2016 Home & Garden Life

Home&Garden 2016

LIFE

Are you providing a healthy ecosystem on your land?

A Chester County Press Publication

See pages 38 & 39 for additional information

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Table of Contents Plants for Window Boxes ..................... 6 Avoid Grilling Mistakes ....................... 8 Tractor Maintenance .......................... 10 Organize Your Garage ........................ 12 Kitchen Renovations .......................... 14 Garden party Appetizers ................... 18 Weeding Tips ...................................... 20 Protect Your Home ............................. 22 Riding Mower Maintenance ............... 24 Metal Backsplashes ........................... 26 Repairing Leaky Faucets .................... 28 Installing Drywall ............................... 30

Wasp-Be-Gone .................................... 32 Take Safety Precautions ..................... 40 Attend a Spring Garden Festival ........ 42 Changing a Chainsaw Chain ............... 44 Building a Deck .................................. 46 Fix Driveway Cracks ........................... 48 Installing a New Toilet ....................... 50 Backyard Safety Tips ............................ 2 Save, Store and Sow Seeds ................ 54 Repotting Orchids .............................. 57 The Perfect Fourth Party ..................... 60 Growing Tomatoes ............................. 62

Cover photo landscape by Red Tail Restoration & Land Management, LLC

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Plants for Window Boxes Window boxes make for the perfect design elements to the exterior of your home. With the right flowers, they can serve as a downright stunning focal point of your backyard.

Whether you choose a collection of colorful annuals spilling over your box or a row of cute miniature flowers, window boxes are sure to catch some attention this spring.

Before filling your boxes, it is important to know the growing habits and requirements of the plants you plan to use.

Factors such as sunlight, shade, watering and bloom time all must be taken into consideration.

The key to any awe-inspiring window box is to have fun.

Don’t be afraid to let your creativity shine as you build your collection of flowers.

Sunlight If your window box is exposed to full sunlight, you have a bevy of flower options at your disposal. From vinca to marigolds, you can find flowers with gorgeous combinations of green foliage and colorful petals.

Geraniums are low-maintenance bloomers that can 6 • 2016 HOME & GARDEN LIFE

generally reach about 12 inches tall — the perfect option if you’re looking to add a little height to your flower box.

A slightly shorter option that is just as colorful is the petunia. These beauties grow to a height of 4 to 12 inches, and like the geranium, come in a trailing variety that can help you put together a flower box overflowing with vibrant colors.

Shade If your window box will be located in partial or full shade, be sure to choose shade-loving plants such as impatiens, begonias or caladium for maximum impact. All of these varieties are available in a full range of colors and tones, making your job of matching the flowers to the hue of your home an easy one.

Find flowers that give off pops of bright pinks and purples if you’re looking to make a dramatic statement near your home’s entry or any other prominent spot. Be sure to maintain your flowers throughout the year to keep your widow boxes in striking form.

The smell of the barbecue grill is one of the hallmarks of the springtime. The sizzle of the hot grate and the crackling of the charcoal let you know the winter season has officially ended.

As you begin inviting friends over for a spring and summer filled with great food and better company, now is a good time to refresh your common grilling practices.

By now you probably have a grilling routine that you follow with every cooking session. True grilling experts are meticulous about the cleanliness of their grills, as well as the quality of their tools.

But there are several common grilling mistakes that even the most grizzled grilling professionals commit from time to time. Check out our list below to see if you’ve ever been guilty.

Low-Quality Tools

Avoid Grilling Mistakes

You can’t grill effectively without the right tools — plain and simple.

Are your spatulas rusty and warped?

Is your grill brush caked in residue?

If so, it’s time for an equipment overhaul. Choose spatulas, tongs and grill cleaning tools that are made of durable materials, such as stainless steel.

Choose durable, heavy-duty tools with long handles for maximum safety when you’re reaching across the coals.

Find tools that are dishwasher-safe to make cleaning up a breeze.

Dirty Grill When was the last time you cranked your burners to high after a cook to burn off some of the grill residue? This is good practice to maintain your grill and enhance the taste of your food. Make sure you clean your grill before and after each cook.

Scrape out any excess ash or grease under the grate.

This will keep your flames flowing strongly instead of being snuffed out by blockages. Consider deep-cleaning your 8 • 2016 HOME & GARDEN LIFE

grill a couple of times per year. This entails scrubbing the stainless steel and scraping all food scraps off the sides and bottom of the grill.

Forgetting to Preheat A common grilling mistake is not being patient enough before adding food to the grill. Just like an oven, you must give your grill about 15 minutes to warm up. Use the temperature gauge to decide when to put on the meat. Experts recommend most foods be cooked in the 300- to 400-degree range.

Depending on what you’re cooking, it’s generally a good idea to immediately turn your burners down to low after you add the meat. This low-and-slow approach will result in juicier meats.

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ANTIQUES

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2nd Annual Spring Barn Visitor Center, 1736 Creek Rd., Chadds Ford, PA 19317 Sponsored by Chadds Ford Historical Society and 13th Haven A Time to Remember Abigail's Country Cabin Primitives Art by Alan Campbell BabsFabs Barker's Grove Antiques Barn Pretty Bellefonte Vintage Birdman Prints Bloomin Attic Blue Dandelion Brandywine View Antiques Candle Krazy

Cricket's Antiques Earth and Wears Earth, Wind, Fire and Ice Farmhouse Gear Feathering the Nest Home Fergie & Me Field and Paint Supply Freshvintage Holly Mack Designs In Stitches In with the Old Jentlymade Jo's Market Katie's Country Creations

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Kristen's Creations Lakeside Primitives Leaman Mere Images Linda Green Designs Metal Worx Jewelry Designz Mud & Maker Mud Mill Junction Nantiques Nature Scripts Off the Wall Antiques Old American Heritage Paint Drop On Roses Pappys Repurposer Penelope & Anastasia

Queenie's Junktique Reclaimed Crafts Reimagined Stlye Repurposed Heritage Rescued HD Royal Jelly Ruggeri Antiques/Nantiques Rummage Wrangler Salvage Splendor Salvation Nation Savannah's House Shutters and Sand Somewhere in Time Spotted Horse Textiles

The Annex The Mid-Century Sisters The Painted Lady Tracy Tayan Designs Treasured Vintage Vally Do Designs Vintage Art and Calligraphy Vintage Candy Vintage Character Warm and Weathered Westtown Antiques Whimsically Chic Boutique White Horse Mill Antiques

Big Cheese Pizzeria • Kastania Olive Oil • Locale BBQ Post • MomPops • Mushrooms Café • Paradocx Vineyard LLC Pescatores • Punk’d Pineapple Ice Cream • Save your Fork • Spread Love/Smithfield Barn • The Meat House

Uniques • Antiques • Vintage • Wineries • Garden • Food Trucks • Artisans • Music • Antique Car Show

Saturday, April 16, 2016 • 9-4 Rope Cutting at 9am • $5 donation • Rain or Shine • Free Parking 2016 HOME & GARDEN LIFE • 9

Tractor Maintenance Spring is one of the busiest times of the year for farmers.

They use their tractors heavily during this time period to plant new crops and tend to field maintenance.

One of the best ways to cut down on your tractor time is to make sure your equipment is up to par. Regular maintenance such as oil changes, tire pressure checks and spark plug replacements can both extend the life of your tractor and help you get more quality performance out of it.

Your tractor and similar equipment likely came equipped with an hour meter to help you track and perform routine services. There are even diagnostic tools that you can plug into your tractor to help you stay ahead of impending maintenance and repairs.

You also can create a spreadsheet on your computer detailing the date you performed the service and any steps you

10 • 2016 HOME & GARDEN LIFE

had to take that may have been out of the ordinary. (This will help you save time trying to figure it out for a second time.)

General Maintenance Tips One small issue with your tractor’s engine can mean big problems this spring. Keeping an eye on the smaller pieces of your machine can help prevent this from happening.

Check for leaks or worn hoses on your tractor through a visual inspection.

It’s also a great time for checking your tractor’s safety features. These include turn indicators and your neutral start switch. All of these tasks may seem minor, but there are a lot of moving parts on a tractor. Maintaining all of them is crucial to ensuring a long lifespan for your machine.

Gas & Oil Maintaining high-quality gas and oil in your mower is critical to its performance. When changing the oil, always remember to: • Change it when the engine is warm; • Use the easy-to-open pushpull drain plug and plastic hose, if your tractor came equipped with one; • If the engine has an oil filter, apply some oil onto the rubber sealing gasket before installation; and • Always use a funnel or oil spout when adding new oil, and be careful not to overfill.

2016 HOME & GARDEN LIFE • 11

The garage: the catchall section of our homes that never seems to get as much TLC as it deserves. It’s where the overflow of holiday decorations, outgrown clothes and sports equipment converge, often in disarray.

It’s time to take back control of this versatile space in your home. The garage has so much to offer if you’re willing to regularly maintain it. This may mean hanging new shelving for extra storage space or repainting the floor for a protective, great-looking shine.

Here are three steps you can take this weekend to achieve a more organized garage: 1. Give Yourself Enough Time Many homeowners think they can power through a garage reorganization in a matter of a couple of hours. Sure, if your garage is already in relatively good shape, that may be possible. But for people looking to complete an organizational overhaul, it is best to devote the bulk of a weekend to the chore.

Not doing so can leave you feeling frustrated by a job half done. Give yourself enough time to not only assess your current garage storage situation, but then also to put together a plan that highlights what goes where and how much you’re willing to spend on new storage materials.

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2. Be Ready to Donate Overflow can be a real problem in the garage. Fishing poles, soccer balls and kids’ bikes may as well call the garage their own. Without ample space for these materials, the garage’s walls may feel like they are caving in on you.

The solution: Give things away. Plenty of organizations offer some sort of item drop-off. Start a donate pile outside of your garage to collect all the extra items for which you have no use. Take your extra toys and baseball gloves to a deserving charity, but only if you’re sure you won’t need them again down the road.

3. Never Organize Alone One of the best tips for organizing your garage is to invite friends and family members over to help. A major garage overhaul can be time consuming, requiring numerous hands on deck if you’re hoping to finish anytime soon.

Call over some friends and family members. Have a list of specific responsibilities for volunteers to maximize their time when they are helping you. And remember to always treat your helpers to hot coffee or lunch, a gesture that will let them know they are appreciated.

2016 HOME & GARDEN LIFE • 13

Kitchen Renovations Return on investment (ROI) is one of the most important aspects of home improvement, especially if you plan to sell your home within the next five to 10 years.

Many homeowners may choose to nix the ROI factor because they plan to stay in their home for life. They make every home improvement decision based on their needs and preferences.

For those with more moves in their future, ROI is more important and should be strongly considered before anything is removed, replaced or restructured.

The trick is understanding which parts of your remodel will offer you the greatest return on your financial investment. You probably won’t make back the $5,000 put into a home theater room in your basement, but you may still be OK with spending the money because you’ll get many great years of use out of it.

If there is remodeling in your future, consider what is selling in your local real estate market. Talk to Realtors and stay up to date on current buyer trends. Doing so will keep your home improvement decisions on track.

Smart Kitchen Renovations The annual cost vs. value report from Remodeling magazine routinely finds that kitchens are the first room homebuyers consider when looking at homes. They also return about 66 percent of initial investments, according to the most recent report.

Improvements such as ceramic tile floors or new countertops in the kitchen are at the top of the list of smart remodeling upgrades. Refinish your cabinets if they are structurally sound, and consider upgrading your appliances.

Steps like this can help improve the value of your kitchen and home.

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Quartz Countertops Quartz is all the rage in the kitchen remodeling space as more homeowners look to incorporate natural items into their homes.

Here are the main benefits of a quartz countertop: • Nonporous surface that doesn’t allow bacteria from food or drink spills to grow; • Resistance to heat, providing you a functional prep and serving space; and • Resistance to scratches to accommodate the activities of a busy family kitchen.

Quartz is also great for enhancing your home’s overall design. Its natural color gradation and patterns lend it to be paired with bold, modern decorative accents in your design strategy.

2016 HOME & GARDEN LIFE • 15

GALLO Tree Service

Being in the tree industry isn’t just chopping down trees. There is so much more.

When people think of tree service, they think that their tree trimming is too small a job, or that it isn’t important. But pruning and trimming your trees every few years can do wonders for the health of your trees, and your curb appeal.

When a tree service is called to the job for a removal, they must assess each situation with detail and care. Not all tree removal jobs are the same.

Some need experienced tree climbers, while others can be safely deconstructed from the ground. In many cases, tree debris is chipped up and taken back to our mulch yard, where it is recycled into organic mulch to be used around gardens and flower beds. Other times, the wood is split into our high-quality firewood, left to season and age, until a cool autumn night.

Gallo Tree Service offers cabling and bracing for multi-lead trees to help keep them stable in wind storms.

You see your trees every day, but are you really looking at them? Being able to recognize the symptoms of key pests and diseases is critical for managing a healthy and productive landscape.

Cavities in your trees can dramatically affect their stability and structure. It is important to have an experienced arborist to analyze the culprit in tree decline. Never underestimate the power of small pests, including termites, carpenter ants, borers, and other sap-sucking insects, as well as fungal disesases. Seeing mushrooms at the base and drip line of the tree can indicate root rot.

Ryan Gallo has been in the tree industry for almost 20 years, and can quickly assess what the exact problem is.

Gallo Tree Service is a small, family-owned and operated business in Delaware that offers commercial and residential tree care in New Castle County and surrounding areas. Call Ryan today and you will see that he loves what he does. He personally is involved in the job, meeting with customers to ease their minds and work out a plan for their problematic tree.

16 • 2016 HOME & GARDEN LIFE

2016 HOME & GARDEN LIFE • 17

Garden Party Appetizers The spring season means inviting your friends and family members over for great food and drinks. If you plan to host a garden party, it also can be the perfect time to give away some of your early produce.

Part of growing a garden is sharing your spoils and inspiring others to take on a garden project of their own. The ample amount of fresh vegetables and fruit that one garden can produce is enough reason to stay motivated through all the weeding, watering and tending.

Feeding the guests at your garden party has never been easier, especially if you’re planning to stick to an appetizer menu. Follow our tips below to make the perfect dips, wraps and savory treats your guests will come to love.

Go Guacamole Onions, avocado, chopped tomato and garlic. Add a splash of lime juice after letting the dip chill in the refrigerator for an hour, and presto! Yummy guacamole that is sure to leave your guests happy.

Choose a unique brand of sea salt chips or vegetable sticks to serve as the perfect dipping items for your guacamole. Add cayenne pepper to the concoction or pick up a bag of spicy chips if you prefer a little heat with your Mexican-inspired appetizer.

Roll It Up Some of the easiest — and tastiest — appetizer treats take just a few minutes to prepare. Roll-ups fall into this category and can pack quite a punch in a small wrapped or rolled package.

Follow these directions to make the perfect roll-up: • Lay your deli meat of choice on a serving plate; • Spread a softened layer of cream cheese on the meat; 18 • 2016 HOME & GARDEN LIFE

• Place a small pickle spear or slice of jalapeno pepper at one end of the meat; • Roll the materials into cylinders around the pickle or pepper; and • Secure with toothpicks and allow roll-ups to refrigerate for an hour ahead of serving.

Use Your Garden Depending on how far you are into the growing season, you may have plants popping up in your garden.

Vegetables such as radishes and zucchini are known for their rapid growing rates, giving you some quality ingredients to incorporate into your dip or stir-fry.

2016 HOME & GARDEN LIFE • 19

The last thing you may want to do today is weed the garden. But what about all of the hard work you did to get your plants in the ground?

Are you willing to let invasive weeds take over the space and stunt your plants’ growth?

Weeding may not be your favorite activity, but there are steps you can take to make the process more enjoyable, if not a little more friendly on your back.

Weeds will still win some of their battles against you. The sooner you realize and accept this, the less stressed you will be when it comes to working to eradicate them. One single weed plant can produce thousands of seeds, many of which can survive for multiple years.

That’s why it is so important to understand that you can’t completely stop weeds; you can only hope to contain their impact on your lawn and garden.

Avoid Herbicides The easy way to kill weeds is by applying synthetic herbicides. But you should think twice before going this route. These chemical weed killers can be dangerous to people, pets and your grass.

According to the National Gardening Association, the best way to control weeds in your yard is to grow a thick, vigorous lawn. This dense grass takes away resources such as sunlight and water that weeds depend on to germinate.

Stay Motivated Spending a Saturday on all fours with the afternoon sun beating down on your back may not be the ideal start to your weekend.

Space out your weeding efforts. Don’t pull weeds every Saturday. Start with every other. Work a little here and there during the week to minimize the amount of time you’ll need to devote when Saturday comes around.

This lighter workload will help keep you motivated when the time comes to tackle the weeds. Other ways to stay invested include inviting friends over or enlisting the help of older children in your household. The more hands and laughter the better for monotonous projects such as weeding.

20 • 2 2016 016 1 HOME 16 E & GARD G GARDEN ARD DEN LIF LIFE FE

Weeding Tips

2016 HOME & GARDEN LIFE • 21

Count to 13. ... In that short time span at least one home burglary likely occurred in the United States, according to the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

The FBI says burglaries are the most common threat to our homes and are most likely to occur during the warm weather.

Long vacations and family get-togethers that take us away from home are two of the main reasons police report an uptick of summertime stealing.

Here are more burglary-related statistics from the FBI: • More than 2.5 million home invasions occur every year; • July and August are the most frequent months for break-ins; • Only 17 percent of U.S. homes have a security system; and • 1 out of 3 residential assaults are a result of burglary.

We can all agree that those numbers are alarming. So what will you do about it?

Know the Enemy The most common perpetrator of home invasion is a male under the age of 25, reports the FBI. Crooks may choose an unoccupied home with easy access and accessible escape routes. Be watchful of your surroundings and pay attention to any suspicious behavior in your area.

Be sure to report any such incidents to your local authorities, who may be able to increase their patrol frequencies. You can never be too mindful of what may pose a threat to you and your family.

Weaknesses The FBI warns citizens that windows are the most frequent points of entry during the warm weather months. An open window that can be seen from the street may give a criminal an easy target.

Be sure your windows have latches and even secondary locking devices. If sleeping or leaving the house with your windows open, make sure that the opening is not large enough to allow someone to reach through to remove any locks.

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Riding Mower Maintenance How much time do you devote to mowing your lawn every week?

One of the best ways to cut down on your cutting time is to make sure your riding mower is up to par. Regular maintenance such as oil changes, tire pressure checks and spark plug replacements can both extend the life of your mower and help you get more quality performance out of your machine.

Your mower may have come equipped with an hour meter to help you track and perform routine services. If not, create a spreadsheet on your computer detailing the date you performed the service and any steps you had to take that may have been out of the ordinary.

Deck Maintenance One small issue with your deck’s alignment can mean uneven and unsightly lines across your yard.

Always check to see if your deck is level and property affixed to the mower.

Follow the owner’s manual to remove and sharpen your blades, as well as to inspect drive belts or clean the underside of your deck. All of these actions will leave your mower in outstanding shape, no matter what part of mowing season it is.

24 • 2016 HOME & GARDEN LIFE

Gas & Oil Using high-quality gas and oil in your mower is critical to its performance. When changing the oil, always remember to: • Change it when the engine is warm; • Use the easy-to-open push-pull drain plug and plastic hose, if your mower came equipped with one; you maybe able to change your push mower’s oil by dumping it on its side — obviously not so for your riding mower; • If the engine has an oil filter, apply some oil onto the rubber sealing gasket before installation; and • Always use a funnel or oil spout when adding new oil and be careful not to overfill.

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Replacing a kitchen or bathroom backsplash is one of the best ways to modernize your home’s interior design. Doing so is a simple process perfect for the crafty DIY homeowner.

Glass mosaic tiles make for a beautiful backsplash, but one material is really catching fire in the home improvement industry: metal. From stainless steel to copper, metal materials can help transform your kitchen into a contemporary, elegant focal point of your home.

Installing and caring for metal backsplashes is easy — easier than regular tile in many cases.

Installation Installing a metal backsplash in your home is a relatively straightforward process that won’t take long, depending on the size of the project.

Most come in peel-and-stick options, while others require a strong glue to be fastened to your wall. Talk with the specialists at your home repair retailer to make sure you understand the installation specifications.

Maintaining Your Metal Backsplash Taking care of your metal backsplash is an ongoing activity, especially in high-use areas such as your kitchen

26 • 2016 HOME & GARDEN LIFE

stove or bathroom sink.

If you choose copper, it’s important to note that the material can change appearance over time. The natural oxidation process means that copper will darken and form a patina, which can make it appear unique and rustic. You also can choose to seal the copper to help it retain its shine and color.

Other metal tiles, such as stainless steel or iron, can actually start to rust if not properly cared for.

The good news is that with a few simple cleaning products and a regular routine, you can make your copper and metal backsplash last a lifetime.

Cleaning Your Metal Backsplash Always check your manufacturer’s guide to see which products are recommended, but the list below is a great starting point for gathering materials.

• Water • Dishwashing detergent • Microfiber cloth • Copper cleaner • Solvent-based sealer • Stainless steel cleaner • Vinegar and water solution • Baking soda • Rubber gloves

www.mykonospa.com 610-558-8000 Glen Eagle Square Chadds Ford, PA 2016 HOME & GARDEN LIFE • 27

Drip, drip, drip. That sound means water leaving your faucet and money leaving your wallet. A leaky faucet can increase your water bill in no time, so it’s important to act quickly.

In most cases, repairing a leaky faucet is simple work. It generally requires removing a worn washer. Even homeowners with little experience in plumbing can take care of this issue themselves.

This article focuses on the standard compression faucet — the most common style. Others include ceramic disk, cartridge and ball type.

Fixing a compression faucet usually involves replacing a washer. Fixing others can require the replacement of Orings or neoprene seals.

Always keep your owner’s manual for fixtures, as some may have more elaborate repair specifications than others.

For repairing a compression faucet, there are some simple steps to take before you get started.

First Steps • Always remember to shut off the water under the sink.

You will be removing parts that essentially block the water from gushing out of your faucet, so it’s important to follow this first step.

• Cover your sink drain with a cloth or paper towel in case you drop a small part or screw.

• Prepare your wrench for action by duct-taping its jaws.

This will prevent any scratching of your fixture.

Fixing the Issue Now that you’re ready for repair, it’s time to disassemble the faucet. Depending on what yours looks like, you should start by prying off the decorative cap on the handle.

After that: • Remove the handle screw; • Use a wrench to unscrew the packing nut; • Unscrew the stem; • Remove the worn seat washer (which may be held in place by a brass screw); and • Coat the new washer with plumber’s grease and reinstall the fixture.

As good as your newly installed parts look, the true test will come in turning on the water. After you’ve reinstalled all screws and parts, turn back on your water and check for leaks.

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Do you have a room with damaged drywall? Maybe you’re looking to replace older paneling with the smooth, more modern appeal of drywall.

Installing and finishing your own drywall is a tedious, yet doable project for the average homeowner. Drywall comes in large sheets that are easy to screw into your wall’s studs.

Once you have removed your damaged drywall or paneling, it’s time to get to work.

Hanging Your Drywall Before you hang your drywall, it’s important to hold a piece up to your wall to make sure both ends of it are on a stud. With a cordless drill and the proper drywall screws, drive a screw every 8 inches along the perimeter of each sheet.

Drive your screws until they are imprinted into the drywall,

30 • 2016 HOME & GARDEN LIFE

not flush with the surface. You will apply joint compound to these dimpled areas later for a smooth finish.

Don’t forget to measure, mark and cut your drywall where any electrical outlets or light switches will need to go.

Mudding Your Drywall Once your drywall is hung, it’s time to apply joint compound to all taped areas and any screw holes or dents. Also known as mud, this compound will take care of any imperfections and make your various pieces of drywall appear as one.

• Smooth on the compound with a taping knife; • Wait for the first coat to dry and then apply a second; and • Remember you will be sanding this later so only use what you need.

Sanding Drywall Use a medium-grit sandpaper in your first round of sanding to bring down any rough areas left over from mudding. Too coarse a paper could damage the drywall paper surface. Too light a paper could be ineffective in breaking through layers of mud.

For ceilings you can use a pole-mounted drywall sanding tool. For small areas, you can sand with a wet sponge to reduce drywall dust.

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2016 HOME & GARDEN LIFE • 31

Wasps can absolutely terrorize a homeowner and family members if not kept at bay. They quickly build nests in sometimes hard-to-reach places as to keep their base hidden from any human danger.

Their ability to fly makes it harder to catch them, but fortunately you are smarter than a wasp. Your ability to spot a wasp nest from a distance gives you a distinct advantage in the fight for your yard, but you must make sure to approach or treat one carefully.

If you are allergic to wasp stings, it is not worth the risk to treat a nest yourself. Call in your local exterminator to handle the project for you.

32 • 2016 HOME & GARDEN LIFE

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention offers up these tips to protect yourself from wasp stings: • Wear light-colored, smooth-finished clothing; • Avoid perfumed soaps, shampoos, and deodorants; • Wear clothing to cover as much of the body as possible; • Avoid flowering plants when possible; • Keep work areas clean; • Remain calm and still if a single stinging insect is flying around; and • If attacked by several stinging insects, run to get away; and • Go indoors.

Using Pesticides Before deciding to use pesticides for your wasp problem, consider that if any of your pets were to ingest a wasp sprayed with pesticide, it could become poisoned. Some pesticides also can damage your grass or plants.

If you choose to use pesticide, be sure to treat according to the manufacturer’s specifications. You may be surprised how little is actually recommended to destroy the nests of flying insects such as wasps.

Also, be sure to find and discard any dead wasps that may have landed in your yard, barn or patio area. This will keep your pets from happening upon a potentially dangerous situation.

2016 HOME & GARDEN LIFE • 33

36 • 2016 HOME & GARDEN LIFE

2016 HOME & GARDEN LIFE • 37

Red Tail Restoration

“

A company dedicated to ecology with a mission to restore land to a healthy state and natural beauty.

G

reg Gagliano was approached by a homeowners association in 2010. This group of concerned community members had tirelessly worked to remove invasive plants and support native ecosystems, but they were unable to make a real impact on their 34 acres of common land. At the time, Greg was managing land for the Tyler Arboretum while also promoting the Backyard Habitat Program for the Delaware Nature Society. Although he had a full work load, Greg understood the challenges that the HOA was facing and recognized his unique ability to help them in their efforts. He decided to open Red Tail Restoration and Land Management, a company dedicated to ecology with a mission to restore land to a healthy state and natural beauty.

“When I first opened the company, there was no way to know if other people shared their views on environmental stewardship, so I remained in my other two positions while pursuing business growth on the side,” says Gagliano. As an ecologist with a degree in wildlife conservation, he knew that many people consider invasive plants to be the second largest threat to biodiversity next to habitat loss. Invasive plants are a group of exotic plants that spread prolifically in forests and landscapes due to a lack of natural checks and balances. The long-term effects of invasive plants can be highly detrimental to the ecosystem by reducing both the number and diversity of native plants with associated impacts on local wildlife. Furthermore, invasive vines often suppress natural tree growth and invaded areas typically look over-grown and unappealing.

“Restoring a natural forest or landscape that has become unsightly, unusable and unsafe vastly improves the health of the environment for all creatures, including us humans. Soon after opening the company, I was pleased to find that many people recognized the need for invasive plant management. Now we work with everyone from single homeowners, homeowner associations, farms, townships, as well as projects with the state of Delaware and the United States Fish and Wildlife Service. We have also expanded our services to support a variety of issues of ecological concern including invasive plant removal, forest management, grant-writing, native replanting, tree planting, water runoff, chemical-free algae removal

“

Before Homeowners dealing with erosion from water runoff on unused portion of lawn.

After This landscape was designed to manage water runoff while providing wildlife habitat by using plants that are native to the region.

Cut stems of Multiflora Rose and Chinese Wisteria seen growing through a carpet of English Ivy.

Before

After

from ponds, deer fencing, and habitat landscaping.”

Red Tail Restoration & Land Management is unique in the level of expertise that they provide. Greg has worked across the mid-Atlantic region on invasive plants, pond management, wildlife populations, endangered shorebird conservation, wildlife diseases, wetland assessments, environmental education, community outreach, and land management. He is currently a board member of the Delaware Invasive Species Council, and a member of the Delaware Nature Society Land and Biodiversity Management

Once the invasive plants were removed, existing dogwood and oak saplings began to thrive while native Wood Sorrel and Solomon’s Seal came in naturally.

Sweet Pepperbush was added to the site.

Committee, and White Clay Wild and Scenic PA Restoration Subcommittee. All employees are college-educated and committed to conservation and ecology.

“At Red Tail Restoration & Land Management, we believe that every land area and every landowner is different and we manage each project accordingly. We were founded on the principal that people can make a positive impact on the environment. Together we can make a difference.” For more information call (610) 772-1837 or visit www.redtailrestore.com.

610.772.1837 • www.redtailrestore.com Before Red Tail Restoration

• • • • •

Forest Management Invasive Plant Removal Habitat Landscaping Water Runoff Improvements Low-impact Deer Fencing Visit:

RedTailRestore.com or like us on Facebook Greg Gaglino P.O. Box 82 Glen Mills, PA 19342 (610) 772-1837 greg@redtailrestore.com

After Red Tail Restoration

When taking on any home improvement project, it is important to protect yourself from preventable injuries.

Doing so involves understanding the risks associated with your specific project, as well as equipping yourself with the proper tools.

Research shows that many Americans are seriously injured by home improvement accidents every year.

According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in 2013: • More than 511,000 people were treated in hospitals, doctors’ offices and emergency rooms for injuries related to ladder use; • Approximately 301,425 people were injured from lawn mower-related injuries; • Nearly 7,500 were treated for injuries related to power tools; and • More than 569,000 injuries were related to sofas and couches, particularly in climbing them to clean hardto-reach areas of the home.

Don’t become a statistic. Follow the tips below for a safe home improvement project.

Ladder Safety One of the most dangerous places around the home is on top of a ladder. Especially if you don’t scale them very often, ladders can pose balance issues. And given the height you’re dealing with, a fall can be very dangerous.

Always place ladders on a firm, 40 • 2016 HOME & GARDEN LIFE

level surface and always avoid wet ground.

Once you’re on the ladder, avoid leaning too far to one side or reaching for items. This can throw off your balance and quickly shift the weight of the ladder.

Other tips: • Never climb a ladder without someone nearby; • Keep your ladder away from electrical wires, tree limbs or other obstructions; and • Use a sturdy step ladder instead of furniture or a countertop to reach high areas.

General Safety Many injuries occur in far less dramatic ways than falling from a ladder.

Improper stretching and lifting techniques can do damage to your back, keeping you out of any home improvement projects until you recover from your injury.

When lifting heavy objects, it is important to separate your feet shoulder-width apart, bend your knees and lift with your legs.

Other tips: • If taking on a large project, alert your friends and family ahead of time so they will be able to check on you periodically; • Always keep a phone within reach in case of an injury; and • If working in the heat, take frequent breaks and hydrate properly.

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In between some shade trees with the breeze gently pushing you through rows upon rows of fresh vegetables, locally made crafts and one-of-a-kind food items. Is there a better way to spend a spring day?

Every year, millions of people take to the centers of their respective communities to celebrate all things garden. And considering the emerging popularity of movements focused on eating clean and consuming more organic products, local growers are finding their services in high demand.

Spring garden festivals provide enjoyable experiences for people of all ages, tastes and preferences for items such as flowers, bushes or trees. No matter what you’re looking for at a spring garden festival, you’re sure to find it.

Get Inspired One of the best aspects of attending a spring garden festival is the accessibility of local experts. This is your chance to ask your lawn and garden questions to a true specialist in the field.

You will likely find professionals from local nurseries, garden centers and outdoor construction firms. Use this opportunity to pick their brains on projects you have in mind for your home, such as a new garden fence or outdoor kitchen area.

42 • 2016 HOME & GARDEN LIFE

Get Products Don’t let the word “garden” fool you into thinking you’ll only be able to find flowers or plants at your spring festival.

Quite the opposite.

Vendors will be ready to sell all types of food, drinks, gardening tools, lawn accessories and decorative outdoor pieces, as well.

Many downtowns host sidewalk sales during their spring festivals. Here you can find local businesses selling their unique jewelry and housewares, all during a convenient stroll down your city streets.

Get Going What are you waiting for? Touch base with your local tourism organization and check the upcoming events section of your local newspaper to find your town’s next summer garden festival.

Don’t forget to bring a cart or wagon for all the goodies you’ll find.

A pickup truck will make it easy to haul the annuals, perennials, vegetables, herbs and spices you find from your favorite local businesses.

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Using and maintaining a chainsaw can be an intimidating experience, even for seasoned operators. The many sharp, moving parts can lead to serious injuries if the power of the chainsaw is not properly harnessed.

One of the most important steps in making sure your chainsaw stays in good working order is general maintenance, including changing of the chain from time to time.

Changing your chain is a fairly straightforward task that requires safety, care and a general understanding of how the chainsaw operates. Once you meet all of these requirements, changing out the chain could be a 10-minute job.

Why Change the Chain?

A sharp chainsaw chain makes your machine more efficient and powerful. Over time, your chain will dull, leaving you with a chainsaw operating at less than full strength.

When sharpening your chain fails to yield the desired results, it’s time to completely change the chain.

The first step is knowing what kind of chain you need. Different manufacturers carry different types of chains, so it is vital that you consult your owner’s manual to find out what type and size you need. Without this information, you could be taking numerous trips to the hardware store in search of the correct chain.

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Once you track down the chain made for your saw, it’s time to get to work on replacing it in a safe manner. Here’s how: 1. Release and remove your chainsaw chain by unlocking the brake and removing the access plate. Your saw may have a different first step, so be sure to check your manual for proper instructions. After removing the plate, release the chain tension and take off the blade.

2. Install the new chain by loosening the tensioning screw on the inside of the guide bar and carefully installing the new chain onto the saw. Put tension back onto the bar by pulling it away from the saw — the opposite of how you loosened it.

3. Put the parts back together by replacing the plate and tightening the chain by adjusting the tensioning screw.

Once your chain is replaced, it’s time to get back to work.

Be aware of any rattling or other calibration issues when you get started. You should notice a substantial difference in the saw’s power and cutting efficiency with the new chain.

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Adding a deck to your backyard can turn it into an outdoor oasis. With the proper measurements and tools, the project can be wrapped up over the course of a couple of weekends.

You’ll need a general understanding of how a deck is structured, so do your research. Will it be a simple, singlelevel deck? Or do you want to incorporate various raised areas for patio furniture or a grill?

Once you build your deck, don’t forget the finishing touches, such as solar post lights or light-blocking canopies that attach to your home. The final appearance of your deck is limited only to your imagination.

Here’s what you’ll need: • Circular saw • Drill • Posthole digger • Decking screws • Concrete mix • Level Pressure-Treated Lumber: 2X8X10 (joists) 2X10X10 (beams) 2X8X8 (decking) 4X4X8 (posts) 46 • 2016 HOME & GARDEN LIFE

Building a Deck

Building Your Deck

1. First carefully measure your deck area to determine the amount of lumber and materials you will need. Diligent measurements will mean less waste in the end and a more efficient process.

2. Mark your deck’s foundation and footing post locations with spray paint. This prep work will help you quickly dig holes for the deck’s ground support.

3. Dig footer holes 36 inches into the ground. Then mix and pour concrete into the holes with posts. Let the concrete set for at least one day. Some manufacturers recommend a week.

4. Cut 2X10s to the length of the deck and secure it to your posts. These will serve as the main beams.

5. Mark, cut and secure joists to run between the beams.

Deck boards will connect to the joists.

6. Lay the deck boards. Remember to leave a gap between boards for expansion and contraction. Insert two screws at every joist, countersinking the screws to prevent unsightly or potentially dangerous screw heads from popping up.

7. For the railing, measure and install posts every six feet along the side of the deck. Bolt the posts to the outer joists. Cut the rails to size and install between the railing posts.

2016 HOME & GARDEN LIFE • 47

If we know one thing about concrete and asphalt, it’s that they easily crack.

Despite this fact, they still make for the most durable and popular material choices for driveways.

Weather conditions and overall wear make cracks inevitable. Water can seep into or below the surface, expand and eventually damage the material. This is the most common cause of driveway cracks.

Fortunately, there are plenty of products on the market that enable homeowners to fix these types of cracks themselves, without having to go through the trouble of replacing entire sections of driveway.

Every spring, you should take a look around your driveway for signs of winter damage. This is the perfect time of year to find new cracks, and then take the appropriate action to fix them.

48 • 2016 HOME & GARDEN LIFE

Here are three steps to repairing a driveway crack: 1. Choose Your Material For driveway repairs, the most effective solution is a patch product that comes in both pourable and tubed forms. The pourable option is easier to use only because the tubed form requires a caulk gun for application. Choosing between the two is really a matter of preference, as both have been proven effective in repairing driveway cracks.

2. Follow the Application Directions The first step to a correct application usually involves clearing the area of dirt, debris and other foreign objects that would compromise the strength of the material. You could even spray out the crack with a garden hose, letting it fully dry before application. It’s recommended that you shake the product vigorously prior to applying.

Be sure to use protective eyewear and gloves when handling the products.

3. Smooth the Crack After applying filler to the height of the surrounding pavement, use a putty knife to level out the surface. Sometimes one application isn’t enough. Generally, you’ll want to wait 24

hours before applying a second coat. Other instructions can include avoiding walking or driving on the surface for up to two days.

Once you have followed the product instructions and waited the recommended amount of time, you should be able to use your driveway as normal for years to come.

2016 HOME & GARDEN LIFE • 49

Installing a New Toilet

Water leakage, cracks or rust are all great reasons to install a new toilet in your bathroom. Today’s models are highly efficient, which means you can save money on your water bill while updating your space.

Replacing your toilet is easy, requiring only a few tools and a couple of hours of work. Let’s get started.

Removing Your Old Toilet Before adding your new throne, you have to ditch your old one. This involves a few basic steps, none more important that turning off the water at the shutoff valve.

Next: • Flush the toilet to drain all the water from both the tank and toilet bowl, which should not refill now that the water is turned off.

• Disconnect your supply line with a wrench, making sure not to damage your water pipe in the process.

• Unbolt the toilet bowl from the floor.

• Carefully lift your toilet and remove it from the room. You should consider separating the tank from the bowl to make for an easier carry.

• Remove the old wax ring from the floor with a putty or utility knife.

Replacing Your Toilet Now that your old commode is in the dumpster, it’s time to add your new one. Again, a few simple steps and careful lifting will finish the job.

• Place the new wax ring, either under the toilet on the flange or directly on the floor.

• Place the toilet in position and press it down to set the seal.

• Secure the toilet to the floor with a washer and nut on each bolt, and then tighten.

• Secure the tank to the bowl with the required hardware and reattach the water supply line.

• Slowly turn on the water valve and check for leaks.

If you’re leak free, you’ve successfully completed your toilet installation. Install a toilet seat according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

50 • 2016 HOME & GARDEN LIFE

2016 HOME & GARDEN LIFE • 51

Backyard Safety Tips Backyard fun should conjure up positive thoughts of a barbecue grill, swing set and a game of Whiffle ball, all of which can also pose potential safety hazards.

Staying safe in your yard means more than simply teaching your children to avoid busy streets or stray dogs. It also requires some vigilance on your part to make sure they get the most out of their backyard fun.

Tend Your Yard Once the cold thaws and the temperature begins to warm, it’s time to take a general overview of your yard. Look for things such as large holes that may need to be filled or downed branches with sharp thorns.

Is your area prone to groundhogs digging up large chunks of your yard? These tunneled trails are not only unsightly but also can serve as tripping hazards. Check with your local hardware store or pest removal agency to rid yourself of these pesky pests in the most humane way possible.

Remedy these issues quickly to help keep you, your family and friends safe.

Grill with Caution Do your neighbors refer to you as the community grill master? Do your family members eagerly line up around the picnic table awaiting your next meat masterpiece?

Be sure you’re at your best — and safest — when it comes time to dust off the tongs.

Careless grilling can cause injuries, house fires and even explosions.

52 • 2016 HOME & GARDEN LIFE

If you’re cooking with gas, be sure to check your connections for leaks or blockages. Position your grill away from the house, deck and any flammable objects that could set ablaze if too close to an open fire.

More Tips The Allstate insurance company offers these tips for maintaining your health and safety during the outdoor seasons: • Test tree houses, jungle gyms and swing sets for safety, making sure your outdoor equipment is on a level area and the legs are properly anchored; • Double-check wooden structures to be make sure the winter elements haven’t broken them down; and • Take extra care to maintain safety near swimming pools, where the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission reports that thousands of injuries and drowning incidents occur every year.

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Seeds How to save, store and sow seeds If you’ve been growing your own vegetables year after year, you’ve probably had some favorites. Particular plants flourished -- the vegetables were high-quality -- and you tried to duplicate your results in subsequent years.

Buying commercially produced seeds is not an ultra-expensive proposition, but there is no guarantee of being able to successfully replicate the crop or even finding the correct seed. If you decide to cultivate your

54 • 2016 HOME & GARDEN LIFE

own seeds each year, you will not only save some money, but you will be able to reproduce your favorite picks, and you will be using seeds that have already begun to adapt to your unique growing conditions.

Many of the vegetables you regularly grow will produce seeds you can save and plant for the next year. Choose nonhybrid plants for the best results; seeds from hybrid plants may not carry the pure genetics you want. Pick the heartiest of your crop, don’t choose the very first buds or last stragglers: If you select the most robust specimens for seeds, you will be choosing from plants that are adapted to your soil.

Grow pure varieties and don’t allow for cross-pollination when planting for the best selection of seeds; grow only one kind of each vegetable variety in a small garden.

Let fleshy fruits and vegetables (e.g., squash, tomatoes,

Create

cucumbers, melons) ripen before picking them, and then scoop out the seeds, spreading them out to dry on a plate or sheet of wax paper in a well-ventilated area. Plants like beans and peapods need to dry on the vine until the casings are easy to crack open. Corn needs to dry on the vine until the kernels dent. Some vegetables, such as lettuce, need to grow to be flowers so the seeds can be collected from them.

Root vegetables are biennial, flowering after the second year and harvesting in the fall. Replant them in the spring for to produce flowers. Discard seeds from any diseased crops.

To store the seeds: Clean them by separating them from their coverings, pods and chaffs; small seeds can be rubbed between your hands while larger seeds may need more rigorous methods, like friction against screens and straining.

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Seeds

It is important not to combine seeds from other varieties or plants, and it’s a good idea to label them throughout the process with names, varieties and dates of collection.

It is also important to keep the seeds dry and exposed to air while preparing them for winter storage. Dry the seeds at room temperature or slightly below. Test larger seeds by trying to bend them, and if they snap, they’re ready.

Paper envelopes and airtight glass jars are best for storing seeds. Use the envelopes for small or flat seeds (remember to label them with names, varieties and dates of collection), and then store the envelopes in a dry glass jar with a desiccant. You can use baby food jars or other small jars to store large seeds like legumes. Commercial desiccants (silica) are available, or you can use a small amount of dry powdered milk twisted into a paper towel. Store the jars in a cool area

between 32 and 41 F (0 and 5 C).

Properly stored seeds will keep between two to six years, depending on the fruit or vegetable. Peas and beans last two years, tomatoes three, squash four, cucumbers five and pumpkins six. You can test germination rate by dampening a cotton ball, placing it in a small dish, sprinkling 10 seeds onto the cotton, and setting it aside for a few days. If seven to eight or more of the seeds sprout, the germination rate is adequate for planting.

Put seeds you’re planting in the freezer for three hours. When you remove them, the warm air will wake them from dormancy. Place them between damp paper towels for a day and then plant. Veteran gardeners recommend holding back about 10 percent of your seeds for the following year to ensure a continuous crop in case something happens to next season’s harvest.

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Gardening expert Jeff Rugg answers a reader’s question Q: In a recent column, you wrote about repotting houseplants, but you didn’t mention orchids. Is there anything different about them when it comes to repotting? Mine have roots growing out over the sides of the pot.

A: There are some terrestrial orchids that grow in potting soil and are repotted as any houseplant. Most orchids need repotting less often than other plants. It is OK for the roots to grow out of the pot and into the air. Some orchid pots have holes in the sides to encourage the roots to grow out.

Most orchids grown as houseplants are epiphytic. They grow on other plants, such as trees in the jungle. The soil they have for their roots is just some bark and any leaves or organic debris trapped by the roots of the orchid. They need a loose and open planting media, so there is lots of air around the roots. The roots need high humidity and dampness without being swamped in water.

It is likely that your local garden center carries a bag of orchid potting soil. If you can’t find a packaged mix, you can make one by mixing equal parts of bark pieces about the size of a quarter, perlite, peat moss, compost and Continued on next page

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terrarium charcoal. Some mixes use ceramic pebbles that hold moisture.

Trim off any broken or dead roots using sterile scissors. Spread the roots in the pot and pour in the potting mix around the roots. The plant should be stable in the pot without needing to be tied down. Soak the whole pot for an hour. The next watering will probably be in a week to ten days. Once you see new roots, you can resume fertilizing at onequarter strength every other watering.

There are a couple of ways to give the orchid roots the high humidity air that they like. You can place the pot on a saucer or on some marbles or stones on the saucer and keep some water in the saucer. Since I seem to bump into the saucers on a regular basis and spill some water, I don’t like this method as much.

I double pot a lot of my orchids. The inner pot has the potting media and drainage holes. The outer pot has some marbles in the bottom that are covered with water. The inner pot sits on the marbles and as the water evaporates, the orchid roots are surrounded by humid air.

58 • 2016 HOME & GARDEN LIFE

Making your Fourth of July party sparkle is about more than just lighting some fancy fireworks.

It’s about the camaraderie of inviting over your fellow Americans to celebrate one of the most defining days in our nation’s history. It’s also about celebrating those who have served our country to protect our freedom and liberties. And don’t forget the hot dogs!

The Fourth of July brings together people young and old to spend a day of fun in the sun celebrating the red, white and

T L

blue. If you’re throwing a party this year, there are many ways you can make it a memorable experience for you and your patriotic guests.

Food Any great Fourth of July party starts with the grill. Will you crisp up some ribs slathered in barbecue sauce or slow-grill some generous cuts of tender rib eye?

Devoting so much energy to the main course means you

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can skimp a bit on the appetizers. Consider asking your guests to each bring a dish with them. Before you know it, you’ll have options galore without having to cook your day away.

Drinks are another aspect of the party that may be better outsourced.

Tell your guests to bring what they will be drinking, along with a cooler of ice to keep your fridge space intact.

Decorating Compared to other parties, choosing your Fourth of July color scheme is easy. It’s what you build around the red, white and blue accents that will tie your party’s aesthetics together.

Your options are endless. From tablecloths and plates to streamers and even piñatas for

the kids, there are many ways to show off your pride in America’s colors. Balloons tied to your mailbox or red, white and blue yard lighting in the evening hours can really take your party to the next level.

Fun-Filled Day Legions of competitive eating fanatics watch the annual Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest every year.

The event drew more than 1 million viewers again in 2014, making it seven years in a row.

Why not host your own eating contest?

If hot dogs aren’t your thing, maybe you can pull off a watermelon or pie eating contest.

Let your family members and friends go wild with the activity — and take plenty of pictures.

2016 HOME & GARDEN LIFE • 61

5 things to know about growing tomatoes Tomatoes are easy to grow. Many times, unintentionally dropped seeds pop up into little seedlings without special care or attention. However, there are some simple tips to know before starting. These five will make your growing experience, and your tomatoes, that much richer.

1) Tomato plants are best watered at the roots. When you place the seedlings deep into soil, making sure they are planted up to the first leaves, it is time for watering. Avoid watering the leaves. Water on the tomato leaves actually increases the risk of disease, which can eventually harm the plant. If your plants are in the ground, then a soaking hose laid on or under the soil works well. Too much commitment? Then water the plant at the base of the plant and skip

62 • 2016 HOME & GARDEN LIFE

the leaves entirely. Water every five days.

2) Clipping at the “y” part of the plant branches will make the plant grow taller and produce more fruit. The “y” is the space between the main stem of the plant and the strong vines that grow off of them. These growths at the “y,” commonly called suckers, generally do not yield fruit and take energy away from the parts of the plant that do produce delicious tomatoes. If you pinch off the suckers early, they will not detract from fruit production. Simply take your thumb and first finger, and pinch off the offenders. Remember to put them into your compost.

3) Pick your tomatoes a day or two before they are fully ripe or right after a rainfall. Picking tomatoes before they are

fully ripe (you can tell by their bright, nongreen color) is a good idea. It encourages the plant to then focus on its budding fruit, allowing more fruits to grow during the season.

It also prevents overripening, which can lead to mealy tomatoes.

Another good time to pick ripe fruit is just after a large rainfall; the abundance of water can cause splitting. Splitting occurs when the fruit and its skin cannot hold the new liquid it takes in. Splitting brings nasty little insects that enjoy the open, rotting fruit.

Where do you store your almost-ready-toeat tomatoes? Store them in a flat and open container in a cool, dry place, such as a

counter or open area in a garage. Be sure to shuffle and rotate the tomatoes around to allow for even ripening. Also avoid refrigerating tomatoes. Mother Earth News explains that, “Tomato flavor declines at temperatures below 55 degrees.”

4) When you pick the fruit, try to keep the green stem on the tomato. Keeping the green top on the fruit can help prevent it from rotting sooner than it would have otherwise.

5) Cage and stake your tomatoes. Caging your tomatoes ahead of time and setting up stakes to hold their lovely weight when full of fruit is easy if planned and done early in the Continued on next page

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64 • 2016 HOME & GARDEN LIFE

Continued from previous page

season. Cherry tomatoes require taller cages than regular or plum tomatoes.

In the center of the cage, place a bamboo stake: at least 9 feet for cherry or 6 feet for regular or plum tomatoes. Tomato plants should be 4 feet apart to promote air circulation for disease prevention. Place the bamboo stake in the center of the square of four tomato cages and tie each cage to that stake. As your plants grow, tie up the vines to the cage if low enough, or to the bamboo stake you placed in the center.

Also space your planting. Organic Gardening Magazine explains that, “Three weeks after you plant tomatoes in your garden, put in another set so all of your harvest doesn’t come at once.”

Bonus tip: Cook the green tomatoes that were picked or fell from the plant too early.

Larger green tomatoes can easily be cooked and eaten. Cut quarter-inch slices, soak a moment or two in milk, and cover the slices with breadcrumbs. Fry in cooking oil until golden brown and serve warm.

Did you know? Tomatoes can be classic red, golden orange, pale yellow, clear white and even deep purple. Try to grow a variety for mouth-watering new flavors.

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