Spring Home Improvement 2021

TEG

Spring H OME

TUESDAY, APRIL 6, 2021

La Bonita Garden of Grace celebrates seventh year, Page 4 Gardening tips for beginners and the previously unsuccessful, Page 6

Page 2

V

V

V

THE GAZETTE, EMPORIA, KANSAS

V

V

V

Tuesday, April 6, 2021

Tuesday, April 6, 2021

V

V

V

THE GAZETTE, EMPORIA, KANSAS

V

V

Page 3

V

PLANNING ON CANNING? PREP NOW FOR SAFELY PRESERVING GARDEN FOODS K-State Research and Extension

MANHATTAN — Gardeners are making their plans, and in some areas, vegetables and other foods are already being planted. A Kansas State University food scientist figures those are pretty good signs that food preservation season is not far away.

“Now is the time to check canning equipment and make repairs needed or replace worn items,” said Karen Blakeslee, who is also coordinator of KState’s Rapid Response Center for food science. “Examine jars and take damaged ones out of your canning supply.

Canning lids were in short supply last year, so be patient as those supplies get replenished.”

Blakeslee said that K-State Research

and Extension offices across the state can check several brands of dial gauge pressure canners – including Presto, National, Maid of Honor and Magic Seal -to make sure they are working properly.

This service is free.

“If you are new to canning, practice using your equipment now before you want to can food,” Blakeslee said.

“Learn how the canners work with your stovetop.

Use water-filled jars as substitutes to process through the canners. Also, be aware that some canners should not be used on flat, glass stovetops. Always follow the canner and stove manufacturer’s directions.”

Blakeslee also encouraged using canning recipes that have been validated by research.

“Following those recipes and direc- Water bath canners and other equipment should be checked to ensure their safety before preserving foods.

tions will help insure a safely canned food,” she said. “A majority of food preservation failures occur due to user errors. And don’t forget to adjust your processing for our location’s elevation.”

Several recipes, how-to videos and publications on food preservation and canning are available online through the Rapid Response Center.

“Take the time to get educated before you start,” Blakeslee said. “This will help guide you to making safe food and

reducing waste.”

Blakeslee publishes a monthly newsletter, called You Asked It!, that addresses many issues related to food science and safety. The April newsletter includes a testimonial from a consumer who survived a bout with botulism caused by improperly preserved green beans.

More information on food safety also is available online from K-State Research and Extension.

Page 4

V

V

V

THE GAZETTE, EMPORIA, KANSAS

V

V

V

Tuesday, April 6, 2021

GROWING COMMUNITY: LA BONITA GARDEN OF GRACE CELEBRATES SEVENTH YEAR

By Ryann Brooks

brooks@emporia.com

One of Emporia’s most successful community gardens is celebrating another growing season.

La Bonita Garden of Grace, located across from the Grace United Methodist Church on South Avenue, is going into its seventh year and has expanded to 21 garden boxes.

“It’s really amazing because we weren’t sure how it was going to go,” said Garden Manager Monica Delgado. “We had put in water lines, we put in the beds and the other thing we did not do that we regret is we didn’t put in electricity.”

The garden was established in 2014 with a mission to provide a neighborhood garden, offer educational programs about gardening, promote healthy eating choices and to cultivate a sense of community.

Delgado said the garden started as a way to engage the neighborhood around the Grace UMC, to help people support themselves by growing fresh produce and potentially help cut down on monthly grocery bills. But, it turned into something unexpected — a gathering place.

“I think our neighborhood was excited that we did something to the corner instead,” Delgado said. “We've had a lot of support from the community because they like seeing it when they drive by and stuff like that. People are interested in seeing what’s going on.”

It hasn’t been uncommon over the past seven years for Delgado and other gardeners to have visitors while they are out in the garden. People will stop, she said, and ask what they are growing or how they get certain plants to look so good. Before the COVID-19 pandemic hit, the La Bonita Garden Club would host meet-ups in the garden every Thursday. Those helped foster a sense of community as well, Delgado said.

Sometimes people who weren’t gardeners would come to those meet-ups, too.

“People started using the garden to socialize, not just gardeners but people living around the garden, people who wanted somewhere to go,” Delgado

RYANN BROOKS/GAZETTE

Monica Delgado holds a copy of the first mention of La Bonita Garden of Grace in the April 16, 2014 edition of The Emporia Gazette at the garden on Friday, April 2. The garden is celebrating its seventh year.

said. “They were able to do that. We had games, we tried to sing. We had Bible stories for the kids because we are a mission of the church. I think we’ve really been blessed with people who are actually interested in gardening and people who are like, ‘I’ll kill anything!’ but they think maybe this is a good place to experiment.”

For Delgado, the garden started as a way to get some exercise. She said she planned on planting a box for one season that first year in 2014. Seven years later, she can’t imagine not having a box.

“I come from a family that always had a garden,” she said. “They always had a lot of produce and they froze a lot of their stuff and my grandmother canned a lot. This was helpful to me to step back into that time that I had forgotten and lost touch with. To me, gardening is getting back in touch with the Earth and I think that’s what people like; they like to see it and feel it and when they grow something and it really grows it’s really exciting.”

Delgado said garden plots are still available for this season and are avail-

able to rent for $30. Funding assistance is available for those who cannot afford a box on their own, she said. The community garden is meant to be available to everyone.

Those interested in renting a box can call Delgado at 620-481-7115. She encourages anyone who hasn’t visited the garden to come down to check it out.

“It’s just a garden of God that’s blessed with peace and love and grace, and that’s why it’s called La Bonita Garden of Grace,” Delgado said. “We want everyone to experience gardening.”

Tuesday, April 6, 2021

V

V

V

THE GAZETTE, EMPORIA, KANSAS

V

V

Page 5

V

GROWING UP: VERTICAL GARDENING PROVIDES MORE ROOM FOR CROPS K-State horticulture expert says many crops can adapt to growing on a structure K-State Research and Extension

MANHATTAN — Even the most ambitious gardeners realize they can only plant a given amount of crops in the ground they have...right?

Kansas State University horticulture expert Ward Upham said there is a way to make more efficient use of space in the garden: growing some of your crops vertically, as in upward.

“Growing vertically not only helps conserve space but can also help prevent disease due to better air movement. Also, harvesting those crops can be easier,” Upham said. “If you have a small garden, growing vertically can allow more crops to be grown.”

Tomato cages are a good example of how crops can be grown vertically, and oth-

Tomatoes are commonly grown vertically, but many other crops can be grown upward to increase the amount of space for gardening.

er crops can be trained to grow up a structure, according to Upham. They include pole beans, peas and such vining crops as cucumbers, melons, squash and gourds.

“Edible-pod and snow peas are better adapted to growing vertically than English (shelling) peas because they have longer vines,” Upham said.

He suggests avoiding ‘bush-type’ vining crops because they are bred to produce

shorter vines. “Another thing to keep in mind is that large fruit from vining crops may need to be supported so they don’t damage the vine,” he said.

Upham said bamboo poles and cattle panels are a couple options as supporting structures. Bamboo poles are often used to form a teepee to support pole beans. Cattle panels, often 16 feet long, may need to be cut in half for a better fit, then tied together

to form a “pup tent.”

“Crops can then be planted at the base of each panel,” Upham said. “Another way to support a cattle panel is to tie the panel to T-posts so that it will stand upright.”

Transplanting tomatoes early Upham also has a few tips for those who would like to set their tomato plants up to produce earlier in the year.

“Most people who try to get a jump on the season set their tomatoes out early and hope they do well,” he said. “However, that is often not a good plan because tomatoes have certain requirements to grow well, including an acceptable soil temperature for root growth, and an acceptable air temperature for plant growth and fruit set.”

If conditions cooperate, Upham said a target date of two weeks earlier than normal is something for gardeners to shoot for.

Two keys to look for include: • Root growth — Tomatoes need a soil temperature of at least 55 degrees Fahrenheit to do well. Plastic mulch can be used to warm the soil, but allow several days to raise the soil temperature. Check the soil Please see Tomatoes, Page 5

STOP IN OR CALL TODAY TO SCHEDULE YOUR POOL OPENING!

U YO

R AUTHORIZED

• Shingles Missing?

Never miss a single MOMENT in your pool due to algae or cloudy water. Ask us how!

829 Commercial St. • Emporia

620-208-7660

www.jackslawnandpool.com

• See Debris in Gutters • Tree Branches on Roof

We CAN HELP Call BRIAN WALBURN

620-366-1310

Residential and Commercial Roofing We appreciate your business! • Faith • Integrity • Quality www.excellenthomesolutions.com

Page 6

V

V

V

THE GAZETTE, EMPORIA, KANSAS

V

V

V

Tuesday, April 6, 2021

GARDENING TIPS FOR BEGINNERS AND THE PREVIOUSLY UNSUCCESSFUL

By Zach DeLoach zach@emporia.com

With the arrival of spring comes the opportunity for people of all ages and levels of experience to plant their own gardens for pleasure and product. But for many, the art of gardening doesn’t come so naturally.

However, that certainly doesn’t mean that they are out of luck.

Travis Carmichael is the K-State Research and Extension Horticulture and Community Development Agent for Lyon County and he said that those who are just starting out or who have struggled with gardening in the past don’t have to dive straight into a full 10-by-10 plat.

“Where I would start, if you’ve never gardened

before, maybe think about container gardening [so] you can get your feet wet,” he said.

As the name suggests, container gardening involves planting vegetables in some sort of container rather than directly into the ground. Crops that grow well in containers are tomatoes, peppers, radishes, lettuce and green onions.

“I tend to tell folks to stay away from squash and cucumbers, those things that vine because they’re going to take a lot of water and that container’s probably not going to hold enough to keep all those happy,” Carmichael said.

The containers should be at least one foot in diameter, with a five-gallon Please see Tips, Page 7

RYANN BROOKS/GAZETTE

La Bonita Garden of Grace is a good place for beginners.

Tuesday, April 6, 2021

V

TIPS From PAGE 6 bucket being about as small as one should go.

The bigger the container, naturally, the more one can plant. Carmichael also said that livestock licktubs with holes drilled into them for drainage work well because they’re deep and wide. Also, if one has access to lick-tubs, they will save a good chunk of money, as large containers for sale at garden centers or local box stores can start to get expensive.

For those who want to use flowers and greens for aesthetic purposes, Carmichael said that the process is different than with vegetables.

“All those [flowers] that most people purchase, ... they’ve all been bred now to where the more fertilizer we put on them, the biggest, greatest show you’ll get, the more color

V

you’ll see, they’ll be this big beautiful thing,” he said. “ … We can’t do that in a vegetable garden, so that’s where you have to be mindful. You have to one practice for flowers: fertilize them almost every time you water them. Vegetable garden, you have to be a little more precise on when you fertilize, because if you fertilize like that, they’ll grow great, but the yield goes down.”

With in-ground vegetable gardens, compost can be used to provide some fertilization while breaking up the dense clay soil to ease drainage and retain an appropriate amount of water. However, compost is unnecessary with plants in containers, because potting soil is already engineered to meet the needs that compost addresses.

For potted plants, Carmichael suggested that amateur horticulturists use either slow-release granular fertilizers or water-soluble fertilizers.

V

THE GAZETTE, EMPORIA, KANSAS

One of the greatest challenges with growing plants is finding the appropriate balance when watering them. Carmichael said that, while tools are available to assist with this, the best tool for someone without a lot of money to spend is the human finger.

“The best way is to go out there, use your finger, scratch down an inch or so, a couple knuckles, maybe, depending on your finger length … and see what the moisture is there,” he said.

“So if it’s really powdery and still dry, give it some water. If you can tell that it’s still kind of wet [and] you can get it to mat together and you can work it, then you might want to wait a little bit.”

He said that there are probes that can be purchased to assist with this, but that the most affordable ones are not calibrated particularly well and that to get an accurate one could cost an exorbitant amount.

V

V

Page 7

V

EXTERIOR LIGHTING CAN ADD AMBIANCE TO A PROPERTY The value of the right lighting in a home is undeniable. Lighting can instantly transform a room and create the ambiance homeowners are looking to establish. Though it might be mostly seen as a way to create mood inside a home, lighting also can do much for lawns and gardens.

Backyards have come a long way over the last several decades. Once reserved as play areas for children and stomping grounds for the family dog, backyards have become oases for homeowners and their families. Outdoor living areas are wildly popular, and no such area is complete without exterior lighting.

In fact, a recent report from the National Association of Home Builders found that 85 percent of home buy-

ers want exterior lighting, making it the second most desired outdoor feature (patios topped that list).

Exterior lighting can have a dramatic effect on landscaping, and estimates from the online financial resource Kiplinger.com suggest such lighting is inexpensive, with installation averaging roughly $67 per fixture.

When installing exterior lighting around their landscapes, homeowners can keep various tips in mind to create a relaxing, aweinspiring mood on their properties at night.

• Consider uplights.

Uplights are installed in the ground and direct light up at a tree, focusing on its trunk or canopy. This creates a dramatic effect that makes it possible to enjoy

majestic trees at night just like you might when spending time in the yard during the day.

• Focus on trees. Many homeowners already have exterior lighting lining their walkways and patios, but focusing on trees can create an entirely different look. Though it’s possible to install exterior tree lighting on your own, landscaping professionals with lighting experience know which fixtures will pair most effectively with the trees around your property and how to arrange them for maximum effect.

• Opt for warm light.

Warm white light creates an inviting feel around the property. The exterior lightPlease see Lights, Page 12

WE HAVE A NEW CRAFT CENTER WITH

RUSTOLEUM MILK AND CHALK PAINT

2611 West Hwy. 50, Emporia, KS 66801 (620) 342-5502 • (800) 800-7505 Hours: Mon-Fri 7 am-6 pm | Saturday 7 am-5:30 pm | Closed Sunday

Page 8

V

TOMATOES From PAGE 4 temperature 2 1⁄2 inches deep at 11 a.m., or use the average of temperatures taken before and after your work day.

• Air temperature — Plants must be protected from frost. Hot caps or water teepes can be placed over young plants to protect them, and provide a higher average temperature that encourages growth.

If the temperature goes below 55 degrees overnight, tomato flowers may not set.

V

V

THE GAZETTE, EMPORIA, KANSAS

V

V

V

Tuesday, April 6, 2021

The plant is not hurt, but the blossom will not set fruit, or will set fruit that is misshapen.

Upham and his colleagues in K-State’s Department of Horticulture and Natural Resources produce a weekly Horticulture Newsletter with tips for maintaining home landscapes. The newsletter is available to view online or can be delivered by email each week.

Interested persons can also send their garden- and yard-related questions to Upham at wupham@ksu.edu, or contact your local K-State Research and Extension office.

Providing Tree Care and Restoring the beauty in Emporia.

620-342-4898 • www.affordabletreeemporia.com

From hardware to equipment rental, we have everything you need to make your house a home!

2727 W Hwy 50, Emporia, KS 66801 | 620-343-2800 | www.WatersHardware.com | www.GerkenRentAll.com

Tuesday, April 6, 2021

V

V

V

THE GAZETTE, EMPORIA, KANSAS

V

V

V

Page 9

PULL CASH FROM YOUR HOME TO PAY FOR THINGS THIS YEAR

In the past year, we’ve all spent more time at home than ever before. You may be itching to finally take on a home remodel or repair project that you’ve been putting off. You’ve probably also thought about how exciting it will be to travel again, or how important it is to have an emergency fund. The good news is that if you own a home, you have “equity,” which is one of the greatest financial benefits of home ownership. Your home equity can provide cash for a multitude of purposes, including home upgrades, vacations, to pay down other debt or to pay unexpected expenses.

We talked to the loan experts at Lyon County State Bank to learn how homeowners can utilize the money in their homes. LCSB has several options that make funding projects or other financial needs affordable and convenient.

Brandee Orender, vice president of LCSB, regularly consults with homeown-

ers to educate them on the best solutions to finance home projects, repairs, and upgrades. For those wanting to make some improvements to their home, a Home Improvement Loan is likely the best option.

Home improvement loans can help with expenses related to a remodel or an addition. Major home improvements such as a new roof or adding a swimming pool can also be included. Homeowners are frequently able to get a loan for 100% of the equity they have in their home. LCSB is the only bank in the area offering a home equity loan that allows 100% of the available equity to be borrowed.

A second option for homeowners is the Home Equity Loan. With no restrictions, homeowners have the flexibility to use the equity in their home to help fund vacations, medical expenses, or build an emergency fund. “We see that the majority of customers use this loan to consolidate debts,” Orender said. “Credit cards inter-

est rates are much higher than the rates of a home equity loan.” With a Home Equity Loan, homeowners are often able to access up to 80% of the home equity.

“To complete the loan process for either type of loan, all we need the customer to bring is proof of income and proof of insurance,” Orender said. “It is a pretty simple process.”

Brad Yount, president of LCSB, says another option home owners should consider is a Home Equity Line of Credit.

The home equity line of credit qualifies a homeowner to borrow money as needed.

Yount says a home equity line of credit is particularly helpful in emergency situations such as large medical expenses or the loss of a job. With the prequalification process, homeowners can plan ahead to have a financial solution if a problem arises.

“Once the line of credit is set up, it can just sit there,” Yount says. “You only pay if

you use it, so it is a good option for emergencies.”

Yount included that their Home Equity and Home Improvement Loans remain local and are not sold off to out of town institutions. With same day approval and quick application process, the loan experts at LCSB really take pride in helping customers find good solutions.

To best assist homeowners, Orender recommends they come in with estimates or a good idea of how much money they will need. This provides her with a better understanding of the scope of the project so she can offer the very best recommendation to the customer.

Homeowners in and outside of the Emporia area can benefit from these loan options provided at LCSB. Both new and existing customers are encouraged to apply.

Contact the loan experts at Lyon County State Bank today to start using the money hidden in your home this year.

Page 10

V

V

V

THE GAZETTE, EMPORIA, KANSAS

V

V

V

Tuesday, April 6, 2021

LOW-MAINTENANCE LAWN ALTERNATIVES

discover meadows are cost- and time-efficient.

Stores sell special wildflower meadow mixes of seeds or homeowners can use wildflower plug plants throughout areas where grasses are left to grow longer. This natural area can be a home to wildlife and an idyllic backdrop to a home. Most meadows only require a spring or summer WILDFLOWER MEADOW Homeowners with wide and autumn cut to thrive swaths of property may and look good.

A traditional lawn may not be right for every property nor desired by every homeowner. There is no denying that lawns take time and effort to establish and daily or weekly maintenance to thrive. Homeowners who find that a traditional lawn is not practical can explore some lowmaintenance alternatives.

ORNAMENTAL GRASSES Partition areas of the property for ornamental grasses to grow. The gardening resource Elemental Green says ornamental grasses tend to be droughtresistant and low-maintenance. They won’t need much fertilizer and are often resistant to pests as well. Ornamental grasses grow in tufts or sprays and will not require mowing.

However, they are not ideal for areas that get foot traffic.

MOSS Moss can thrive in shady areas and ones where the soil tends to stay a bit damp. Moss is velvety soft and green, so it can mimic the look of a traditional lawn but won’t require mowing and other upkeep. Because it spreads quickly, moss can take over quite rapidly. You will need to protect areas where you do not want moss by creating barriers to stop spread.

GRAVEL Stone and gravel areas can reduce maintenance in the landscape and require very little upkeep. When gravel is installed correctly, weeds may not grow readily. Gravel installation may include laying heavyduty, semi-permeable landscape fabric, which is available in home improvement centers. Gravel is cheaper than pavers and can be just as beautiful.

ARTIFICIAL TURF If the desired look is a lawn without all the upkeep, there are various artificial grass options on the market. Homeowners who opt for artificial turf can save money and space devoted to lawn mowers and other lawn tools.

Grass may be ideal for some, but there are alternatives for people who have troublesome landscapes or desire a low-maintenance product for their homes.

Tuesday, April 6, 2021

V

V

V

THE GAZETTE, EMPORIA, KANSAS

V

V

V

Page 11

Page 12

V

V

V

THE GAZETTE, EMPORIA, KANSAS

V

V

Tuesday, April 6, 2021

V

LIGHTS From PAGE 6 ing experts at Utah Lights acknowledge that choice of lighting is up to homeowners but also note that, in situations with lower levels of ambient light, such as in exterior lights around a property, people typically prefer warmer light. That’s because warm light tends to be easier on the eyes and directs attention to the features of the landscape, which is many homeowners’ goal when installing exterior lighting in their yards.

• Utilize a timer. Modern exterior lighting timers make it easier than ever to control the lights outside a home. Many such timers even adjust for the changing seasons and the shifting hours of daylight. That means homeowners shouldn’t have to tinker with the timer once it’s set.

Exterior lighting can add significant appeal to a property without breaking the bank.

Home Improvement • Building Materials

Full Line Of Bad Boy Mowers In-Stock!

CARPET • TILE • VINYL • HARDWOOD • RUGS & MORE!

HUGE Selection!

From Economy to Premium!

EMPORIA

1700 Industrial Rd. (620) 343-6100

Open 7-days a week! www.Sutherlands.com

1501 W 6th • Emporia (620) 342-9467

www.CarpetPlus.com

! s e at s

m detail i t es or

ef e tor e s fr see