home gardenDECORATOR 506TIPS YOURORGANIZINGFORSTORAGE IN A SMALL KITCHEN 10FALL GREENSGROWINGYOURGARDENING:GUIDETOLEAFY 20CHILDREN'SBATHROOM DESIGNS 26TIPS FOR THE FRUGAL GARDENER FallFallVegetablesGrowingVegetablesGrowing
AD
AD
506TIPS YOURORGANIZINGFORSTORAGE IN A SMALL KITCHEN 16BUTTERNUTSQUASHMAC-N-CHEESE 18WELCOME TO OUR FARMHOUSE 24TIPS FOR MAKING A CHAIR RAIL 08NEVER SAY DIE! 4 HARD TO HOUSEPLANTSKILL 20CHILDREN'SBATHROOMDESIGN 26TIPS FOR THE GARDENERFRUGAL Contents 12PUMPKINBLONDIES 14GROWINGSQUASHISEASIERTHANYOUTHINK 10 22 28 FALLGROWINGYOURGARDENING:GUIDETOLEAFYGREENS Fall Vegetables Garlic Roasted Fall VegetablesPREVENTINGMOLD&MILDEWGROWTH4homegardenDECORATOR
AD home gardenDECORATOR Find us online! Thewww.hgdecorator.com/informationcontainedinHome/Garden Decorator is intended for educational purposes only. A reader should never substitute information contained in Home/Garden Decorator for the advice of a health care professional. Jumpstart Publishing, LLC and publishers of Home/Garden Decorator, do not endorse or promote any of the products or services described in the pages of Home/Garden Decorator and the publishers do not verify the accuracy of any claims made in the editorial or advertisements contained in Home/Garden Decorator. Readers should not use the information in Home/Garden Decorator for diagnosis or treatment of any health problem or for prescription of any medication or other treatment. Readers should consult with a healthcare professional before starting any diet, exercise or supplementation program, before taking any medication, or have or suspect they have a health problem. © 2022 Fox Printing & Creative Publishing, LLC, New Orleans, LA All rights reserved Printed in the USA by Fox Print Services (igofox.com) executive publishers Hal G. Fox & Suzanne Polk Fox managing editor Suzanne Polk Fox copy editor Christian Dischler contributing writers AnjaDanielleBeconradO'KelleySpringthorpeNelliePalmer art director Suzanne Polk Fox design/production Claire Thomas
Even if you have a de cent-sized kitchen, it can still be a challenge to find a place for everything to go. In a tiny kitchen, finding enough storage space for all of your cook ing and dining essentials can feel impossible.Limitedcooking space doesn't have to keep you from preparing and enjoying great meals at home. In fact, small-space storage issues don't have to be that big of a deal.
By Nellie Palmer
5 Tips
aYourOptimizingStorageinSmallKitchen
Finally, in addition to installing wall cabinets or additional shelves on your kitchen walls, you can also hang many of your essential cooking tools on the wall. For example, people install mounts that hold their pots, pans and cooking utensils next to or nearby the stove for quick and easy access. Plus, it frees up what limited cabinet space you might have. Furthermore, you don't have to constantly dig through cabinets looking for your pots and pans.
HERE ARE FIVE SIMPLE HOME IMPROVEMENT TIPS TO HELP YOU OPTIMIZE A SMALL KITCHEN FOR MAXIMUM COOKING SPACE.
2.Maximize every available inch of wall space One way to find more storage space in a tiny kitchen is to make use of all the available space on the walls. For example, you could buy wall cabinets from somewhere like IKEA to place in front of any available wall space. Some people are even able to buy a couple of wall cabinets and place one on top of the other, creating even more storage space.
3.Mini-size your appliances Another way to maximize the amount of available space in a small kitchen is to buy smaller appliances that don't take up as much room. For instance, you can mount a small microwave above your stove instead of keeping it on a counter or kitchen cart. If you can get by with for
6 home garden DECORATOR
1.Hang your cooking essentials on the walls
Another option for tiny kitchens with very limited counter space is to buy a small kitchen island or even a cart to have more places to store items. One good place to look for a small, inexpensive kitchen cart is at a restaurant supply store. What makes a cart convenient is that you can easily move it around your kitchen, as well as out of the way when you don't need it.
Many kitchens have what's re ferred to as "dead space" above their counter tops. Another way to deal with limited counter space is to in stall a low, shallow shelf above your counter. These slim shelves can be a great place to keep cups, glasses, seasonings and other small items that you use for cooking.
5.Create additional storage space with a kitchen island or cart
AD a small refrigerator, that's anoth er area where you can gain some additional room. Some people even get a tiny fridge that fits underneath their counter. If you have small gadgets like a blender or waffle iron that you hard ly use, consider putting them away somewhere else in your house when you aren't using them.
4.Install low, shallow shelves over counter tops
If you would like to permanently install an island, which has the look and feel of a counter top, then you can find them at most home im provement stores.
The four plants on this list do well with indoor potting soil. Un like its outdoor counterpart, indoor potting soil allows for better water retention and drainage. It also promotes plant growth by allowing air to circulate to its roots.
Luckily, there's good news for hopeful gardeners. Mother Earth has birthed and nurtured nearly 400,000 different types of plants that in habit all kinds of environments, some of them much harsher and more challenging than your home.
Never Say Die!4 Hard To HouseplantsKill
Are you looking for a living thing to nurture, or are plants part of your decor? If you don't have much time to care for your new green housemate, you might want to consider plants that thrive in low light and require less water. Drought-tolerant plants might work well, as they need little effort yet still satisfy aesthetic needs.
Before we discuss four of those hearty green souls, let's look at some helpful tips on how to grow your plants indoors:
Consider Your Lifestyle
Don't worry, you're not alone. Lots of us wish we'd been gifted with a green thumb. But while we might take comfort in our numbers, the question remains: how do we create and maintain our own indoor paradise?
Use Indoor Potting Soil
8 home garden DECORATOR
Admit it, you're one of those people. Vacationing friends recoil in hor ror when you offer to care for their cactus. The potted succulent that someone gifted you in December didn't make it to the new year. You swear that plants wilt in your very presence.
Light Although light and shade vary by time of year and even time of day, the general rule for where to place your plant depends on the direction your window is facing. Windows that face toward the south provide the brightest, most direct light. Eastern and western-facing sources allow for medium exposure, while windows that look northward offer the least. Pots If you prefer decorative clay pots, keep in mind that your plant will need extra water. Due to its porous nature, clay tends to draw away and retain moisture.
By Nellie Palmer Never Say Die!
2. Chinese Evergreen
3. Heart Ivy Its name is derived from the shape of its leaves, but by no means is it the only type of ivy you can successfully grow indoors. Heart-shaped leaves are also found on English and Persian ivy, to name just two. Ivy grows best when positioned several feet from a northern or eastern-facing window, and prefers low humidity. Water it when the topsoil is dry to the touch.
Ready to begin your indoor gardening journey?
For those who live in warmer climates, there's more to gardening than cultivating cacti. The Chi nese evergreen loves environments that are at least 70 degrees. If its large oval leaves are multi-col ored, it is a variety that requires lots of bright light. And those leaves are gorgeous, showing off deep green, silver and red hues. This lovely addition to your home needs slightly acidic potting soil and a container with good drainage.
Apartment dwellers will love baby's tears, because it thrives on artificial indoor light. It loves humidity and prefers temperatures between 50 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. This plant features short stems and bean-shaped leaves and thrives in pots and even small terrariums. Don't worry if you occasionally lose track of your watering schedule; if the leaves appear slightly wilted, it's time for a drink.
1. Baby's Tears
4. Parlor Palm
Consider starting with one of these four resilient plants:
If you've got lots of patience, the parlor palm makes a great addition to your home. It takes a full year for it to reach its adult height of between 2-6 feet. This native of Central America thrives in shade and low-light environments and prefers temperatures that range between 65 and 80 degrees. It will grow best when placed by a northern-facing window. Water it when the top one inch of soil is dry to the touch. So if you're struggling to overcome bad plant karma, don't give up. Plants that require low, constant levels of light and little watering might be a fresh start to a successful indoor garden.
9
GETTING STARTED Ensuring your garden has a suc cessful start is easy. You can either plant seeds for each of your vege tables or buy seedlings from your local garden shop. The advantage to buying seedlings is that you will know what the plant looks like. This way, if weeds pop up in your garden, you will not mistake your vegetables for weeds and vice versa.
FALL GARDENING: YOUR GUIDE TO GROWING LEAFY GREENS
Leafy green vegetables need a small, partially shaded area when they are first planted. They can start in a window box or small pot on your front porch, or be placed directly into the ground where they will continue to grow. They need shade in the beginning, so use a shade cloth if you start them in your garden. If you start your plants in a window box or small pot, transfer them to your garden once they have a couple of large leaves or when their roots begin to take up the entire space. Leafy vegetables can grow in most soils. You should use soil that is around 8 inches deep, and prepare it so it is free of rocks and twigs.
10 home garden DECORATOR
By Danielle O'Kelley
Leafy greens tend to grow best when the daytime temperature is in the 70s and the nighttime tem perature is in the 40s or 50s. They cannot handle hot or frosty weather. So, you should plant your vegetables in late summer, but well ahead of the first frost. If you are purchasing your plants from a garden center, find out how many days each plant takes to grow to maturity. Many seed packets will also tell you this. Then, use a farmer's almanac or other weather resource to find out when the first frost will be. Make sure you plant your vegetables so they reach maturi ty before the first frost.
ARE YOU A BEGINNER AT GARDENING OR WANT AN EASY GARDEN PROJECT? IF SO, GROWING LEAFY GREENS IS THE PERFECT TYPE OF GARDENING FOR YOU. GROWN IN COOLER TEMPERATURES, LEAFY GREENS DO NOT REQUIRE INTENSE LABOR. Vegetables you can plant this fall include lettuce, cabbage, spinach, chard, arugula, beets, broccoli and cauliflower. WHEN TO PLANT
tomanybroccoligulalikevegetablescanOr,greens.youthrowaruorintodishesaddsome healthy flavor.
AD
HARVEST YOUR PLANTS
HARVESTING Maintaining your fall vegetable garden is also easy. Make sure your garden bed is evenly moist (but not waterlogged) every day for the first three weeks. As your plants begin to sprout, you won't need to keep water ing them every day. Just make sure your garden receives water a few times a week. Also, apply fertilizer once a Checkmonth.onyour garden every few days to pull weeds. Fortunately, many pests are not around in the fall. But, you may find slugs, snails, or caterpillars munching on your vegetables. You can simply pull them off, or find a pesticide safe for edible plants.
Add a 3-inch layer of compost or garden soil to the top and then mix it well with your soil, so that they are one blended soil combination. Then, you are ready to plant. Space your vegetables about a foot apart.
The flavor of your vegetables will come out as the weather cools down. You can harvest vegetables as soon as they start to look large and green. Your garden may continue to produce until the first frost. So, you should make sure you've harvested all of your vegetables by that point. These leafy greens are perfect for creating beautiful salads. You can also cook them to make flavorful dishes such as collard
• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted
room temperature • 3/4
► Reduce speed to low, and mix in dry ingredients until just com bined. Fold in chocolate chips.
Have you
• 3/4 tsp
granulated
Pumpkin Pumpkin
brown
• 3/4 cup
By Nellie Palmer Blondies are the perfect balance of chewy and cakey. Loaded with chocolate chips, these blondie bars are a fun fall treat to make for your family! ever had a blondie Blondies are exactly what they sound like: the blonde version of a brownie.Justlike brownies, they can range anywhere from cakey to chewy in texture. On the scale from chewy to cakey, Pumpkin Blondies sit squarely in the middle. They’re just enough of each to satisfy both sides of the cakey/chewy debate. Arthur all-purpose pie spice baking soda pink Himalayan salt butter, cup sugar light sugar vanilla can pure pumpkin fall M&M’s or chocolate
chips
• 1 large egg • 2 tsp Madagascar
INGREDIENTS • 2 1/3 cups King
puree • 1 cup
DIRECTIONS
bar?
• 1 (15 ounce)
flour • 1 tbsp pumpkin
►
► In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attach ment, cream butter and sugars on medium-high speed until smooth; beat in egg and vanilla until com bined. Beat in pumpkin puree. If the mixture looks curdled, do not fret.
• 1 tsp cinnamon • 1 tsp
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line bottom and sides of a 9-by-13inch baking pan with parchment, leaving an overhang on all sides. Grease with nonstick cooking spray. In a medium bowl, whisk to gether flour, pumpkin pie spice, cinnamon, baking soda, and salt; set aside.
► Spread batter evenly in prepared pan. Bake until edges begin to pull away from sides of pan and a toothpick inserted in center comes out with just a few moist crumbs attached, 35 to 40 minutes. Cool completely in pan.
►
PumpkinBlondiesBlondies
12 home garden DECORATOR
AD AD
Have you ever thought about growing pumpkins or fresh zucchini but feel hesitant? Fear not – squash is easier to grow than you think!
GrowING Squash home garden
14
DECORATOR
Before starting to grow your own squash, decide whether you prefer summer squash or winter squash. Summer squash, like zucchini and yellow squash, have soft, edible skins that are harvested during the summer months, while winter squash requires a longer growth period. These varieties, which are harvested during the fall, have hard, thick skins – think acorn squash and pumpkins.
By Anja Springthorpe IS EASIER THAN YOU THINK
AD
5.Harvesting: Summer varieties grow fast. Be ready to harvest every 3-4 days. Smaller, tender summer squash tend to have the best taste and texture. Winter squash is ripe when the color deepens or the skin resists puncture from fingernails. Do not pluck squash off of the vine. Leave a little vine attached to stem to avoid breaking the skin with the help of pruning shears.
1.Seeding: Squash seedlings are susceptible to cold conditions. Preferably, you want to start seedlings indoors 2-4 weeks prior to planting. When moving outdoors, use bio compostable peat pots as they do not disturb the fragile roots. Alternatively, seeds can be planted directly into the 2.ground.
4.Watering and maintenance: Squash needs thorough watering at least every other day. Once squash plants are established, cover the surrounding soil with mulch to protect the roots and keep weeds away. Fertilizing is an important part of caring for squash plants. After the first bloom, fertilize every 4-5 weeks.
Growing your own squash is easy, rewarding and puts fresh nutritious food on your plate.
Planting: After the last frost, plant summer squash seedlings into moist, well-drained soil. Squash requires full sun exposure for optimal growth. Winter squash can be planted later in the summer depending on the variety. Some gardeners plant two rounds of squash during spring/summer for the maximum harvest. See your local garden center for guidance on the best squash variety and 3.climate.
6. Storing harvest: Summer squash can be stored up to 10 days in the fridge, while winter squash can last between 2-3 months if stored in a cool, dark and wellventilated room.
WHICHEVER TYPE YOU DECIDE ON, SQUASH IS RELATIVELY EASY TO GROW IF YOU FOLLOW SIMPLE STEPS:
Spacing: If your plant is a vine or bush variety, ensure that there is enough space between each plant. As a rule of thumb, vine squash should be placed 8-10 feet apart and 1-inch deep. Bush varieties require around 3 feet of space.
16 home garden DECORATOR
Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. In a heavy skillet, melt two table spoons butter. Sprinkle butternut squash chunks with salt, pepper, sage and nutmeg and saute’ until golden. While the butternut squash is cooking, cook pasta shells according to package directions, drain well. Set aside. Add butternut squash and1/2 cup half and half to a food processor or blender and puree until smooth. In a large mixing bowl, beat the eggs. Add the remaining half and half, salt and white pepper and mix until well blended. Fold in the butternut squash mixture and blend well. Add the cooked pasta shells to the bowl and stir until the noodles are well coated. Fold in 1 cup each of the cheeses. Grease a 2 quart casserole dish. Pour half of the prepared shell pasta and squash mixture into the pan. Sprinkle the rest of the cheese on top. Place the pan in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until pasta and cheese is bubbling. Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes. Serve warm.
BUTTERNUTMAC-N-CHEESESQUASH This Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese is a great meatless main dish or a side dish served with a rotisserie chicken and salad. It is comforting, filling, and delicious. This would be a great addition to your Thanksgiving feast. The fall flavors are incredible! INGREDIENTS • 1/2 medium butternut squash peeled, seeded and chopped • 1 tbsp olive oil • Pink Himalayan salt and white pepper • 1/2 pound pasta shells • 2 1/2 cups half and half divided • 2 tbsp butter • 2 eggs • 1/8 tsp ground nutmeg • 1 tbsp fresh chopped sage • 1 1/2 cups Gruyere cheese shredded DIRECTIONS
By Nellie Palmer
AD
By Beconrad WELCOME TO OUR Farmhouse 18 home garden DECORATOR
While there are many styles of country décor, decorations and furnishings with a rooster motif are always a big favorite. A quick look around the local antiques fair or country auction is enough to show just how pervasive this style of decorating has been for many years. Furnishes and house wares with a rooster design go back many years, and probably hearken back to the time when the family’s rooster served as the alarm clock on the farm. While the traditional job of the rooster as alarm clock has largely gone, the charm of the simple life it represents has not. These days fam ilies can wake to the pleasant sounds of the barnyard rooster with their very own rooster alarm clock, and this novelty item is always one of the most popular rooster-themed items. Even though a rooster alarm clock may rule over the bedroom, for the most part items with a rooster motif are confined to the kitchen and din ing room areas of the home. Those homeowners looking for a way to do their kitchens and dining rooms in a rooster motif will have many different items to choose from, in cluding small items like dish towels and wash rags to larger items like baker’s racks and cabinets.
19
As more and more of us get back to our roots and long for a simpler way of life, the simplicity and charm of traditional country décor is making more and more of a resurgence. Country décor is one of the most versatile ways to decorate any home, and this traditional style works well in many styles of home, from the traditional ranch home to the country cottage. Decorating with a country motif is a wonderful way to bring back a bit of the sim plicity and charm of years gone by.
Roosters also routinely find their way onto dinnerware and stemware, and there are some truly charm ing serving trays and dinner sets adorned with both traditional and modern styles of rooster. Roosters are always a popular choice for dec orating the country home, whether that home is located in the middle of a 100 acre field or in the midst of a modern development. It is no wonder that rooster décor has such lasting popularity.
A child may be too small to easily climb onto a toilet seat of adult height. Set the toilet and sink low so your child can comfortably reach it without straining. Avoid making them too low as your child will grow and you don’t want to have to change the height of the fixtures every year.
Think bright colors.
BathroomChildren'sDesign
By Nellie Palmer Is your child lucky enough to have his own bathroom? If so, you’ll want it to have its own unique character and not be a replica of what a grown-up would choose. Children are smaller and may benefit from having bathroom fixtures that are closer to the ground so they can reach them with ease. Keep in mind that children grow and you don’t want to decorate the bathroom in such a manner that it’ll be obsolete in a few years. Here are some easy ideas for children’s bathroom decorating.
You’ll encounter much less resistance from your child at bath time if his bathroom is cozy and inviting. Add some soft, brightly colored rugs to the floor to keep his 20 home garden DECORATOR
Consider the height of the fixtures
Safety First
Even though you may love the versatility of a neutral bathroom, kids are fascinated with bright colors. Use waterproof paint to coat the walls in color or skip the paint altogether and put up brightly colored Disney wallpaper. Keep in mind when you choose the latter that your child will eventually outgrow it which may necessitate a revision.
Children have special safety needs that need to be addressed. It’s important to have a rubber safety mat in the tub to prevent falls as well as anti-scald devices on the faucets to prevent hot water burns. It goes without saying that medications and a medicine box should not be stored in the cabinet of a child’s bathroom. You should also make sure a young child isn’t allowed in the bathroom without supervision or left in bath water unattended.
It’s easier to keep the walls a basic, bright color and use accessories such as bathroom cups, pictures and other props to create a theme. It’s simple to change the accessories as your child’s interests change with age. Make it warm and inviting
AD little feet warm and cozy. Have big plush bath towels to wrap around him after his bath. Bubble bath and bath toys can also be both function al and decorative. A fun, brightly colored bathroom with lots of props will make your child less resistant to taking his daily bath. When decorating a child’s bathroom, keep it lively and fun. Your reward will be the big smile you get when your child sees his new bathroom.
Garlic
crowd Grape tomatoes Fresh rosemary sprigs 1 tbsp
pepper Zucchini slices–depending
DIRECTIONS a skillet, heat olive oil, gar lic puree, stock and herbs de Provence. Toss in vegetables coating well. Once the vegetables are well coat ed and heated, remove from stove top and place in the oven. Bake for 40 minutes or until vege tables are tender.
22 home garden DECORATOR
In
you
Unexpected
tatoes–whichever you
It’s
INGREDIENTS Small
Fall Vegetables Roasted
stock 1 tbsp olive oil 1 tbsp
This is the easiest way to cook those fall root vegetables. I usually add whatever I have on hand. You can also easily adjust the amount vegetables you cook depending on the crowd gathering around the table. guests? No problem, throw this together and cook it while you vis it. very filling and will make a small meal go along way! golden or small red po prefer–the amount is determined by the number of guests need to feed. If the are large, you will need to quarter them. bell on the garlic puree cup chicken or vegetable herbs de Provence
1 yellow
By Nellie Palmer
1/2
potatoes
AD
•
Select the height at which the chair rail will be in stalled, and use the level to create a line around the wall. The line can be used as a guide when putting the molding pieces in place. Select a wall and measure it from end to end. This distance will determine the length of the molding piece. The molding should be cut to the length of the outside edge. Use a nail gun to tack the molding piece in the center of the wall. Then use your guide line to keep the piece level as you work. This process can be contin ued throughout the room until it is complete.
As with any home improvement job, installing a chair rail takes the right tools and equipment, and the time to gather those supplies is before the job begins. You'll Need:
Supplies
•
When buying molding for this project it is a good idea to buy more than you think you will need. This will pre vent problems like broken or misshapen molding pieces from ruining or delaying the project.
24 home garden DECORATOR
Tips for Making a Chair Rail
By Beconrad
• A Thelevelsteps
•
The molding pieces you have chosen A chop saw A nail gun with a compressor or hammer Nails needed to complete the project are as follows: Choose the room that would be right for the chair rail. Clear any furniture and other items out of the room as much as possible. It is important to have a clear space in which to work. Set up a workstation close to the area where the mold ing pieces are to be cut. The pieces are best cut with a chop saw, since the 45 degree cuts will be conducive to the project.
•
Creating a chair rail is an interesting way to enhance the beauty of a room and bring new life to tired surroundings. Although the installation of a chair rail can be a challenging project, it may be a good project to tackle for those with strong woodworking and home improvement skills.
AD
The end of season discounts on gar den supplies can be quite substan tial, so this tip alone can save you a great deal of money.
hile gardening is certainly one of the most enjoyable of all hobbies, it can also be quite an expensive pursuit.
W
Between buying lots of rakes, hoes and other garden implements and purchasing the starter plants you need, gardening can quickly leave your wallet empty. Even so, it is possible to enjoy a magnificent garden on a budget. All it takes is some planning, some foresight and some careful shopping.
Frugal Gardener TIPS FOR THE 26 home garden DECORATOR
Dividing and transplanting existing plants is another great way to squeeze more gardening out of your limited budget. Perennials can quickly get out of control and take over even the most well kept flower bed. Simply trimming these overgrown plants back and using the trimmings to create new plantings can enhance your landscape at no additional cost.
By Nellie Palmer
One of the most effective ways to trim your garden budget is simply to shop in the off season. Gardening supplies tend to go on sale as the growing season nears its conclusion, so be sure to watch for the sales.
Starting an herb garden can be another great way to save money. Instead of wasting your hard earned money on inferior freeze dried herbs, why not grow your own herbs in your home garden? This simple step can save you lots of money while enhancing your gardening experience at the same time.
AD
Trading plants with other garden ers is another great way to enhance your garden landscape. Gardeners love to share their plants with one another, and joining a garden club is a great way to swap plants with oth er gardeners. Garden clubs are also the perfect way for new gardeners to learn from the experience of others. It is also a good idea to keep your eyes open for unexpected savings op portunities. Landscaping companies and other businesses will occasional ly have topsoil and sod to get rid of, and many gardeners and homeowners will end up with extra compost. Sim ply keeping your eyes and ears open will help you save money while enjoying a spectacular garden. Container gardening is another way gardeners can save money while still enjoying a wonderful garden. Container gardening can be lots of fun, but buying all those containers can be quite ex pensive. Instead of buying contain ers, try using creative alternatives, such as baskets, tool boxes and even old boots. All these unique objects can make interesting container gardens, so look around and see what you can find.
PREVENTINGMOLD&MILDEWGROWTH
28 home garden DECORATOR
By Nellie Palmer OVER THE LAST COUPLE OF YEARS, THE INCIDENCE OF MOLD AND MILDEW GROWTH, EVEN IN BRAND NEW HOMES, HAS SEEMED TO BE CONSTANTLY ON THE RISE. WHETHER THIS INCREASE IS REAL, OR SIMPLY THE RESULT OF BETTER DIAGNOSES AND INCREASED REPORTING, IT IS IMPORTANT FOR EVERY HOMEOWNER TO TAKE THE STEPS NECESSARY TO KEEP THIS ANNOYANCE AND HEALTH HAZARD OUT OF THEIR HOMES. Fortunately, there are some prac tical and simple steps homeowners can take to minimize the chances of dangerous mold and mildew invad ing their homes. The consequences of a mold infestation can be very serious, and in the worst cases they can lead to a home that is simply uninhabitable. It just makes sense, therefore, to look at ways to prevent this growing problem. It is important for homeowners to understand some of the factors that can lead to the growth of mold and mildew. For one thing, it is thought that the tighter construction meth ods used in many of today’s homes can actually encourage the growth of mold and mildew. These tighter construction methods are designed to make the homes more energy efficient by eliminating drafts and energy loss, but an unintended consequence of these construction methods can be growth of unwanted mold and mildew. For instance, polyethylene is often used by builders as a vapor barrier, to keep unwanted moisture out of homes. Polyethylene is inexpensive and very effective, but it is just as effective at preventing moisture inside the home from getting out. That trapped moisture can lead to the growth of mold and mildew. For that reason, the newer poly amide film, which is installed over insulating material, may be a better choice for weatherproofing and moisture prevention. Those in the midst of building a new home may want to ask that this polyamide film be used, and those in the market for a new home may want to inquire about what type of vapor barrier has been used. Of course it is import ant to have any pre-owned home thoroughly inspected, including a thorough mold and mildew inspec tion, before making an offer. When it comes to controlling moisture levels in the home, a builtin dehumidifier can be an excellent choice. Many homes these days come equipped with these handy appliances, often placed in a base ment, garage or other unobtrusive area. A built-in dehumidifier can help restrict the growth of mold and mildew by denying it the moisture it needs to grow and thrive. Even if the home does not come with a built-in dehumidifier, it may be worthwhile to invest in such an appliance. There are many excellent heavy duty dehumidifiers on the market, and they can be an excellent way to keep moisture out of new and old homes alike.
AD AD
Community RESOURCE DIRECTORY 30 home garden DECORATOR
AD
AD