Home & Garden

A special advertising publication of Valley Community Newspapers

www.valcomnews.com • Spring 2020

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Tips for planting blueberries A trip to the produce aisle at a local grocery store can unveil a host of healthy additions to anyone’s diet. Such a jaunt also can raise eyebrows, as produce, particularly organic fruits and vegetables, can be very expensive. Consumers may feel helpless to corral the cost of healthy foods like fruits and vegetables, but all hope should not be lost. That’s especially so for people willing to give gardening a try.

Blueberries are one of the healthiest foods people can eat. The USDA National Nutrient Database notes that blueberries, which are low in calories and high in fiber, are great sources of the vitamins C, K and B6. However, organic blueberries can be among the most expensive foods in the produce aisle. Various factors, including where blueberries come from and whether or not they’re organic, dictate their cost.

But it’s not uncommon to pay roughly $4 for a sixounce package of organic blueberries. For some, such costs are prohibitive.

Growing blueberries in a home garden can save blueberry lovers substantial amounts of money while ensuring they reap all of the benefits of this highly nutritious and edible berry. The following are some tips novices can employ as they plant their first batch of blueberries.

• Consult a local garden center. The U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council recommends consulting a local garden center before planting blueberries. The professionals at such centers can recommend the best variety of blueberry to plant. That’s an important first step, as the USHBC

notes that farmers cultivate dozens of varieties of highbush blueberries across North America. Lowbush varieties also may be a gardener’s best option depending on where he or she lives. A local garden center can help you determine which variety best suits your local climate.

• Plant where there is ample sun and well-drained soil. The roots of blueberry plants should remain moist throughout the growing season, so choose an area where the soil drains well. If that’s hard to find, consider planting in raised beds or patio containers. In addition, the University of Minnesota Extension notes that blueberries require full sun, so plant in a spot where the blueberries will not be denied daily sunlight.

• Prepare the soil. Blueberries require acidic soil, so running a soil test prior to planting is a good idea.

Speak with a local garden center about soil adjustments if the soil is unlikely to promote growth.

• Fertilize carefully. The USHBC notes that established blueberry plants will respond well to acid fertilizers. However, it’s important not to overdo it, as blueberries are sensitive to overfertilization. Follow fertilization instructions and speak with local garden center professionals for advice.

• Be patient. The UME notes that plants won’t bear much fruit in their first two to three years, and that harvests are bigger after five years. So patience is a virtue blueberry planters must embrace.

Planting blueberries can be a rewarding hobby that also can save gardeners money at the grocery store.

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Home & Garden • Spring 2020 • A special advertising publication of Valley Community Newspapers • To advertise, call 916-429-9901 • www.valcomnews.com

Decor ideas to give homes a fresh look this spring Spring is a season of rejuvenation, and that spirit of renewal can take hold inside a home.

Warm weather and longer hours of daylight make spring a perfect time to imagine a home’s interior design in a new light. The following are a handful of decor ideas that may inspire homeowners to give their homes an entirely new look this spring.

• Wallpaper: Wallpaper fell out of favor years ago, but new styles that aren’t so heavily patterned can make for wonderful additions to any room. Large-scale prints can give a room a whole new feel without giving homeowners or their guests the impression that they have stepped back in time. A simple, muralstyle floral wallpaper on the walls surrounding a table in a breakfast nook can bring nature inside.

• Pastel colors: Nothing embodies the spring quite like pastel colors. If colorful, bright flowers dot the gar-

and/or look for multipurpose features that make it hard for clutter to take over a room. Create more open space in entertaining areas by mounting the television and getting rid of a bulky entertainment center.

Create even more space by replacing rarely used end tables with a storage ottoman where books and magazines can be stored to give a room a fresh, clean look.

• Accent features: Sometimes the smallest changes to an interior space make the biggest impression.

Replace dated accents like vases and table lamps with newer items that reflect the latest styles and trends.

Such adjustments won’t break the bank, and they can give rooms a whole new feel. den in the backyard, homeowners can • Declutter: Clutter is often con- Spring is a great time to reconbring those uplifting pastels inside by quered during spring cleaning ses- sider home interiors. This spring painting an accent wall or even adding sions, but homeowners who want homeowners can embrace various some brightly colored accent furniture to create more free-flowing interior strategies, both big and small, to spaces can downsize their furniture give their homes a whole new feel. to rooms that could use a lift.

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What can and cannot be composted Avid gardeners know that compost can add vital nutrients to soil used in gardens, container plants and lawns. The fact that compost is so versatile and nutrient-dense may not even be its most admirable quality. Made from items used in and around the house, compost costs just about nothing to produce.

The raw materials that make up compost come from organic waste. These can be disposables from the garden and kitchen, as well as other areas around the house. According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency, yard trimmings and food scraps add up to 20 to 30 percent of the municipal solid waste in the United States. Turning waste into compost not only helps the landscape, but also the planet.

Compost is relatively easy to make, and there are scores of materials that can be put into compost.

But it is just as essential to know which ingredients cannot be used in compost.

Okay for compost

Most organic materials, or items that were once living, can be used in compost. Plant-

based items used in cooking, such as potato peelings, carrot skins, banana peels, cocoa hulls, coffee grounds and filters, corn cobs, apple cores, egg shells, fruit peels, kelp, and nut shells, can be added to compost.

Other items from around the house, like unused kitty litter, hair, shredded newspapers and cardboard, leaves, flowers, paper, pine needles, ashes, and sawdust, can be successfully added to compost. Stick to items that are not treated heavily with chemicals.

Should not be used in compost

Inorganic and non-biodegradable materials cannot go into compost. These are items like plastic, glass, aluminum foil, and metal. Pressure-treated lumber, although a natural material, is treated with preservatives and often pesticides that can be harmful if they leech into the garden.

The small-gardening resource Balcony Garden Web indicates coated or glossy printed papers, such as those from catalogs, magazines, wrapping paper, marketing materials,

and business cards, should not be added to compost piles because of the chemicals and inks used in these pages.

Planet Natural Research Center says to avoid pet droppings from dogs and cats.

Animal products like bones, butter, milk, fish skins, and meat, may decompose and start to smell foul. Maggots, parasites, pathogens, and other microorganisms can form in the compost. These materials also may attract flies and scavenger animals. Plus, they decompose very slowly.

Any personal hygiene products should be avoided because they are tainted by human fluids and that can pose a health risk.

While weeds are not harmful in compost piles, there is the risk that seeds can germinate and then infiltrate garden beds when the compost is used. The same can be said for tomato plants and some other hardy fruits and vegetables.

Compost is a winner in the garden and around the landscape. Learning which ingredients can and can’t be added to compost piles is useful for any gardener.

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This event benefits local charitable organizations helping children/teens, including Kiwanis Family House - housing families with children undergoing treatment at UC Davis Medical Center; Just for Kids - helping children who have a family member with cancer; and high school Key Clubs - teaching teenagers the value of community service.

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Home & Garden • Spring 2020 • A special advertising publication of Valley Community Newspapers • To advertise, call 916-429-9901 • www.valcomnews.com

Make This Year Your Year For Personal Growth At The Healing Arts Festival

Every year whether conscious of it or not, we are making a choice to stay the same, slide down into fear and despair, or take a step towards personal growth. This year, why not make a conscious choice towards being the best you possible?

Time passes by more and more quickly. With the 24-hour news cycle and so many outlets to hear about what is happening in the world, it is easy to get trapped in a mode of worry and anxiety. We lose track of who we are and what is truly important to us.

When we take a step towards selfimprovement, sometimes we don’t know where to start. There are so many avenues to explore.

Growth can happen in many ways.

Sometimes it’s learning a new meditation technique to keep us calm and centered, finally putting ourselves first with a massage or energy healing, getting confirmation about what lies ahead, or buying something uplifting and beautiful to remind us of how amazing life truly is.

The Healing Arts Festival comes to Sacramento twice a year, to offer a

place for people to explore, discover, and be inspired.

Explore different avenues of personal growth and healing. There are informative presentations and in-depth experiential workshops to hear and test out different ways of thinking and being. Speak with a variety of experts from holistic health practitioners, energy healers, psychics and mediums (readers), to crystal experts and small business owners with natural handmade products personally crafted with intent for your well-being.

Discover a community of likeminded individuals, also striving for harmony and balance. The Healing Arts Festival is an inclusive space for all spiritual paths and individual expressions, making it a safe place to find yourself.

Don’t miss an opportunity to be inspired, make new friends, and reignite the light within.

The Healing Arts Festival will be at the Scottish Rite Masonic Center in Sacramento on April 4th and 5th. For more information, go to www.healingartsfestival.com.

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www.valcomnews.com • To advertise, call 916-429-9901 • A special advertising publication of Valley Community Newspapers • Spring 2020 • Home & Garden

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The differences between organic and inorganic mulches The benefits of mulch are widely known among lawn and garden enthusiasts. By insulating soil from extreme temperatures, helping soil to retain moisture and preventing weed growth, mulch can help plants, trees and gardens thrive, even during periods when Mother Nature can make that very difficult.

Novice gardners may find themselves a little confused when visiting a lawn and garden center to purchase mulch. That’s because there are various types of mulches. One of the ways to simplify that is to break mulches down into two main classes: organic and inorganic. Learning to distinguish between these two classes can help homeowners choose the best mulch for their properties.

Organic mulch Organic mulches are made up of materials that decompose over time. The experts at BobVila.com note that, because they decompose over time, organic mulches must be replenished on a regular bais. Hardwood and softwood chips are among the most popular and recognizable organic mulches. Evergreen

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needles, leaves, grass clippings, and compost mixes also fall under the organic mulch umbrella. Many gardening enthusiasts prefer organic mulches because they help soil retain moisture, improve soil fertility and help to deter weed growth.

Inorganic mulches Inorganic mulches are permanent because they do not decompose over time. Gravel, brick chips and crushed stone are examples of inorganic mulches. Homeowners who do not intend to plant after laying mulch may lean toward inorganic mulches, as they won’t require much work, if any, after being laid.

However, the Chicago Botanic Garden notes that inorganic mulches do not improve soil quality. In fact, because inorganic mulches like rocks and stones absorb heat, they can be detrimental to plants in areas where weather tends to be very dry and hot.

The right mulch for a given property depends on a host of factors. Understanding the differences between organic and inorganic mulches is a great first step toward finding the right mulch for your landscape.

Home & Garden • Spring 2020 • A special advertising publication of Valley Community Newspapers • To advertise, call 916-429-9901 • www.valcomnews.com

Common household poisons that put kids in harm’s way Childhood is time of exploration for youngsters. Curiosity is a healthy way for kids to broaden their horizons. However, in an effort to learn more about their worlds, children may find themselves in harm’s way.

The Victoria State Government says accidental poisoning is most commonly a problem in young children. Most poisonings happen at home, but they also can occur while visiting friends and family or while on vacation. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says that more than 300 children in the United States between the ages of zero and 19 are treated in an emergency department every day, and two children die as a result of being poisoned.

Parents may think that only chemicals with clear warning labels pose a threat to youngsters. However, many everyday items can be poisonous. Here’s how to recognize some of the more common hazards lurking in typical homes.

Medications

Medications account for roughly half of potentially toxic exposures, according to NYU Langone Health. A child who gets into over-the-counter or prescription medications can be in real trouble. To children, medicines may seem like food, beverages, candy, or toys. Some medicines need not be ingested to be dangerous, so make sure all are kept well beyond the reach of curious tykes.

Pesticides/herbicides

Chemicals used to treat lawns and gardens may be toxic to children and pets. It is important to read labels thoroughly and to always strictly follow instructions.

Household plants

Houseplants can be dangerous. Although many common indoor plants only cause mild gastrointestinal symptoms if consumed, daffodils, dumb cane, foxglove, hydrangea, lilies, oleanders, rhododendrons, and wisteria, may have toxins that can affect the stomach, respiratory system, liver,

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or heart. Speak with a pediatrician about how to keep kids safe around these plants.

Alcohol/nicotine It may only take a small amount of alcohol to make children ill. Alcohol can be found in beverages, but also in perfume, mouthwash, cleaning products, hand sanitizers, and over-the-counter cold medications. NYU Langone says alcohol poisoning in children can cause low blood sugar, which can lead to seizures and coma.

Liquid nicotine or nicotine replacement gum can be hazardous as well. Illicit substances also carry serious health consequences for children. Changes in breathing, unconsciousness or seizures may result depending on the substance.

Keeping children away from potential poisons takes diligence. Certain substances may be best kept behind lock and key and/or up high where curious hands cannot reach. Homes should have the poison prevention hotline number clearly displayed. The CDC also recommends discarding unused products, medicines and vitamins to limit children’s access to them.

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Home & Garden • Spring 2020 • A special advertising publication of Valley Community Newspapers • To advertise, call 916-429-9901 • www.valcomnews.com

Doggy Dashing With The Sacramento Spca On April 25th Lace Up & Leash Up for California’s Largest 2k/5k Dog Walk & Pet Festival to Benefit Shelter Animals The Sacramento SPCA will host the 27th Annual Doggy Dash at William Land Park on Saturday, April 25th, 2020 from 7:30 am - 1:00 pm.

An estimated 5,000 animal lovers are expected to gather on April 25th at William Land Park both with and without their canine companions to raise funds for animals at the Sacramento SPCA. Participants will enjoy the 2K or 5K walk and are invited to stay for the Bark at the Park Festival, where they can enter their canine pal in the pup show or agility contest! In addition, participants can watch canine demonstrations, visit with more than 100 pet-friendly businesses, enjoy the “Watering Bowl” Yappy Hour Beer Garden and some great food from Sacramento’s most popular food trucks.

Now celebrating its 27th anniversary, the Doggy Dash has grown into Northern California’s largest 2K/5K dog walk and pet festival - with a goal to raise $185,000 in registrations

and donations this year to support lifesaving programs to help animals and the people who love them in our community. Donations from last year’s Doggy Dash helped the Sacramento SPCA provide direct care to more than 35,000 animals in 2019.

“The Doggy Dash offers an opportunity to have fun with your dog and connects people and animals to the resources needed to support healthy relationships,” said Dawn Foster, Sacramento SPCA Marketing & Communications Director. “Enjoying time with your canine companion while also helping our community’s pets in need is a win-win!”

The 27th Annual Doggy Dash will take place at William Land Park (near Village Green) on April 25th. Event day registration starts at 7:30AM, the 2K/5K walk at 9:00AM and the Bark at the Park Festival immediately following the walk. To register for the 2K/5K dog walk prior to event day, visit www.

sspca.org/dash.

Founded in 1892, the Sacramento SPCA has been providing homeless animals with individual comfort, shelter, and love for more than 128

years. They provide compassionate medical care to tens of thousands of animals annually and offer a variety of programs and services designed to keep people and pets together for life.

www.valcomnews.com • To advertise, call 916-429-9901 • A special advertising publication of Valley Community Newspapers • Spring 2020 • Home & Garden

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DIY projects that can conserve energy around the house Home renovation projects can pay numerous dividends. Renovations can have a positive effect on resale value, make homes more livable for residents and, in some ways, make homes more affordable.

Renovation projects that aim to conserve energy can save homeowners substantial amounts of money. Such projects don’t often require considerable effort or even sizable financial investments, which can make homeowners skeptical as to just how much they can save after completing the project.

But the scale of a project may have little to do with how much homeowners will save.

For example, the U.S. Department of Energy notes that a relatively effortless task like turning back a thermostat between 7° and 10° F for eight hours per day can save homeowners as much as $83 per year.

A more labor-intensive task like planting

shade trees saves homeowners an average of between $35 and $119 per year.

When looking for ways to conserve energy around the house and save money, homeowners need not necessarily commit to expensive projects. The DOE notes that the following are some energysaving projects and details what homeowners can expect to save after completing them. While each individual project may not result in jaw-dropping savings, homeowners who follow many of these recommendations may end up saving more than $1,000 per year.

Project: Install exterior low-e storm windows.

What is it? Low-e windows reflect infrared heat back into a home. Such see DIY page 11

Home & Garden • Spring 2020 • A special advertising publication of Valley Community Newspapers • To advertise, call 916-429-9901 • www.valcomnews.com

DIY:

windows are coated with an ultrathin layer of metal that improves the window’s insulation ability.

How much can I save? Homeowners who install low-e windows can save between 12 and 33 percent on their annual heating and cooling costs.

Project: Plant shade trees.

What is it? If you plant a deciduous tree between six and eight feel tall near your home, it will begin to shade your windows within a year of being planted. Depending on the species of the tree and the home, the shade tree will begin shading the roof within five to 10 years. The DOE notes that shading is the most cost-effective way to reduce air conditioning costs.

How much can I save? Properly planted shade trees can reduce air conditioning costs by anywhere from 15 to 50 percent.

Project: Seal uncontrolled air leaks.

What is it? Air leaks let cool air in during winter and warm air in during summer. Caulking, sealing and weather stripping all cracks and large openings can cut back on air leaks that are costing you money. The DOE recommends hiring a contractor to seal any leaks on heating and cooling ducts.

How much can I save? Homeowners who seal uncontrolled air leaks can save between 10 and 20 percent on their annual heating and cooling bills.

Project: Insulate the water heater tank What is it? New water tanks are likely already insulated. But homeowners with older hot water tanks can insulate their tanks with a water heater insulating blanket kit.

How much can I save? Insulating a water heater tank can save homeowners as much as 16 percent on their annual water heating bills.

Even the smallest DIY projects can produce big savings. More information about energy-saving home improvement projects can be found at www.energy.gov.

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Home & Garden • Spring 2020 • A special advertising publication of Valley Community Newspapers • To advertise, call 916-429-9901 • www.valcomnews.com