ParklandHomes-March_20_2020

Friday, March 20, 2020

Parkland

e I’ll do th you! for running

1136B N Desloge Dr. Desloge OFFICE

CELL

573.747.8099 573.327.8300

#vickycrockerrealty

HOMES

19077132

Bonne Terre • $429,900 Conveniently located only minutes from town, this wonderful mini farm is country living at its best. With a custom built home, huge outbuilding with horse stalls and great pasture, this farm has everything you need. The stamped concrete sidewalk leads you to a country porch before entering this impressive home. The great room with floor-to-ceiling stone wood burning fireplace sets the comfortable atmosphere this home is sure to provide. There is so much space with a separate dining area, eat-in kitchen, master en suite and separate laundry.

The unfinished basement with tuck under garage offers a wonderful opportunity to finish the way you have always wanted. Step onto the back porch or patio and take in the beautiful country views.

welcome home Find your dream home inside or online at

Don’t forget to check out our website at www.vickycrocker.com.

Let us do the running for you!!! www.facebook.com/vickycrockerrealty #vickycrockerrealty

dailyjournalonline.com/homes A Weekly Section From:

Daily Journal Weekly Real Estate

Refine

Friday, March 20, 2020  PAGE A2

Your Real Estate Search

Your source for news is now your source for real estate marketing

In accordance with the federal Fair Housing Act,we do not accept for publication any real estate listing that indicates any preference, limitation, ordiscrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, disability, family status, or national origin. If you believe a published listing states such a preference, limitation, or discrimination, please notify this publication at fairhousing@lee.net.

- Over 79% of adults connect with the Daily Journal through our print and digital platforms* - Over 46% of internet users in our area are using dailyjournalonline.com* - 80% of adults in the market access the internet via tablets & mobile devices*

The dailyjournalonline.com/homes advanTages: • Enhanced mobile friendly site • Automatic feed from Maris Matrix

• Fast high performance searches • Large photo galleries

Find your dream home on dailyjournalonline.com/homes

HOMESTEAD REAL ESTATE 132 commercial drive - Fredericktown

573-783-4600 “No One Knows The Country Like We Do®”

Tom Priday KayHarPEr JaSoN dEES LaNcE curEToN miSTyBroWN Broker/Associate

www.fredericktownmorealestate.com 760-3518

Sales Associate

760-7943

SALES ARE GREAT, WE NEED YOUR LISTING!

GIVE ONE OF OUR ASSOCIATES A CALL AND LET US SHOW YOU HOW WE CAN HELP IN SELLING YOUR HOME, FARM, RECREATIONAL PROPERTY, TIMBER TRACT, COMMERCIAL OR RIVER PROPERTY!!!

Sales Associate

760-5626

Sales Associate

Sales Associate

561-4400 858-337-2665

Call

431-1999 to subscribe to the

PAGE A3  Friday, March 20, 2020

recommends consulting a local garden center before planting blueberries. The professionals at such centers can recommend the best variety of blueberry to plant. That’s an important first step, as the USHBC notes that farmers cultivate dozens of varieties of highbush blueberries across North America. Lowbush varieties also may be a gardener’s best option depending on where he or she lives. A local garden center can help you determine which variety best suits your local climate.

Plant where there is ample sun and well-drained soil.

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

Prepare the soil. Blueberries require acidic soil, so running a soil test prior to planting is a good idea. Speak with a local garden center about soil adjustments if the soil is unlikely to promote growth.



A

trip to the produce aisle at a local grocery store can unveil a host of healthy additions to anyone’s diet. Such a jaunt also can raise eyebrows, as produce, particularly organic fruits and vegetables, can be very expensive.

Consumers may feel helpless to corral the cost of healthy foods like fruits and vegetables, but all hope should not be lost. That’s especially so for people willing to give gardening a try.

Blueberries are one of the healthiest foods people can eat. The USDA National Nutrient Database notes that blueberries, which are low in calories and high in fiber, are great sources of the vitamins C, K and B6.

However, organic blueberries can be among the most expensive foods in the produce aisle. Various factors, including where blueberries come from and whether or not they’re organic, dictate their cost. But it’s not uncommon to pay roughly $4 for a six-ounce package of organic blueberries. For some, such costs are prohibitive.

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

Consult a local garden center. The U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council

Daily Journal Weekly Real Estate

Tips for planting blueberries

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

Be patient. The UME notes that

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

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

Daily Journal Weekly Real Estate Friday, March 20, 2020  PAGE A4

ACREAGE

HORSES

18073680

20001201

Park Hills • $521,875

BARNDOMINIUM

19090312

Farmington • $1,895,000

OUT OF TOWN

20002911

Park Hills • $469,000

Bismarck • $79,900

41.47 Acres in awesome location for a new subdivision, apartments & duplexes or almost any business! Beautiful property with over 2100’ of road frontage.

ATTENTION.... The owners of the Hacienda De Molinero Equestrian Center have decided to downsize! This Amazing property will not be available for long.

The Total Package! 60x150 steel frame building with insulated 13 foot garage door.

Includes a 1825+/- Square ft. living quarters.

1128 square ft. building on 1.29 acres m/l.

The building includes 2 offices, bathroom, storage and workshop area with garage door and a carport.

OPPORTUNITY

BRICK

COMMERCIAL?

KNOB LICK

20003970

20004224

Park Hills • $63,000

19087282

Farmington • $107,500

19089453

Doe Run • $34,900

Farmington • $59,000

Automotive garage on corner lot with parking next to the garage and on the two lots across the street. Additional storage sheds next to the shop.

Brick 3 bedroom ranch style home. Corner lot. Screened back porch is great for catching a cool breeze on a summer night.

Perfect location for a small business on the corner of Hwy 221 and Walnut in Doe Run. Used to be a two car garage, now it’s framed inside as a 1 bedroom, 1 bath with a nice big master closet.

Adorable COUNTRY home in the quaint little town of Knob Lick. 2 bedrooms, BIG eat-in kitchen and a bonus room upstairs. Newer windows, newer roof and newer water heater.

AFFORDABLE

GATED COMMUNITY

INVESTMENT

HOME & WINERY

19087677

20004495

Ironton • $51,000

20005268

Farmington • $194,900

19034220

Park Hills • $34,000

Farmington • $1,375,000

Super affordable and really cute 2 bedroom home in Ironton! Covered porch and window awnings make this feel like HOME. Ready for new owner!

Start enjoying life when you live in this villa.

No grass to mow or snow to remove. This private gated community has a clubhouse with full kitchen & pool.

Investment Property! 2 Bedroom home in Park Hills currently rented for $500 month. It has a covered front porch and an 18x9 deck.

75 Acres with beautiful home located just 2 miles from Farmington and one hour from St. Louis. The residence has gourmet kitchen, wood floors, fireplace, lake out back.

OFFICES

OFFICES

RENTAL INCOME

RENTAL INCOME

19038922

19061548

Farmington • $329,900

Excellent location for Retail or Office Space.

New furnace and new roof. Currently used for two separate businesses.

20004513

Park Hills • $49,500

Downtown location! Business and retail district of Park Hills. One building with two large retail or office fronts. Excellent tunity. investment opportunity

Farmington • $55,000

Priced to go QUICK! 3 Bedroom rental with tenants already there. House with carport & outbuilding sitting on an acre. Good income.

Gr Great price!

Call

Mary & Glen Hagan 573-701-1690 573-760-4768

20005310

View ALL Listings... coldwellbankerhulsey.com #GuidingYouHome

Park Hills • $23,000

Priced right with an excellent return on your investment! 2 Bedroom home that currently rents for $320 month. Needs some TLC.

Ronda Barks 631-1663

32 East Liberty Street - Beautiful Downtown Farmington - 573-756-5711

PAGE A5  Friday, March 20, 2020

between plants to accommodate for growth and ensure the plants will not get stunted.

Plant deeply. Tomatoes tend to root along their stems. If transplants are long and lean, dig a trench and lay the stem sideways in the dirt, and then bend the top of the plant upward. Snip off the lower branches and cover with soil up to the first set of leaves.

This will produce extra root growth and stronger, more vital plants.

Give the plants support. Tomato cages or stakes can help keep the leaves and fruit from touching the ground, which can cause rot and, eventually, death to the tomato plant.

Lay down a layer of mulch.

Tomatoes grow best when the soil is consistently moist. Mulch can help retain moisture from watering and rain. Mulch also will help prevent soil and soilborne diseases from splashing on the leaves and plants when it rains.

While you amend the soil, make sure that it drains well and is slightly acidic.

Prune away suckers. Tomatoes produce “suckers,” which are leaves that shoot out from the main stem. Removing these leaves promotes air circulation and keeps the plant’s energy focused on growing fruit.

Tomatoes are a rich addition to any garden. A few simple tricks can help even novice gardeners grow delicious tomatoes.



licing into the first tomato of the season is a much anticipated moment for gardeners.

Tomatoes are among the most popular fruit or vegetable plants grown in home gardens. Much of that popularity may be credited to the fact that red, ripe tomatoes have a delicious, juicy flavor that serves as the basis for all sorts of recipes. And since tomatoes can just as easily be grown in a full backyard garden or in a container on a patio or balcony, tomatoes appeal to gardeners regardless of their living situations.

While tomatoes are relatively easy to grow, they are prone to certain problems and pests. Knowledge of what to expect when planting tomatoes and how to start off on the right footing can help produce a season’s worth of delicious bounty.

Wait until after the last average frost date. Tomatoes can be grown from seeds outdoors in warm areas, but tomato gardeners often find success starting seeds indoors six to eight weeks before the last frost date. Gradually introduce seedlings to the elements for a few hours each day, increasing the duration of time outside. Then they can be transplanted outdoors when temperatures are consistently over 60 F. Choose a sunny spot. Tomatoes love to soak up sunlight, according to The Home Depot. Place the plants in a sunny spot so they can thrive.

Space out plants. The experts at Better Homes and Gardens say to leave anywhere from 24 to 48 inches

Daily Journal Weekly Real Estate

S

Tips to successfully grow tomatoes

OFFICE

CELL

Daily Journal Weekly Real Estate Friday, March 20, 2020  PAGE A6

573.747.8099 573.327.8300

e I’ll do th you! for running

20001500 Bonne Terre / $74,900

Historic stone building on a main street in Bonne Terre. House dates back to 1900’s with rustic stone exterior while interior has been updated with a warm contemporary design. Previously used as a studio, with opportunity to become a commercial building with its prime location. Possibilities are endless and the choice is yours!

19077132

1136B N Desloge Dr. - Desloge

20011093 Bonne Terre / $129,900

4 bedroom home on large lot with detached garage & storage sheds. This home is located close to the city lake with walking trail, perfect recreation area for family & friends. The upper level has a spacious living room that opens into a large kitchen/dining area. Three bedrooms and bath complete the upper level. The lower level has a bedroom & large family room with gas fireplace and walks out to the great backyard & patio.

19079446 Bonne Terre / $275,000

Charm & character awaits you in this exquisite, 2 story Historic Victorian home with attached garage. A large living room with gas fireplace, built in book shelves & lovely wood floor will make you feel right at home.

The room off the living room was once called a sleeping porch and is currently used as a studio. The large kitchen has a sub-zero refrigerator, gas South Bend range, lots of cabinets /counter tops & walk in pantry.

20008593

Bonne Terre / $429,900

Conveniently located only minutes from town, this wonderful mini farm is country living at its best. With a custom built home, huge outbuilding with horse stalls and great pasture, this farm has everything you need. The stamped concrete sidewalk leads you to a country porch before entering this impressive home.

20009734 Goose Creek / $104,900

#vickycrockerrealty

Check out this great getaway! This corner lot is the perfect place to relax and spend time, complete with a camper, tiny home, and 30 x 21 garage. Camper is covered and surrounded by a wood deck, and also has electric hook up. The 12x12 tiny home is insulated, has electric and all furniture stays. The garage has a manual door that is 12ft tall and 18ft wide, concrete floors, and 200AMP electrical service.

Farmington / $389,000

Beautiful 2,843 sq ft, 1.5 story 3 bedroom, 2.5 bath home sitting on 7.6 +/- private acres. This lovely home features a 2 car attached garage & 28 x 24 shop with lean to. Entering the home your eyes will be drawn to the beautiful woodburning fireplace,providing a feel of warmth throughout the living room with an adjoining dining area making it the perfect place to spend time with friends & family.

19090694 Park Hills / $69,900

Cute 4 bedroom, 1 1/2 bath home with large eat in kitchen sitting on approximately a 1/2 acre. The home has lots of off street parking in both the back and front of the home. The home has a newer roof, some new windows, forced air gas efficiency furnace and central air.

This would make a great first home, retirement home or investment property.

20015285 Desloge / $55,000

Great opportunity to own a commercial building on corner lot in high traffic area!! Make your business dream become a reality, or use this property as a rental to generate income. This commercial property is all electric, has a bathroom that includes a shower and the parking area was recently paved. Don’t wait, CALL TODAY!!!

19080176 Park Hills / $134,900

Prime location to start a business or branch location from an existing business. The building was being used for a retail business but has endless opportunities. The building has office space , showroom, storage, kitchenette, 2 bathrooms & lots of parking.

Approximately 2250 square foot building with a newer roof.

Please Vote for Vicky Crocker Realty for Best of the Parkland 2020! www.facebook.com/vickycrockerrealty

17042309

Farmington • $3,900,000

20015775

Farmington • $952,000

18028349

Farmington • $99,900

Farmington • $104,900

Unspoiled - beautiful hardwoods - West Outer Road frontage and access. Extraordinary location on the West Outer Road of Hwy 67.

8.3 acres of wooded property in the heart of wine country. Absolutely gorgeous area. Private location.

Property has a 3 car garage and the concrete foundation for your new build!

Here is the DEAL! Excellent investment property!

Two lots available in Farmington. Perfect location for duplexes for income potential.

19026921

20013271

20016116

18080489



Multiple use property. Presently adjoins city limits.

Excellent location with 222 acres to develop.

Daily Journal Weekly Real Estate

17042292

17080729

19074402

Farmington • $99,900

Fantastic 6.2 acre lake front lot. Exclusive subdivision with gated entrance. Build a spectacular home with a gorgeous view of the lake from your back deck.

Farmington • $385,000

Gorgeous farm land in Ste. Genevieve County.

77 Acres of mostly pasture, pond, shed and lots of fantastic home sites! Great location. Excellent investment.

Farmington • $399,900

If you are interested in making a smart investment, look at this commercial building! Located on a very busy intersection in Farmington.

Bonne Terre • $375,000

Farmington • $850,000

FANTASTIC Investment Opportunity! Income producing real estate. FOUR big storage unit buildings containing a total of 71 units; plus two residential rental homes on 5 acres.

Two buildings, one heck of an opportunity!

This big, beautiful building has two store fronts on heavily traveled Karsch Blvd. Great location. Also includes another commercial building on the other corner of the same lot.

18024652

Farmington • $129,900

Farmington • $63,437

You will love the look of this house and the quaint feel of this area. Story and 1/2 home with 4 bedrooms, 1 & 1/2 baths, full unfinished basement and detached garage.

Adorable!

Dream location! Located near several area wineries. 8.03 Acres of land with stunning views all around. Excellent building site! More sites available.

Mary Hagan, GRI 573-701-1690 E-mail me at: hagan@coldwellbankerhulsey.com

19005382

View ALL Listings... coldwellbankerhulsey.com

Mary Gilliam GRI, ABR 573-760-6480 E-mail me at: mary@coldwellbankerhulsey.com

#GuidingYouHome

32 East Liberty Street - Beautiful Downtown Farmington - 573-756-5711

PAGE A7  Friday, March 20, 2020

Leadington • $22,500

Awesome location to build a beautiful new home.

Lots of trees on this site. Beautiful homes are abundant in this subdivision. Low traffic.

Daily Journal Weekly Real Estate Friday, March 20, 2020  PAGE A8

Signs that voles What can and cannot be are invading composted your garden

A

ll sorts of uninvited guests can compromise the look and vitality of a garden. Some gardens are trampled by foot traffic, while others are plagued with weeds. Still others are plagued by small, tunnel-building rodents known as voles.

Voles are often confused with moles. While they do bear some similarities, namely that both travel through lawns and gardens via tunnels, voles and moles are not one and the same. In fact, moles are not even rodents.

The Old Farmer’s Almanac notes that voles eat mainly vegetarian diets. That makes vegetable gardens prime targets for these small rodents that some mistake for mice. But Pests.org, a comprehensive resource for anyone looking to learn about pests and the threats they pose, notes that voles’ eyes and ears are considerably smaller than the eyes and ears of mice. In addition, voles’ tails are much shorter than the tails on mice.

Correctly diagnosing issues is essential to maintaining a healthy garden, and identifying vole infestations is no exception. The following are some signs that typically indicate a lawn or garden has been infested with voles.

Shallow tunnels throughout the property: Voles create shallow tunnels between one and two inches wide, and these tunnels can typically be found all over the lawn. Grass stems and blades are part of voles’ diets, so don’t just look to the garden for signs of vole infestation.

Markings on bark and plants: Pests.org notes that voles may leave small gnaw marks on bark and plants. A careful inspection of trees and other plants may be necessary to uncover this symptom.

Partially eaten root vegetables: Voles may eat root vegetables like carrots and potatoes by pulling them down into their tunnels. The result is partially eaten vegetables in the garden.

Damaged trees and shrubs: Voles don’t limit their victims to grass and root vegetables. Young trees and shrubs that are leaning over may have fallen victim to vole infestations.

Homeowners can employ various strategies to control and prevent vole infestations. But first they must be certain the unwanted guests tunneling their way through their lawns and gardens are, in fact, voles.

A

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

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

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

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

Okay for compost Most organic materials, or items that were once living, can be used in compost. Plant-based items used in cooking, such as potato peelings, carrot skins, banana peels, cocoa hulls, coffee grounds and filters, corn cobs, apple cores, egg shells, fruit peels, kelp, and nut shells, can be added to compost.

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

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

The small-gardening resource Balcony Garden Web indicates coated or glossy printed papers, such as those from catalogs, magazines, wrapping paper, marketing materials, and business cards, should not be added to compost piles because of the chemicals

and inks used in these pages.

Planet Natural Research Center says to avoid pet droppings from dogs and cats. Animal products like bones, butter, milk, fish skins, and meat, may decompose and start to smell foul. Maggots, parasites, pathogens, and other microorganisms can form in the compost. These materials also may attract flies and scavenger animals. Plus, they decompose very slowly.

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

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

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

Daily Journal Weekly Real Estate 

20004833

Fredericktown • $94,900

Farmington • $194,900

Come take a look at this updated, charming, 3 bedroom 1.5 bath, two story home that is situated on a large lot that offers a covered front porch and large covered side porch.

Main floor you will enjoy the master bedroom, laundry room, and large spacious kitchen with center island, lots of cabinets and dining area. Main level also has an office that could also be used as a fourth bedroom or nursery.

20002851

19084647

Farmington • $138,000

Great Location and conveniently located by shopping and restaurants!! You will fall in love the second you walk in the front door of this 5 Bedroom home that has been completely remodeled including new HVAC system, new high efficiency gas furnace, new ductwork, new electric water heater and updated electrical through-out the entire home. This Beautiful home also offers new flooring throughout, interior doors, windows, paint, appliances and more!

19086907

Farmington • $114,900

20012861

Farmington • $130,000

Park Hills • $450,000

Gorgeous building spot in Central School Dist with 17.94 +/- acres that is already fenced for pasture and has beautiful views that would be perfect to build your dream home or have your own mini farm.

Nice Mini Farm GREAT for horses that is mostly cleared and fenced!! This 3 bedroom 2 bath home situated on mostly fenced 5+/- acres that is tucked away off Highway 32 but still just minutes from town!

Adorable 3 bedroom ranch home with covered front porch, fenced in back yard and rear deck.

Home has cozy living room, nice kitchen with separate dining room.

ENDLESS POSSIBILITIES with this Excellent location! Situated close enough that utilities are available. Nice, mostly level 15.9 acres ready for development!

19065934

20012962

19087383

19025675

Park Hills • $4,200

Cleared residential lot in Park Hills, waiting for you to build your dream home! Easy access to highway.

Farmington • $635,000

FANTASTIC Commercial property opportunity in a VERY HIGH TRAFFIC area on Karsch Blvd!

Endless options with this over 9000 SQ.FT building with plenty of parking!

Farmington • $132,000

Remodeled 3 Bedroom bungalow with a cozy covered front porch and partial fenced in back yard!

Jim Triplett 573-760-4246

Park Hills • $39,900

TURN_KEY Business, established over 30 years ago. Great Income potential. Business and tools/ equipment, offers 1440 sq ft, 2 bays.

Cindy Backer View ALL Listings... coldwellbankerhulsey.com

573-760-4243

#GuidingYouHome

32 East Liberty Street - Beautiful Downtown Farmington - 573-756-5711

PAGE A9  Friday, March 20, 2020

20013299

Daily Journal Weekly Real Estate Friday, March 20, 2020  PAGE A10

Mulching mistakes to avoid

L

andscape features vary significantly from house to house. Some homeowners may prefer water features on their properties, while others focus on flowers that would be the envy of a botanical garden. Regardless of those preferences, lawn and garden enthusiasts who want to make their properties as idyllic as possible may eventually look to mulch to help them accomplish that goal.

Mulch helps soil retain moisture, which promotes strong, healthy flowers, plants, trees, and shrubs. And because soil beneath mulch retains more moisture than soil that’s not protected by mulch, homeowners won’t have to spend as much time watering mulched landscapes.

That saves time and conserves water, which can be a big benefit in areas prone to drought and/or especially hot summers. Mulch also helps to suppress weed growth, which can ensure all that

hard work needed to create an eyecatching garden won’t be compromised by the presence of unsightly, thirsty weeds.

Mulching seems like a simple task, and it can be. But that does not mean homeowners cannot make mistakes when mulching. The following are some common mulching mistakes to avoid as lawn and garden season hits full swing.

Not enough mulch: Mulch is ineffective when spread too thin. The Virginia Cooperative Extension at Virginia Tech and Virginia State University recommends applying mulch no less than two inches in depth. Anything less than that will prove ineffective at preventing weed growth and helping the soil retain moisture, and that means you will need to water more often.

Poorly located mulch: Mulch should not be placed too close to plant stems or tree

The differences between organic and inorganic mulches

trunks. When it is, tissue is so wet that it makes for a perfect environment for disease and insect infestation.

Failing to mulch to the drip line: The drip line of a tree refers to the outermost circumference of the tree’s canopy from which water drips onto the ground. The VCE recommends mulching to the drip line of a plant or tree, which ensures the plant or tree will get the most out of the mulch. Mulching to the drip line also Novice gardners may find themselves a little confused when visiting a lawn and garden center to purchase mulch.

That’s because there are various types of mulches. One of the ways to simplify that is to break mulches down into two main classes: organic and inorganic. Learning to distinguish between these two classes can help homeowners choose the best mulch for their properties.

T

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

Organic mulch Organic mulches are made up of materials that decompose over time.

The experts at BobVila.com note that, because they decompose over time, organic mulches must be replenished on a regular bais. Hardwood and softwood chips are among the most popular and recognizable organic mulches. Evergreen needles, leaves, grass clippings, and compost mixes also fall under the organic mulch umbrella. Many gardening enthusiasts prefer organic mulches because they help soil retain moisture, improve

minimizes competition from the grass, leading to stronger plants and trees.

Failing to weed before mulching: Weeds should be removed prior to mulching. If they’re not, the mulch can provide the same growing environment for weeds that you’re trying to create for your plants and trees.

Mulching benefits a landscape in myriad ways, especially when homeowners avoid some common mulching mistakes. soil fertility and help to deter weed growth.

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

In fact, because inorganic mulches like rocks and stones absorb heat, they can be detrimental to plants in areas where weather tends to be very dry and hot.

The right mulch for a given property depends on a host of factors.

Understanding the differences between organic and inorganic mulches is a great first step toward finding the right mulch for your landscape.

PAGE A11 ď Ž Friday, March 20, 2020

6. Hose/watering can: Keeping gardens hydrated is part of ensuring their health. That makes a hose and a watering can two invaluable tools to have around. Invest in a lightweight, expandable hose if storage space is at a premium. An adjustable nozzle will enable you to customize the water flow as needed. A watering can is an easy way to tote water to hard-to-reach pots and containers.

7. Garden kneeler: Gardeners often bend and kneel while working in the soil. That puts pressure on the back and knees. A comfortable garden kneeler with memory foam or one made from shock-absorbing material can reduce aches and pains.

8. Garden hoe: Garden hoes till soil, remove weeds and perform many other tasks. A garden hoe can be used along with a fullsized shovel, trowel and garden rake.

This list is just the tip of the garden tool iceberg. Visit a garden center and speak with a professional about other tools that can be added to the mix.

ď Ž

T

he right tool for the job is essential to working safely and efficiently. This is as true in the workplace as it is in the garden.

Novice gardeners may not know where to begin in regards to which tools they need. The following are eight items that can serve as a solid foundation for beginning gardeners.

1. Gloves: Your hands will be working hard, so it pays to protect them from calluses, blisters, splinters, insects, and dirt. Look for water-resistant gloves that are also breathable.

2. Hand pruners: Hand pruners are essential for cutting branches, cleaning up shrubs, dead-heading flowers, and various other tasks.

Choose ergonomic, no-slip handles that will make work easier. Rust-resistant, nonstick blades also are handy.

3. Wheelbarrow: A wheelbarrow can transport gear to garden beds or tote dirt, leaves, rocks, and other materials around the landscape. A good wheelbarrow is strong but light enough to maneuver when full.

4. Loppers: Long-handled loppers will fit the bill for thick branches.

The long handles provide leverage to cut through branches an inch or more in diameter.

5. Hand trowel: A hand trowel is a handy tool that lets you dig holes or unearth weeds. While shopping for a trowel, consider getting a hand-held garden fork, which can aerate soil and cut through roots.

Daily Journal Weekly Real Estate

8 garden tools for beginners

Daily Journal Weekly Real Estate Friday, March 20, 2020  PAGE A12

783-8455 • 756-2110

18 Court Square - Fredericktown

RAY STATLER 573-783-9921

CARLA SMALLEN 573-561-4175

IVAN STATLER 573-783-1316

TARA HALE 573-783-1848

EMILY WINKELMAN LIz WELCH 573-944-4178 573-440-4258

New ListiNgs

5890 W HWY 72 • FREDERICKTOWN 1124 MADISON 260 • FREDERICKTOWN 322 S MOUNTAIN • IRONTON $240,000 • #20016393 $297,600 • #20016344 $65,000 • #20017043 Prestigious Estate on 11.24 acres located only 6 miles from

Comfortable, quiet, country living at its finest!

This 4 bedroom 1 bath 2198 square foot home of living space offers a sunroom, mudroom, and beautiful views of the deer grazing in the backyard from the kitchen and breakfast nook area. The home has a bonus craft room up stairs and full unfinished walkout basement. All sitting on almost 53 acres of mixed wooded and grown up pasture, wet weather creek and small frog pond, has a great large garden space, and just minutes away from St. Françis River. So many possibilities with this one. This house is waiting for someone to make it a home!

town! This elegant 3 bedroom 3 bath custom home offers unparalleled craftsmanship and exceptional extras! This home is truly remarkable inside and out. Features include Main floor en-suite with two main floor bedrooms with their own bathrooms and walk-in closets, and main floor laundry. Windows provide plenty of natural lighting and an expansive deck partially covered over looking wooded 11.24 acres, a gourmet kitchen with island great for entertaining, storage, and a full unfinished dry, walkout, basement with tons of possibilities.

The basement offers a saferoom for storms, roughed in bathroom, and an extra garage space!

CONTRACTED

CONTRACTED

212 EAST KELLEY • FREDERICKTOWN $53,000 • #19083331

CNY RD 37 • IRONTON $482,500 • #19022515

What a charmer! All newly renovated home with 2bdrm 1 bath. Large eat in kitchen with breakfast bar. All new energy efficient windows. Home has an additional lot. Front porch is the perfect place for that dream swing and spending evenings setting out there enjoying family and friends. Call today to set appointment to view this quaint home. Shed is negotiable.

253 Acre Cattle Farm in Madison & Iron Counties.

Great views & Wildlife, Barn. Cattle working pens, ponds springs. Mostly newer fencing Appx. 100 Acres in pasture balance in Woods. Lots of Deer & turkey!!! Older house doesn’t add much but there is a well & septic which adds more value. If you looking for a working Cattle Farm or a beautiful Scenic place to build your New Home. This is it call today for more information!

This is a very charming home at the end of the street . Well maintained newer heating & cooling full walk up basement.

3 Bedrooms 1 bath one and a half story home. Has a 2 car detached garage. nice quiet area of Ironton close to down town.

A Must see! this charming home will not last, home would be great for the first time homeowner to start a family. Shown by appointment only.

YOURS HERE NEXT WEEK!

interest rates are great! time to buy or sell or both!!