Home Projects Home Projects Get Done This Year 7 7

By Julie Young

Where did the time go? The dog days of summer can be daunting ones for homeowners looking to get something accomplished by the end of the season. However, August offers us a window of opportunity to take care of tasks before the weather changes and to enjoy a second spring before that first frost.

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Get Growing

Think it is too late to start a garden this year? Think again! August is the perfect time to focus on a fall harvest of late season herbs and vegetables. An August garden should center on items that will be ready within one or two months of planting, including root vegetables, such as radishes, carrots, beets, and turnips, as well as basil, cilantro, and dill. If you are more focused on harvesting your crops this month, don’t forget to save seeds for next year.

Scour the surfaces

If your outdoor living space has seen a lot of action this summer, then it probably shows. Before the first leaves fall and other projects take precedence, take the time to power wash your patio or deck and make any necessary repairs. Remember that a fresh coat of stain and sealant can also be applied to help the space survive the winter.

Store the summer gear

When the kids begin packing their lunch boxes and head back to school, it’s a good time to clean and store your summer gear, arrange for a pool closing, and part with old items that you no longer need. The sooner you clear seasonal clutter, the easier you can transition to the fall. Because these items are normally kept in a garage or storage shed, why not take the time to hire a professional garage organizer to help get the job done right?

Hold a tag sale

Late summer is the perfect time to hold a garage/yard/tag sale to get rid of clothes that no longer fit and household items you no longer need. Cull through your cupboards and price as you go, then advertise your sale and prepare to welcome bargain hunters. Arrange for a local charity to pick up any unsold items as soon as your sale is over to keep unwanted items from returning to your house.

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Check your home for signs of pests

No one wants to think about a home invasion, especially one led by a band of crawling, flying, or scurrying enemies. Still, experts say it’s better to be ahead of a problem than to try and combat it after the fact. Preventative measures, such as removing sources of food, water, and shelter, as well as closing off potential entry points will go a long way toward keeping pests out of every crack crevice of your home.

Remove thatch

This bane of the front and back yard is a layer of plant material that builds up between the soil and ground. In small quantities, it can actually benefit the lawn, but too much of it can wreak havoc on your turf. Use a thatch rake to remove thatch from your yard and then apply a thin layer of fertilizer to encourage cool-season grass growth.

Look for the small things

Home improvements don’t have to be huge. Sometimes it’s the little things that need to be prioritized. Do you have a door that squeaks? How about a banister that needs repainting? A loose knob on a dresser drawer? Take a day to identify those overlooked tasks that never make it onto your “To Do” list and prioritize them. a