Spring Home and Garden

Friday, April 6, 2018

Creating Curb Appeal 3 ways to use your lawn to improve curb appeal

Weeds 101 & When to tackle weeds in your lawn

Protecting Pets Potential threats to pets in your yard

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HOME & GARDEN

Friday, April 6, 2018

Harrisonburg, Va.

Preparing garden beds for spring and beyond Begin preparing garden bed soil early for new plants.

G

ardening enthusiasts may have been thinking about their landscape plans throughout the winter, eager to once again get their hands dirty with soil. Whether a home gardener is making preparations for edible crops or beautiful flowers, he or she must take time to make the soil amenable to planting. To establish hearty, durable plants, gardeners can focus on three main areas: addressing soil composition, cultivating and adding nutrients.

Soil composition

Cultivation

Nutrition

Many gardeners prefer growing a variety of plants in their gardens. Such an approach requires taking inventory of the type of soil in one’s garden and making the necessary modifications so that the types of vegetables, herbs, shrubs, or flowers that will be planted can grow in strongly. In fact, according to the plant company Proven Winners, the most important step to developing good roots is preparing the soil.

Cultivating the soil can involve different steps. Removal of weeds, errant rocks, roots, and other items will help prepare the soil. Mother Earth News suggests working on garden soil when the soil is damp but never wet; otherwise, garden soil can become messy and clumpy. Use a digging fork or shovel to lightly turn the soil when it’s mostly dry. Gentle tillings also can open up the soil to incorporate the nutritional amendments and relieve compaction that likely occurred from freezing temps and snow pressure.

Tilling also helps with drainage and oxygen delivery to roots. The DIY Network suggests turning over soil at a depth of 12 inches to work the soil — about the length of a shovel spade. However, the resource Earth Easy says that existing garden beds have a complex soil ecosystem and simply top-dressing with compost or manure can be enough preparation for planting.

Gardeners can experiment with the methods that work best for their gardens.

Testing the pH and the levels of certain nutrients in the soil, namely nitrogen, phosphorous and potassium, will give gardeners an idea of other soil additions that may be needed. Soils with a pH below 6.2 often can benefit from the addition of lime several weeks before planting. Soil tests will determine just how much fertilizer to add to the soil. Complete fertilizers will have equal amounts of nitrogen, phosphorous and potassium. Individual fertilizers can amend the soil with only these nutritional elements that are needed.

Top-dressing empty beds with a layer of mulch or compost can prevent weed growth and preserve moisture until it is time to plant. If existing shrubs or plants are in garden beds, use more care so as not to disturb roots or dig too deeply.

Preparing garden beds takes some effort initially, but can be well worth the work when plants flourish throughout the growing season.

Take a sample of the soil and examine it to see what is present. If the soil is too full of clay, too sandy, too dense, or too loose, that can lead to problems where plants cannot grow in strong. Work with a garden center to add the right soil amendments to make a rich soil. This may include organic compost or manure, which will also add nutrients to the soil.

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Harrisonburg, Va.

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Friday, April 6, 2018

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or dragging a water hose across affected areas, can be an effective way to reduce brown patch. Homeowners without much lawn care experience can consult professional landscapers to address the issue. But those looking to sell their properties should note that buyers often walk the grounds of homes they are considering buying. So addressing any issues on the lawn should be a priority for sellers.

3 ways

3. Confine dogs to certain areas.

Dog owners may want to let their pets roam free in their yards. But homeowners about to put their properties up for sale may want to confine their four-legged friends to certain areas.

That’s because dog urine can be high in nitrogen. Nitrogen itself is not harmful to lawns, but in high concentrations it can contribute to yellow or brown spots.

Also, highly acidic dog urine may even adversely affect pH levels in the soil.

to use your lawn to improve curb appeal

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eturns on home improvement projects vary. In its annual Cost vs. Value Report, Remodeling magazine notes the projects that yield the best returns on investment in a given year. But a host of factors, including the type of market (buyers’ or sellers’) and the region where the home is being sold, ultimately combine to determine if homeowners’ investments in home improvement projects will provide the returns they were hoping for.

improvement projects need not require Penn State’s College of Agricultural Curb appeal can go a long way Sciences notes that removing dew that toward helping homeowners sell their professional expertise. collects on grass leaves each morning, homes, and a lush lawn can be used to which can be accomplished by mowing catch the eye of prospective buyers.

1. Maintain a lush green lawn.

Lawns that fall into disrepair may not give buyers a correct impression about how homeowners maintained their homes. Lawns with multiple dead spots and grass that appears more brown than green may lead many buyers to assume that the home’s interior was equally ill-cared for. Maintaining lush green lawns is not as difficult as it may seem. Applying fertilizer and aerating at the appropriate times of year (this varies by region) can promote strong roots and healthy soil, making it easier for grass to survive harsh conditions like drought.

When watering in summer, do so in early morning or evening so as little water is lost to evaporation as possible.

Though there’s no way of guaranteeing a home improvement project will yield a great return, real estate professionals often cite improving curb appeal as an excellent way to attract prospective buyers and potentially get the asking price or more when selling the home. Improving curb appeal makes even more sense in today’s real estate market, when many people do their own searching via real estate websites such as Trulia or Zillow. When using such 2. Address brown patch. sites, buyers will likely be less inclined Even well-maintained lawns can fall to click on a listing if exterior photos of victims to brown spots. According to the the property are not eye-catching. lawn care professionals at TruGreen, Various projects, including tending lawns in regions with hot temperatures to lawns and gardens, can improve curb and high humidity can be infected with appeal. An added benefit to focusing brown patch, a common lawn disease on landscaping to improve curb appeal that is caused by fungus, which can is it promotes spending time outdoors produce circular areas of brown, dead in spring and summer. In addition, grass surrounded by narrow, dark rings. many lawn- and garden-related home

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HOME & GARDEN

Friday, April 6, 2018

Harrisonburg, Va.

Select the right fertilizer for your needs and even formulations geared toward specific flower varieties. Others may feature buzz words like “allnatural” or “organic,” and consumers may not be sure just what they need to keep plants healthy. The following guidelines can help any would-be gardener or landscaper grow more vibrant plants.

Start with a soil test

For plants to truly flourish, the right growing conditions

and soil that offers the right nutrients is of paramount importance. Fertilizer enhances soil so that plants and flowers can thrive. However, fertilizer is not a one-sizefits-all mix.

Choosing fertilizer can be a little overwhelming thanks to the variety of formulations available at neighborhood lawn and garden centers. Shelves contain all-purpose products, such as those billed as vegetable fertilizer,

It’s difficult to determine what plants need without an accurate picture of what’s going on in the ground. A soil test can paint a picture of what’s going on and indicate if any nutrients are lacking. A common misconception is that gardeners fertilize plants. But fertilizer amends the soil that feeds plants, according to the soil-testing lab professionals at Virginia Tech. Soil types vary by region, and conditions may even vary between spots on a landscape. Testing where the plants will be placed can yield the most accurate results. Soil tests are available at gardening centers and online. Otherwise, landscaping professionals can conduct tests.

Know the N-P-K ratio Most fertilizers will come with information concerning the nutrients within. Most notably it will have a breakdown of how much nitrogen (N), phosphorous (P) and potassium (K) is in the mix. Judging by the soil test, gardeners can choose a product that will give them the right ratio to amend the soil for the type of plant they are hoping

to grow. Complete fertilizers often have NPK in the formulation. Incomplete fertilizers may have only one or two nutrients. This allows a person to customize fertilizer even more without overdoing it with a particular nutrient.

Grow plant knowledge A cursory knowledge of the plants being planted in the garden also can be helpful. Gardeners must recognize that some plants will not tolerate excess amounts of a particular fertilizer component, while some may need more. Checking books out of the library, seeking information online and consulting with landscaping experts will help expand homeowners’ knowledge about plant types and the needs of each particular plant they hope to grow.

Solid and liquid fertilizer Fertilizers are generally sold in pellets, spikes and liquid forms. Pellets or granules are dispersed over large areas and will gradually offer nutrients when the soil is watered. Liquid fertilizer is concentrated and fast-acting. These may be used for container plants or smaller areas. Spikes usually are placed in houseplants or to feed individual trees or shrubs. Depending on the formulation, fertilizer may need to be reapplied once a month or more. Consult the product packaging for the correct application advice. Fertilizer amends soil to grow stronger, more resilient plants.

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The basics of mulching derived from natural materials that will decompose over time, lending organic matter as well as various nutrients to the soil. Organic mulches also may contain beneficial microorganisms that can fight against plant diseases.

Inorganic mulches may be made of stones, landscape fabrics and plastic.

Both types will need to be amended or replaced as they degrade. Those who want the most environmentallyfriendly mulching materials can choose all-natural mulches instead of synthetic alternatives.

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To work effectively, mulch should be applied in a two- to three-inch layer of material, state the experts at Old World Garden Farms. This is the ideal amount to retain soil moisture and suppress weed growth without choking plants.

Also, mulch that is too thick may make it impossible for water to penetrate, or it may prevent the soil from airing out, causing continuously wet conditions that lead to root and stem rot.

M

ulch is available in various forms. Like other land and garden products, mulch can go a long way toward helping plants thrive.

Mulch comprises just about any material that is spread over the surface of soil. Its purpose is primarily to help soil retain moisture. In addition, mulch can staunch weed growth, keep soil cool, improve the aesthetics of garden beds, and even improve soil nutrient composition. When the right mulch is chosen, it can reduce the amount of time homeowners spend watering and weeding their gardens and insulate plants from dramatic changes in weather.

Gardeners may not realize that mulch also can prevent garden soil from becoming overly compacted, according to HGTV. This can mean beneficial earthworms can move easily through the soil, creating channels for water and depositing their nutrient-rich waste products.

Gardeners can choose organic or inorganic mulch. Organic mulches are

The University of Connecticut Home & Garden Education Center says mulch should not be placed directly against plant crowns or tree bases, as this can promote the development of disease.

It may also serve as a habitat for barkand stem-eating rodents. The center also suggests watering newly installed bark or wood mulches to prevent fungi from colonizing in dry mulch and causing problems like a water-repellent surface on the mulch.

Home landscapers considering mulch types may find that compost, manure and grass clippings (from nonpesticidetreated lawns) can be inexpensive and versatile in garden beds. The home advice site The Spruce notes that newspaper may also be effective. Many newspapers have switched over to organic dyes, especially for their black and white sections. Newspapers are an inexpensive way to suppress weeds and act like organic mulch in beds. They can be covered with other organic mulch, like shredded bark, for more visual appeal.

Mulch can be a versatile asset when doing gardening projects around home landscapes. And the benefits are more than just aesthetic.

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HOME & GARDEN

Friday, April 6, 2018

Harrisonburg, Va.

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ucculents can be just what indoor or outdoor gardens need.

Even though succulents are becoming more popular, there are still some people who are unaware of their attributes. By learning more about succulents, people may become devotees of these unique plants.

The word “succulent” brings to mind juicy, savory foods. But succulents aren’t meant to be consumed. In fact, they get their mouth-watering name from their uncanny ability to store water in fleshy stems or leaves. That means they do not require frequent watering like other plants might.

Succulents also may prove more durable in the face of drought and are a handy plant for forgetful gardeners or those who travel often and want something more hands-off in their gardens.

According to the succulents resource Succulents and Sunshine, most succulents prefer warm temperatures and are not very cold-tolerant. However, there are some varieties that can survive freezing temperatures. Still, for most succulents, it’s best if they are kept in warm, moderately sunny conditions.

The DIY Network says succulents grow best in bright light, but not always in full, hot sun.

Succulents also may attract gardeners thanks to their diverse looks. Better Homes & Gardens says that color variations of succulents are quite varied and include green, yellow, burgundy, white, blue-green, pink, red, and variegated combinations.

Their shapes can be just as diverse, with many having pointy, rounded, spiky, or ruffled leaves.

People may be particularly familiar with one type of succulent: cacti.

These traditional desert-dwellers are prized for their water-retention abilities, but some seem downright scary with their prickly exteriors. While all cacti are succulents, it’s important to note that not all succulents are cacti.

Less needle-like succulents include aloe, jade, snake plant, and agave.

Hens and chicks (sempervivum) and wax plant (hoya) are other succulents to consider.

Searching for succulents online is another great way for gardeners to discover these wonderful plants.

Harrisonburg, Va.

HOME & GARDEN

Friday, April 6, 2018

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Gardening during a drought D

Succulents are good droughttolerant plants to include in landscape designs.

uring the early and oftentimes raindrenched days of spring, it can seem like there may never be a time when plants will struggle to get their share of water.

But drought can affect any area, and arid climates in particular. Ensuring gardens can survive drought takes patience and forethought.

Drought can be particularly troubling for avid gardeners because it can wreak havoc on lawns and gardens. In addition to causing changes in the physical appearance, including wilted, dried out leaves and stalks, drought can weaken the integrity of plants. This makes plants more susceptible to disease and attacks from plantpreying insects, according to Better Homes & Gardens. In addition, it can take years for plants to recover from drought.

So what can gardeners do? While they may not be able to prevent damage to plants from drought, gardeners are not helpless.

Water well infrequently. Get plants used to a thorough watering every week or every other week. This will help develop strong, deep roots rather than shallow ones that will need frequent watering to thrive.

Choose drought-tolerant plants.

Homeowners can work with garden centers and

landscape professionals to create gardens that are full of water-wise plants and flowers. Some examples of plants that can survive with minimal water include the blanket flower, Spanish lavender, euphorbia rigida, and kangaroo paw.

Apply a layer of mulch. Mulch can protect delicate plants and the rest of the landscape by reducing the evaporation of soil moisture. Mulch will keep soil cool and moist.

Skip the fertilizer. Since fertilizers encourage plant growth, it’s best to skip them during drought, as growing plants require extra water.

Invest in rain barrels. When it rains, maximize the amount of water that can be collected by connecting rain barrels to downspouts on the house. This water can be used to water gardens when dry weather returns.

Use organic materials. Amend the soil with organic materials, like compost. The Grow Network advises that light, fluffy soils with air pockets in between the soil particles route water efficiently during floods and retain moisture for plants. Therefore, such soils can perform very well during drought.

Gardens can survive drought with simple actions and smart planting.

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HOME & GARDEN

Friday, April 6, 2018

Homes On Tour

The home of Robert and Tammy Lyon is in Massanetta Springs.

Virginia’s Historic Garden Week Showcases Homes And Gardens

By Justin McIlwee

Sylvia Rogers and her husband, Arthur, didn’t volunteer to be part of a tour. In fact, it was quite the opposite. “I had a knock on the door, and there was my friend from [Daughters of the American Revolution] and another lady,” Sylvia Rogers said.

“I invited them to come in and they said, ‘We’re here to invite you to have your home on the garden tour.’”

Initially, the two were skeptical about having their house on the tour. But after taking a week to talk it over and realizing that some of their neighbors were also taking part, along with the fact that the couple were familiar with Virginia’s Historic Garden Week from years of visiting other homes and gardens, they accepted. “I’m really impressed by the work the garden club does in terms of preservation and promotion of native plants and flowers,” Sylvia Rogers said. “I’ve also been blown away by the beauty of the floral arrangements they do for the homes that are in the show.”

By agreeing to be part of the Harrisonburg Garden Week Tour, the Rogers family home is now a small part of the much larger Historic Garden Week put on by the Garden Club of Virginia, April

Photos by Nikki Fox

21–28, 2018. This year, the Garden Club of Virginia celebrates its 85th tour and describes itself as “America’s Largest Open House.”

The Garden Club of Virginia opened in 1920 with eight founding clubs throughout the state.

According to their website, the club’s mission is “preserving the beauty of Virginia for all to enjoy.”

Early members raised $7,000 to help preserve trees planted by Thomas Jefferson at Monticello. That fundraiser then spawned the statewide Garden Week fundraiser which, according to the Garden Club’s numbers, has raised over $425 million for Virginia’s economy and has funded restoration projects such as Mount Vernon, the Pavilion Gardens at the University of Virginia and the Woodrow Wilson Presidential Library.

While the Spotswood Garden Club isn’t as old as the Garden Club of Virginia, according to Joy Strickland, one of the co-chairs of the tour along with Suzanne Obenshain, Spotswood has been around for more than 90 years.

This year’s Harrisonburg Garden Tour will take place on Wednesday, April 25, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and will take visitors through five homes

Harrisonburg, Va.

and gardens along the way. And even though the homes on the tour change from year to year, the method used to select the homes stays the same.

“We try to begin the process two years ahead of time,” Strickland said. “We meet as a committee and try to think of different areas that we’d like to be in amongst the committee.” Then, with each area, committee members make suggestions as to people they know who may be interested in showing their house during that week. “Then, we actually approach people and explain. We take a catalogue and a brochure and explain how the process works.”

This year’s tour will take guests through houses in the Lake Pointe Village area in Rockingham County, just a few miles outside of Harrisonburg.

Each of the four houses on the tour are within two minutes of each other, and the White Oak Lavender Farm, which is also part of the tour, is only six minutes from the tour headquarters. Each house along the tour offers different architectural and landscaping visuals and gems. Guests will have to take the tour to experience the intricacies of each home, but Obenshain, in an email, provided a few highlights to which visitors will be treated: n The home of Tammy and Robert Lyon: The brick exterior is punctuated by an oversized mahogany front entrance and a multi-sided turret housing the front veranda. n The home of Jan and Tom Leach: Among the antiques and collections on display is a Kentucky Long rifle built by the first gunsmith in Harrisonburg, a relative of the family. Tom Leach has an extensive collection of duck decoys lining the family room shelves. n The home of Sylvia and Arthur Rogers: A Chinese embroidery tapestry covers one dining room wall and is complemented by two ink wash paintings by Hau Pei-Jen. Many rooms are filled with impressive works by numerous American and international artists. n The home of Wendy and Dale Lam: A custom patio, hot tub and see-through fireplace have transformed this backyard into an inviting oasis for entertainment. The main attraction throughout the interior are numerous oil paintings by Wendy Lam. n White Oak Lavender Farm and Purple WOLF Vineyard: The family-owned farm grows over 8,000 lavender plants of various varieties.

The newest addition to the farm is their daughter’s Rebecca’s project, The Purple WOLF Vineyard.

HOME & GARDEN

Harrisonburg, Va.

Along with the inside and outside highlights provided by the homeowners, the Spotswood Garden Club also puts their own unique touch on each house along the tour. “There will be five or six ladies who will be assigned to a home, and they go in the day before and do flower arrangements throughout,” Strickland said. “Dining room table, big something in the kitchen; they go throughout the house.” Then, on the day of the tour, each group returns to their assigned house and hosts, telling visitors interesting facts as they peruse the home.

Even though the Garden Tour lasts just a few hours, and many visitors may only spend a short amount of time at each home, the owners have known for months that their house is going to be part of the tour and have put in work to make sure everything is ready for show. “We have lived here 12 years and we looked around and felt there were some things that needed to be done,” Sylvia Rogers said. “The dogwood trees needed to be replaced. We have a team of gardeners who routinely come here to help us with landscaping. Inside, just some bumps, dents and scrapes, so our handyman will be coming

Friday, April 6, 2018

in a few weeks to do some things.”

On the other hand, homeowners like Tammy Lyon took a different approach to the tour. “I’m just here doing my thing,” she said. “Whether you told me six or 600 people, I would still be pulling the weeds in the garden, vacuuming [and] cleaning the windows in the spring. I’m just doing the usual things I do for me.”

This year, unlike in the past, there will also be activities throughout the day. The events will begin at the tour headquarters, the Izaak Walton League Barn, at 3616 Izaak Walton Drive in Harrisonburg.

At 10 a.m., at the headquarters, Kappy Barnes and Judy Sullivan will be putting on a floral arranging demonstration titled, “The Language of Flowers.”

At noon, there will be an antique furniture and reproduction demonstration by David Ray Pine, and at 2 p.m., Abby Chick will finish with another floral arrangement demonstration, “Arrangements for Your Home.” Mashita and Mama’s Caboose food trucks will also be selling food from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the headquarters.

Large windows provide architectural structure to the back porch of Robert and Tammy Lyon’s home.

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HOME & GARDEN

Friday, April 6, 2018

Potential threats

to pets in your yard

diarrhea, hyperactivity, abnormal heart rhythm, seizures, and, in some instances, death. The amount of these toxins present in a given batch of this type of mulch may not be readily known, so homeowners should avoid applying it.

P

ets love to roam free, and homeowners with outdoor space often let their pets get some exercise and play time in their backyards. While it’s important for pets like dogs and even some cats to get some time outdoors, pet owners should recognize the potential threats to pet health looming in their lawns and gardens.

Slug and snail baits: The PPH notes that the active ingredient in slug and snail baits is metaldehyde, which is highly poisonous to cats and dogs. Symptoms of distress, including restlessness, vomiting, seizures, and high body temperature, can appear as soon as one hour after these baits are ingested. The baits are typically available in pellet, granular, powder, and liquid form, but each should be avoided by pet owners who allow their pets to play in their yards.

Mulch: According to the Pet Poison Helpline, mulch made from cocoa beans can pose a threat to pets.

This type of mulch is made of discarded hulls or shells of the cocoa bean. These byproducts of chocolate production contain varying concentrations of the toxins theobromine and caffeine. When ingested in high concentrations, these toxins can cause vomiting,

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Compost: Compost is a great and natural way to enrich soil. But compost piles should be cordoned off so curious pets cannot access them. As the organic matter within compost piles decomposes, mold can begin to grow. If ingested by pets, moldy materials inside compost piles can make pets sick in as little as 30 minutes. Pets who have ingested moldy compost may appear agitated, pant, drool, or vomit, and some may even suffer from tremors or seizures.

Flowers/plants: Of course, some flowers and plants can pose a threat to pets as well. Before planting new plants and/or flowers in their gardens, homeowners should inquire at their local gardening center or speak with their veterinarians to confirm if the plants or flowers are safe to ingest. If not, do not plant them or plant them in raised garden beds that cannot be accessed by curious pets.

Fertilizers: Certain types of fertilizer also may be harmful to pets. According to the PPH, fertilizers that contain blood meal, bone meal, feather meal, and iron can be dangerous to dogs. When ingested in large doses, such products can form a concretion in the stomach, which can obstruct the gastrointestinal tract and cause severe pancreatitis. Fertilizers that are high in iron also can contribute to iron poisoning if ingested by pets.

Harrisonburg, Va.

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these beautiful (and edible) flowers C Savor

ultivating beautiful blooms is a popular pastime for gardeners near and far. While gazing at a yard full of vibrant colors or enjoying the aroma of freshly cut blooms is enough for many gardeners, others may want to embrace a longenduring tradition — growing edible flowers.

Cooking with edible flowers is a trend that has endured for centuries.

According to Fleurs Gourmandes, the first recorded history of edible flowers occurred in 140 BC. Use of calendula in salads dates back to the ancient Greeks and Romans.

Victorian-era candied flowers and flower-encrusted sweets took edible flowers to new heights. Today, nothing may make a meal seem more gourmet than the inclusion of flower petals in the recipe.

Of course, before delving into the expanded world of cooking using edible blooms, some notes of caution should first be mentioned.

Avoid flowers that may have been sprayed with fungicides, herbicides or insecticides. To verify safety, only use edible flowers grown specifically for this purpose, not flowers picked from roadsides or from landscapes. Secondly, remember that not all flowers are edible.

Some can be poisonous or cause severe gastrointestinal upset when consumed. That means all flowers should be carefully researched prior to experimenting with them in the kitchen.

To begin growing — and eating — edible flowers, refer to this list of varieties deemed safe and be careful to double-check against allergies and any interactions with medications prior to use.

Allium: These are blossoms from the allium family, which include garlic, chives and leeks. These flowers can be used to add flavor to foods.

Basil blossoms: It may be customary to pinch off the blossoms of basil, which come in colors from white to lavender in order to stimulate growth of the leaves of the plant. However, the blossoms, which are more mild than the leaves, can be tasty as well.

Calendula: Sometimes known as “poor man’s saffron,” this yellow flower in the marigold family can taste like saffron when it’s sautéed.

Uncooked, calendula can have spicy notes that add variety to salads and garnishes.

Chamomile: This plant features small, daisy-type flowers that can be used in treats and teas.

Cilantro: The flowers from the cilantro plant can be eaten, just as the leaves and the seeds that form the spice coriander.

Fennel: Just like the plant itself, the flowers of fennel have a subtle licorice flavor.

Hibiscus: Hibiscus blooms are famously used in hibiscus tea, which is tart and cranberry-like.

Lavender: The sweet, perfumed taste of lavender works in cocktails and desserts.

Marigolds: These tiny flowers may be used in vegetable gardens to repel animal and insect pests.

Blossoms have a fresh citrus taste that can be used in cooking.

different ways. Some people batter and fry the blossoms, while others may stuff them with herbs and cheeses.

Marigolds are just one of the many flowers that can be consumed.

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Pansies: These vibrant early bloomers can take on a wintergreen flavor and look beautiful when glazed on cakes and other desserts.

Roses: Beautiful to behold, rose petals can lend a subtle, fruity flavor to many different foods as well.

Zucchini: The blossoms from this squash, which have a slightly sweet taste, can be enjoyed in many

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HOME & GARDEN

Harrisonburg, Va.

Building a hydroponic garden

H

ydroponic gardening can change people’s perceptions of what’s needed to grow vibrant plants. Rather than soil, all you may need for a hydroponic garden is water to grow a variety of healthy, strong plants.

Although it seems like a futuristic concept, hydroponics — or growing plants without soil — actually dates back

many centuries. The hanging Gardens of Babylon and The Floating Gardens of China are two of the earliest examples of hydroponics.

According to Fullbloom Hydroponics, hydroponic gardening is a method of growing plants in a water-based, nutrientrich solution. Instead of soil, roots are supported by an inert material, such as pellets, perlite, or vermiculite. Some people use coconut fiber, sand or gravel as well. The key is that the substance not supply any additional nutrition to the plant. In some instances, the roots grow in water alone.

Hydroponics works so well because the person doing the gardening can directly control the nutrients, oxygen and light according to what the plant needs. A nutrition-based water delivery system delivers food to the roots in a highly soluble form, rather than the roots having to search through the soil and extract the same nutrients. Absorbing food with very little effort means the plant can divert its energy to growing and flower production.

This method of no-soil growth can be used just about anywhere. Although it has not yet edged out traditional farming methods, hydroponics is gaining popularity among entrepreneurs and hobbyists. An added attraction to hydroponics is its efficiency. The gardening resource Maximum Yield says hydroponics is ideal where traditional

farming is not an option, such as in large cities where there is little to no access to agriculturally amenable land. Hydroponics can even be merged with vertical farming methods, helping to save space and increase output. Hydroponic gardens can be placed anywhere there is access to water and natural or simulated sunlight. Empty warehouses, rooftops, old shipping containers, and much more can be turned into hydroponic garden locations with minimal effort.

Scientists say that there can be drastic differences in growth rates and yield from hydroponic and soil plants. The group Greentrees Hydroponics says the growth rate for a hydroponic plant can be 30 to 50 percent faster than a soil plant grown under the same conditions. Environmentalists tout that hydroponic gardening is also beneficial to the environment because the plants require considerably less water than those produced with soil gardening and require fewer pesticides or other amendments to thrive.

Hobbyists looking to dabble in hydroponics can find many different hydroponic systems on the market today, in an array of prices and sizes. Wicking, ebb and flow, aeroponics, nutrient film, and deepwater culture are different hydroponic systems, each with their own advantages. Once gardeners get the knack of hydroponics, they may not want to turn back to traditional soil gardening again.

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13

Experiment with growing edibles indoors s s

r c

e a s e Smaller varieties of tomatoes can do quite well s when grown indoors in the right conditions. e oodies find it hard to beat vine-ripened to grow produce and herb gardens in their tomatoes plucked right out of a garden. yards. But those short on outdoor space may y Other edibles, such as fresh lettuce for be happy to learn that many edibles grow a small luncheon salad or a handful of fresh equally as well indoors as outdoors.

Many people maintain comfortable parsley right out of a pot to add to a marinade, c temperatures between 70 and 75 F in their also add a lot to meals. s The convenience and flavor of freshly homes all year long, which can be the ideal k grown edibles propels many home gardeners condition for growing an array of edibles no

F

matter the season. For those with homes that receive ample sunlight (or if homeowners are willing to supplement with artifical light), growing conditions can be even stronger. An indoor garden can comprise as much space as a homeowner is willing to devote. Shelving can maximize vertical areas and enable gardeners to include even more planting room.

Keep these tips in mind when cultivating indoor edible gardens.

Tomatoes: Tomatoes should be reserved for the sunniest spot in a home or one where additional UV light can be used. Tomatoes will need pots or containers that are roughly six inches deep with ample drainage. Keep in mind that tomatoes grown indoors will be smaller than outside fruits, and you may want to consider plum or cherry tomato varieties.

Cucumbers: For those fresh salad mixes, cucumbers can be grown indoors in large pots so they can have space to develop. Be sure to put a climbing structure in the pot so that vines can grow vertically, and place cucumbers in a sunny, warm location.

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if you have between four and five hours of bright sunlight per day and deep pots with loose, well-draining soil, you can cultivate carrots indoors. Carrots prefer cooler spots for sweet yields. Plus, carrot greens can make for attractive indoor decorations.

Microgreens: Swiss chard, basil, dill, kale, and other greens can provide nutrient-dense additions to any meals. These plants do not require a lot of depth to a container and can thrive on a sunny windowsill in a room that’s between 60 and 70 F. Scallions: These plants of the onion family add flavor to many recipes. When scallions are grown at home, gardeners can snip off the greens as needed. Choose deep pots so the scallions can establish strong root systems.

Turnips: Large, deep pots are needed to grow turnips, says Loyal Gardener. You can grow them from seeds and be harvesting turnips in about two months.

Homeowners or apartment dwellers can experiment with different types of edibles indoors. The result can be fresh foods no matter the season.

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HOME & GARDEN

Friday, April 6, 2018

Harrisonburg, Va.

When to tackle weeds in your lawn W

eeds are the bane of lawn and garden enthusiasts. Weeds can spread rapidly and overrun pristine grass, choking lawns and robbing them of their lush green look. In garden beds, weeds can steal water from thirsty plants, threatening their survival.

A proactive approach that prevents weed growth is easier and less frustrating than dealing with weeds after they have sprouted.

That means addressing weeds before they release seeds, and not waiting so long that the damage is already done. According to the home and landscape experts with This Old House, spraying herbicide for weeds in June and July can address weeds before seeds are set. Tilling and installing a new lawn in late August or the beginning of September can help the lawn establish itself before the first frosts arrive, all the while avoiding weed growth.

The weed control experts at Roundup also suggest a springtime application of weed killer if this is the desired route. Early treatment can prevent weed roots from spreading too far in the soil, which can reduce the chances that weed remnants will be left behind to grow at a later time.

Homeowners with small lawns or gardens or those who prefer hand-weeding or using

nonchemical ways to treat weeds must take steps to address the weeds early. Gardeners can try suffocating weeds by placing wood, blocks or plastic over them. Wet newspaper used as mulch can block weed formation and also clear patches of unwanted grass so that garden beds can be mapped out. Pouring boiling water on weeds or pulling them by hand is more effective when roots are young and have not yet spread.

The UK-based company Lawnsmith also suggests a mid-spring weed killer application. This ensures that all weeds that have surfaced are addressed and that none are missed by weeding too early.

The Idaho-based Town & Country Gardens suggests lawn and garden enthusiasts wait to tackle weeds. By waiting and applying weed treatments in the fall, when dandelions and other weeds are absorbing food and nutrients in larger quantities to survive winter, homeowners can rid their lawns and gardens of weeds efficiently.

Weeds are a nuisance and an eyesore in lawns and gardens. Choosing the right time to treat them can ensure they don’t adversely affect lush landscapes and thriving gardens.

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How to banish mosquitos from your yard may result in severe skin irritation through an allergic reaction to mosquito saliva.

Homeowners can employ several measures to prevent mosquitoes from invading their backyards this spring and summer.

e s , r d t g y g h r s d g s t ime spent in the backyard on spring g and summer afternoons and evenings s contributes heavily to the popularity d of these times of year. Many homeowners , s go to great lengths to make their outdoor

T

living spaces as luxurious as possible, only n to be bothered by uninvited and bothersome e guests: mosquitoes. y Mosquitoes are not just pesky nuisances,

but they’re also harmful. According to the

Keep a well-manicured lawn. Wellmanicured lawns are less likely to be breeding grounds for mosquitoes. Because water plays such a crucial role in the Remove standing water. Stagnant water mosquito breeding process, it’s necessary is an ideal breeding ground for mosquitoes, that all potential water sources in a yard be so homeowners must be diligent in their removed. Fallen leaves that are not removed efforts to remove standing water around their and pockets of soil beneath trees and plants properties. Mosquitoes can breed in bird can collect rain water or water from lawn baths, pets’ water bowls and empty plant sprinklers, which can be just enough for pots that collect rain water. Routinely tipping mosquitoes to breed. these items and refilling them with fresh Use fans. Consumer Reports tested the water can prevent mosquito infestations, effi cacy of oscillating pedestal fans to keep protecting both humans and pets alike. mosquitoes from invading decks and patios Inspect property for hidden pockets of American Mosquito Control Association, water. While bird baths, pet bowls and kiddie and found that such fans cut mosquito more than one million people across the pools are easy to find, homeowners may landings by 45 to 65 percent for those sitting globe die from mosquito-borne diseases be unknowingly hosting mosquito breeding closest to the fans. When hosting backyard every year. Such diseases include malaria, grounds elsewhere on their properties. barbecues, homeowners can set up several dengue, yellow fever, West Nile virus, and For example, tarps used to cover pools, such fans on their decks and patios to keep the Zika virus. automobiles or grills that are not tightly mosquitoes at bay.

The AMCA notes that many of the diseases secured can fold up, creating pockets where Mosquitoes are unwelcome guests come transmitted by mosquitoes can be linked to rain water can collect and give mosquitoes spring and summer. But homeowners can travel to endemic areas. But mosquitoes in somewhere to breed. Mosquitoes also may take steps to increase the likelihood that North America can still be harmful, and bites use gutters to breed, so homeowners should their properties stay mosquito-free.

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Harrisonburg, Va.

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