Home & Garden

THE DAILY HOME, Talladega and St. Clair counties, Ala., Sunday, May 20, 2012 — 1

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2 — THE DAILY HOME, Talladega and St. Clair counties, Ala., Sunday, May 20, 2012

Did you know?

Potatoes are enjoyed the world-over and make a versatile addition to any meal.

Though many consumers purchase their potatoes at the local grocery store, potatoes can be easily grown in the home garden, too.

Potatoes prefer a slightly acidic soil and full sun and will produce best in a loose, moistureretentive soil. It is possible to get good potato yields in less-than-perfect soil, however.

Home gardeners can begin planting potatoes in early spring, when the soil is able to be worked.

Denise Sinclair/The Daily Home

Randy Kissic grows tomatoes in his garden in Alpine.

Growing tomatoes — it’s really a matter of taste Home staff writer

resists 10 diseases but there is always one it may not resist. “It’s just going to happen.”

Pesticides and fungicides should always be considered as a preventative rather than a cure. The best prevention Carroll says is “look at your tomatoes every day.”

The first signs of any insect or plant discoloration should be addressed immediately, Carroll says. The Tomato Hookworm can be removed by hand. Plants distressed by disease can be treated but even though disease can be stopped treatment does not return the color to the plant.

Providing support for the tomato plant is important. As plants bear fruit their weight can snap branches.

There are a variety of materials that can be used to stake plants.

There are commercial cages but innovators can use chicken wire, light weight fencing, bamboo stakes, or even PVC or copper pipe.

Placing the seed potatoes in a warm location can entice them to bud and speed up the sprouting process once planted.

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Selecting the right color can make a difference between a good tomato sandwich and a salad with a mix of colorful tomatoes. In the end it is simply a matter of taste.

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Growing the right tomatoes can simply be a matter of taste. Growing healthy tomatoes can depend on climate or soil. If you plan to can tomatoes you need to know the difference between a determinate and an indeterminate tomato.

Regardless of what kind of tomato you choose, no one can expect a successful crop without providing the plants proper attention and care.

If it’s a matter of taste there is a correlation between color and taste.

According to “Southern Living” (“The Choicest Tomatoes,” April 2012), taste is generally determined by the acidity of the tomato. Red and purple tomatoes provide a fuller taste with a bit more acidity.

Yellow and orange are milder when eaten in earlier stages of development but can develop a fuller taste and acidity as they darken. They can provide a fruity, sweet taste.

Green tomatoes have a sharp, tangy flavor but as they ripen can taste sweet, acidic and tangy.

Pink tomatoes, which have translucent skins that give them their appearance, are less bitter and very sweet. White tomatoes have a mild flavor in early stages but as they darken with age and fully ripen can have a tangy and sweet taste.

Regional Extension agent Dani Carroll says knowing the difference between heirloom and hybrid tomato can also make a difference in planting choices.

The heirloom tomato is one grown from seed of several generations of tomatoes. Generally, heirloom tomatoes refer to tomato groups passed down by saving the seed from the fruit produced the previous year the next year. She says heirlooms generally take the name of the area from where the seeds originated. One example she cites is the Cherokee Purple that originates in Tennessee from the Cherokee Indians once inhabiting the area.

Heirlooms are generally self-pollinated with the help of wind and insects.

Carroll says the heirlooms produce wonderful colors, have odd shaped leaves, and “the taste is unsurpassed.”

Unfortunately, heirlooms have little disease resis-

tance and produce a low yield, she says.

Hybrid plants are not genetically modified as some may suppose but are the result of the cross of two open pollinated tomato plants by controlled pollination.

Carroll says controlled pollination is done by hand.

The advantage of hybrid tomatoes is that they resist disease, tolerate heat better, and are shipped easier. Seed from the hybrid will not produce the same plant as the previous season but will revert to one of the parent plants used in cross pollination.

If canning tomatoes is a goal, then a determinate variety should be planted. Determinate tomatoes bear their fruit at the same time and are ideal for canning.

Indeterminate tomatoes, such as the Better Boy, produce fruit throughout the growing season.

Changing climate can also determine which plants to select. With fluctuating temperatures and rain fall from year to year, the type plant to plant can change from year to year. Based on recent weather conditions, Carroll said she expects the Jet Setter to perform above and beyond others this year.

Carroll said for plants that are planted in direct sun look for any plant label that includes solar.

Solars are more heat resistant.

How tomato plants are planted can also effect plant development.

According to information from “The Tasteful Garden” website, plants should be planted deep to allow for the development of a strong root system.

Once planted, watering makes a major difference in the growth of the plant and the development of the fruit. It is recommended that plants should be watered with a slow trickle for one-half to one hour, depending on the weather and rainfall. Watering should be deep to ensure moist soil.

Mulching is a good way to keep the soil moist. After the plant has been established, mulch should be spread around the plant.

Sprinkling should be avoided. Splashing water can transfer spore creating a variety of diseases.

Even walking near when plants are wet can help spread spore transfer.

Disease prevention is not always a sure thing even when planting hybrid plants. Carroll says that a hybrid may

Small seed potatoes can be planted as-is.

Larger seed potatoes should be cut into pieces that contain at least one or two “eyes.”

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Plants will not begin to grow until the soil temperature is at least 45 F. Plant only certified seed potatoes, which are available at most quality nurseries and garden centers. They are less likely to have disease than a potato you picked up at the supermarket and tried to establish.

home & garden

THE DAILY HOME, Talladega and St. Clair counties, Ala., Sunday, May 20, 2012 — 3

4 tips for choosing grass varieties If you drive by a home and see a lush lawn out front, you may wonder how the homeowner achieved such a thick and healthy turf. Although many factors go into creating a beautiful lawn, starting out with the right seed for your location can play a big role.

Some homeowners simply go out and buy whatever grass seed they find. However, if you plant a warm-season grass where it frosts over in the winter, you could end up spending money for nothing — and finding a dead lawn come springtime.

The same can be said for planting a cool-season grass variety where the summer sun will scorch the lawn and kill it off.

These are some factors you will need to consider when planting a lawn.

1. Select the right grass seed or mix of grass seed for your climate.

Determining your zone area and seeing where your location falls on

a Turfgrass Selection Climate Zone map, which gauges temperature as well as climate and rainfall amounts, can help you select a grass seed.

For example, bahiagrass, Bermuda and zoysia are better for warmer climates, while bluegrass, fescue and ryegrass may work in cooler-weather to temperate areas.

2. Determine yard needs. Certain homeowners have no problem spending hours upon hours caring for the lawn.

Others prefer minimal upkeep, while some can handle moderate maintenance. Homeowners can choose a grass based on how much time they want to spend caring for it. You should also determine how the lawn will be used. Will it be a focal point with no foot traffic? Or will it be a play area for kids and pets? This, too, will help you determine your grass type.

3. Choose the type of grass for your desire

of growth and life span.

Some grasses spread by creeping or tillering.

Tillering happens when the plant extends from the central root, and these grasses are known as “bunch” grasses.

Creeping is when grasses send out horizontal roots, essentially runners, from which new plants will arise. There are also wide blades and narrow blades of grass. One last thing to think about is an annual grass or perennial. In general, turfgrasses are perennial, so apart from reseeding dull patches, annual seeding won’t be necessary.

4. Go out and buy the grass. Now that you have narrowed down your needs, you can head to a lawn store armed with the information and select the right type of grass for your needs. Consult with an employee if you have difficulty determining the variety of grass you should purchase.

Depending on whether

you’re in a transition zone 10 minutes to adequately dampen the soil. between two different Creating a beautiful zones, you may need a lawn requires knowledge combination of seeds for the best balance and look.

After you have selected the grass seed, you will need to follow the manufacturer’s recommendation for seeding. Experts advise that the best time for seeding is in the fall when there is still ample water and sunlight, and the grass has yet to go into hibernation. Here’s what else you can do.

• Remove rocks and till the soil underneath.

•Add an inch of sand and compost and then till together.

• Next add lime or sulfur to the soil.

• Add a starter fertilizer and rake the lime and fertilizer into the rest of the mix with a metal rake.

• Then apply a thin coating of grass seed and lightly rake it into the soil using an upside-down rake.

• Finally, water the soil 2 to 3 times a day for 5 to

about climate and weather conditions. Then you can create a lush lawn that is a wonder to behold.

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Flowers and Plants privacy. But homeowners Deciduous trees can also Shrubs and trees aren’t aren’t always fond of trathe only fencing options. ditional fencing materials. be planted. The thick leaves will form a privacy Many homeowners like A natural fence can be an the cottage look of a option that offers a bounty screen and in the winter the leaves will drop and garden full of wildflowof benefits.

The purpose of a fence let light into the landscape. ers and other plants.

Congregating certain is to keep things in or out. plants on the perimeter of Fences are often erected to Shrubs the property can make an serve as a barrier between Much in the same way informal fence. Trailing properties and offer privathat evergreen trees can vines like ivy or vinca can cy. To achieve these goals, be trained to climb vertia homeowner doesn’t nec- offer privacy on a larger scale, so can shrubs.

There cally. A thin mesh material essarily have to construct are scores of different or vertical slats can be a wooden, plastic or wire shrubs that can be as dense installed and the vines tied fence. Many plants can or thin as a homeowner to these items before they serve as natural fencing desires.

Rose bushes can fully establish. options and be very attraclook very attractive and tive to look at. serve as a deterrent to Hardscapes animals and people trying Instead of living natural Grasses fencing, rocks and boulConsider the fast-grow- to get through the thorny brambles. The same can ders or even water features ing bamboo. It is one of be said for holly bushes, can also be used as fences. the fastest-growing plants This type of fencing may on the planet. Some variet- which will be prickly but attractive with their be more aesthetic than ies may grow as much as shiny, dark green leaves practical, however, and 50 inches per day! This and bright berries.

Certain can be used intermittently tall, dense grass can be an with other fencing options. inexpensive fencing option shrubs are even marketed as natural fencing.

The possibilities for that quickly fills in on the Let us show you how to unlock the equity you’ve built natural fencing are endless perimeter of the yard. Just A chat with a landscaper can yield many ideas of and can be mingled to crebe sure to take inventory up in your home. Your home improvements don’t have species that make great ate a landscape unique to of the bamboo because it fences. any homeowner. to wait. Whether you’re looking to make an addition or can spread quickly.

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Integrating both landscape architecture and spatial planning with environmental science, ecoscaping is meant to help homeowners create a sustainable and eco-friendly landscape design.

It’s natural to assume that ecoscaping includes looking for ways to reduce reliance on chemical pesticides, but there are many additional ways homeowners can embrace ecoscaping. This includes removing or refusing to plant invasive plants that are difficult to control because they are from different ecosystems and can threaten local wildlife and existing plants.

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4 — THE DAILY HOME, Talladega and St. Clair counties, Ala., Sunday, May 20, 2012

Go green in your garden 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

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

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Ask About Our Free Delivery When shopping for fertilizers, select ones that are all-natural. Many organic fertilizers also can be made from materials at home.

• Blood meal: This dried blood product is collected from slaughtered animals and can be another nitrogen booster for the soil. Vegetarian gardeners may avoid its use for this reason, however. Some gardening enthusiasts say that blood meal also may be a deterrent for deer and other animals who like to nibble on garden plants.

• Peat moss: Peat moss is a type of moss that grows on the top of peat bogs. Peat moss is able to hold large quantities of water in its cells, which makes it a good soil additive to help retain moisture at the roots of plants. This is handy when

Case for choosing native plants over exotic ones One of the best ways to improve a home’s resale value is to address the landscape. Increasing a property’s curb appeal can be done in many ways, but a well-pruned lawn and garden gives buyers the impression that the sellers truly took the time to maintain the home and the surround-

ing property.

Unfortunately, many homeowners choose exotic plants when addressing their landscape. Though these plants can be appealing and make a property stand out, if the plants are not native to

See Native, Page 5

dealing with very sandy soil or plants that need an increased moisture content to grow well.

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• Elemental sulfur: A lawn that has turned yellow may be lacking in the right levels of sulfur.

Elemental sulfur, when used sparingly, can help boost levels and return the lawn to normal.

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Organic fertilizers can be just as effective as their chemical counterparts while providing health benefits chemical pesticides cannot.

Organic fertilizers are effective at strengthening the soil for both lawns and planting beds. There are a number of different materials the home gardener can try, some of which may already be around the house.

Compost: Compost is often called “black gold” because of its rich nutritional content and how it can quickly amend the quality of the soil.

Compost heaps or bins can be set up in the yard so that individuals can manufacture their own compost from scraps of material used around the house. Discarded fruit peels, eggshells, leaves, and paper can be added to the compost pile. Over time, natural bacteria will break down the materials until they form an effective fertilizer.

Manure: Manure remains one of the best and most practical fertilizers out there. It’s easy to find, and any animal that eats a plant-based diet will produce manure that will be acceptable for the garden or lawn. Avoid manure from animals that eat meat as the feces may contain harmful bacteria or parasites. Not only will manure add nutrients to the soil, it will also help with moisture retention.

Fish meal: Made from ground and dried fish scraps, this fertilizer is a good source of nitrogen.

It can provide a boost to soil in the early spring that will last well through the growing season.

home & garden

THE DAILY HOME, Talladega and St. Clair counties, Ala., Sunday, May 20, 2012 — 5

How to correct aggressive tree roots from the tree,” notes Andersen, “since roots become smaller and less damaging the further they are from the trunk.

Keep this in mind before you plant. That small sapling could become a large shade tree with roots spreading 30 or 40 feet outward from the trunk.”

From Page 4

fungal infections might be able to destroy an exotic plant, but a native plant has grown resistant to such problems and likely has the ability to fight such infestations or infections on its own. An exotic plant might require costly pesticides and considerable attention from homeowners to survive such problems.

Native

the region, they could be doing more harm than good. Instead of upgrading your property with exotic plants from a far away land, consider the following benefits of choosing native plants before addressing your landscape.

• Native plants benefit local wildlife. The native plants and the native wildlife spent years and years evolving together, with each doing their part to ensure the other’s survival. But as development continued, local wildlife suffered because of lost food sources.

The local wildlife needs local, native plants to survive, so choosing these plants instead of exotic plants can help ensure the survival of wildlife that helps keep the ecosystem in check.

Cutting roots with discretion

diameter • prune roots back to a side or sinker root (growing downward) when possible • roots recover better from being severed when you: — cut them cleanly with a saw instead of breaking them with a backhoe — mulch and water well after root pruning

Some homeowners, masons and landscapers deal with intrusive roots by grinding down or removing them. This can be expensive and is very harmful to the tree. Wounding a tree’s roots creates points of entry for pathogens, leaving a tree vulnerable to disease. Cutting major roots also reduces a tree’s ability to take up nutrients and water, leaving it more susceptible to drought. Finally, cutting roots can reduce a tree’s structural support, which increases the danger the tree will topple onto your house in high winds.

Keep these cautions in mind when cutting problem tree roots:

• consult a qualified arborist when cutting within a distance equal to five times the trunk diameter to the trunk

• the farther you cut from the trunk, the less threat to the tree’s health, and the less danger of creating a hazard

Andersen advises selecting trees for your landscape that will cause less damage, matching species with site conditions and — most importantly — not planting large shade trees within

• try not to cut roots greater than 2 inches in

Though homeowners might find exotic plants help their home stand out from their neighbors’, it’s important that homeowners recognize the environmental benefits of choosing local plants before making any decisions.

Some better root management options include: • installing physical root guides and barriers that redirect tree roots down and away from hardscapes with minimal impact on the tree • curve new hardscape features — such as a driveway or patio — around the tree roots • suspend hardscape features on small pilings to bridge over roots Right tree for your site

12 feet of hardscapes (sidewalks, driveways).

Since the health of trees in your yard is put at risk whenever root systems are cut back or damaged, anything that can be done to reduce the damage caused by tree roots will also benefit your trees.

In areas within five to seven feet of a paved area or structure, plant trees that grow to a mature height of less than 30 feet. In areas within seven to 10 feet of a paved area or structure, plant trees that grow to a mature height of less than 50 feet. Reserve trees that when mature reach higher than 50 feet for areas with at least 12 feet of clearance around the trunk; this allows adequate space for the roots. Also, before you plant check for overhead utility lines and leave adequate space for that tree to mature. For some small tree ideas, click here.

who recognize stringent safety and performance standards and who are required to carry liability insurance. TCIA also has the nation’s only Accreditation program that helps consumers find tree care companies that have been inspected and accredited based on: adherence to industry standards for quality and safety; maintenance of trained, professional

staff; and dedication to ethics and quality in business practices.

An easy way to find a tree care service provider in your area is to use the “Locate Your Local TCIA Member Companies” program.

You can use this service by calling 1-800733-2622 or by doing a ZIP code search at www. treecaretips.org.

Find a professional A professional arborist can assess your landscape and work with you to determine the best trees to plant. Contact the Tree Care Industry Association (TCIA), a 71-year-old public and professional resource on trees and arboriculture.

It has more than 2,000 member companies

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Trees are hardy plants, and their roots fight back against man-made limits around them. In the urban and suburban landscape, tree roots often are forced to grow between buildings or under driveways and walkways. As roots grow, they will break walls, pipes and patios, causing damage to properties.

“Before you plant a new tree in your yard, you need to understand how a tree could damage your property and take appropriate measures to prevent that damage,” advises Tchukki Andersen, Board Certified Master Arborist and staff arborist with the Tree Care Industry Association.

Woody tree roots thicken as they grow, gradually pushing shallow roots toward the surface. Since soil near the surface is best suited for root growth, most tree roots are just below the surface - putting them in conflict with manmade obstacles. Where the soil is covered by a solid driveway or patio, upward growing roots don’t experience the normal signals (increased light and air) that they are reaching the surface.

As a result, they often grow against the underside of pavement and become intrusive.

“Most damage is found six feet or less

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• Native plants require less work. Some prospective home buyers might find a yard filled with exotic plants to be visually stunning, but they might also see a good deal of work to maintain those plants.

Many exotic plants require significant work on a homeowner’s part to survive, while native plants have already adapted to the local climate and will require much less care. This is often attractive to current and future homeowners alike.

• Native plants might be a better investment. A native plant has evolved over the years to survive in its given area. Local insect populations and

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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6 — THE DAILY HOME, Talladega and St. Clair counties, Ala., Sunday, May 20, 2012

have more gas than others and a more digestible food can help eliminate that issue.

“Cats don’t have that much of an odor, but they can have litter box problems or ear problems,” he said. “Feeding them a highly-digestible food can help reduce litter box odor.”

Sims said owners should frequently change their cat’s litter box and sanitize it.

“Don’t use heavily perfumed products,” he said. “Your cats can have an aversion to it that will make them avoid the litter box and lead to accidents.”

Sims said a good soap can disinfect the litter box.

“If your pet has an accident, make sure to clean it up promptly with a carpet cleaner that destroys the molecule of the urine or feces,” he

Elsie Hodnett/The Daily Home

Pets can help make a house a home. There are several things you can do to keep your home smelling fresh and not overwhelmed with pet odors.

By ELSIE HODNETT Home staff writer

While pets offer friendship, companionship and much more, pet odors can be a drawback.

“There are many different causes for pet odors,” said Dr. Galen Sims, veterinarian at Cropwell Small Animal Hospital.

Sims said a good step toward lessening pet odor is to make sure your pet is bathed frequently in a good shampoo.

“You can bathe your pet as often as once a week, or more frequently, as long as you use a soapfree or non-detergent shampoo that won’t strip the oils out of the animal’s coat,” he said.

Sims said how often you bathe your pet depends on how dirty the pet gets and whether it is an outdoor or indoor animal.

He said to be sure to wash your pet’s bedding regularly.

“Some animals will smell more than others,” he said.

Sims said some breeds of dog have more oil in their coats that harbors more bacteria and can cause odor.

“Dogs with skin issues or allergies tend to have more of an odor,” he said.

Sims said ear infections can also cause an odor in dogs and cats.

“Signs of ear problems include your pet scratch-

ing its ear or shaking its head,” he said. “And sometimes you can smell an ear infection.”

Sims said a dog’s anal sacks can also have odor.

A veterinarian or groomer can express the sacs.

“Bad teeth, or gingivitis, can cause odor,” he said. “There are a variety of solutions, depending on how bad the problem is.

I recommend seeing your vet for advice on how to best handle bad teeth.”

Sims said some dogs

“Animals tend to use the same spots, which is why you want to use a total odor eliminator,” he said.

Sims said other options include air filters to remove pet odors and candles for the same purpose.

“The best thing to do is identify what is causing the odor so you can treat it,” he said. “And you can always ask your veterinarian for advice.”

Contact Elsie Hodnett at ehodnett@dailyhome. com.

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said. “Products like Lysol don’t destroy the odor molecules — we can’t smell it but the animals can.”

Sims said he uses a product like Who Done It?, a broad spectrum odor counteractive to eliminate odor.

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Keys to battling ants around the house With more than 12,000 ant species around the world, chances are most homeowners or renters will experience an ant problem at one point or another.

Understanding the habits of ants can make alleviating an infestation that much easier.

Understanding Ants Ants may cause stress or prove troublesome when they enter a home, but ants play an important role in nature. Ants live mostly in colonies and may create intricate tunnels throughout the soil. These can help air reach the soil and plant roots. Ants also consume and recycle dead or decaying plants. Some ants are carnivorous and feed on other insects.

Ants can also recycle composting materials, helping to enrich the dirt.

According to Pest World For Kids, the queen is the centerpiece of the ant colony.

Without the queen, the rest of the colony can only survive a few months before they perish. That’s because the queen lays the eggs, which males will fertilize. There are some female workers that are unable to reproduce.

Soldier ants are also unable to reproduce and simply protect the queen and help gather or kill food.

Eradicating ants is impossible. A person is only able to keep populations in check in and around the home.

Ants have large brains in proportion to their size. They are known to be the smartest species of insects with around 250,000 brain cells.

Therefore, outsmarting them requires appealing to their habits.

Ants are also smart enough to cultivate their own food sources. Some raise aphids to produce sweet secretions that the ants feed on. Ants also do many other interesting things. Many ant species steal pupae from other ant colonies and make the hatched ants work as slaves.

Ants in the Home Ants enter a home when they are attracted to a food or water source.

No home is impervious to ants, and even citydwellers surrounded by pavement have experienced ants indoors. Ants also may be attracted to comfortable nest sites or conditions. Carpenter ants, for example, like moist areas and make their homes in wood.

There are a few different tactics to keeping ants out of the home.

These include: • Creating a barrier around the perimeter of the home. Using a natural or chemical pesticide may keep ants away from the home.

• Reducing favorable conditions outdoors.

Make sure there aren’t any cracks or crevices around the home where ants can enter. Keep shrubbery and dense foliage away from the home’s foundation. Cut back overhanging tree branches and remove any excess soil that’s up against the house.

• Protecting against food sources indoors.

Ants need water and food to survive. Workers will forage for food. If an easy source is inside the home, they will go there. Keep sweet foods sealed in plastic bags.

Wipe down counters frequently and sweep up crumbs from the floor.

Pick up pet water and

food bowls when not in use. Vacuum out crumbs from a high chair or baby seat regularly. There is some evidence that ants do not like the aroma or taste of vinegar, so use a vinegar-and-water solution to clean around the house.

• Relying on bait stations. If the aforementioned methods have not reduced ant populations, purchase bait stations.

These are readily available at hardware or home centers and work by luring the ants to a sweet solution that contains a poison. Place them in a location where ants have previously been seen. The poison is typically borax, an item that is toxic to ants and other bugs but relatively harmless to humans. Ants feed on the solution and bring back some of the poison to the colony. Individuals should let the ants visit the bait station and not interfere with the transfer of the poison by letting the ants be. There may be quite a steady row of ants, which will slowly dissipate over a few days when the poison takes effect. After some time there should be no or just a few ants left. There are also similar bait stations that can be used outdoors.

Replace the stations once every few months to keep ant numbers in check.

• Letting spiders live.

Spiders and other insects feed on ants. Resist killing spiders around the house, especially outdoors. They’re natural pesticides.

Ants are resilient and can be a worthy opponent when they get inside a home. The average worker lives anywhere from 45 to 60 days, while a queen can live up to 20 years. Getting rid of one colony might just invite another one in, so expect ants to pose an ongoing problem. Maintaining an ant-free home requires due diligence.

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home & garden

THE DAILY HOME, Talladega and St. Clair counties, Ala., Sunday, May 20, 2012 — 7

How to maintain fresh-cut flowers Fresh flowers serve many purposes. A bouquet of flowers can be a gift on a special holiday or birthday. Some people apologize with flowers, while others use flowers to convey feelings of love or appreciation. Many people like to display fresh-cut flowers in their homes because their beauty can brighten the mood indoors. Others plant rows and rows of flowers in a garden with the express purpose of cutting them and bringing them into the home.

While outdoor flowers can remain beautiful and bountiful outside, once they are cut, there is a limited amount of time before they begin to wilt and wither. But there are ways to prolong the life of cut flowers to enjoy their beauty as long as possible.

• Cut correctly.

Creating a large enough surface area on the stem for the uptake of water is essential. That is why florists recommend cutting the stem on a slant to expose more area to the water.

• Place flowers in water immediately. Some people advocate cutting the stems while they’re actually submerged in water. However, you will probably be fine if you simply recut the stems on flowers you brought inside and immediately put them in a vase of water. The key is not to let the tip of the stem dry out or close up with an air bubble, sap or other substances, preventing the uptake of water. Be sure to use lukewarm water so as not to shock the blooms.

• Remove leaves.

Take off the leaves of the plant that would end up underwater in the vase.

Exposure to the water could cause the leaves

flowers next to fruit, which gives off gases as it ripens, causing flowers to age faster. Also, keep the flowers away from direct sunlight and try to keep them in a cool place.

• Change the water.

Keep on top of water maintenance by changing

it at least every 2 to 3 days to maintain good water health. Be sure to replace the additives each time you change the water.

By following a few strategies you can keep fresh-cut flowers lasting longer for enjoyment.

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to rot and fall off, creating algae or sludge in the vase water. It also may breed extra bacteria or attract small insects to the water. However, do not to remove the thorns from roses, as this tends to shorten their shelf life.

• Choose young flowers. Mature flowers may have peaked and begun to make room for a new round of blooms, so try to choose young buds or blooms that just opened so that you’ll have an opportunity to enjoy them longer.

• Create a viable water

atmosphere. Once a fresh flower is cut and a stem is placed in water, bacteria and fungi can start to grow almost immediately. These microscopic organisms can clog the small tubes inside the stem that suck up water for nourishment.

Many florists send home a packet of water additive to alleviate some problems in the indoor environment.

The packet will contain a biocide that kills bacteria and fungi. There will be an acidifier as well as sugar. The acidifier makes the water more acidic to allow better absorption

of water up the stem. The sugar is a food source for the flowers. Homeowners who cut flowers from their gardens can purchase these additives or create their own variations from items around the house.

It has been said a penny in the water will kill the microorganisms because copper is a fungicide. An aspirin can make the water more acidic. You can also try small amounts of bleach, lemon-lime soda or even antiseptic mouthwash.

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home & garden

8 — THE DAILY HOME, Talladega and St. Clair counties, Ala., Sunday, May 20, 2012

Helpful hints for mattress shoppers

Many homeowners want to introduce pattern to their rooms but don’t know where to start. They may wonder if two patterns match or how to determine scale. It may take a little practice, but using pattern is easier than one may think.

Nothing adds visual interest to a room more than pattern and color.

While homeowners may have the knack with color, they may shy away from pattern. Individuals can trust their instincts — they’re usually right.

For those who have mastered pattern with their wardrobes, it’s time to try out some pattern in home design.

Varying pattern size adds dimension to a room.

Not every pattern should be the same size and variety, otherwise things can look too matched and staged. Try varying patterns of similar colors but experiment with size. For example, place a largely patterned area rug on the floor. An ottoman may feature a medium-sized pattern. Mix things up by alternating throw pillows in a floral or paisley print with subtle stripes.

However, make sure the

texture of the fabrics match. Gauzy curtains with heavy chenille pillows may clash.

When selecting patterned items, choose similarly colored items. This way even if the fabrics or patterns aren’t exactly the same, they’ll look cohesive through color. For a room to feel a bit more upbeat, consider complimentary opposite colors. If you prefer a more restful atmosphere, try a palette of colors from the same family. Just vary the intensity of the shades.

Homeowners who have gained some pattern confidence may want to strike out on their own to create a room that is unique.

Those who still need a little help may want to consider taking the path of designers before them.

There are certain patterns and fabrics that have already been established as working together for certain design styles. Here are a few.

shaded throw pillows in a complementary color to the Navajo pattern will coordinate well.

• English country: This style is about large-scale chintz on sofa and draperies. Mix in narrow striped, slip-covered lounge chairs for a little extra panache.

• American country: A small floral print on the sofa or comforter can be offset with a large country quilt pattern hung on the wall as a wall treatment.

Checkerboard checks, medium stripes on draperies or select crocheted valences coordinate well.

• 18th century: Lavish patterned fabrics in chintz or paisley featuring golds and robin’s egg blue are just some of the options for classic decorating.

• Modern: Mix stripes and geometric patterned items in splashes of color to add a modern feel to a room.

Individuals can experiment with patterns to make a room more personalized and less of a neutral blank page. If it proves difficult to come up with patterns that work together, look at design magazines or books for some inspiration.

• American Southwest: Navajo patterns are at the forefront of this design style and can be used on upholstery or pillows. Use a smaller-scale stripe on window treatments. Solid-

Though it’s understandable to worry about contaminants that could be polluting outdoor air, it’s important not to overlook indoor air quality as well.

According to the Environmental Protection Agency, air inside people’s homes can be two to five times more polluted than air outside the home. Although the EPA regulates the quality of outdoor air and monitors potential contaminants, the air inside one’s home is his or her own domain. Oftentimes, people do not realize how polluted the air in their homes and businesses can be. Cigarette smoke, radon, carbon monoxide, lead-laden dust from old paints, dirtfilled carpet, household cleaners, and furniture made with wood glue containing formaldehyde are all sources of indoor air pollution. Even cooking on a gas stove may introduce high levels of nitrogen dioxide into the air, causing respiratory problems.

5. Routinely clean bedding used by pets and groom animals to remove shedded fur.

6. Avoid the use of toxic cleaning products.

Thoroughly cleanse the air by opening windows after doing any cleaning.

7. Use natural pest control procedures inside when possible.

2. Change the filters on home heating and cooling systems as the manufacturer suggests.

8. Introduce more plants to the home, which naturally filter air.

3. Routinely clean the exhaust vents in kitchens, bathrooms and laundry rooms.

9. Use detectors to test for radon and carbon monoxide in the home.

If there are high levels present, go outside and investigate ways to identify the problem and remedy the situation.

4. Consider the installation of an air purification system in the home.

Or purchase in-room HEPA filters.

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The National Safety Council says that Americans spend about 90 percent of their time indoors, so poor air quality can greatly affect personal health.

There are several steps that can be taken

to improve the quality of indoor air.

1. Open the windows and let fresh air circulate.

It is important to change the air inside of the home several times a day to prevent the buildup of pollutants. Even opening windows a crack can help.

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See Mattress, Page 9

302948

9 ways to improve indoor air

ences with a salesman, and he should be able to steer you toward the right fit.

The process might not go as quickly as you wish, but

276860

Don’t be afraid of pattern

• Protect the mattress.

Warranties are especially important to men and women shopping for a mattress, and understandably so. Shoppers want to know that they are protected by a warranty should their mattress not live up to expectations. Most mattresses come with a decade-long warranty, but consumers should know these warranties are voided if the mattress gets so much as a single stain on it. As a result, consumers should always purchase a waterproof mattress cover and immediately place it on the mattress once it arrives.

• Be patient. Chances are, many mattresses on the showroom floor will

feel great, especially if your existing mattress is highly uncomfortable.

But the goal is to buy a mattress that will feel comfortable over the long term. Discuss your prefer-

265212

Try out pattern, even if it is only on an accent chair in one room of the house. It can add visual dimension to a space.

When the time comes to buy a new mattress, consumers typically exercise due diligence, knowing full well that a bad decision could have lasting effects and lead to many sleepless nights.

While shopping for a mattress, consumers can find themselves inundated with information, which can be confusing and make the process much more difficult. However, the following are a few helpful hints consumers should consider to make the process go more smoothly.

home & garden

THE DAILY HOME, Talladega and St. Clair counties, Ala., Sunday, May 20, 2012 — 9

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room. Some colors are complementary or opposites and still work together. Homeowners nervous about color should choose a color from fabric or furniture and use a few different shades of the same color in the room. Select an accent color that can be used on trim or as a spot of color on a pillow or accessory.

When plotting wall hangings or other decor, odd numbers often look more pleasing to the eye.

Experiment with different sizes of framed artwork or different shaped accessories for visual appeal.

For example, a few rectangular shaped items with a circular clock and a conical flower vase can mix it up in the room.

This is where looking at magazine layouts can be extremely helpful.

Many stores sell items that mimic the look of higher-priced items. When copying a designer room, select pieces that are similar, but not necessarily the same brands. Consider shopping at second-hand stores or antique shops for discounted pieces.

With a little new fabric or stain, many items can look

Say ‘so long’ to bed bugs

Mattress From Page 8

the decision is one that will have positive or negative ramifications for years to come, so be patient and ensure you make the right call.

• You can negotiate.

The price of a mattress is very negotiable, so don’t be discouraged by sticker shock. Manufacturers typically have very negotiable pricing, and mattress salespeople have lots of wiggle room when it comes to price. So don’t be afraid to haggle over the price to get the deal you desire.

• Don’t dwell on coil count. Confusion often

2010 Montreal Public Health presentation, the city’s infestation problem increased dramatically between 2007 and 2008.

In 2007, 20 of the 700 buildings managed by the city’s municipal housing corporation were infested.

By 2008, that figured had ballooned to 120 buildings.

Though renters in most cities have rights with regards to bed bug infestations, most renters and homeowners would prefer to prevent such infestations rather than deal with the effects of these unwanted critters.

Prevention techniques aren’t foolproof but can

enters the mattress-buying process when consumers start focusing on coil count. Many mistakenly assume more coils is always preferable.

However, that’s not necessarily the case. Innerspring mattresses typically come with interlocking coils or independent coils.

Interlocking coil mattresses have fewer coils because the coils are tied together with wire, while independent coils are greater in number because each coil’s responsibility is greater. Which type of mattress is best for you won’t depend on number of coils, but a host of other factors, so don’t overemphasize coil count.

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help keep bed bugs at bay.

• Don’t bring anything found on the street into your home. Bed frames, box springs, mattresses, and upholstered furniture should never be picked up off the street and brought into the home.

• Seal the cracks and crevices. Renters should ask their landlord to seal any cracks and crevices

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302879

Over the last half decade, many homes have been plagued by uninvited and unwelcome guests.

Much to the chagrin of renters and homeowners alike, bed bugs have come back with a vengeance in many locales. The New York City Department of Housing Preservation and Development noted that, in the fiscal year 2010, city residents filed nearly 13,000 bed bug complaints. That’s a significant increase from 2004, when the city received less than 600 complaints.

But the escalating bed bug problem is not exclusive to the Big Apple. According to a

like new again. Shopping online also may enable shoppers to find items more readily and see how they look in staged rooms.

When designing, it never hurts to think outside of the box. Items that were intended for outside may work well inside as well. Hanging lanterns or plant stands could be put to use in a rustic room.

Save some money by making some items yourself.

For instance, if you cannot find a particular throw pillow or drapery that fits with your style, go to a fabric store and purchase fabric to make your own.

Decorating doesn’t have to cost a fortune or look like you pieced odd items together. By following the guidelines of a designer room and selecting lowerpriced items that mimic the shape and scale of similar accessories, it’s possible for any homeowner to create a room for less.

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the professionals. Cut out swatches of fabric, select paint swatches, find magazine pictures that fit with your goal and arrange them on a piece of poster board. See how the items work together. If you are unsure of colors, see which shades were used in the inspiring picture and determine if it will coordinate with your home.

When designing, identify or create a focal point in the room and build off of that. This may be a large window, fireplace, or even the entertainment center if it’s a family room. Place furniture around the focal point and then move outward.

It’s also important to keep scale in mind. Large walls or tall ceilings will create plenty of wall space. A small print or wall hanging will be lost in such an area. Be sure to choose furnishings and accessories that fit with the scale of the room. In other words, a huge sectional may overpower a small living room.

When choosing colors, make sure they are cohesive. Research the color wheel that artists use to help with designing the

302952

Interior designers have a knack for pulling together furniture and accessories to create rooms with widespread appeal.

But not every homeowner has the resources to hire a professional to help turn their interior from drab to fab. Fortunately, it doesn’t always take a pro to transform a home’s interior.

The key to creating a beautiful room is planning. Designers do it and so should you. Measure the dimensions of the room and create a sketch of the area using graph paper or computer software. Be sure to plot any windows or doors on the drawing so that you will be aware of obstacles.

Homeowners unsure of what they want should browse through magazines or pictures on the Web for inspiration. Search for key phrases that describe your design style, such as Tuscan, farmhouse, country, colonial, etc. Then read up on the components of these styles that define it. This will help you select items that fit with the style.

Once a particular style has been chosen, create a design board just like

home & garden

10 — THE DAILY HOME, Talladega and St. Clair counties, Ala., Sunday, May 20, 2012

How to hide TV when it’s not in use

From Page 9

throughout their homes and apartments, and homeowners should do it themselves. Pests, including bed bugs, can enter through such cracks and crevices.

• Wash clothing in hot water. If a bed bug infestation is suspected, immediately wash your clothes in hot water or place the clothes in a sealed plastic bag until you can wash them.

For those who already have a bed bug infestation, it’s often best to trust bed bug removal to the professionals. An experienced pest control company will be able to find and eliminate all of the bed bugs’ hiding places, even treating the home with special pesticides if necessary.

Those who cannot afford a pest control company can get rid of bed bugs themselves.

Just make sure the effort is thorough and always be safe, particularly if using pesticides. To remove bed bugs effectively, consider the following tips, courtesy of the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene.

• Find the bed bugs and where they are hiding. Bed bugs tend to hide in certain areas, including behind a bed’s headboard, in the seams and tufts of a mattress,

hiding the TV from view.

Although most people can’t get enough of their television viewing, the caveat is they don’t want the television to be an eyesore when not in use.

Different concealment strategies can help mask a TV when it is not in use.

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Remote-operated devices can raise or lower a television into position depending on need. items in the room and create a flawless appeal.

• Cover up: Wall-hung flat screen televisions can be camouflaged with a piece of artwork or another wall decoration. Many times the TV is recessed into the wall, and the canvas or mirror is mounted on a device that can move it out of the way to reveal the screen. * On the move: There are mechanisms that can lower or raise a TV from a hidden location, whether in the floor or ceiling.

The TV can descend or

ascend vertically, or a hinged device can flip the TV up or down, depending on need, much like a small LCD television that mounts on the underside of a kitchen cabinet.

• Under the bed: People have long embraced the under-the-bed storage options, but what about using that space for a TV? Homeowners who have $10,000 lying around can purchase a mounting device that stores the TV under the bed, and then raises it into position at the foot of the bed with

the touch of a remote control.

• Track TV: With a system of trackwork, a television can swivel out of a hiding spot in a closet, cabinet or soffit and move into position on a pole connected to the track.

Both manual and motorized tracks can be installed for a few hundred dollars.

• Canvas cover: A less expensive option than some of the motorized devices available, a shade or tapestry on a manual device (think the window shades that you tug and

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vinyl box spring cover for be cleaned, seal them in inside the box spring, at least one year. a plastic bag and discard along bedroom baseIf any items cannot them. board cracks, and in and around nightstands.

When looking for bed bugs, use a bright flashlight. Sometimes, the bed bugs’ dark droppings or Heating & Air Conditioning small bloodstains from crushed critters might be visible to an especially watchful eye.

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• Clean areas where bed bugs might be hiding. When washing bedding, linens, curtains, rugs, carpets, or clothes that might be harboring bed bugs, wash them in hot water and dry on the hottest dryer setting to kill the critters.

Soak delicate items in warm water with lots of laundry soap for several hours before rinsing.

Wool items, plush toys and shoes can be placed in a hot dryer for 30 minutes to kill bed bugs.

When cleaning the mattress, scrub its seams with a stiff brush to dislodge both the bed bugs as well as any eggs that might be attached. Mattresses can also be vacuumed, as can bed frames, nearby furniture, floors, and carpets. Should bed bugs be found on the mattress, after it has been cleaned cover the mattress with a waterproof, zippered mattress cover that is allergen rated or labeled “for dust mites.” Keep this cover on for at least one year.

Similarly, if the box spring is infested, seal it inside a

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the shade rolls up onto itself) can also conceal a television. Lower or raise the shade as needed.

• Smaller scale: Smaller TVs are easier to camouflage. Think scale when placing a TV in a bedroom, bathroom or kitchen. Simple decor accessories may do the trick of

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People have a love affair with their electronics, which play an integral role at households across the globe. Statistics from Nielsen’s Television Audience Report indicate that the average American household has 2.86 television sets, despite having just 2.5 people. It is also estimated that those in the U.S. will have watched the equivalent of 9 years’ worth of TV by the age of 65. Canadians spend 1,500 hours each year watching TV, and 128,000 Canadians have a TV in the bathroom.

Though TVs are located throughout the typical household, homeowners don’t always appreciate the look of a TV and how it fits in with their design scheme. That is why many seek ways to camouflage a television when it is not in use.

There are many ways to mask a television when not in use. Homeowners can explore different options, depending on their particular budget and the available space.

• Furniture: Television armoires and cabinetry are some of the most basic ways to hide a TV. The unit is housed behind doors that are closed when the TV is not on and can be opened and recessed when it’s time to watch a show. These pieces of furniture can match other