Home Lawn & Garden by Herald & Review

April 2014

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Get Kids

Excited About Gardening Natural

How to Chse A Post Frame Builder

Fertilize

Loaded with Nutrients and Minerals

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ARTICLE

34 56 78 910 11

Spring Lawn Feeding Basics

Index

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Spring Home GARDEN 2014 LAWN

Produced by JG-TC (Mattoon Journal Gazette & Times-Courier)

Signs of a Healthy Garden and Soil

700 Broadway Avenue E. Ste 9A Mattoon, IL 61938

Natural Fertilizers - Nutrients & Minerals

(217) 235-5656

How to Choose a Post-Frame Builder

Publisher: Carl Walworth Advertising Director: Tammy Jordan

Get Kids Excited About Gardening What to Expect With a Tree Removal

Connie Anderson, Classifieds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .238-6828

Simple Ways to Limit Weed Growth

Shannon Davis, Senior Sales Consultant, Mattoon .238-6831 Challen Bauguss, Arthur/Effingham Retail Sales . . . .238-6834

Eco-Friendly Lawn Care Can Be Easy

Karen Collier, Classifieds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .238-6821

How to Guarantee Your Garden Starts Off On The Right Foot

any homeowners prefer the look and durability of real hardwood flooring. It can be exciting to install new flooring, and you may be anxious to start transforming a room. But before diving right in, it's necessary to acclimate wood flooring to a home. Otherwise, you may end up with

Rob Scheffer, Charleston Retail Sales . . . . . . . . . . . . . .238-6838 Sherri Aldrich, Auto/Real Estate Sales . . . . . . . . . . . . . .238-6832

Layout and Design: Laura Kazmer

Did You Know?

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buckled wood or other problems. Hardwood flooring needs to sit in the room where it will be installed for anywhere between five and 10 days or in adherence to the manufacturer recommendations. This gives the new flooring time to adjust to the humidity level and temperature of the home. Natural

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wood shrinks and expands due to temperature fluctuations, which is why it is essential to match the conditions in the home before working with the flooring. The boards can be acclimated in the boxes (with the ends opened) or outside of the boxes.

Unique Gardens Start With Us Grower of Perennials and Grasses

Nice Selection of Trees • Over 400 Types of Perennials Ornamental Grasses • Unusual Annuals Statuary • Garden Gift Shop Wander the many display gardens filled with ideas to transpose to your own landscape. Get a close-up view of how a particular plant will perform. As you stroll, be sure to enjoy the fragrances you will encounter. Spring Hours: Monday - Friday 9-5 Sat. 9-4 • Sun. 12-4

BARKLEY FARMS NURSERIES A Unique Horticultural Experience

Take Rt. 16 east to Kansas; turn north on Rt. 49, then east on Rt. 133. Turn north on road 1200 East and follow signs for approximately 4 miles. Just north of Paris, Illinois.

Visit our website for a convenient map! 463-7003 www.barkleyfarms.com

Advertising: To place a display advertisement, call (217) 238-6821 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. weekdays or email advertising@jg-tc.com To place classified advertising, call 238-6828 or 238-6821 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. weekdays.

For All Your Home Improvement Needs

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Personal Finance Company 10 Lincoln Ave • Charleston (217) 345-2164 www.personalfinancecompany.com "Proudly Serving You Since 2005"

PAUL K. CONLIN

LICENSED HOME INSPECTOR AND RADON TESTING To schedule your Home Inspection or Radon Test Call 273-1300 or e-mail: pconlin@consolidated.net

A & A Lawn and Garden Tractor Service • Repairs & Tuneups • Blades Sharpened & Balanced • Painting • Small Welding 900 Arthur - Mattoon, IL 61938

217-258-7835 analawn@consolidated.net

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APRIL 2014 — 3

Lawn Seeding Basics

Spring is the season to assess lawn health and reseed as necessary to ensure a healthy lawn. pring has sprung, and there are many activities to enjoy now that the warmer weather has arrived. Many homeowners make the most of warmer weather by tackling projects around their properties. While autumn is a better time to overseed a lawn for new growth, satisfactory results still can be had if seeding is done early enough in the spring. Grass needs ample time to establish roots and grow strong before the summer heat takes its toll. Many types of grass need six to 12 weeks of ideal temperatures and growing conditions to germinate and produce a sturdy grass that will grow and endure. Seeding can be done to rejuvenate an existing lawn and fill in bare spots. It also can be done to start a lawn from scratch. The following are some tips to help make seeding

projects more successful. * Begin by raking the lawn to remove thatch and any fallen leaves leftover from autumn and winter. Raking also enables you to inspect the lawn for bare patches or matting of grass that may be indicative of a fungus or other problem. * Dust off the mower and trim the lawn short, especially if it was left long at the end of last season. This will help seed penetrate the blades of grass and get to the soil beneath. * High-traffic lawns may need aeration to counteract compacted soil. Moss on the ground is often an indication of compaction. Aeration will help with this problem, as it pokes holes into the soil to enable oxygenation that keeps new grass robust and promotes faster growth. Lawn aerators can be rented from many garden centers. * Spread a mixture of topsoil and compost over the top of the lawn. This will add nutrients through organic matter to the lawn and create a good base for the new seed to take root. It will also help strengthen any existing grass and promote long-term health. * Test a sample of the soil to check the pH. Grass prefers a

neutral pH, but some soil tends to lean toward the acidic side, especially if you see the presence of moss. Knowing the pH will help determine just how much lime per square foot you will need to adjust it accordingly. Liming is a corrective measure and does not need to be used on a healthy, thriving lawn. * Invest in a spreader to add seed to the lawn. The spreader will have various settings that enable you to calibrate the rate of seed dispersion depending on your walking speed. Fill the spreader with seed and begin to walk around the lawn. Drop spreaders require you to apply seed in rows with no overlap. Broadcast spreaders will cast seed widely and may need some overlap to guaran-

tee complete coverage. * Spread another thin layer of compost mix over the seed and water thoroughly. The compost will help keep moisture in while the seeds germinate. * Aim for lawn watering two to three times per day. The seed should be barely dry between watering. After seeds have germinated and established, you can reduce the frequency of watering but increase the depth of the watering to keep roots strong. * Avoid foot traffic on a newly seeded lawn until the grass is well established.

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ARTHUR, IL

(217) 543-2154

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Signs  a healthy

Garden & Soil U

tured. Chemical fertilizers and an abundance of water may temporarily boost the appearance of a garden, but gardens need more than a quick fix to maintain long-term health. The following are a handful of

Everything you need for your landscaping projects! Large Selection of Shrubs & Trees Bulk Garden Seed & Garden Plants Annuals & Perennials Bulk Mulch & Rocks Steppers, Pavers, Edging & More! Fertilizers & Chemicals Garden & Potting Soil

Hawken Energy Outdoor Wood Burning Furnaces

Mother’s Day Gifts Wind Chimes, Gourmet Food Mixes, Home Decor, Candles & Much More!

Scotty’s (217) 932-2007 Garden & Furnace Center Monday- Friday 8:30 am - 5:30 pm Intersection of Rts 40 & 49, Casey, IL Saturday 8:30 am - 2:00 pm • Closed Sunday

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indicators that a garden has established itself and is likely to maintain its health for years to come. * Earthworms: The presence of earthworms in the garden and surrounding soil indicates a healthy garden. Earthworms are essential to healthy plants because they aerate the soil by channeling through it. These channels enable rain to soak into the soil and air to reach roots. Earthworms, through their castings, also add important nutrients to soil. Dig a few inches into the garden. If you find an abundance of earthworms, it is a good indication that all is well. * Water infiltration: Take a glass of water and pour it onto the soil of the garden. If it takes five seconds or less for the soil to absorb the water, then that soil is probably doing well. However, soil that can't soak up that water may be having problems, or there may be problems on the horizon.

235-5577

pon first glance, a garden may appear to be the picture of health. However, further examination may reveal that the garden isn't all that it seems, and perhaps that healthy facade is artificially manufac-

Those problems will likely manifest themselves when the temperatures begin to rise. * Foliage color and growth: A plant leaf can tell a lot about the health of a plant. Shriveled or pale leaves could be indicative of a problem. If the plant looks sickly, soil might need to be modified or the problem may lie inside of the plant itself. Take a clipping of a poorly growing plant and place it in a glass of water. If the water becomes cloudy or milky, there may be a bacterial problem. If the water remains clear, the plant may have a virus. The presence of fuzz or hairs growing on leaves could indicate the presence of a fungus. * Plant residue: The presence of stubble or leftover plant particles from previous plantings helps the soil retain moisture and suppress weeds. This material also can prevent erosion. It's good to have some residual plant matter in your

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soil. If the soil is too "clean," it may not be as healthy as you think. * Flowers: Certainly there are low-maintenance plants that do not produce flowers, but relying only on these plants in your garden can prove troublesome over the long haul. Bees, birds and butterflies are attracted to sweet, flowering plants. These animals and insects are essential to pollination, and without them the garden cannot procreate. A thriving garden is one that has a mix of plants, including some flowering varieties that will keep birds, butterflies and bees coming back again and again. * Minimal weeds: If the only thing you're growing is weeds, then there is a problem in the garden. Weeds tend to be more tolerant of poor soil conditions and can quickly take over and force other plants out. Planting ground cover and using mulch is a natural way to keep weeds at bay. You may need to do some manual work on your hands and knees and pull out weeds as well. The fewer the weeds, the more likely your plants will grow tall and full. Signs of a healthy garden include the presence of beneficial insects and good color and plant growth.

Learn the dangerous difference between ants and termites. If you see winged ant-like insects around your property, you must know if they are ants or subterranean termites. If they are swarming termites, there is an established colony nearby looking for new nesting areas...and that means your home is in danger. Call us immediately, we’ll eliminate the old colony and protect you from these home-damaging insects.

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Thick waist

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Natural rtilize

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APRIL 2014 — 5

Loaded With Nutrients & Minerals L

Bone meal

Manure The waste from herbivores (animals that feed on grass), including rabbits, horses and cows, can make super fertilizers. Some gardeners shy away from manure because they believe it to be an odoriferous, dirty product. The best produced manures are allowed to compost for at least nine months and are mixed with hay or straw. They should not produce an offensive odor and will provide plants with a host

Fish & seaweed Improving soil nutrients may be as simple as looking to the ocean or other bodies of water. Fish emulsion, a mixture of ground fish and water, is a good nitrogen source. Nitrogen gives plants the energy to grow. Seaweed, which is actually a type of algae, contains the primary nutrients that plants need in order to thrive, including phosphorous, nitrogen and potassium. It also serves as a food for natural bacteria that break down nutrients into the soil, making them easier for plants to absorb.

Worms Earthworms are vital to soil health. They burrow and wiggle around in the dirt, helping to aerate the soil. But the castings, or waste, of the worms also provide valuable nutrients

to the soil. The castings contain beneficial microorganisms from the worms' digestive system that help break down organic matter into a form that plant roots can use. Many gardeners participate in vermicomposting, or farming worms in order to use their castings as fertilizer.

Compost

ents the soil is lacking so the fertilizer can be adjusted accordingly.

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Compost can also be used as fertilizer. Gardeners can make their own compost from discarded materials. Compost is one of the most widely used soil amendments in vegetable gardens. Yard refuse, fruit and vegetable peelings, eggshells, coffee grounds, and other items can be added to a compost pile. Natural bacteria will slowly break down these materials into a product dubbed "black gold." Compost can be mixed into soil before planting and used as a dressing after plants have been established. Gardeners can experiment with different ratios of fertilizer to create a mix that enhances the soil. Test the soil to determine which, if any, nutri-

Home tip

f there is a custom tile or specific design that you really like that is not within your budget for the entire kitchen or bathroom, think about using it as an accent instead. Rely on less expensive tiles for much of the room, then sprinkle in the accent tiles for the style you want. The finished project will look

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high-end, but you will likely have stayed within your budget. You also can save money by shopping at a reuse center or one that sells remnants and leftover materials from larger jobs. For example, it's possible to find a piece of marble or granite that would fit perfectly as a countertop in a bathroom.

TREE CARE Diagnosis & Treatment • Insect Control • Disease Control • Fertilization • State Certified & Licensed • Over 40 Years of Experience • Member of I.S.A.

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In order to store energy and reach maturity, plants need phosphate. This mineral is released over a long period of time from finely ground rock. However, a faster way to supply it to the landscape is through bone meal. Bone meal is a mixture of finely and coarsely ground animal bones that are a waste product from meat-processing plants. Adding bone meal to soil is one of the most effective ways to increase phosphorous levels.

of nutrients. Never use manures from meat-eating animals, like dogs, cats or humans. Feces can harbor a lot of bacteria, which can be transfered to the garden soil.

CALL NOW FOR A FREE ESTIMATE

awn and garden enthusiasts know a handful of items are essential to maintain a healthy landscape. Water, sunshine and the proper nutrients all work in concert to promote a healthy lawn. Although nutritional material is inherent in the soil, many gardeners feel soil must be amended with some sort of fertilizer to give plants a healthy boost. All-natural fertilizers are growing in popularity, and home gardeners have a variety of such products at their disposal. Ambitious homeowners can even create their own allnatural fertilizers from items around the house. Organic fertilizers, or those that are derived from living organisms and not manufacturered through chemicals, can provide sufficient nutrients and minerals to grow healthy plants.

CALL NOW FOR A FREE ESTIMATE

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6 — APRIL 2014

& Garden

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How to Chse

a Post-Frame Builder hoosing a builder, whether for a garage, farm storage building, workshop or horse barn is an important decision and one that requires extensive research. It is important to not only get information from builders but also talk with friends and family about their building experiences. Their referrals will be a good indicator of the experience that you may have with that builder. Post-frame buildings are engineered, wood-frame structures. They feature large, laminated columns instead of wood studs, steel framing or concrete masonry. Post-frame buildings offer significantly lower life cycle costs, are economical to construct and efficient throughout the life of the building. Because post-frame buildings use a truss system, they allow for high, open spaces and wide, clear spans. This gives you the flexibility to choose a building that meets your needs without load bearing walls or

columns getting in the way of your ideal floor plan. Post-frame buildings feature an exceptionally large built-in wall cavity for ample insulation, thereby lowering

heating and cooling costs throughout the year. Where newer energy codes require higher levels of insulation, post-frame is a particularly good option because its walls

and roofs are relatively easy to insulate. Wide column spacing allows for continuous insulation between structural elements, fewer interruptions in insulation material, and less

For Any Budget

No matter how large or small your building plan, Morton has the experience to make your building dream a reality. From small hobby shops and garages to storage buildings and homes, Morton Buildings constructs custom, quality buildings that provide years of maintenance-free enjoyment.

At Morton Buildings, we work with you through every step of the process to ensure you get the building you want and need while staying true to your style and budget.

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800-447-7436 • mortonbuildings.com

chance of thermal leakage. Where the insulation is interrupted, wooden structural members have natural insulating properties and conduct less heat than most structural steel or masonry components. Here are some helpful questions to ask a builder before you buy: How long has your company been in business? The longevity of a company can indicate whether they will be around to honor warranty claims in the future. Can you provide a list of buildings that you have constructed in my county? Can I speak to the owners? A good indicator of the construction process and quality of the final product is talking with those who have already experienced it and seeing the building in person. Does the price of the building include the following: permits, zoning fees, material taxes, delivery charges, construction labor, dumpster, toilet facilities during construction, builder’s insurance and safety equipment? Some builders will quote a price that only includes material. Additional fees for labor and delivery are added later. Make sure you know what you are getting for your money. Tell me about the materials used in the building. The quality of the wood, steel and fastening components will make all the difference in your satisfaction now and down the road. What kind of training do your construction crews receive? How many buildings a year do they construct for the company? Is the crew working on your building employed by the building company or are they inexperienced workers with little knowledge of post-frame buildings? By selecting a builder with company-employed crews and truck drivers, you can rest-assured knowing they are professionals who have extensive experience in post-frame construction.

Get kids excited

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& Garden

APRIL 2014 — 7

About Gardening any adults understand the joy of gardening, but gardening can be equally fun for children as well. While some adults may feel that certain children do not have the patience or perseverance to see plants grow from seeds to adulthood, selecting plants that are hardy and sprout quickly may be the key to igniting a love of gardening in children. Choosing seeds that sprout quickly can hold the attention of children who are new to gardening. Many different plants fit this bill. Beans, peas, sunflower seeds, and bell pepper seeds are easy to start and germinate quickly. In addition, many leafy vegetables, such as chard, lettuce, spinach, and mustard, germinate in three to five days. Herbs, such as basil and parsley, also sprout fast. All of these plants are good options for introducing children to gardening, as each provides quick gratification.

To further interest children, it is a good idea to plant seeds in a way that allows youngsters to monitor the progress of growth. Use a transparent container, such as rinsed-out glass jars and canisters, to house the plant. Such containers give kids an unobstructed view of the process, during which children can plot the progress of seed germination and easily spot root and stem development. Once the seedlings grow larger, they can be transplanted into different containers. Many seedlings can sprout with water alone. Children can easily grow new plants from clippings of a mature plant left resting in a shallow cup of water, and seeds may not even need soil to germinate. Kids may have luck sprinkling seeds on a dampened, crumpled-up piece of paper towel. Cotton balls also make a good place to nestle seeds. Either material will hold on to water, keeping the seeds moist until

they sprout. Afterward, the seedlings can be carefully moved into a soil-and-compost mix. The paper towel and the cotton balls will decompose and add to the organic matter already in the soil. Edible plants often make good choices for children because kids can reap the rewards of their efforts. Herbs can be sprinkled onto food, or fruits and vegetables can be grown in containers and then served at mealtime. Kids can show pride in their accomplishments, especially if they have tangible results on the dinner plate. Children who want to try something different can explore other types of plants. Aquatic plants, or those found at the pet store to grow in aquariums, can be easy to grow. They need little more than a container, fresh water and sunlight. Cacti and other succulents are also fun to explore. These plants are quite hardy in that they can stand

up to moderate abuse, such as failure to water frequently enough. The unique appearance of cacti make them interesting focal points for an indoor garden. A love of gardening that's fostered inside can also be ex-

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î Żat to exî&#x17D;&#x2026;ct with

A Tree Removal

rees serve many purposes for a landscape, providing shade and habitats for birds and other animals and serving as natural blinds between two homes. Trees are often beautiful elements of a natural landscape, adding aesthetic appeal to a property or even an entire community. But there are times when a tree must be re-

moved, an action that, in many instances, requires the services of a professional tree service. A tree with roots invading the foundation of a home or infringing on a patio or walkway can become a safety hazard. Other trees may cast shade where a pool is planned or cause disagreements between neighbors when the tree straddles a property line. These are

instances when tree removal will be necessary, and a reputable service can advise as to the best methods for ridding the property of the troublesome tree. Homeowners will need to do a bit of planning and research to remove trees safely and securely. It is best to contact a variety of different tree removal services and compare their offerings and prices. The cost of a tree removal will vary depending on various factors, including the height of the tree, its width, the number of branches it has, its location on a property and the proximity of that location to potential hazards like power lines. Tree removal may range from a few hundred dollars to several thousand. When a tree is being removed, most of the branches 213 N. 33rd Mattoon, IL

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will be removed to make the tree more manageable. Trees are rarely chopped at the base and allowed to fall, as there simply isn't enough room to safely take this approach. Sections of the tree will be cut, roped off and slowly lowered. A climber will scale the tree or use a cherry picker machine to reach the top of the tree to facilitate the process. The pieces of the tree will be loaded into a wood-chipper for grinding before they are hauled away. Larger, heavier portions of the stumps may need to be moved later on with machinery. Hauling trees off the property may cost extra, so it is important that homeowners read their contract thoroughly before signing on the dotted line. Additional costs may be factored into the bill. These can include stump-and-root grinding. Trees will be cut down to the stump. To prevent eyesores or tripping hazards, some homeowners opt to have the

stumps ground down into sawdust. This will not remove all of the roots but will take care of most of the above-ground portion of the remaining stump. It is usually up to the homeowner to discard the sawdust or use it as a mulching material. Expect the ground around the former tree to be soft, and there may be a depression depending on how much stump grinding took place. Some people prefer to wait a season for the ground to recover before planting something new. It may take a while for grass to sprout where a tree was once located, and there may be bare spots when grass starts to grow in. Tree removal can be an expensive venture but is necessary for different reasons. Be sure that tree-removal services are fully insured before signing a contract.

217-235-3039 Toll Free: 877-235-3039 Fax: 217-234-9400

GET INSPIRED Installation of a pool may require the removal of trees. Larger trees are best removed by a professional.

Simple ways to JG-TC

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APRIL 2014 — 9

Limit Weed Growth eed growth in a garden cannot only prove unsightly, but also ultimately harmful to plants and vegetables. When weeds appear in a garden, they have already begun to steal nutrients and water from surrounding plants, and if allowed to grow tall, they can also block sunlight from reaching the plants. Unfortunately, weeds can be resilient, and there is no way to guarantee they won't grow. But gardeners can take several steps to limit the growth of weeds so the plants in their gardens can grow strong. * Work the soil regularly. When weed roots are removed from the soil, weeds die. But just because you hoed or tilled the soil last month does not mean new weeds won't grow in and start robbing your plants of essential nutrients and minerals this month. The garden should be cultivated regularly, and you should pay particular attention to the soil after the garden has been watered. If weeds are allowed to go to seed, the garden can quickly be overwhelmed by them, as

young weeds tend to grow in quickly and a little water might be all they need to sprout. So make a point to routinely cultivate the soil with a hoe or tiller, being careful when working on soil around growing plants. * Lay down black plastic. Some gardeners may want to avoid laying black plastic down in their gardens for fear that such a weed deterrent robs the garden of its natural beauty. While that might be true, the black plastic also robs many weeds of their ability to grow in. Some weeds may be especially stubborn and grow in under the plastic, forcing their way through the holes cut into the plastic for the plants to grow through. But laying black plastic covering over the garden before it's planted is often an effective way to limit weed growth. * Lay mulch in vegetable gardens. Mulch can serve multiple benefits in a garden. Many people find mulch aesthetically appealing, but mulch serves more practical purposes as well. Mulch made of organic materials, such as bark

chips or grass clippings, is often too heavy for weeds to push through, making it difficult, if not impossible, for weeds to sprout in the garden. But mulch also conserves moisture in the soil, strengthening plant roots as a result. Stronger roots can lead to a healthier garden. * Cut down on plants' elbow room. The more space between plants, the more room weeds have to grow. So decreasing the space between plants can limit weed growth. But spacing plants too closely together can make it difficult for vegetables to grow in as well. Spacing recommendations will likely be included on packaging when buying seeds, but reducing those recommendations by an inch or two may allow the plants to grow in strong while limiting weed growth at the same time. Garden weeds can put plants in jeopardy and rob gardens of their beauty. But there are a handful of ways gardeners can limit weed growth without harming their plants.

Did You Know?

atering a lawn can do more harm than good if the lawn is not watered correctly. Excessive watering is a waste of water and can cost homeowners money while harming the environment at the same time. Water that is not absorbed by the lawn can result in runoff, which causes nitrogen in the grass, any fertilizer that was applied and chemicals in the water itself to run into gutters and eventually pollute streams, rivers and oceans. In addi-

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tion, grass needs oxygen in the soil to grow properly. But when a lawn is overwatered, the oxygen between the soil particles is pushed out, depriving roots of the oxygen they need to grow in strong. This leads to shallow root systems, which make a lawn more susceptible to stress, disease and insect infestation. But overwatering can also be unsightly, as lawns that are overwatered tend to have more weeds, robbing even the greenest of lawns of its aesthetic appeal.

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10 — APRIL 2014

Eco-iendly

& Garden

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Lawn Care Can Be Easy omeowners know that a healthy lawn can add considerable curb appeal to a property while giving residents of the home a place to relax and enjoy the great outdoors. But few might know that a healthy lawn can also benefit the environment, especially when homeowners take a proactive approach to lawn care that emphasizes eco-friendly techniques. A proactive approach to lawn care can prevent certain problems, including disease, insect infestation and weed growth. When such problems arise, many homeowners opt to

combat them with pesticides, which can harm the environment. But a proactive approach to lawn care can reduce the likelihood of developing such problems and protect the planet at the same time. * Emphasize healthy soil. Healthy soil promotes strong roots, which leads to a more robust, lush and aesthetically appealing lawn. While a lawn needs to be fertilized in the spring and at various points throughout the summer, it's important that homeowners avoid overfertilization, which can create thatch that, when allowed to thicken, will prevent nutrients from penetrat-

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ing the soil. Lawns need more nitrogen, phosphorous and potassium than soil can typically provide, so fertilizing throughout the warm weather seasons and into early fall can promote a healthy lawn. But choose a slow-release fertilizer so it gradually feeds the lawn. Compost and grass clippings can also be spread around the lawn to promote healthy soil. The pH level of the soil should also be checked to ensure the lawn can fully absorb nutrients. Speak with a local lawn care professional to determine what a healthy pH level is for soil in your area. * Choose a grass that can thrive in your climate. Though you might prefer the look of a certain grass, choosing a grass based entirely on appearance is a mistake that could cost you money and prove harmful to the environment. When installing a new lawn, opt for one that's suitable to the local climate. Installing a lawn that needs substantial amounts of water in a region known for drought can rob the lawn of its aesthetic appeal and will cost homeowners a substantial amount of money to maintain. If an existing lawn struggles to stay green regardless of your best efforts, then consider replacing it with a new type of grass that might be more suited to the local climate. * Don't cut too low when mowing. Homeowners who don't enjoy mowing their lawn might be tempted to simply cut the grass as low as possible to extend the intervals between cuts. But the United

Lawns should be mowed at an appropriate height so they can develop a deep root system. States Environmental Protection Agency recommends that grass never be cut more than one-third of the height of the grass blades. Longer grass can take in more sunlight, allowing it to grow in thicker and develop a deeper root system.That deep root system can

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help a lawn survive drought and prevent disease, two potentially costly problems that often force homeowners to embrace solutions that are not eco-friendly. Ideal lawn height depends on the type of grass, so consult a lawn care professional to ensure you are cutting your grass to a healthy length. * Avoid overwatering. Excessive watering not only wastes water, which is not very eco-friendly, but also hurts the lawn when dry periods inevitably arrive. That's because shallow and frequent watering encourages roots to stay near the surface, so when dry periods arrive, the roots struggle to find water. The EPA notes that an established lawn should not need daily watering. Instead, watering responsibly when the lawn needs water and when evaporation can be kept to a minimum, can strengthen a lawn and do so in an eco-friendly way.

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Your Garden Starts Off On The Right Foot s winter slowly winds down, many gardeners cannot wait to soak up the springtime sun and get their hands dirty in the garden. Such excitement is not just good for gardeners, but can benefit the garden in the months to come as well. Late winter or early spring is a great time to get a head start on the gardening season. Even if gardening season is still around the corner, completing the following projects can ensure your garden gets off on the right foot.

Clear debris One of the best things you can do for your garden as winter winds down is to clear it of debris. Winter can be especially harsh on a landscape, and gardens left to the elements are often filled with debris once spring arrives. Dead leaves, fallen branches, rocks that surfaced during the winter frost, and even garbage that might have blown about in winter winds can all pile up in a garden over a typical winter. Clearing such debris likely won't take long, but it's a great first step toward restoring the garden before the time comes to plant and grow the garden once again. Examine the soil Soil plays a significant role in whether a garden thrives or struggles. Examining the soil before the season starts can help gardeners address any is-

sues before they plant. Ignoring the soil until a problem arises can turn the upcoming gardening season into a lost opportunity, so test the soil to determine if it has any nutrient or mineral deficiencies. This may require the help of a professional, but if a problem arises, you might be able to adjust the acidity or alkalinity of the soil and still enjoy a successful gardening season. Another way to examine the soil is less complex but can shed light on when would be a good time to get back to work. Reach into the soil and dig out a handful. If the soil quickly crumbles, you can start preparing for gardening seasoning. But if the soil is still clumped together, it needs more time to dry out before you can begin your prep work.

Initiate edging Edging is another task gardeners can begin as they get ready for the season. Edge plant and flower beds, but be sure to use a spade with a flat blade or an edger designed to edge flower beds. Such tools will cut deep enough so grass roots that may eventually grow into the flower bed are

severed. Depending on how large a garden is, edging can be a time-consuming task, so getting a head start allows homeowners to spend more time planting and tending to their gardens once the season hits full swing.

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any flowers compete with one another to attract butterflies, birds and bees for pollination, but at least two species of flowering plants have enhanced their ability to attract insects in unique ways. The titan arum (Amorphophallus titanium) is native to western Sumatra, where it grows in openings in rainforests. It is the largest unbranched flower in the world and can reach up to 15 feet tall. But this alone is not what makes the titan arum so special. It

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Fight weeds Though weeds likely have not survived the winter, that does not mean they won't return once the weather starts to heat up. But as inevitable as weeds may seem, homeowners can take steps to prevent them from turning beautiful gardens into battlegrounds where plants, flowers and vegetables are pitted against unsightly and potentially harmful weeds. Spring is a good time to apply a pre-emergent weed preventer, which can stop weeds before they grow. Though such solutions are not always foolproof, they can drastically reduce the likelihood of weed growth. Though gardeners might not be able to start planting their gardens in late winter or early spring, they can still get outside and take steps to ensure their gardens thrive once planting season begins.

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is unwise to step in close to get a whiff of this enormous bloom, as the plant gives off a rancid odor reminiscent of rotting meat. It is sometimes known as the carrion plant or the corpse plant for this reason. The plant has created this scent to attract flies for pollination. The rafflesia, which is native to southeastern Asia as well, is another plant that produces a rotting aroma to attract insects. The rafflesia has no stems, leaves or true roots -it's basically one large flower.

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