid.

Shop around with various solar installers and compare their financing options. Compare

See SOLAR, 8B

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Spring Home Improvement 8B

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 28, 2021 THE COASTLAND TIMES

GARDEN From 1B Keep plants mulched and evenly watered to help prevent blossom-end rot, with extra calcium added during planting.”

• “Fish emulsion is our favorite fertilizer!”

• “I really enjoyed growing watermelons here last summer and our Swiss chard looks fantastic right now.”

• “Never hill or hoe up dirt over your pepper plants. While this practice benefits tomatoes or beans, it is often fatal for pepper plants that are susceptible to getting rot around the root collar if covered in soil.”

• “While some gardeners give up after September, I have found that fall and winter are excellent seasons for growing crops here on Roanoke Island. I grow collards, kale, broccoli rabe as well as turnips and mustard greens.

Some seasons are better than others.”

• “Harvest everything edible in the garden even if it is only a small amount. For example, since raspberries ripen at various times, pick them to eat right away or to can jelly and jam by washing the berries, adding a small amount of water, bringing to a boil and then either saving the juice/berries in the refrigerator until there is enough to make jam (usually one quart) or freezing

them for later use. The delicious outcome is worth the effort!”

• “I have had excellent crops with peppers and eggplants over the past three years, but try to rotate locations within my 30x 30 plot.”

• “ Okra have done well in the past but last year grasshoppers and nematodes killed most of my plants last year. I may just give up on an okra crop for a few seasons.”

• “People always ask me why their cilantro bolted (bloomed) and then died so quickly after planting. The reason is this: Cilantro is an annual winter crop. This means you should plant seeds or plants (if you can find them!) in the fall. They are hardy and will grow all winter, and are very easy to start from seed. In February, the rate of growth will increase, and you can harvest until sometime in May/June. In late spring, let them bloom and you will attract pollinators and ladybugs. Let them go to seed, and you can harvest the seed – which is known as coriander – a great spice for adding to beans, greens, and other recipes. You can also leave some seeds in the garden in June, and they will bloom when the time is right in the fall! So if the cilantro you bought in April is not looking happy, it is not your fault – the store should have sold it to you in the fall! Bottom line: Plant or seed your

cilantro in the fall, Not in the spring!”

• “It is very important to rotate crops as much as distance allows in the community garden. Tomatoes seem to succumb to a variety of pests after three or four years in one plot and I have had to resort to growing them in buckets at my home, using fresh soil each year.”

• “At the community garden, it is not very “neighborly” to allow your garden to grow fallow during the growing season, or your “weed patch” will promote all sorts of insect pests such as grasshoppers and stink bugs that can literally chew or suck the life out of your neighbor’s vegetable plots. If you give up for the season, plow under or remove all vegetables (green, ripe or rotten) and just start mowing it, or better yet grow a cover crop like clover or marigolds (good for killing nematodes).”

• “Do not stockpile manure near yours or others plots, especially when growing crops such as kale or lettuce that are to be eaten fresh. Use only well-rotted manure on your garden or you could induce parasites or microbial pathogens to yours or your neighbor’s plots.

(This is just common sense and courtesy.)”

Many thanks to Thomas Crews, Rachel Veal, Jennifer Evans, Michelle Lewis and Matthew and Connie Quattlebaum for sharing their tips!

SUMMER STEVENS PHOTO

SUMMER STEVENS PHOTO

SUMMER STEVENS PHOTO

SOLAR From 7B the up-front and monthly costs, as well as tax benefits.

Safety If you’re worried about whether solar is safe for your home, rest assured the industry is well regulated to protect homeowners. Solar panels must meet international inspection

and testing standards, according to the Department of Energy, and installers must meet qualifications and install panels to meet local building, fire and electrical codes. Your system should be thoroughly

There are many online resources available to help identify plants.

inspected by a certified electrician before it goes online.

Community Solar If you decide solar panels aren’t a good fit for your home or budget, you

can still benefit from solar energy via community solar. This concept is a way for you to buy into a group solar project which feeds solar energy into the electricity grid, and get a credit on your electricity bill in

exchange. To find a community solar project near you, visit communitysolar.energysage.com. Enter your average monthly electricity bill and ZIP code to see how much you could save per year.

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 28, 2021

Spring Home Improvement 9B

THE COASTLAND TIMES

SUMMER STEVENS PHOTO

COURTESY MICHELLE LEWIS, PEACE GARDEN PROJECT

Swiss chard.

SUMMER STEVENS PHOTO

SUMMER STEVENS PHOTO