Fall Home & Harvest 2020

Home & Harvest Fall2020

A Special Supplement to The Daily Star, Wednesday, Sept. 23, 2020

• Home canning has taken on new popularity • Laundry room renovations you’ll love • It’s time to get your house ready for winter • A local harvest flashback: When hops were king • Signs your gutters are in need of repair & more!

Home canning has taken on new popularity

BY ALLISON COLLINS Contributing Writer

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ith the pandemic caused by the spread of the novel coronavirus forcing many to slow down and dig into homespun hobbies, canning is seeing a COVID-induced spike in popularity.

According to a mid-August Washington Post piece, “legions of canners these days (are) stoking a new boom in an old-timey pursuit, (while) others are veterans with a bit more time or produce on their hands.

“Canning websites and Facebook pages are hopping,” the article continues, “and retailers around the country are reporting massive surges in sales of supplies. As late-summer harvests abound, the pandemic-fueled pastime is making it harder for people to find cans and lids, and there are reports of bare shelves on hardware and retail stores.”

Mike Posson, owner of American Homesteader in Norwich, said, despite anticipating an increase in demand, he couldn’t keep canning supplies on the shelves.

“I can’t even get you a jar,” Posson, who typically carries a full line of Ball brand jars, lids and rubber seals, said. “We spooled up extra this year, but ran out very, very early; I didn’t even come close to the mark. I thought I had enough on hand to make it through the whole gardening season, but we probably lost it all within two weeks, it went out the door so fast.”

Canning interest and supply shortages, experts said, correlates to new numbers of at-home growers.

“Canning suppliers and retailers began predicting a surge when

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they saw the shortages that seed companies were experiencing early in the pandemic,” the Post piece states. “The crops sown in the spring by newly isolated gardeners are now quite literally bearing fruit.”

“Rumor has it gardening went up 800%,” Posson said. “I would have to agree with that from my end, because of just how quickly we sold out of all our canning equipment.”

Posson said, though he’s still stocked with canning accessories, he’s unsure when he’ll next have the essentials.

“We don’t even know,” he said.

“We deal with a homesteader company that covers half the U.S. … and they don’t even publish a date when they expect the stuff to come in and that’s scary. Usually their vendor tells them when to expect to get it and they publish it.

“I’ve had people call me from as far as Watertown, Binghamton, Cortland and actually some from the Albany area, just trying to get some lids for their jars and I’m just a small store,” Posson said. “I have nothing as far as jars and lids, but we have a lot of canning equipment, (such as) canners and tools and books, and we’re pretty well stocked with a large line of spices for canning, (including) the hardto-find mustard seed and vinegars; we’ve got all the support supplies, except for jars and lids.”

ALLISON COLLINS

These jars of zucchini relish are an example of saving the fruits of home gardening by canning produce.

Posson suggested searching for supplies beyond store shelves.

“The thing to do is watch the Pennysaver kinds of things, or run an ad,” he said. “There’s a lot of people that have a ton of this stuff in their cellars that aren’t using it, so it’s out there and it can be found, but it’s hard.

“The hard thing is the lids, be-

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Rumor has it gardening went up 800%. I would have to agree with that from my end, because of just how quickly we sold out of all our canning equipment.”

— Mike Posson, owner of American Homesteader in Norwich

cause the lids have a little bit of a shelf life,” Posson said. “They really recommend never reusing them, so the lids are what everybody needs. You can find the rings and jars at lawn sales or folks have them in their basement, but the lids are where we all get stuck.”

In the Post piece, Melisa McCellan, author of the Food in Jars blog, suggests why so many are rolling up their sleeves.

“People are feeling insecure,” she said. “Even if it’s a dash of jam in your cabinet, it gives you a bit of that pioneer spirit; like, ‘OK, I’m set for the winter.’”

“It’s two factors,” Posson said.

“We have the people that are concerned about the future and the food supply, and the people that are just home now with not a lot to do and this seems like a fun, good, healthy idea. I see those two different types of shoppers … but I would say most people – about 60%

– coming through the door are doing this because they have the time on their hands this year and their gardens were very successful this year due to having that time and it was a good growing season.”

Posson said, despite the effort and expense of canning, people are enjoying the fruits of their labor.

“It’s rewarding when you open up a jar in the winter and say, ‘That’s good stuff,’” he said. “You really do it for the personal achievement; the reward is what it’s about. You will save some money, but it’s not huge, and it is a lot of work and there is some expense to it, so you do it because it is very rewarding to know what is in that jar and that you put it there and, chances are, you grew it or went out and picked it.”

American Homesteader is at 6167 state Highway in Norwich and americanhomesteader.net.

It’s rewarding when you open up a jar in the winter and say, ‘That’s good stuff.’”

— Mike Posson, owner of American Homesteader in Norwich

STOCKKING | FREEPIK.COM

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Laundry room renovations you’ll love

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oes it seem like your hamper is always full and the washing machine is running constantly?

You may not be imagining it. Laundry Butler for You, a wash, dry and fold service, says the average household washes 50 pounds of laundry a week and 6,000 articles of clothing every year.

Families with children at home are doing laundry most often, and those with pets may find there is ample laundry to wash as well.

With so much laundry being generated, homeowners may want to consider paying extra attention to the space in the house where their clothing is being cleansed. Laundry room renovations may not top homeowners’ priority lists, but it may be time to give these rooms another look.

Assess your equipment If your appliances are aging, a laundry room renovation can start with an investment in new appliances. New models have large capacity loads, tend to be energy-efficient and could have innovative features that help fit with your laundry lifestyle. Purchasing front-loading models also can free up design space, as you can install a counter directly above the units, saving room for other items like drying racks.

Figure out your room needs A laundry room need not be limited to laundry only. Many homeowners make

large laundry rooms catch-all spaces that can serve as utility or mud rooms, pantry overflows, or off-season storage areas. Consider the functions you want the room to serve and include those ideas in your designs.

Add some natural light If possible, include a window in your laundry room. Natural light can help make the room more enjoyable. It also can help you identify stains on clothes that need to be addressed and make it easier to fold matching items like socks.

Think about a utility sink Many washing machines drain out directly to waste pipes in the floor or wall, but you also can opt to have them empty into a utility sink. This sink also provides a convenient place to handwash items, clean tools or paintbrushes, or store items that perhaps you do not want to bring into a bathroom or kitchen sink.

Include some flair This utilitarian space need not be boring or bereft of design elements. Mirror your home’s style in the laundry room, and include wall hangings, plants, accent items, and even task lighting. Play up certain features with a bold floor tile or brightly colored walls.

Updating laundry rooms can be a great way to make doing laundry more enjoyable and efficient.

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Common causes of house fires According to the Consumer Products Safety Commission, roughly 25,000 home fires causing more than 300 deaths occur in the United States each year. Homeowners can keep themselves and their families safe by being aware of the dangers around a home that can contribute to house fires and the preventive measures that can reduce the risk for such fires. According to the National Fire Protection Association, the following are the most common factors that can lead to fires around the house.

• Cooking accidents: It can take mere seconds for grease splatters or an overheated pan or pot to cause a fire. Stay in the kitchen at all times when cooking.

• Heaters: Have furnaces and other heating appliances regularly inspected. Keep portable heaters away from anything that can burn, including curtains and furniture.

Do not leave portable heaters running while you are sleeping or out of the home.

• Smoking: Smoking inside a home can lead to fires. Some people forget to extinguish the smoke or embers may fall, while butts may smoulder for hours before causing flames to form.

• Washers and dryers: Between 2010 and 2014, American fire departments responded to an estimated 15,970 home fires involving clothes dryers or washing machines each year. Mechanical or electrical failure or malfunction was involved in the vast majority of home fires involving washing machines. Failure to clean dryers also can cause fires to ignite.

• Candles: Candles can add ambiance to a room and are commonly used in decorations, but they also can be a fire hazard. Candles easily can be knocked over by children, pets and others. Do not leave candles lit and unattended.

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It’s time to get your house ready for winter

Installing storm windows can keep a home warmer and save on energy costs during winter.

BY ALLISON COLLINS

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Contributing Writer

ith cold weather coming, it’s time to start thinking about how to keep warm indoors.

Bill Cairns, manager of Curtis Lumber in Sidney, said winterization efforts will vary based on the home.

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are so airtight and energy-efficient that winterizing for those folks doesn’t consist of much,” he said. “But a lot of older homes in our area can need putting storm windows on and it’s a good time, if you don’t have storm windows, to check your existing windows and check that the weather seals are good. And you really want to look for areas where rodents might be trying to get in as the weather gets colder. You need to fix those (spaces) and seal them up. It’s anything that’s going to keep the cold air out.”

Cairns said homeowners should consider spaces large and small, indoors and out when winterizing.

“If you don’t have a heated basement and if you don’t have heat tapes on the pipes, it’s good to put some on there,” he said. “If you do (have heat tapes on basement pipes), check them to see that they’re not frayed or damaged in any way. And garden hoses; everybody’s got a hose bib on the outside of their house and probably

And garden hoses; everybody’s got a hose bib on the outside of their house and probably most these days are the frostfree variety that goes all through the wall so that no water gets in, but they make a styrofoam cover that goes over the hose faucet that insulates it for the winter.”

— Bill Cairns, manager of Curtis Lumber in Sidney

most these days are the frost-free variety that goes all through the wall so that no water gets in, but they make a styrofoam cover that goes over the hose faucet that insulates it for the winter.

“If you’ve got cold air coming in under a door, maybe replace the threshold or seal under the door,” Cairns continued. “That’s a relatively simple thing and some people roll up a towel against the door and that helps.

Another little handy thing that just about anybody should be able to do is, they make foam plates that you can put around your outlets and switches.

Just remove the plate, put (the foam plate) in there, put the cover plate back on, screw it fast and it helps block air. With fiberglass insulation, whenever you’ve got something like that in a wall, it’s hard to fill that space well with insulation because of the wires and the outlet box itself takes up some space, so it can give you a cold spot.”

Most hardware stores, Cairns said, carry user-friendly products needed for winterization.

“I would say, for the most part, it’s probably all do-it-yourselfer projects,” he said. “They make a spray foam (for keeping rodents out) called pest block, there’s caulk, weather-stripping products for doors and windows – there’s a great variety of those available now – and there’s also heat-andshrink window kits. They make those for windows and patio doors, where you put an adhesive strip up and then the plastic and you heat it with a hairdryer.”

The time to winterize, Cairns said, is early to mid-fall.

“People are probably starting to do some of those tasks now,” he said.

“The nights are getting cooler and … when we start getting cool nights and the days are not as warm, that’s when you want to go around and, if your curtains are blowing and the windows are closed, you’ve probably got something there that needs to be dealt with.”

More energy-saving and winterization tips can be found under the “Save Energy, Save Money” tab of the U.S. Department of Energy site, energy. gov.

A local harvest flashback:

When hops were king

BY MARK SIMONSON

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Contributing Writer

t’s that time of year again, and little changes in our local history, as days get shorter, nights cooler, and local farmers are getting ready or are already in “harvest mode” for a variety of crops.

More than 100 years ago, our region was busy harvesting a crop that we don’t see much of these days, but one that’s making a comeback — hops.

Hops are a major ingredient in making beer, and were the number one cash crop in Otsego and nearby counties during the 19th century and into the early 1900s until disease and Prohibition ended successful and profitable businesses for many.

In Otsego County as one example, the Wilber family made a good fortune from the crop, originally in Milford, but they moved their business to Oneonta shortly after the completion of the Albany & Susquehanna Railroad.

The Wilbers got into the banking business, through Wilber National Bank.

Hops has seen a local resurgence in the place where it all began.

Numerous farms across our region have resumed growing hops.

For some a fortune, and others a decent living came about through the efforts of one man, not far away.

James Coolidge was from Stow, Massachusetts and came to this area in 1806. Hammond’s History of Madison County says that the first commercial crop of hops was grown locally, and other sources say in the country. The first hop field is seen today on state Route 12B in Bouckville, indicated by a historic marker.

Coolidge planted the first roots in 1808 and multiplied the stock year after year. In the early years he supplied hops for home breweries. By the fall of 1816, Coolidge took his hops to the New York City market. The result was interested dealers offering inducements to growing in Central New York. Coolidge’s neighbor began growing hops and within two years he was selling his hops for $1,000 per ton. It didn’t take long or much to convince others to get into the business, and the fields began appearing in Oneida, Otsego, Chenango and Schoharie counties.

During the next few decades, the town of Madison’s growth mirrored that of the state. The construction of the Chenango Canal in the 1830s, which went through Madison, made the shipment of hops to the large markets much easier.

MARK SIMONSON

On May 2, 2012, many gathered on the lawn of Steve and Donna Dow’s home on Route 12B in Bouckville. The gathering was to recognize and dedicate a historic marker, shown here in in 2016, on the very field James Coolidge planted and nurtured the first commercial hop yard.

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It was around this time Madison, Oneida and Otsego counties became the largest hop producers in New York.

By 1855 the three counties produced over five million pounds of hops, jumping to 21 million pounds by 1880. At that time the three counties grew nearly 80 percent of all hops grown in the United States. Hops sold at a dollar per pound.

While hops were profitable, the industry also provided temporary work for many people once harvest time arrived each year. Hops were picked by hand and local

communities surged in growth for about two weeks to a month.

In an article from a Sept. 10, 2010 edition of The Post-Standard of Syracuse, Mary Rose Durfee, then 94, said she started helping her family harvest hops at their Waterville farm when she was 7.

“It was an endless job, and it all had to be done by hand,” she said. The harvest was a community collaboration, and workers were brought in by train from Syracuse and Utica and boarded at private homes, Durfee said.

When one field was done, the teams moved on to neighboring fields. Schools even let students out to help during the harvest season.

The good times came to an end in the early 1900s because of the aforementioned disease, competition from the Pacific Northwest and Prohibition.

However, hops has seen a local resurgence in the place where it all began. Numerous farms across our region have resumed growing hops. The 2013 Farm Brewery Law has helped in the rebirth of hops production.

This law allows hops farmers to produce beer on the same site rather than at a separate location.

Hop harvests not only provided employment in the 19th century, they also were occasions for festivals and gatherings. Unlike 2020 though, they weren’t wearing facemasks and social distancing. Many annual local hops festivals planned for this fall have been canceled, and re-scheduled for 2021.

Apple picking pointers Apple picking is a beloved autumn tradition.

While many traditions had to be put on the back burner as the world dealt with the COVID-19 pandemic, apple picking seems like one activity that can endure in a world dominated by social distancing.

Apple picking season tends to begin in mid- to late-September and ends sometime in early October. That makes apple picking a perfect social distancing activity, as it’s both outdoors and at a time of year when the weather is generally pleasant no matter where you live.

Individuals interested in apple picking this fall can take heed of these tips to ensure their trip is fun, safe and successful.

• Contact the farm in advance. Apple picking is a wildly popular activity, so expect a crowd to be there on a typical autumn weekend. That can be tricky to navigate while social distancing, so call ahead to learn about new protocols and if the operating hours are the same. If the farm is open several days per week, ask which days are the least busy and schedule your trip when foot traffic figures to be minimal.

depends on the variety, many apples that are not bruised tend to last a long time, especially when stored in a cool place. So taking care of them when picking them can mean you get to enjoy apples for several weeks.

• Clean apples before eating them. The Food and Drug Administration notes that produce can be contaminated even after it’s been picked and brought home. The FDA advises consumers to wash their hands for 20 seconds with warm water and soap before and after preparing fresh produce. Produce should be rinsed before it’s peeled so any lingering dirt and bacteria are not transferred from the knife onto the fruit or vegetable.

If bruising has occurred, cut away the damaged or bruised areas before preparing or eating it.

Apple picking is a beloved autumn tradition that can be even more fun when employing a few strategies designed to make it more safe and fruitful.

• Choose firm apples without bruises. According to Pickyourown.org, apples should be crisp and firm. Don’t worry about the color of the apple, as color is not an indicator of ripeness. Instead, Pickyourown.org advises people to ask the farmers which apples are ripe, which is determined by how long it’s been since the trees flowered.

• Gently place picked apples into your basket. Pickyourown.org recommends gently placing apples into your basket after picking them. Tossing them into the basket may cause bruising, which can lead to the apples spoiling prematurely. While it

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Simple ways to improve a KITCHEN PANTRY People have been spending more time at home in 2020 than in years past, and certain projects around the house have become a priority. One home improvement idea that serves the double benefit of creating organization and making cooking at home more efficient is to reimagine the kitchen pantry.

A pantry is a room or closet where food, beverages and linens or dishes are stored. Pantries can be highly useful spaces that provide ancillary storage in kitchens. Many modern homes are equipped with pantries, but older homes may require some modification to create more useful pantries.

Whether starting from scratch or modifying an existing pantry, these tips can help projects go more smoothly.

• Maximize vertical storage. Utilizing vertical areas can help increase storage capacity. Build in extra nooks by investing in undershelf storage baskets. These baskets can instantly create designated areas for different types of ingredients. Homeowners also can look for ways to use the inside of cabinet doors or add extra shelves on walls or in eaves.

• Consider your needs. Figure out which items you would like to store in the pantry and then shop for corresponding storage systems. For example, storage solutions may feature wine bottle racks, baskets for potatoes and other produce, shelving for small appliances, and even pull out racks for baking pans or cutting boards.

• Use clear storage. Put ingredients in clear, airtight containers of similar dimensions so that you can easily find items you need. Transfer bulky items, like cereals and baking supplies, to storage containers for uniformity.

• Store bulk items elsewhere. Bulk shopping can be cost-efficient, but bulk items can quickly eat up real estate in the pantry. Designate another area for non-perishable bulk products, like paper goods or canned items, such as in a garage or utility room.

• Pull out drawers are convenient. Pull-out drawers can reduce the need to seek and reach for items. These drawers conveniently roll out so items in the back can be accessed without disturbing foods in the front. Drawers can be custom built for any pantry space.

• Make it accessible. Think about who will be taking items from the pantry.

Put children’s snacks on the bottom pantry shelf where they can reach them, and then organize other shelves for adults in the home.

A pantry remodel can add valuable storage space and make one of the busiest rooms in the house operate more efficiently.

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Creamy butternut squash soup This fall-inspired dish brings together aromatic spices and freshly harvested vegetables. Enjoy it after a stroll through the park or an afternoon raking leaves.

Start to finish: 1 hour (30 minutes active) Servings: 6 INGREDIENTS • 1 tablespoon butter • 1 yellow onion, diced • 3 cloves garlic, finely chopped • 1 teaspoon curry powder • 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon • Salt and pepper, to taste • 1 butternut squash, peeled, seeded and diced • 1 potato, peeled and diced • 3 cups chicken stock • 1 14-ounce can coconut milk • 1 tablespoon tomato paste • 1 tablespoon maple syrup • Juice of 1/2 lemon • A few sprigs of chives, chopped DIRECTIONS 1. In a large pot, melt the butter. Add the onion and cook at medium-high heat until translucent. Add the garlic and cook for another minute. Add the curry and cinnamon, and cook for an additional minute. Salt and pepper generously.

2. Add the squash and potato. Mix until the vegetables are evenly coated in the spice mixture.

3. Add the chicken stock, coconut milk, tomato paste, maple syrup and lemon juice. Bring to a boil, lower the heat and let simmer for 20 to 30 minutes.

4. Use a hand blender to puree the soup. Add salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with chives.

MAKE IT VEGAN! For a plant-based version of this soup, replace the butter with olive oil and use vegetable broth instead of chicken stock.

Signs your gutters are in need of repair Fall is a great time to tackle projects around the house. The weather each fall allows homeowners to make improvements to their homes’ exteriors without worrying about extreme heat or cold, while interior projects like painting are made easier because homeowners can open the windows to allow for proper ventilation.

Fall also marks a great time to prepare for upcoming projects that can make winter work that much easier. For example, fall is a great time to take stock of your gutters so you can address any issues before leaves begin to fall or the first snowstorm touches down. Compromised gutters can contribute to water issues in basements and adversely affect a home’s foundation if not addressed immediately, so it behooves homeowners to learn the signs that gutters are in need of repair or replacement.

• Gutters hanging off the home: Gutters were once installed predominantly with spikes. However, many industry professionals now install gutters with hanger brackets. Why the change? Spikes loosen over time, leading to the gutters hanging off the home. That can contribute to serious issues if left untreated. Gutters hanging off the home need not necessarily be replaced, but rather secured to the home, ideally with hanger brackets instead of spikes. Brackets hook into the front of the gutter and are then screwed into the fascia of a home. A professional who specializes in gutter repair can perform this task relatively quickly, and it’s an inexpensive yet highly effective solution.

• Gutter separation: Gutters that are no longer fastened together can

leak and contribute to issues that affect the home’s foundation, siding and appearance. Clogs and the accumulation of debris can cause gutters to separate because they are not designed to hold too much weight. Replacement of separated gutters may or may not be necessary depending on how big the problem is and the condition of the existing gutters. If replacement is not necessary, separated gutters may be remedied by securing the joints, another relatively simple and inexpensive fix.

• Peeling exterior paint: Paint that appears to be peeling off of your home may indicate that water is seeping over the edge of the gutter closest to your home. When that happens, water is coming down the side of the house, causing the paint to peel. In such instances, replacing the gutters is often necessary.

• Basement flooding: Not all signs of deteriorating gutters are outside a home. Many a homeowner has been flummoxed by flooding in their basements, and such flooding can be caused by aging, ineffective gutters. That’s because deteriorating gutters sometimes allow water to leak near the foundation of a home, contributing to basement flooding.

Fall is an ideal time to inspect gutters and have any issues fixed before leaves begin to fall or harsh winter weather arrives.

How to recognize when you can stop mowing Each weekend in spring, summer and fall, millions of homeowners fire up their mowers and cut the grass in their yards. A few hours spent mowing the lawn can be a great time to get some sun and some exercise in the great outdoors.

As fall gradually transitions to winter, homeowners may wonder when to stop mowing their lawns. Each lawn is different, and when to stop mowing may depend on a host of factors, including local climate and the type of turf. In addition to climate and turf, homeowners can keep an eye on these conditions to determine when the time is right to put their mowers away for the winter.

• Frost: Warm-season grasses typically go dormant after a couple of significant frosts. Homeowners can jot down each frost during fall. Frosts are most noticeable in the early morning hours, so be sure to check lawn conditions each morning as the weather begins to grow cold. Frost may be noticeable without even going outside, but homeowners may need to go outside to check on chilly mornings or on days when the previous night was especially cold. If you must go outside, stay off the grass to protect it. Two or three frosts might be enough to make warm-season grasses go dormant for the winter. Cool-season grasses may keep growing and require moving even after a few frosts, so it’s imperative that homeowners determine which type of grass is in their yards.

• Soil temperature: If it’s hard to determine if frosts have occurred, homeowners can try checking the temperature of their soil to decide if they need to keep mowing. The lawn care experts at Pennington recommend homeowners continue mowing warm-season grasses so long as they keep growing. Lawns may not grow as quickly in fall as they do in spring or summer, and growth may not be as visible to the naked eye during this time of year as it is in other times.

Homeowners can routinely check soil temperature to determine if their grasses have stopped growing. Warm-season grasses tend to stop growing once the soil temperature is consistently at 55° F or below, while cool-season grasses tend to stop when temperatures are 45° F or lower.

Falling leaves have long been a barometer used by homeowners to determine if they need to keep mowing their lawns. That’s not necessarily a reliable metric, as grass can still keep growing even if leaves have been falling for weeks. In addition, using a mulching mower when leaves begin falling is a great way to provide the lawn with nutrients it can use throughout the winter. Some trees shed their leaves more quickly than others, but it’s a good rule of thumb that lawns will need to keep being mowed if trees are still retaining more than half their leaves.

A host of factors can help homeowners determine when it’s safe to put their mowers away for the winter.

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Establish winter habitats for backyard animals Preparing a property for winter involves putting away lawn furniture, raking leaves and removing any annual plants that have shriveled up and spent the last of their energy. It can be tempting to want to clean up completely and leave a blank slate in the yard. But by doing so, you may be robbing wildlife of the resources they need to overwinter.

The nature and conservation resource In Habitat says plants and animals depend on one another to survive. During the winter, animals may struggle to find adequate shelter and food, especially when there is a lack of sufficient plant matter available.

In turn, these animals may actually take up home in people’s residences, turning into pests in the process. Bats, field mice and even opossums and raccoons may move indoors into attics or basements, leaving behind waste and damage if they can’t find adequate shelter outdoors.

Homeowners concerned about potential pest infestations can take steps to ensure animals have places to bed down and escape the cold in their yards this winter. These tips can help local wildlife when the temperatures dip.

• Leave parts of the yard wild. Animals can make a nest in leaves or piles of brushwood. Just make

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sure piles left out are away from the home so curious critters don’t try to get inside. Leave the task of tidying up shrubs and garden borders until spring, as shrubs can be dense areas to hide for both insects and animals.

• Consider planting animal food sources prior to winter. Plants like elderberry, holly, mulberry, sumac, and crabapple will grow in colder months and animals can enjoy them as a vital food staple.

• Don’t forget water sources. Provide access to fresh water and replace as needed if the water freezes. For homeowners with fish ponds in their backyards, use a hot pot to melt a hole in the top of the pond and allow gases that have accumulated underneath to escape. This allows oxygen to reach fish and frogs in the pond.

• Leave bird, squirrel or bat houses in the yard. This is a fun and crafty project that can ward off winter boredom while also providing a safe place for local wildlife to shelter in winter.

Animals and insects need some extra help staying comfortable when cool temperatures arrive. Leaving some clean-up tasks for the spring ensures that there are plenty of backyard habitats available to local wildlife.

The value of mulched leaves Homeowners who don’t look forward to dusting off their rakes each fall might be happy to learn that mulching fallen leaves with a mower may be a healthier and less labor intensive way to confront a yard covered in leaves. For 20 years, turfgrass specialists at Michigan State University studied how lawns reacted to having ground up leaves left on the lawn and the results were overwhelmingly positive. Researchers found that tiny pieces of mulched leaves eventually sifted down through the turf and provided the lawn with essential nutrients.

Mulched leaves also served to control future weed growth by covering up bare spots between turf plants. Such spots typically provided openings for weed seeds to germinate and ultimately infect lawns. In fact, researchers found that mulching leaves for just three years could produce a nearly 100 percent decrease in dandelion and crabgrass growth. Homeowners with mulching mowers that also have bags can even help their gardens by alternating using the mower with and without the bag on once leaves begin to fall. When mowing with the bag on, mulched leaves can then be used as mulch in landscape beds and vegetable gardens.

Safe and effective ways to clean up leaves

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emoving leaves from the yard is a task that homeowners must perform each fall. Thousands upon thousands of leaves can drop from a single tree. Multiply that by the number of trees on a property, and it’s no surprise the task of leaf cleanup can seem so daunting. Furthermore, not all leaves are shed at the same time, so several cleanup sessions may be necessary before the last leaf is banished from the yard.

Just like removing snow, leaf cleanup can be a taxing job if done by hand. For people unaccustomed to exercise, cleaning up leaves can turn into quite a workout. According to the Discovery Health Calorie Counter, raking leaves for one hour can burn nearly 292 calories. Shoulders and arms will feel the burn.

Raking leaves is considered moderate physical activity, similar to brisk walking. Those who find themselves straining or out of breath should take a break, and these tips also make the job safer and easier.

• Wear layers when cleaning up leaves. It may be cool at first, but it’s easy to work up a sweat after raking for awhile. Layers can be peeled off so as not to get overheated or risk hypothermia from sweating in chilly temps.

• Pay attention to your posture while raking. James Weinstein, chairman of the Department of Orthopedics at Dartmouth Medical School, recommends forming a wide base with the feet and holding the rake slightly toward the end of the handle with one hand three-quarters of the way down the handle from the other. Do not twist the spine; move your entire body.

Avoid overuse of muscles on one side of the body by switching sides periodically.

• Do not try to rake or blow leaves on windy days.

Wind will only make the task that much more difficult, which could lead to overworking oneself.

• Avoid overfilling bags. For those who plan to mulch and bag leaves, remember that compressed leaves can get heavy pretty quickly. Do not over-fill bags, as they can be hard to move or bring to a recycling center.

Just like removing snow, leaf cleanup can be a taxing job if done by hand.

Using a leaf blower to push leaves into piles will reduce the strenuousness of the task, but leaf blowers can be heavy and noisy and gas-powered blowers can produce a considerable amount of exhaust.

Raking leaves can be quite a chore. It is important that homeowners take steps to prevent injury while cleaning up leaves in their yards.

Home & Harvest - THE DAILY STAR | SEPT. 23, 24 AND 25, 2020

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Get ahead of chimney repair this season Woodburning fireplaces or fuel stoves can add warmth and ambiance to a home. These appliances are particularly coveted in the cooler months when people spend more time indoors.

Maintenance is necessary in order for fireplaces and stoves to function safely, and that upkeep must include paying close attention to the functionality of the chimney.

Chimneys are designed to last for decades. Cracks and spalling in brick chimneys are common concerns that can cause significant damage if left unchecked.

Chimney maintenance involves more than cleaning the flue. Rather than running the risk of costly repairs, which can cost several thousand dollars, homeowners can take some simple steps to keep their chimneys in tip-top shape.

Certain components of chimney maintenance are do-it-yourself tasks, while others may be better

left to the professionals.

• Start from the inside and ensure that dampers are working properly.

When using fireplaces and other appliances, dampers need to be open to allow smoke to vent outside; otherwise, smoke will be trapped in the home and could lead to carbon monoxide buildup. Dampers need to be fixed or replaced if they are not operational. Replacement fireplace dampers should be snug and not have any gaps, states Vertical Chimney Care.

• Conduct a visual inspection of the chimney to check for any cracks or spalling. Spalling is the wearing away of masonry due to water, weather and time. If enough of the material erodes, that erosion can adversely affect the structural integrity of the chimney. Some repairs can be made by patching up cracks or replacing missing bricks.

Chimney tuckpointing is the process of repairing mortar.

Create a fire safety plan Fire safety protocol gives people the ability to get out of a building promptly and safely in the event of a fire.

Fires are unpredictable and can cause devastating loss of life and property. The U.S. Fire Administration states that, in 2017, there were 1,319,500 reported fires that resulted in 3,400 deaths and 14,670 injuries in the United States.

Travelers Insurance company advises people to develop a comprehensive fire safety plan, which can help save lives when used in concert

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• Think about waterproofing the chimney to prevent damage. A water sealant applied to the outside of the chimney can prevent moisture from breaking down the masonry.

• Inspect and replace the chimney cap if it is worn out. A chimney cap is a contraption that sits atop the chimney to allow the smoke to vent while also preventing critters and water from going inside the flue, helping to extend the flue life. The chimney cap attaches to the flue liner, so outside dimensions should be taken to ensure the cap is the right size for the chimney.

Regular inspection and maintenance can help keep a chimney working safely for decades.

For those who do not like working at such an elevation, leave exterior chimney repair to a certified professional.

• Have the chimney swept.

Sweeping helps remove the soot and debris that clings to the inside of the flue, known as creosote. The amount of time the fireplace is used will determine how often the chimney must be cleaned. Generally speaking, the chimney liner needs to be cleaned if it has 1/8-inch or more of soot.

with functioning smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. However, the National Fire Protection Association says only about one-quarter of households actually have developed and practiced a fire-escape plan or have taken measures to prevent fires around their homes.

Here are some ways to stay safe.

• Repair or replace malfunctioning kitchen appliances promptly. Keep them clean and always use them according to manufacturer’s instructions.

• Do not leave a room while cooking. The Consumer Product Safety Commission says that most kitchen fires, which can ignite in as little as one minute, start after someone left the room.

• Keep a fully charged and functioning fire extinguisher on the premises, preferably one on each floor of a home or business.

• Do not overload power strips with plugs, and have a licensed electrician inspect and suggest updates to antiquated wiring systems.

• Teach children about the dangers of playing

with fire. Keep matches and lighters away from children.

• Pull together all members of an office or household to come up with an effective evacuation plan.Walk through the building and inspect all possible escape routes. Mark two ways out of each room. If a window exit is recommended, have a functioning ladder that can provide safe egress.

• Choose an outside meeting place that is far away from the residence or building, but close enough that it can be easily reached by all.

• Set up a buddy system so that certain members of the family or company will be responsible for helping elderly, young or disabled people exit the premises.

• Practice identifying escape routes, and institute regular evacuation plans so that everyone can function quickly should a fire occur.

Fires can spread quickly and easily claim lives.

By addressing fire risks and implementing safety plans, people can save lives.

Home office must-haves Remote work has been around for many years, though it certainly picked up steam in 2020. In an effort to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus COVID-19, in March 2020 government officials implemented stay-at-home measures that mandated many working professionals to begin working from home. That transition occurred seemingly overnight, forcing men and women to find somewhere in their homes to work.

As the dust settled and working professionals grew accustomed to working from home, many recognized the need to have an office in their homes.

Various factors can make home offices more conducive to getting work done, and the following are some home office musthaves that can help people be more productive while working from home.

Lighting Lighting is important in a home office. It’s easy to overlook natural light, especially for workers who previously worked in offices that did not have windows. But natural light can help save on energy costs and boost mood. In fact, natural light is a valued commodity for people used to working in office settings. A 2018 survey of more than 1,600 workers conducted by the human resources advisory firm Future Workplace found that access to natural light and views of the outdoors were the most sought after attribute of a workplace environment. In addition, 47 percent of workers surveyed admitted they felt tired or very tired from the absence of natural light or a window at their office. When designing their home offices,

homeowners should keep this in mind and choose areas of their homes that get ample natural light during a typical workday.

Additional lighting also will be necessary. Recessed lighting can give an office a sleek look, and lights that can dim can allow workers to adjust their lighting based on how much they need at any given point in the workday.

Quiet Professionals forced to work at home when social distancing measures were implemented may not have had much quiet, especially for those with young children whose schools were closed. But when designing a home office, homeowners have the chance to make their offices more conducive to concentration. Soundproofing walls may not be necessary, but look for areas of the home that don’t get much foot traffic. Kitchens are very popular rooms in many homes, so try to locate your home office away from the kitchen. A spare bedroom upstairs may make for the most ideal home office setting if the home does not have a traditional den. Spare bedrooms come with

doors, which can instantly create a sense of quiet when closed.

A converted garage also can make for a useful home office, but make sure the room already has cooling and heating and, ideally, windows.

Electrical outlets Recently built homes tend to be equipped with enough outlets to accommodate our increasingly connected lifestyles. But older homes may need some electrical updates before they can capably accommodate home offices.

When updating your electrical, replace existing outlets and fixtures with energy-efficient LED fixtures, which save money and benefit the environment. Before updating the electrical, decide on how you want the office to be laid out so you can have outlets installed where your computer, devices and other items, like a printer and television, will be.

This makes it easy to hide cords and give the office a clean, professional look.

Did you know?

Dog owners often find that having a fenced-in space gives pets an opportunity to run around off-leash and enjoy time outdoors and can make it easier for pets to go out on bathroom breaks.

Still, pet owners must recognize that inquisitive dogs can get into trouble even in seemingly safe yards. One potential danger is ingestion of potentially toxic mushrooms. It is essential for homeowners to check their yards for mushrooms all year long, but especially during wet springs and in the fall. Mushrooms can pop up overnight. Depending on the type of mushroom and the size of the dog, ingesting even a small amount can result in gastrointestinal distress or more dire circumstances, like liver failure. Certain mushrooms give off a fishy smell and they may entice dogs who are prone to indiscriminate eating. According to the animal care resource Preventative Vet, signs of mushroom toxicity include vomiting, salivating, yellowing of the skin and “whites of eyes,” coma, seizures, and loss of balance. Other dogs may experience diarrhea or refuse to eat. Any pet owner who has suspected a dog has eaten wild mushrooms should consult a veterinarian. Early treatment can help and prevent more serious organ damage or death. Pet owners who cannot trust their dogs unattended in the yard should bring their pups out on leashes or keep careful watch on them while they’re outdoors.

Home office capabilities became a big priority in 2020.

Designing such spaces can be fun and easy.

Home & Harvest - THE DAILY STAR | SEPT. 23, 24 AND 25, 2020

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SEPT. 23, 24 AND 25, 2020 | Home & Harvest - THE DAILY STAR