Home and Garden 2014

Home &

Garden

April 16, 2014

A Special Supplement

Azle News The

Springtown Epigraph THE

2

Wednesday, April 16, 2014

Index of Advertisers

404 Main Place

3M Storm Shelters, LLC ........................................................... 5 404 Main Place ....................................................................... 15 Above All Things Antiques ..................................................... 12 A/C & Heat by Russell ............................................................. 9 Ace Hardware of Azle .............................................................. 7 Atex Trash Service .................................................................. 21 At Home Roofing .................................................................... 10 A Tractor Shop............................................ ............................ 21 Azco Self Storage ................................................................... 18 Azle Appliance Repair ............................................................ 12 Azle Door/ American Home. .................................................. 28 Azle Pet Salon ......................................................................... 24 Brace Chiropractic & Wellness, L.L.C. .................................. 14 Burtnett Insurance Agency- Germania.................................... 20 Chad’s Tree Service ................................................................ 18 Chapman Carpentry .................................................................. 9 Classic Green Landscaping ....................................................... 6 Clear Fork Materials ............................................................... 22 Comet Cleaners ....................................................................... 10 Country Cottage .......................................................................11 David’s Patio, LTD ................................................................. 25 Diamond B Roofing ............................................................. 9,18 Dot’s Locker................................................ ........................... .15 Dunn Produce............................................................................ 9 E&E Equipment Co. ............................................................... 16 Eagle Mountain Veterinary Clinic........................................... 17

Home & Garden

From birthdays to conferences, 404 Main Place can accommodate up to 350 people.

The expansive site is available for banquets, anniversaries, weddings, and graduations.

And the facility, owned by (l-r) James Tucker, Darlene Tucker, and Gary Trojacek, also conducts auctions on the second Saturday of every month. For more information on how 404 Main Place can serve you, call 817-448-8459 or visit them on Facebook or at the company’s web site at www.404MainPlace.com

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Home & Garden

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Wednesday, April 16, 2014

Index of Advertisers Fidelity National Title ..............................................................11 Freeman Roofing & Construction, Inc. ................................... 17 Graceland of Azle ................................................................... 24 Highland Furniture ...................................................................11 Huffman Landscape & Irrigation .............................................. 8 J&E Air Conditioning and Heating ......................................... 20 K-DL Feed & Supply .............................................................. 18 KJR Landscape & Irrigation ................................................... 19 Larry’s Carpet .......................................................................... 2 Longhorn Termite & Pest Control .......................................... 24 Marsha Hardin Real Estate ...................................................... 4 MMI Electric............................................................................. 4 Northwest Rentals ................................................................... 26 Orand Nursery ......................................................................... 27 Parker County Flooring............................................................. 5 Pinnacle Bank ........................................................................... 3 Silva Masonry Concrete L.L.C. .............................................. 18 Star Bank of Texas .................................................................. 13 State Farm- Frankie Robbins .................................................. 14 State Farm- Haley Carter ........................................................ 23 Stuart Nursery ......................................................................... 16 Tom Samples Pest Control ...................................................... 17 Waldrop’s Furniture.................................. ............................. .25 Weichert Realtors .................................................................... 10 West Side Storage ................................................................... 10 WD Welding Services, LLC ................................................... 12 Zimmerer Kubota & Equipment, Inc. ..................................... 23

Larry’s Carpet

Larry’s Carpet has the covering for every room in your house. The showroom and warehouse at 8305 Jacksboro Highway offers carpet – rolls and remnants – ceramic tile, and wood flooring at great prices. In business since 1979, the pros (and their helpers) include Luke, Tyler, Larry, Preslee, and Nathan. If you can’t stop by in person, call them at 817-237-7871 or visit the web site at www.Larryscarpet.com and see the quality Larry’s Carpet has been offering for decades.

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Wednesday, April 16, 2014

Watering 101

Home & Garden

CLEAR FORK MATERIALS

Help your lawn thrive through the dog days of summer Summer can take its toll on just about everyone. Even the most ardent fan of summer eventually grows weary of a heat wave, which can make something as simple as walking down the street seem exhausting.

While human beings have their ways of surviving summer heat, such survival can be more difficult for your lawn and garden. Certain grasses and plants thrive in hot weather. But when the dog days of summer arrive, even those grasses and plants built to withstand the summer sun can suffer. That’s why watering takes on such importance in the summertime, when grasses and plants need water to avoid drying out and possibly even dying. The following are a few basic watering techniques to help homeowners keep their lawns going strong through the next summer swoon. * Water when it’s coolest. Watering when the temperatures are their lowest might seem counterintuitive. After all, homeowners might think their grass and gardens need water most when the temperature is at its highest. But watering when the temperature is cooler decreases evaporation, meaning your lawn will get the water it needs and won’t lose any to steamy conditions that cause evaporation. This is especially important when the amount of water you can use is limited by a drought restriction. You’ll want to make sure the water you can

use is actually going to the lawn and not evaporating as you’re watering.

Watering in the early morning or in the evening, when the sun is not as strong and the temperatures are generally at their coolest, also reduces the likelihood that your grass will burn. That’s because water attracts the sun, and a lawn that’s wet in the middle of a hot day might attract too much sun and cause the lawn to burn. * Recognize that not all plants are the same. How much water a plant needs and how frequently it needs to be watered largely depends on how deep its roots are.

A plant with shallow roots won’t need to be watered for long periods of time, but it will need to be watered frequently, whereas a deep-rooted plant like a tree or a shrub will need to be watered for long periods of time but not as frequently. Research the plants around your property to determine the depths of their root systems and water accordingly. * Lean on mulch to retain moisture. Mulch is often considered an aesthetically appealing addition to a landscape, but it serves a practical purpose as well. Mulch retains moisture during the hot summer months, reducing the need to water -- a valuable benefit during a drought restriction. Mulch also makes it difficult for weeds to grow, which can keep homeowners

The types of material available at Clear Fork Materials can satisfy any homeowner. CFM’s array of landscape materials can be purchased in bulk or bagged. That includes custom topsoil blends, sand, mulches – seven types – and organic compost to name a few. CFM also offers shale, rock, and railroad ties. Pick up or have your order delivered from 800 Old Annetta Road in Aledo. Call them for information on materials or a landscape quote: 817-441-777. They’ll be there – they have been since 1986. They’re also online at www. clearforkmaterials.com.

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REAL ESTATE

MarshaHardin.com Marsha.Hardin@gmail.com

PLEASE SEE HELP, PAGE 8

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Home & Garden

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Wednesday, April 16, 2014

NorthWest Rentals

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INSURANCE can’t replace a family member.

BE PREPARED for the next storm!

When it comes to hard-working tools for outdoor spring cleaning, the name to trust is Echo. And Northwest Rentals offers Echo trimmers, blowers, and chainsaws – all with 5-year warranties – to help make your property shine.

Stop by and see (l-r) Colton Child, Tina Child, Cody Child, or Tyler Child at 8026 Jacksboro Highway in Fort Worth.

You can also see what the business has to offer by calling 817-237-6767 or by visiting www.northwetrentals.net.

Did you know?

Fossil specimens found in the United States and Northern Africa indicate that roses have been around for at least 30 million years.

Although there are thousands of different species of roses, and likely many more that haven’t yet been classified, only a handful of roses are considered the most popular. These popular varieties include the hybrid tea, floribunda, grandiflora, climber, and miniature roses.

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Wednesday, April 16, 2014

Home & Garden

Orand is not your average nursery by carla noah stutsman Rodney Orand says that, for him, it’s all about the hunt.

The owner and operator of Orand Nursery, located at 1950 Roberts Cut-Off in River Oaks, Orand has a passion for collecting unusual plants.

That shows in the variety of high-end, rare plants, and trees in inventory at the nursery.

“We bring in uncommon varieties and we feel like we may be changing the landscape in the Metroplex,” Orand said. “We have some great connections with the Fort Worth Zoo and several professors at San Marcos who are pretty sharp and they say we’re having a positive influence.”

For example, Orand Nursery is expecting the arrival of numerous Saguaro cacti, the famous armed cactus symbolic of Arizona.

“We have many plants that are hardy to 20 degrees below zero, as well,” Orand said. “We have about 200 Yucca rostrata coming in and Yucca linearfolia. Yucca rostrata can grow up to 18 feet in 35 years.”

Orand is also proud to offer Yucca treculeana, a type of Yucca that crawls across the ground.

“I know when something is different and I try to get ahold of it,” he continued. “Often I dig them myself.”

Orand Nursery is filled with palms, cacti, yucca, palms, and a slew of other drought-tolerant plants.

Because Orand is such a hands-on plants guy, he’s decided to bring on a new business partner, Paula Eaton.

“I went to school with her, and she’s a doll,” rodney orand prunes a palm tree at his business, orand nursery.

Photo by Stephanie Cravotta Orand said. “Having Paula on board to run the

business side of things, I can do what I shine at – locating the rare plants is my specialty.”

Orand Nursery is located on family-owned property in a location where Rodney’s parents owned and operated Orand TV Repair for many years.

After his dad passed away, that business closed and Rodney turned it into a nursery.

“My mother has been here from day one, nine years ago” Orand said. “She’s instrumental in my still being in business.”

Orand graduated from Castleberry High School.

His studies at UT-Arlington eventually morphed into botany expertise. That gave him an in-depth knowledge of his plants over the two-plus acre business.

He will recommend plants to complete your design plan and even help with installation if necessary.

Orand offers more Texas-hardy plants than any other nursery in the Metroplex and also offers items created by local artisans.

A combination of unique plants and one-ofa-kind artistic “yard art” allows for exceptional landscape opportunities.

The nursery has even gotten the attention of the cable television show Shipping Wars, Orand said.

“They want to do an episode here when I get a real big shipment coming in,” Orand said.

In the meantime, he’ll keep hunting for those elusive, rare plants.

The business is open from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Saturday.

Call them at 817-337-3090 or 817-313-3072 or visit the web site at www.orandnursery.com.

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Home & Garden

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Wednesday, April 16, 2014

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Wednesday, April 16, 2014

Help your lawn thrive n HELP, FROM PAGE 4

from spending hot summer afternoons pulling weeds out of their gardens and flower beds. * Strategically locate sprinklers. Sprinklers should be located so no water is ending up on the driveway or sidewalks around your property. Watering the concrete or asphalt is waste-

Home & Garden

American Home

ful, and that’s water that could be going toward your plants. When watering by hand, be sure all of the water is finding its way to plants and not on any walkways.

Successfully watering a lawn and garden during the dog days of summer can greatly reduce the risk of ending summer with a lawn full of bald spots and a garden filled with wilted plants.

American Home in Springtown builds a variety of metal structures: custom barns, carports, windmills, garage doors, and storage buildings among them. The business, located at 5189 East Highway 199, is offering this barn for $12,700. Major credit cards are Effective watering can help a lawn and garden survive accepted. For more information, call 817-221-2218 or 817-444-3667 or visit the web site the dog days of summer. at americanhome.com.

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Home & Garden

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Wednesday, April 16, 2014

Get kids excited about gardening Many adults understand the joy of gardening, but gardening can be equally fun for children as well.

While some adults may feel that certain children do not have the patience or perseverance to see plants grow from seeds to adulthood, selecting plants that are hardy and sprout quickly may be the key to igniting a love of gardening in children.

Choosing seeds that sprout quickly can hold the attention of children who are new to gardening. Many different plants fit this bill. Beans, peas, sunflower seeds, and bell pepper seeds are easy to start and germinate quickly. In addition, many leafy vegetables, such as chard, lettuce, spinach, and mustard, germinate in three to five days. Herbs, such as basil and parsley, also sprout fast. All of these plants are good options for introducing children to gardening, as each provides quick gratification.

To further interest children, it is a good idea to plant seeds in a way that allows youngsters to monitor the progress of growth. Use a transparent container, such as rinsed-out glass jars and canisters, to house the plant. Such containers give kids an unobstructed view of the process, during which children can plot the progress of seed germination and easily spot root and stem development. Once the seedlings grow larger, they can be transplanted into different containers.

Many seedlings can sprout with water alone. Children can easily grow new plants from clippings of a mature plant left resting in a shal-

low cup of water, and seeds may not even need soil to germinate.

Kids may have luck sprinkling seeds on a dampened, crumpledup piece of paper towel. Cotton balls also make a good place to nestle seeds. Either material will hold on to water, keeping the seeds moist until they sprout.

Afterward, the seedlings can be carefully moved into a soil-andcompost mix. The paper towel and the cotton balls will decompose and add to the organic matter already in the soil.

Edible plants often make good choices for children because kids can reap the rewards of their efforts. Herbs can be sprinkled onto food, or fruits and vegetables can be grown in containers and then served at mealtime. Kids can show pride in their accomplishments, especially if they have tan-

Classic Green

If you need any sort of landscaping done, Classic Green should be your first phone call. The pros that will help you achieve yard nirvana include owner Garrett Bremer, foreman Kyle Thornton, irrigation specialist Vincent Booth, office manager Diane Hicks, and a slew of expert lawn and landscapers. Your yard can become a head turner if you call the licensed and insured experts at Classic Green at 817-479-9503 or visit them at www.classicgreen.com. gible results on the dinner plate.

Children who want to try something different can explore other types of plants. Aquatic plants, or those found at the pet store to grow in aquariums, can be easy to grow. They need little more than a container, fresh water and sunlight. Cacti and other succulents

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tered inside can also be explored outdoors. Set aside a plot of dirt where kids can sow their own seeds and tend to their own gardens. This hobby can help children learn patience and hard work while fostering an appreciation of nature.

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are also fun to explore. These plants are quite hardy in that they can stand up to moderate abuse, such as failure to water frequently enough. The unique appearance of cacti make them interesting focal points for an indoor garden.

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Wednesday, April 16, 2014

Managing difficult yard situations Many homeowners aim for a picture perfect lawn complete with rolling acres of soft, green grass. But Mother Nature may have other things in mind, providing homeowners with lessthan-stellar growing conditions for their lawns, plants and other foliage. Frustration can mount when a yard is muddy, is especially shady or has soil that doesn’t seem to grow a thing.

In such instances, homeowners may have to go the extra mile to get the yard they desire.

Irrigation issues Improper drainage or low-lying areas in a yard may contribute to a muddy mess. Soil that is inhospitable for grass also may end up causing muddy patches because the grass simply does not grow. In some cases, remedying a muddy yard is easy and inexpensive. Some homeowners find that tilling the soil and amending it with a fiber mulch helps to absorb extra water and make the conditions better for lawn seeds to sprout. This also helps to aerate compacted soil that can hinder grass growth.

Adding soil fill also may help to level low-lying areas that can be puddling.

Some homeowners find that they need to do a little more work and spend some more

Sandy soil Grass and other plants may not grow well with sandy or clay soil. Again, amending the soil is one way to remedy the problem. Although it will take some work at the outset, amending the soil can improve conditions and reduce how much maintenance the lawn needs. Digging down several inches and adding nutrient-rich filler soil will help create conditions that are better for growing. Those who are interested in planting vegetables could opt for raised garden beds Spring and summer in Texas – you know what that means: storms. And that’s where 3M above the challenging soil.

Storm Shelters come in. The company’s above ground shelters are steel constructed for superior strength against whatever might drop from the Lone Star skies. Multiple Shade Sometimes a yard is problem- sizes are offered and custom protection can be built upon request. Be prepared for the atic because of the amount of next major weather incident with a fortified safe room. Michelle, Megan, and Greg will see that you and your family stay safe. Call 817-475-2286 or visit www.3mstormshelters.

PLEASE SEE DIFFICULT, PAGE 14 com for more information.

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money to fix irrigation issues.

Installing a draining system or having the property sloped to draw water away can sometimes be done by a homeowner but is often best left to a professional.

You may need to dig trenches, and the property may need to be regraded to make a difference.

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Home & Garden

11

Wednesday, April 16, 2014

Star Bank loves local folks Personal service attracts customers area wide by mark k. campbell Star Bank is located in Lake Worth, but the establishment serves customers from all over the area.

Assistant vice-president Jennifer Conway said, “We reach out west. We have many customers from Azle and Springtown.”

She said since many local folks drive into the Metroplex to work, the hometown banks near

where they live are often closed by the time they can get back.

So, they choose Star Bank at 3930 Boat Club Road.

Offering a variety of banking services falls right in with Star Bank’s motto: “Everybody is somebody to us.”

Conway says that’s certainly true at the Lake Worth branch. In fact, she says her fellow workers

are so close that they are a “second family.”

She added, “I love working here. Sometimes we feel like ‘first family’ because we spend so much time here.”

Conway said relationships between her customers and her work family make Star Bank a great place to work.

“It’s such a great organization. I brag about it all the time,” she said.

The business is headed by leadership that is Christ faithbased, Conway said.

“We have ‘In God We Trust’ in concrete here,” she said.

While Star Bank offers the usual array of extensive services

and extended hours, a couple of new options hover on the horizon for customers.

Conway said the launch of a Star Bank app is very near.

“You’ll be able to do mobile depositing by just taking a picture of your check.”

The app should be completed by early June, she said.

Another new service that will arrive soon will allow quicker payment via a debit card system between parties.

“That will really make us stand out from others,” Conway said.

A lifelong Springtown resident, Conway said she went off to college in Stephenville to become a nurse, but a job at a bank in 2000 redirected her.

“I got a job as a teller and I loved it,” she said. “I haven’t done anything else since.”

Star Bank befriends customers as evidenced by the M&M Can-

dies memorabilia that surrounds Conway in her office.

She and a customer share that collecting hobby, Conway said.

Sometimes they give each other figurines or other items.

Star Bank offers personal and business options, including loans and checking accounts.

The bank was charted in 1998 and also has branches in White Settlement and Burleson.

Each branch is filled with local folks who are involved in school, city, and church activities nearby.

The independent bank offers traditional major banking services while striving to maintain a “community bank” feel.

Customers can expect decisions to be made locally with little delay.

Star Bank will consider any size request – all provided by someone you might likely know.

Like Jennifer Conway.

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Go green in your garden

Wednesday, April 16, 2014

Home & Garden

Haley Carter State Farm

Planting more plants and flowers around the property is one way gardeners can garden in a more eco-friendly way.

Gardening can be a rewarding and relaxing hobby, one that allows gardeners to escape from the daily grind and soak up some sun. As rewarding as gardening can be, it’s even more so when gardeners ply their trade in an eco-friendly way.

Gardening with the environment in mind is something many gardeners might do already without even knowing it. The following are a few ways to garden in a way that’s mutually beneficial to gardeners and the environment. * Use mulch to conserve resources and reduce reliance on fertilizers. Conserving resources is one of the best ways to help the environment, and applying mulch is a great way to conserve water. Mulch helps the soil retain water, keeping the water from evaporating into the air, which means less watering for gardeners who want to keep their gardens looking lush and healthy.

In addition to helping conserve water, mulch can also help reduce reliance on fertilizers.

That’s because mulch provides nutrients to the soil as it breaks down, providing an eco-friendly alternative for gardeners who don’t want to rely on fertilizers to deliver nutrients to their soil. * Plant more flowers. Planting flowers is another eco-friendly way to garden. Native flowers, in particular, can help maintain an area’s natural ecosystem, providing food and shelter for insects and other wildlife.

More flowers and plants around the property also means there will be significantly less grass to mow, which reduces the amount of gas necessary to mow that grass in the warmer weather and the amount of greenhouse gases the lawn mower produces.

In addition, less grass means less need for fertilizers and pesticides to maintain that grass. * Choose gardening tools and products with the environment in mind. Veteran gardeners have a host of tools that help tackle

every problem imaginable. But many older tools or gardening products might not be made of recycled materials. When shopping for gardening tools, whether you’re a beginner who needs everything or a veteran gardener whose tools have seen better days, choose products made from recycled materials.

For example, many gardeners use mats to help reduce stress on their knees when kneeling down to garden. When buying a new mat, choose one made from recycled tires.

But emphasizing recycled products shouldn’t stop at the tool shed. Mulch, for instance, can be made from recycled rubber and won’t impact the environment in a negative way. Just be sure to purchase recycled mulch that is nontoxic and does not consume natural resources. * Live and let live. Insects might be a nuisance, but they can also be a gardener’s best friend.

Spraying insecticide simply because insects can be pesky is shortsighted and impractical. Cer-

Personal service from local professionals is what you get from Haley Carter’s insurance agency. She is an agent for State Farm, the No. 1 vehicle insurer in Texas. Carter and her expert staff at 408 Boyd Court offer competitive rates with small town friendliness. Call the agency at 817-444-1100 or visit www.haleycarter.com and discover why consumers agree that “like a good neighbor, State Farm is there.” tain spiders prey on other insects that can be harmful to a garden, while butterflies and bees help pollenate flowers. Earthworms are also very beneficial to a garden, helping to aerate and fertilize the soil and enabling plants to grow by removing harmful matter from the soil.

Gardening is a rewarding hobby, one that is even more so when gardeners institute ecofriendly practices.

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Home & Garden

Difficult yard situations n DIFFICULT, FROM PAGE 10

sunshine it receives. Too much sunshine can scald certain grasses, while inadequate sunshine may result in bare patches where grass won’t grow. If cost is no object, removing or planting trees to establish better growing conditions could be an option.

However, today there are many

grass blends that are tailored toward specific sunlight scenarios.

Homeowners may find that lowlight blends will grow better in shady areas.

For those who are finding no luck with grass blends, it may just be necessary to think creatively. Plant shade-loving plants, such as ferns or ground cover, where the grass won’t

take. Design the landscape so it looks intentional. Flagstone and slate placed in certain areas also may mask temperamental growing areas.

There are different options for managing various situations in the yard that can make growing lawn or other plants challenging.

If projects are difficult, it could be smart to call in a professional.

Shady situations may impede grass growth in a yard.

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Home & Garden

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404 Main Place Banquet Hall Rental (350 max capacity)

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These animals may help your garden Planning and maintaining a garden requires a lot of effort, which can result in an aesthetically pleasing addition to the landscape. But that hard work can also fall victim to nature when local wildlife find a garden too mouth-watering to resist.

In an effort to rid a garden of unwanted pests, gardeners may unwittingly scare away animals and insects that might just protect the garden from more illintentioned animals. Not every creature that scurries is out to get prized petunias or to devour tomatoes. In fact, many can prove beneficial to gardens.

with a habitat they like.

Bats Bats have a bad reputation, as people unnecessarily fear bats because they believe them to be carriers of disease. But many bats feed off of insects or fruits and will not harm a human. The average brown bat can eat 1,000 mosquitoes in an hour, so it’s easy to see why bats are good to have around. Mosquitoes are not only a nuisance but also harbor potentially dangerous diseases. Bats also may eat certain rodents, which can cut down on the number of animals burrowing in a yard.

Snakes Snakes in a garden can be disconcerting to some people, but snakes are ideal predators who feed on insects and rodents several times their size. Snakes are the right size and shape to invade the burrows of pest animals.

Frogs Frogs and toads will prey on insects and make the local insect population more manageable.

Toads eat mainly slugs, who feed on the leaves and fruits of many plants. Frogs and toads are attracted to water, so including a pond or another water feature in the garden will provide them

Birds While it is true that some birds can damage crops, many birds are content to feed on insects attracted to the garden, which helps to keep insect numbers in check. Chickadees, for example, will dine on aphid eggs, while larger birds may prey on mice or other rodents or simply scare them out of the garden. Jays and mockingbirds are known to be feisty and can even deter dogs and cats from a yard. Hummingbirds will sip on the nectar of flowers and help pollinate plants.

Butterflies and bees Butterflies and bees are responsible for pollinating the vast majority of plants. Avoid using pesticides that may diminish butterfly or bee populations. A beehive right next to a garden may not be practical, but don’t make attempts to destroy it.

Consult with a professional beekeeper to see what can be done to move the beehive without destroying it.

Many animals and insects can be detrimental to the health of a garden. However, several animals are handy to have around and should be welcomed to the landscape.

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Wednesday, April 16, 2014

Tips when creating an outdoor living space Outdoor living spaces have become increasingly popular over the last several years. The home improvement boom has shown many homeowners just how easy it can be to transform a home into a private sanctuary that caters to the personalities of the home’s residents.

Outdoor living areas have become an extension of the home’s interior, with many homeowners creating outdoor living rooms and dining areas so they can relax and eat meals outside just as they do indoors. But homeowners thinking of creating outdoor living spaces should consider a few tricks of the trade before beginning their projects.

Strategically place the space.

Property often dictates where the outdoor living space will go, but it helps to keep in mind that the outdoor space is more likely to be used if it’s easily accessible from the inside of the home. For instance, if residents need to walk out the front door to access an outdoor living space in the backyard, then residents might find the area

is too inconveniently located and they won’t make the most of the space. Whenever possible, plan the outdoor living space so it’s easily accessible from the home’s interior, preferably from the kitchen so it will be easier to carry meals outdoors when dining outside.

Emphasize comfort. Many homeowners look at their outdoor living areas as places to kick their feet up and relax, so comfort should take precedence when planning the space. Forgo the plastic patio chairs of yesteryear for furniture that’s more sturdy and roomy so you won’t feel cramped or sweaty on warm summer evenings and afternoons. In addition, don’t forget to shade the area. Some homeowners choose to build pergolas, but oftentimes an umbrella or two can do the trick at a fraction of the cost. If the outdoor living area is near trees, they might provide sufficient shade from the often blistering summer sun. But

Home & Garden

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Home & Garden

9 great ways to improve curb appeal Homeowners who want their homes to make strong first impressions must prioritize curb appeal. Homes with strong curb appeal sell well and can impart a welcoming feel to all visitors.

Improving curb appeal need not be expensive, and the following are a handful of ways to improve the appearance of your home.

1. Install a bold-looking door in a vibrant color or one with a custom design. This helps the home stand out from other properties in the neighborhood.

2. Edge the driveway to create a distinct border between the driveway and the lawn or other

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Wednesday, April 16, 2014

landscaping features. This helps homes appear neat and well kept.

3. Use outdoor lighting to make a home more inviting. Outdoor lighting also makes properties safer to traverse at night.

4. Clean a home’s exterior to remove mildew or discolorations from the siding, driveway, patio, and other outdoor elements.

5. Improve landscapes with fresh plants and seasonal color.

Homeowners without the time to plant can consider container gardens, which don’t take much time to assemble but still add appeal to a home’s exterior.

6. Prune planting beds and add new mulch to restore color.

7. Add shutters and accent trim to a home’s exterior to improve on the beauty of the house.

8. Install new fencing or give a fresh coat of paint or stain to an existing fence.

9.

Replace concrete paths with tile or stone walkways to make entryways more impressive and inviting.

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Pinnacle Bank is the place to go for the latest on mortages. The professionals at the Azle branch – (l-r) Natasha Hensley, Regina Stokes, Linda Murphy, Nate Simmons, Lorie Pack, Kristie Tatsch, and Randa Goode – will find you the best opportunity if you are planning to refinance or purchase a home. You can also apply online at pinnbanktxmortgage.com. Contact an Azle loan professional at 817-444-2504 for more information.

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Home & Garden

your friendly, helpful, and knowledgeable neighbors at ace at azle are ready to help the Garden Center at ace of azle has expended its selec- with all your home improvement projects, large or small.they include (l-r,): Felicia Finstad, JD Barnes, Cara tayon, eddie Konczak, David Florence, and Debbie Johnson. tion to include a larger variety of plants.

Photo by Natalie Gentry

Photo by Stephanie Cravotta

Continuing to grow

By Natalie GeNtry Things are changing at Ace of Azle.

In their second year, the store is planning additions to their inventory.

“We are having a couple of major additions to the store,” said Cara Tayon, store manager.

In addition to the plumbing and electrical supplies, tools, and hardware that are the expected products, the company is continuing to enlarge their paint department and garden center.

Ace will celebrate a paint grand opening in May with the addition of the Valspar brand.

The store will continue to carry Clark+Kensington as well as the Ace brand paint, Ace Royal – which according to Consumer Reports, was ranked as the number one exterior paint.

“People want options,” Tayon said. “We will carry a couple of Azle, TX ,L.L.C.

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Ace specific lines of Valspar including Aspire paint and primer for interior and exterior use and Optimums for interior use only.”

These paints have been developed with NovoColor Pigment Technology to provide brilliant color and a flawless finish.

Both lines are low odor, zero VOC formulas and provide the maximum durability to withstand major wear and washing in high traffic zones.

“Almost everything in aisles four and five will be different,” Tayon said. “We are going to add a Valspar chip rack, in addition to the updated Clark+Kensington rack, which means more colors to choose from and an auto-tinting paint system.

“We’ll be able to match more colors,” Tayon said.

Customers can bring in colors from anywhere and the team at

Ace of Azle expands its selection

Ace will be able to reproduce it.

Another area that Ace of Azle is expanding is its garden center.

“We have broadened the selection this year,” Tayon said.

“We still have the veggies, large tomatoes, and large peppers, but this year there are tons of blooming plants too.”

Tayon said that the team is honing their skills and selections after listening to customer re-

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delivered to your Ace Hardware store at no charge.

They’ll let you know when they arrive and you can pick them up at your convenience.

Ace of Azle is independently owned but is affiliated with Ace Hardware.

The store is located at 505 N. Stewart Street in Azle – between Brookshire’s and Bealls.

Call them at 817-270-5600.

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quests and feedback.

“People have asked for a specific ground cover or plant and we have tried to respond to all the requests,” Tayon said.

You can also go to www.acehardware.com and order any supplies you may need.

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Home & Garden

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Wednesday, April 16, 2014

Ace of Azle

E&E Equipment

Ace of Azle is always ready to serve as a one-stop shop for area consumers. Now, they are gearing up for a series of special sales. Plus, Ace of Azle will have a bevy of options to please Moms on Mother’s Day May 11. So hurry over to Ace of Azle at 505 North Stewart Street in Azle for whatever you need – or call them at 817-270-5600. The Ace Hardware professionals are ready to take care of you; after all, they are “the helpful place.”

E&E Equipment Company is the place to go for your every mowing need, whether its for the home or your commercial business. They have many models of Bush Hog 0-turn mowers with dual hydrostats drive systems and adjustable twin lever steering. E&E Equipment says customer service and satisfaction are their number one priority, and they promise their riders will “cut mowing time in half.” Call Mark Ellenbarger at 817-2376641 or visit www.ee-euipment.com for more information.

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Home & Garden

How to rid your yard of those pesky pests Spring is the season when lawn and garden equipment is dusted off, windows are washed and homes are aired out. Spring also is a great time to get started on lawn and garden projects.

Early spring might not be warm enough to start planting, but it is a great time to inspect a yard for any property damage or problems, including pests.

Small animals like groundhogs can compromise lawn and garden projects. For example, vegetable gardens are prime targets for such pests, while trees and shrubbery offer cozy abodes and camouflage from other predators. Homeowners can grow frustrated by the damage such critters can do to their properties. But identifying the offenders early on can minimize that damage.

Groundhogs Groundhogs are one of 14 species of marmots and are the largest members of the squirrel family. They frequent the areas where woodlands meet open spaces, like streams, roads or fields. Groundhogs feed on grass, plants, fruit and tree bark.

They also will feast on home gardens during the summer and fall seasons. Groundhogs are most active during the warm months, when they forage and feast to build up large reserves for winter hibernation.

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ing groundhogs at bay include making the area inhospitable.

Groundhogs can climb trees and fencing, but they’re less likely to get into plants if there is a fence around them. Dogs can be preventive as well, as some dogs will chase groundhogs off of the property. The scent of urine can also scare groundhogs off. Using traps to capture and then relocate groundhogs is another option.

Moles Moles are cylindrical mammals that are most comfortable living a subterranean lifestyle.

The fur of moles feels similar to velvet, and they have small ears and eyes. Moles also have strong forelimbs with forepaws that have an extra thumb and multiple joints. These help them to burrow underground effectively and hollow out subterranean chambers. The diet of moles is primarily earthworms and small invertebrates found in the soil.

The runs they create beneath the surface of the soil are used to trap prey and store it in “larders” for later.

Moles are not harmful to lawns and gardens, but they can compromise the aesthetic appeal of lawns and gardens. That is why

homeowners often want to prevent moles from making homes on their property. While there are traps and poisons available, one of the easiest ways to prevent mole infestation is to remove their sources of food. Homeowners also can cut back on watering property and get rid of grubs and other insects. Also, consider installing a mole barrier of aluminum sheeting or hardware cloth by burying these materials between two and three feet deep along the perimeter of a lawn or garden.

Cats are natural enemies of moles, so sprinkling cat litter around mole runs may dissuade moles from visiting the area.

ow or field mice, and they feed on small plants and will eat nuts, fruits and even dead animals.

Voles will frequently eat succulent root systems and burrow under lawns and gardens.

The runways of voles will be shallow, so they aren’t prevalent in frequently cultivated soils.

They are also less likely to burrow beneath frequently mowed lawns.

Voles Often mistaken for mice, voles are small rodents with shorter, hairier tails and more stout bodies than mice. Voles are commonly re- Groundhogs feed on plants, frustrating homeowners who want to ferred to as mead- keep the critters off of their properties.

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Voles do not like open areas.

Remove protection like weeds, tall grass, dense vegetation, and heavy mulch to make a yard a less popular habitat. Keep grass adjacent to flower beds or gardens mowed short.

If groundhogs, moles and voles become particularly troublesome or infest a yard in great numbers, an exterminator may be needed.

Burtnett Ins. Agency Kaye Burtnett, agent 817-220-7682

Home & Garden

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Wednesday, April 16, 2014

A few tricks of the trade can help homeowners create the outdoor living space of their dreams.

Outdoor living space quick and easy tips n OUTDOOR, FROM PAGE 16

keep a few umbrellas in the garage just in case.

Illuminate the area. Summer nights spent relaxing in the outdoor living area make for great memories. But such nights are nearly impossible if the area doesn’t have some lighting. Tiki torches might do the trick for some, while others who want to avoid giving their outdoor area a luau feel might prefer solar-powered accent lights, which won’t require any wiring. If your backyard attracts its fair share of insects, look for insect-repelling lights or lamps. Whatever your preference, don’t forget to have some lighting so those summer evenings spent under the sky don’t have to end when the sun goes down.

Keep the design consistent with your home. In addition to providing an outdoor respite from the daily grind, an outdoor living space can also increase a home’s resale value. However, homeowners who have one eye

on R&R and the other on resale value should keep the design of their outdoor living space consistent with their home. One of the goals when designing an outdoor living space should be to create a seamless transition from the home’s interior to its exterior. The best way to do that is to keep the designs of both living spaces consistent.

Don’t forget the fire pit. A fire pit provides a great focal point for an outdoor living area. Instead of sitting at the dinner table, families and friends can gather around the fire pit and relax with some s’mores and share stories. But even when guests aren’t coming over, a fire pit makes for a great place to relax and let the time go by.

With more and more homeowners transforming their homes into their own private sanctuaries, outdoor living spaces continue to grow in popularity. By employing a few simple tricks of the trade, homeowners can create the outdoor areas of their dreams.

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A Tractor Shop/ATS Outdoors

If you’re looking for top performance from yard equipment, visit A Tractor Shop/ATS Outdoors in Weatherford. There, manager Mike Fowler can help you decide among a number of quality brands like Husqvarna and Kawasaki-powered Hustler. Call 817-2213039 or 817-550-6655 or visit www.atsoutdoors.com and get equipped to tame the outdoors.

Weed out gardening myths from facts Gardening is an age-old activity that was once a necessity but has transformed into a hobby for thousands of people. While gardening still serves practical purposes, many gardeners still consider it a hobby first and foremost.

Time-tested gardening techniques have prevailed, but there remain certain myths about gardening that are best dispelled.

The following are some of the more common myths associated with gardening.

MYTH: Compost tea is more effective than traditional compost. All over North America and the United Kingdom, gardeners have jumped on board the compost tea bandwagon.

Compost tea is a fertilizer created by steeping compost in wa-

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Home & Garden

ter mixed with sugar in brewing kits. The mixture is allowed to sit and aerate to encourage beneficial organism growth before it is sprayed on plants. According to supporters, compost tea suppresses disease and boosts plant yields. However, there is no evidence to suggest that compost tea works any better than adding compost in its normal state to the soil. In fact, leaving buckets of the “tea” around to ferment could actually create a breeding ground for E coli and other bacteria.

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Home & Garden

Watering can make all the difference in a lush lawn Proper watering is essential when trying to restore or maintain a lush green lawn. If watered incorrectly, a lawn can be susceptible to a host of problems, including insect infestation, weak roots and disease.

When watering a lawn, especially when temperatures start to soar in the summer, it’s easy to think a lawn needs more water and needs it during those hours of the day when the sun is at its most intense. However, those are two common misconceptions about watering. The following are a handful of tips for homeowners who want to help their lawns endure the summer heat and maintain their lush appeal into the fall.

Water when temperatures are mild. In the summertime, humans typically need water when temperatures are at their most extreme, but that does not mean lawns should be watered when

temperatures soar. Water attracts the sun, so watering when temperatures are at their hottest, which is typically around midday and into early afternoon, will likely lead to brown spots indicative of a burned lawn. That’s because the sun will be drawn to the water, bearing down on the lawn and burning the grass as a result.

When summer arrives, a lawn is best watered when temperatures are at their most mild. That often translates to early morning or early evening. An added benefit of watering when temperatures are on the mild side is less water will be lost to evaporation during this time, meaning you won’t be wasting water.

Situate sprinklers to conserve water. Homeowners who won’t be hand watering their lawns should make sure their sprinklers are placed properly throughout their property. Situate sprinklers

so they aren’t watering driveways, walkways or patios. All of the water should be going to the grass, especially when drought restrictions are in place and the amount of watering the law allows is limited. It’s also important to make sure water from sprinklers isn’t being blocked from reaching the grass by trees. Homeowners with especially large trees on their property should consider hand watering the grass beneath such trees to ensure these areas receive adequate water.

Lean on mulch. Homeowners tend to fear drought for a variety of reasons, not the least of which is that drought can cause a green lawn to turn brown, potentially affecting property value and robbing a landscape of its beauty. But there are ways to help the soil retain moisture when temperatures are especially hot and dry. Mulch around trees, flower beds, gardens

How to repair dead grass can begin to treat your lawn.

move the dead grass and any additional debris. Scatter grass seed over the affected areas and then apply an appropriate fertilizer and water immediately.

Professionals may know just the right fertilizer for your lawn, so even if you want to go it alone, visit a local lawn care center to ask for advice about addressing your particular problem.

Insect damage Addressing dead spots caused by insect damage can be a little more complicated, and some homeowners may prefer to hire a professional. If you want to handle the problem on your own, apply pesticide to the affected areas so the insects behind the problem are killed. Once the insects are no more, cut the grass, Fertilizer damage Fertilizer damage can also raking the affected area to re-

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A patch of dead grass on an otherwise lush lawn can be a frustrating eyesore for homeowners. Whether lawn care is your passion or just something you do to maintain the value of your home, dead grass can be exasperating.

But as unsightly as dead grass can be, addressing it and restoring the dead patches can be somewhat simple. Before you can restore grass, however, you must first identify the source of the problem. Grass often dies because of urine damage, which is typically characterized by a dead spot surrounded by otherwise green grass. Grub infestation might be at fault when dead grass appears, and such an infestation often produces patches of light brown grass that are scattered throughout the lawn. It’s also possible that dead grass is a result of human error. If your lawn was overfertilized, then patches of gray-green grass may appear.

Fungal disease is another common culprit behind dead grass, and such disease can manifest itself in different ways. Once you have identified why the grass is dead, which may require the help of a professional, then you

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Poorly situated sprinkler heads can deny lawns the water they desperately need when the temperatures rise. and shrubs can help homeowners get the most bang for their watering buck. That’s because mulch retains moisture, even when temperatures are especially hot. This helps foster stronger root growth and healthier landscapes that are less susceptible to disease and insect infestation.

Get to know your lawn. Several variables combine to determine how much water a lawn needs.

Understanding these variables helps homeowners understand how much to water their own lawns. Local climate is a variable

to consider, as is whether or not a lawn was fertilized (experts typically recommend a lawn be fertilized several times, beginning in the spring and ending in October).

Soil type and grass type also help to determine how much water a lawn needs, and homeowners who need to determine the type of soil and grass on their property can consult a local lawn care center or landscaping professional.

Proper watering can help a lawn survive the dog days of summer, and it’s up to homeowners to learn the right techniques.

prove difficult to address, as applying fresh seeds too soon can kill any freshly growing seedlings. So grass that has been damaged by overfertilization must first be allowed to fully die. Once that has happened, the grass can be cut and any remaining debris or dead grass can be removed. Seed can then be scattered, and you can

even add some additional soil before laying down an appropriate amount of fertilizer and watering the lawn immediately. If you don’t trust yourself to use fertilizer correctly, then hire a professional to do the job for you. This will cost a little more, but you likely won’t wake up to more dead patches of grass down the road.

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Protect pets from pesticide Homeowners use pesticides in could be at risk if such items are their yards for a variety of rea- left in the yard and get even a sons. Some utilize pesticides to drop or two of pesticide on them. make their lawns appear lush Therefore, carefully scour the and healthy, while others must yard for your pet’s belongings, use pesticides to address issues raking high grass to find toys or bones when necessary, before like insect infestations.

Applying pesticides is often applying pesticides.

Adhere to the instructions on frowned upon by environmentalists, but it’s not just Mother the pesticide label. The label on Earth who can suffer from the the pesticide you choose should have specific use of pestiinstructions as cides. If your to how much family pet pesticide you loves to get should apply outdoors and and how long run around you must wait in the yard, before allowyou might be ing anyone, putting your including the f o u r- l e g g e d family pet, to friend in dangain access ger if you’re to the treated not careful area. If you let when applyyour pet back ing pesticides. in the area too Exposure to quickly, the pesticides can animal could make pets sick be poisoned. and, in some Be carei n s t a n c e s , When using pesticides or inside, prove fatal. other chemical-based prod- ful But pet own- ucts around the house, pre- too. Chemical ers can reduce vent pets from accessing products are that risk sig- treated areas after applica- not only used to treat lawns. nificantly by tion.

If you need to adhering to use a chemical the following product like a bug bomb indoors, tips.

Remove pets and their items keep pets in mind before applifrom the lawn before applying cation. Remove bedding, feedpesticide. It’s a no-brainer to ing dishes and toys, and cover move Fido inside before apply- your fish tank to prevent liquid ing pesticide to your lawn. But and vapors from getting into the homeowners should also scour tank and threatening the lives of the yard for toys, bedding and your fish.

Keep areas treated for pests off feeding dishes and move them inside or into the garage before limits to pets. If you have a pest applying a pesticide. Pet health problem in your home, be it in-

sects or rodents, keep any areas you treat with chemical products off limits until the issue has been successfully resolved. Even if pets aren’t in the room during or after application, they can still be poisoned if they eat poisoned insects or rodents. This is called secondary poisoning, and pet owners concerned about their pets but still in need of a way to eradicate pests should look for a product with a low risk for secondary poisoning.

Keep bait products out of the reach of your pets. Bait products are often effective because they’re attractive to insects or rodents. Unfortunately, the same properties that attract pests might also attract your companion animal. When using bait products around the house, be sure to place them beyond the reach of your pets. If you’re using bait products that you must bury outdoors, keep in mind that dogs and maybe even cats can often dig these products up rather easily. So once the bait is planted, make the area off limits to your pets.

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Creating an attractive dog run Millions of dogs share the homes and hearts of people across the country. Dogs can provide companionship, affection and joy. But when dogs spend time outdoors and cause damage to lawns and gardens, that cute and cuddly appeal might dwindle.

A dog run is essentially a fenced-in part of the yard where dogs can play or be trained to relieve themselves. Looking at patches of burnt, straw-like grass where a lush lawn used to be can be aggravating. The same can be said for finding dog “presents” all over the yard. All it takes is stepping in or sliding in a pile of joy to raise blood pressure. Plus,

there’s the extra work of tracking down such presents and having to clean them up.

Containing your dog to a run will keep messes all in once place. The run can be constructed of any material you desire, whether chain-link fencing, wood slats, lattice material, or tightly spaced shrubbery. Pea gravel is a good material to use on the floor of the dog run. Not only is pea gravel aesthetically appealing, but it also allows urine to run through into the soil below.

Avoid landscape fabrics or artificial turf that is not designed for pets. It may collect waste and lead to the proliferation of bacteria.

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Harvesting the facts about gardens n HARVESTING, FROM PAGE 22

ally add to existing stress levels for plants. Plants are not often stressed by a lack of food, but rather heat, faulty planting or space constraints. A fed plant will use the energy to absorb the nutrients instead of defending against a blight or establishing better root systems.

MYTH: Young trees need stakes. It may be tempting to stake that little sapling to protect it against the weather and strong winds, but doing so may actually work against the foundling tree.

Staking trees to inhibit swaying may not stimulate the tree to grow thicker, lower trunks that will help the tree in the long run.

The Royal Horticultural Society recommends that saplings be staked for around one year and then have the stakes removed to encourage the tree to be strong and stable on its own.

MYTH: Water droplets and sunshine lead to burnt leaves.

Gardeners have been told to resist watering their plants during the hottest times of the day.

Many assume it’s because water droplets lying on leaves will magnify the sun’s rays and burn the leaves. According to Dr. Gabor Horvath at the Eoetvoes University in Budapest, water droplets will rarely damage plants because the drops are too close to the leaves to cause burning before they evaporate. Watering during the hottest points of the day is not advised because water evaporates and gets wasted.

MYTH: Sand added to clay

soil makes it looser and better for plants. Clay soil is a deterrent to gardening because it can be so hard to dig and difficult to cultivate, but some feel it’s best to add sand to the clay to make it a better soil mixture.

You would need a great deal of sand to do this in the right manner, but many gardeners simply dig a hole, add sand and hope for the best. However, water runoff will pool in the sand and not be absorbed by the clay, potentially causing the plants to drown.

MYTH: Adding compost or potting soil to the planting hole for a tree or shrub is beneficial.

Gardeners frequently add compost or potting soil to the hole where the root ball of a tree or shrub will be placed. But this encourages the roots to grow only in this nutrient-rich area, rather than spreading throughout the landscape to form a stronger and more durable root system. If you are going to amend the soil, do so evenly across the landscape.

MYTH: Use gravel or rocks in the bottom of planting containers to improve drainage. Rocks and gravel can actually impede the growth of plants and take away space for roots to grow.

The drainage may be affected as well, as water will sit above the gravel or stones and saturate the roots. Stick with plain soil for better drainage results.

A variety of gardening myths still prevail. Over time, behaviors can be changed if gardeners learn to separate myths from facts.

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