2 • Morning Journal • Spring Lawn & Garden 2014 • Thursday, March 20, 2014
Make your patio an extension of your home (Family Features) When the weather conditions are just right, a relaxing evening spent on the porch or patio is perfect for enjoying good company and the beauty of the outside world. Wouldn’t it be nice to enjoy these comforts regardless of the season?
best place for incorporating these organic elements is the space closest to your patio or outdoor space.
Bring the rejuvenating, refreshing and calming effects of nature into your personal space with a few simple touches. The
Here are a few tips to make your outside world an extension of your home:
Let this area serve as a transitional space where the outside world connects with the comforts of your interior.
• Choose Natural Materials For chairs, sofas, rugs, pillows and other dÈcor, choose natural patterns, textures and fibers. Pair materials like hemp, rattan, bamboo, wicker and jute, with softer textures, such as cottons, velvet and velour for added dimension. • Light Up the Room Nothing pleases the senses like natural light, so be sure to rid windows and doorways of heavy drapery and other barriers. Bring this beautiful resource inside by adding a retrofit folding patio door, such as the JELD-WEN(r) W-4500, which uses floor-supported technology for a simpler fit into an existing door opening. • Choose Natural Colors Pick chairs, sofas, coffee tables and buffet pieces that are white or ivory. These light colors will make the outdoor tints of greens, blues and browns pop. For the woodsy look, choose faux bois upholstery, a textile pattern that mimics the grain of wood. • Spruce Up the View Add trees or other lush landscapes to serve as your focal point when you look outside. Attach window boxes and plant flowers and shrubbery in colors that complement your dÈcor. Add trees or other lush landscapes to serve as your focal point when you look outside. Truly access your serene views with a wider expanse and with ease by adding a folding patio door, such as the JELD-WEN W-4500, which comes in a variety of different colors, finishes and is available in 2-, 3- or 4panel configurations. For more informa-
tion on JELD-WEN windows and doors, visit www.jeld-wen.com. • Add Natural Elements to Décor The right decorative tchotchkes can evoke the serenity of nature within your space. For a rustic look, add dried flowers, pinecones, rocks, wood and straw. For a seaside touch, use sea shells, starfish and jars of sand for a coastal inspiration. If you lack space to scatter throughout the room, place these items in a large decorative bowl and use as a centerpiece. • Frame It The best way to incorporate your favorite natural nuances is to photograph it. Do you have photographs from that trip to the Grand Canyon or Glacier National Park? Display those beautiful memories and scenery. Dust off your favorite old photos and place them in neutral-toned frames to set throughout the space.
jkohmann@frontier.com
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Morning Journal • Spring Lawn & Garden 2014 • Thursday, March 20, 2014 • 3
Gadgets and the great outdoors can co-exist (Family Features) Advancements in technology over the last decade have children spending more time with gadgets and gizmos, and less time enjoying the great outdoors. In fact, kids are now indoors up to 10 hours a day, according to the Joan Ganz Cooney Center. But kids’ increasing use of technology and opportunities to appreciate Mother Nature do not have to be mutually exclusive. • The Importance of Outside Play A new National Wildlife Federation (NWF) report shows that kids’ media habits can both positively and negatively impact health, and provides real-world advice to help parents serve as positive role models and teach children to use technology in moderation.
“Kids need to be outside all year long, especially in the winter when days are short and we’re all a little more cooped up than usual,” said Maureen Smith, chief marketing officer for National Wildlife Federation. “In addition to developing a deeper appreciation for the outdoors and the wildlife around them no matter where they live, it helps them burn off energy, stay fit, and be mentally focused for school, homework and all activities in their busy day.” • Screen Time Plus Green Time Technology can be a valuable tool to help families balance the lure of screen time with the importance of green time for kids. Today’s connected world enables children to experience nature in ways never before imagined.
Photo courtesy of Getty Images
NWF’s report offers families these ideas for combining technology with the outdoors: 1. Rely on technology to plan or inspire outdoor adventures. This can include anything - from finding great nearby hiking trails to interactive, outdoor treasure hunts. 2. Keep a record of outdoor experiences with the help of electronic photos, videos or an electronic journal. They’ll love the ability to share their experiences with family and friends. 3. When safe and practical, take hand-held devices outdoors to combine the best of both worlds (just remember to plan for some fully unplugged time outside, too). 4. Use tools such as Ubooly, an app-based learning toy that can turn a walk in the park into an interactive experience with activities such as scavenger hunts, nature hikes, mindfulness games and plenty of exercise. For other helpful resources and to learn more about NWF’s goal to get 10 million more kids spending regular time in the great outdoors visit www.BeOutThere.org.
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4 • Morning Journal • Spring Lawn & Garden 2014 • Thursday, March 20, 2014
Modern technology simplifies yard maintenance (NAPS)—You can significantly reduce the time spent maintaining your property by employing modern mower technology. Compared to older tractor-style mowers, modern mid-mount zero-turn riding mowers cut much faster, with enhanced maneuverability. This lets them be much more productive and versatile, as the “turn on a dime” handling means operators can trim closer to landscape features and deftly navigate around flowerbeds. Instead of the traditional gearbox, a zero-turn rider uses a system of hydraulic pumps and wheel motors to drive the mower forward and backward at variable speeds of up to 10 miles per hour. The zero-turning radius is achieved with independent hydro motors on each drive wheel, which allow one wheel to run forward simultaneously as the other runs in reverse. When combined with freely rotating caster wheels ahead of the cutting deck, the system allows for a zero-turning radius and a heightened level of control. “For many folks, time is almost more valuable than money,” said Daryn Walters of Exmark Mfg. “The switch from a tractor-style mower to a mid-mount zero-turn riding
The latest in mower technology can help the grass be greener on your side of the fence without your having to spend a lot of time.
mower dramatically reduces the time it takes to care for the yard. Not only do users have more time to do what they love, the unmatched cut quality delivers a professionally maintained appearance.”
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Walters noted that zero-turn riders are the dominant mower type for professional landscape contractors and the virtues for which contractors choose the mowers are similar to those homeowners want. In short, he said it’s about doing more in less time. “Their business is built on delivering a great cut quality, but to be profitable they need to do it as quickly as possible. This is where a mid-mount zero-turn rider shines.” There are a number of considerations that factor into the ultimate value of the mower. Mower options including higher-horsepower engines, wider cutting decks and accessory bagging systems are available. Bigger isn’t always better, however, and it makes sense to choose an appropriate zeroturn mower for the property. When selecting a mid-mount zero-turn riding mower, consider overall size, landscaping and budget. More guidelines on selecting the right mower for a property can be found at www.exmark.com/ NotSureWhatToBuy.aspx.
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Morning Journal • Spring Lawn & Garden 2014 • Thursday, March 20, 2014 • 5
Embrace spring with DIY landscaping projects (BPT) - People across the country are feeling the winter blues after an unusually cold and snowy winter. But with warmer weather arriving soon, you can create a feeling of spring indoors and out with some simple do-it-yourself projects. Roll up your sleeves and embrace the season of growth with these home and gardening tips: * A fresh coat of paint is the perfect way to bring springtime indoors. Find inspiration from outdoor hues such as fun yellows, vibrant blues or a bright blend of pinks, oranges and reds. Start with an accent wall, which you can complete in just a few hours for under $50 with supplies from your local home improvement store. * Spread the spring theme from your freshly painted walls into your outdoor gardens. Start now by planting seedlings indoors for delicious edible plants and beautiful, colorful blooms you can enjoy all summer long. Lowe’s garden center offers regionally relevant plants and the tools necessary for potting, planting and transplanting seedlings into your backyard garden once spring arrives and the ground thaws. In the meantime, cherish the beauty of your indoor garden as it reminds you of the warm weather on the way. * As temperatures begin to warm, time to enjoy the outdoors is just around the corner. Soon enough you’ll be relaxing with family and friends on your deck or in the backyard around a fire pit. Take time now to get prepared for spring and summer days. Decorate and furnish your outdoor space with allen + roth patio furniture from Lowe’s. From bistro sets perfect for enjoying breakfast to conversation sets that will make your guests linger during longer days, you can create a specialty look at affordable prices. * Get a jumpstart on your landscaping projects by removing traces of winter from your yard. As soon as the snow melts and the ground thaws, pick up or mow leaves and fallen twigs, trim or prune the bushes and give your grass a professional look by edging along paved pathways. Kobalt offers all the tools you need in its new outdoor power equipment line. Launched this spring, the line includes seven cordless tools that all operate off a single, interchangeable, 40-volt lithium ion battery. The selection includes two push lawn mowers, a chainsaw, pole saw, string trimmer and edger, blower and hedge trimmer. No need to wait for all the batteries to recharge - just switch them out from tool to tool and you can spruce up the yard in no time. Spring is calling with these simple, affordable DIY projects that are sure to leave the winter blues behind you. In a weekend or less, your home and backyard will feel a sense of spring renewal that will provide long hours of enjoyment for months to come.
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6 • Morning Journal • Spring Lawn & Garden 2014 • Thursday, March 20, 2014
Turn your current deck into an outdoor oasis (BPT) - It’s easy to dream of perfectly pristine outdoor spaces when looking at the decks in magazines and online, but too often what we want and what we have don’t align. If your deck suffers from weathered wood, loose railings or dated balusters, you’re not alone. The good news is there are surprisingly simple ways to give your deck a facelift and transform it into the outdoor oasis you want in as little as one weekend. Consider these five ways you can update your deck and grow your real estate value: 1. Add or update post caps One of the easiest ways to add a dash of design and even some color and light to your deck is to update your post caps. If you currently have post caps, most can be removed by gently tapping them with a mallet. Then it’s an easy DIY project to add new post caps simply by using exterior construction adhesive. These decorative caps come in a variety of styles, including basic wood that can be stained to perfectly coordinate with your existing color scheme. If you want to add a bit more pizzazz to your outdoor space, give your deck the Deckorators touch with classic copper post caps or solar powered caps that illuminate once the sun sets. 2. Replace balusters Balusters are connected to the railing vertically and provide an important safety feature. But they also add to the visual appeal of the deck and are a main feature in your line of sight. If your wood balusters are worn, you can instantly upgrade your outdoor space with new options. Metal balusters, for example, come in a variety of designs to match any home’s style - from contemporary to traditional. Have a stunning view from your
deck? Enjoy uninterrupted sight lines with glass balusters that simultaneously maintain a deck’s safety and visual appeal. 3. Bring back deck boards After seasons of changing weather and lots of foot traffic, your wood deck boards may be showing wear. Protect the integrity of the wood and refresh the look of your outdoor space by cleaning deck boards and giving them a new coat of paint or stain. Start by scrubbing or power spraying off dirt and grime, and then let wood dry thoroughly. Next, use stain or paint made specifically for decks to help protect the wood from the elements. Just as indoor paint transforms a room inside your home, new stain or paint on your deck boards will make your outdoor area look new and refreshed, making you feel like you have a whole new outdoor area. 4. Refresh railings When it comes to deck railings, there are endless options to match any style or price point. You can go with an off-the-shelf product or customize one to fit your personal design aesthetic. For example, Deckorators co-extruded composite CXT railing is ultralow maintenance and gives you the options to mix-and-match railings, posts, balusters and caps for a look that’s entirely your own. Not looking to do a full railing replacement? Sand down wood railings and apply a new coat of stain for an instant update. 5. Install lighting A great deck will serve as an extension of your home both day and night, but if you don’t have proper lighting, you’ll be heading indoors once the sun goes down. Add visual appeal and an element of safety to your deck with easy DIY lighting options. Lighting on your stairs adds a splash of drama and makes it easy to get around. Balusters are an often-overlooked item that can provide a great lighting location too. Solar Baluster Lights install around 3/4-inch round balusters with nothing more than a Phillips screwdriver. Finally, Solar Accent Lights can be placed on posts to illuminate pathways and deck edges. For more information, visit www.deckorators.com.
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Morning Journal • Spring Lawn & Garden 2014 • Thursday, March 20, 2014 • 7
Choose smart tools for smaller lawns (BPT) - Small lawns have many of the same needs and issues as larger lawns, but they don’t always require the same bulky tools to get the job done. A smart arsenal for small lawn care includes some sturdy hand tools and a few small, but powerful, gadgets. If you’re looking to outfit your arsenal, consider these tools. * Easy thatch dispatchers - Thatch is a natural protective layer of debris that forms in lawns at the soil level and helps retain soil moisture. But when thatch gets too thick, matting to half an inch deep or more, it can prevent water, air and nutrients from reaching grass roots. Thatch removal tools slice through and lift thatch. The push-powered, wheeled Combisystem Vertical Cutter by Gardena removes matted thatch and aerates the lawn soil at the same time. For those who prefer manual raking, there’s the sharpbladed True Temper Thatch Rake. * Lawn care at the flip of a switch - Small lawns need fertilizer and treatment for weeds just like large lawns. But a large awkward push spreader can be overkill for a small lawn and take up valuable storage space in the garage. The new lightweight, handcarried, battery-powered Ready2Go Spreader is specifically designed to make quick work of small lawns, slopes and tight spaces. It comes pre-loaded with popular lawn care products from Preen, GreenView and Vigoro.
* Give a small lawn an edge - By their nature, small lawns are often viewed up close and personal. Edged lawns not only look nice, they help keep garden weeds out of the lawn and vice versa. But edging by hand is hard work. The GreenWorks 12 Amp Corded Edger is sturdy, lightweight, easy to maneuver and ideally suited to creating crisp tidy edges in turf along borders of walkways, driveways, paths and garden or landscape beds. With only a connecting cord of its own, attach the edger to the grounded outdoor-rated extension cord of choice, up to 50-feet. For those who prefer a manual edging solution, choose an edging tool with a sturdy handle and a strong hand-forged cutting edge such as the English-made Clarington Edging Knife. These are tools that get the job done and done quickly, keeping small lawns trim, tidy and naturally strengthened to fend off weeds. They’re also compact and easy to store and keep until next needed, a boon where storage spaces are also smaller with no room to spare.
Each unit is pre-calibrated for its product so no further adjustments are ever needed. To use the spreader, just pick it up, flip the switch and walk to cover up to 2,500 square feet to fertilize or treat the lawn. To spiff up yards overrun with weeds including tough dandelions, try the Ready2Go Spreader with Preen Lawn Weed Control. For eco-friendly spring lawn feeding, the Ready2Go Spreader with GreenView Lawn Food offers quick green up plus controlled nutrient release over eight weeks. Each unit is refillable, reusable, and its pre-installed AA batteries are replaceable. After use, store the compact, portable tool on a shelf, with no space lost in the garage or shed. * Water the lawn, not the living room - For a lawn, water ranks with sunlight in terms of importance. For a small lawn, often nestled up close to the house and open summer windows, putting water only where it’s wanted is desirable. The Dramm Colorstorm 9Pattern Turret Sprinkler has adjustable directional sprays in nine different patterns to water small lawns evenly. Durable and efficient, it gives the lawn the good, deep soaking it needs, while leaving the living room curtains dry and blowing in the summer breeze. * Keep the lawn in fighting trim - Mowing a lawn regularly is more than aesthetic: keeping grass at the right length, between two-to-four inches, helps grass develop strong roots. The Black and Decker 19-inch cordless electric mulching mower is designed for small lawns. It not only makes it easy to keep the lawn mowed to the correct height, it chops up clippings so they decompose easily, discouraging thatch buildup. •Bed d in g P la n ts •Bu lk & P rep a ck ed Ga rd en Seed s •Cra b Gra ss Co n tro l/P reven tio n •L a wn Seed •Seed P o ta to es •On io n Sets •Ga rd en To o ls •P la n tin g Su p p lies
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8 • Morning Journal • Spring Lawn & Garden 2014 • Thursday, March 20, 2014
nd 8-12 March 22 d n a t s -5 8 1 March 2
Living an organic lifestyle is easy
(NAPS)—Living an organic lifestyle not only offers something to people of all ages, it can be achieved in the kitchen, garden or even during an outdoor activity. Here are a few simple tips to start living an organic lifestyle: 1. Take small steps—Take the first step with your staple shopping ingredients. Consider replacing conventional products one by one with organic alternatives. Make foods like fruits, vegetables, milk and meat your first priority. 2. Grow an organic garden—Why not grow your own organic vegetables and herbs? Plants like tomatoes, peppers, onions, potatoes and cucumbers are easy to grow and can be easily maintained on a rooftop or patio garden. Plus, it’s a great way to teach kids where food comes from
and how it grows. 3. Read the labels—Look for products with the “Certified USDA Organic” seal and read labels carefully to check out the main ingredients and any additives that may be included. The first ingredients listed should be common names and easy to pronounce. 4. Pack an organic lunchbox—Send your kids off to school each morning with a delicious, organic lunch. For example, Santa Cruz Organic® Peanut Butters and Fruit Spreads offer a variety of options and flavors to keep kids excited at lunchtime. To help round it out, the company’s Fruit Sauces are a tasty, organic treat, with each 4-ounce sauce cup providing 100 percent of the Reference Daily Intake (RDI) of vitamin C.
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Morning Journal • Spring Lawn & Garden 2014 • Thursday, March 20, 2014 • 9
No-fuss, low-maintenance yards for empty nesters (BPT) - One of the first questions new empty nesters face is: what do we do with the nest? Some are eager to downsize and sell. Others like where they live and choose to stay put. No matter the decision, the property, new or old, is likely in for a makeover aimed at making routine upkeep more manageable. One of the key areas to tackle is the yard and garden. The following are tips for transforming a yard’s maintenance-hungry features, especially the lawn, into alternatives that offer fun and functionality without the fuss. * Create no mow zones - The lawn is often a yard’s highest maintenance feature. One simple way to reduce lawn maintenance is to strategically stop mowing certain parts of the yard, while continuing to maintain more desirable areas. Un-mowed areas needn’t look messy. Delineate the divide between mowed lawn and wilder spaces with a strategically placed stone wall or wooden fence. Adding clusters of ornamental grasses or shrubs along the new lawn’s edge also works to soften the border transition. For a bit of fun, sow some un-mown areas with wildflower seeds. Add green trails for impromptu strolls or heart-pumping walks by cutting a circular path through the no-mow zone. Post birdhouses or feeders along the route for bird watching. * Swap some turf for landscape beds - Freestanding landscape islands of trees, shrubs, bulbs and perennials are appealing low-maintenance features that can reduce lawn area. Landscape beds are also a solution for difficult to maintain stretches like steep slopes, rough terrain and curbside strips. It’s important to cover exposed soil with mulch to stop weeds from growing. To go from low to practically no maintenance, sprinkle a weed preventer like Preen on top of mulch to stop weed seeds in the mulch itself from sprouting. Better yet, use Preen Mulch Plus, a premium bagged mulch with added weed preventers already mixed in. Available at Lowe’s stores and independent garden centers, it’s guaranteed to prevent more than 100 types of tough weeds, including dandelions, for up to six months. * Switch to lawn care “lite” - With less lawn why hang on to over-sized lawn care equipment? Today there are new compact choices scaled to yards under 1/4 acre including cordless electric mulching mowers, battery-powered edgers and programmable directional lawn sprinklers. There’s also a new spreader designed for small lawns, slopes and tight spaces that’s ergonomic too. The Ready2Go Spreader is a lightweight, handcarried and battery-powered unit that comes pre-loaded with popular lawn products from Preen, Greenview or Vigoro to feed or treat up to 2,500 square feet. Each is refillable and pre-calibrated, so no settings are ever needed. * Deck the yard for fun and folly. Converting open spaces to outdoor entertaining areas is another way to reduce yard maintenance. Paved patios and decks make perfect places to sit, barbecue, dine or simply enjoy being outdoors. New composite decking, bricks and paving stones are definitely low upkeep installations. Other ideas include fire pits, outdoor fireplaces, gravel paths and terraces. Don’t just look at spots close to the house: come up with reasons to hang out in different parts of the yard. * Uncontained enthusiasm for containers - Downsizing elaborate garden beds is another area to explore. But don’t give up seasonal flowers: plant in containers. A booming trend among boomers, container plantings add accent color and seasonal drama to decks, patios, paths and other outdoor spaces. For lower maintenance choose fewer but bigger pots. Just a few large containers of colorful plants will have a major impact. They also retain soil moisture better than smaller pots and need watering less often. Except in coldest areas, large frost-resistant resin or fiberglass containers can be left out year-round. For long-term plantings, check plant labels for USDA winter hardiness zones. Potted plants are more exposed to the elements, so choose ones rated one zone colder than usual.
Life in an empty nest can be a time of rediscovery. Reducing lawn and garden upkeep is one way boomers can free up time for other more entertaining pursuits.
10 • Morning Journal • Spring Lawn & Garden 2014 • Thursday, March 20, 2014
Chicken coops are at the heart of self-reliance (BPT) - Americans across the country are taking strides to be more self reliant, including growing food, composting and raising animals. From barn to backyard, raising chickens is the perfect example of how this momentum is building. Just a decade ago you may have only seen chickens while driving through rural areas, but today coops seem to be popping up everywhere in suburban and city neighborhoods. Why consider raising chickens? It’s not necessary to have a farming background in order to raise a small flock of poultry. Chickens are inexpensive to house and feed, managing their care is surprisingly simple, and raising them is a great family-friendly activity. Chickens in return supply nutritious, tasty eggs that are always more fresh than their grocery store counterparts, plus you can use their waste to create organic compost, an invaluable fertilizer for your garden. 1. Check with your city Verify the local chicken laws and ordinances in the city where you live, plus check with your homeowner’s association if you have one. It’s a good idea to make your neighbors aware of your plans, especially if you live in close proximity. 2. Start in the spring Every spring chicks appear at Tractor Supply stores for purchase. Chick Days is an annual spring event when you can purchase baby chicks and ducklings to start your own flock or simply visit the store to learn about backyard chickens. By working with a reputable vendor, you’ll ensure you get quality, healthy chicks. Learn more at
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www.tractorsupply.com/chicks. Keep in mind baby chicks need special care - such as a warm space and special chick feed - until they feather out and can be moved into a coop. 3. Get a coop or henhouse You’ll need some basic supplies in order to keep your chicks healthy so they can grow and produce eggs. Start with a secure coop that provides protection from the weather as well as from predators. Make sure it is properly ventilated but does not let in moisture which can make your chickens ill. You’ll also need a perch to encourage roosting in the henhouse. A chicken’s natural instinct is to roost on limbs at night, so a perch such as a wooden ladder - encourages them to do so inside instead of out. 4. Stock supplies to encourage egg laying Depending on the breed, hens typically lay eggs once every day through spring and summer, and sometimes into fall. Hens need 12 to 14 hours of daylight to stimulate egg production, so adding a few hours of light as days shorten in fall will help extend the laying season. In addition to the light, you’ll need plenty of nutritious feed and a continuous supply of water. Chickens can eat some table scraps, including bread, cooked meats, fruits and vegetables. You’ll also need wood shavings for litter and cushioning nesting boxes.
The best way to ensure you start your flock correctly is to talk with people who are experienced in raising chickens. Your community may have groups focused on self reliance and green living, or you may want to visit your local Tractor Supply store to speak directly to the experts who work there. No matter what, keep motivated in your efforts - raising chickens, growing food and living independently is a rewarding lifestyle for the entire family whether you live in the city or country.
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Morning Journal • Spring Lawn & Garden 2014 • Thursday, March 20, 2014 • 11
Starting your garden indoors (BPT) - While cooler temperatures slowly fade, gardeners across the country eagerly await the arrival of spring - and the chance to get outdoors and grow something. If gardening is your passion, you don’t have to wait until the weather is perfect to get started. Starting your own seedlings offers many advantages, including the ability to get a jump-start on spring planting. Growing your own plants from seed is less expensive than buying small plants and provides access to a much wider variety of plants. The pros at Porch.com offer these tips for starting seedlings to get your garden growing: * Selecting seeds
Some seeds can be planted and started indoors, while others need to go directly in the ground outdoors. As you’re choosing seeds for your garden, read the packets thoroughly to ensure the seeds you’re buying are appropriate for indoor planting. Be aware that many vegetable seeds need to be planted directly in the ground. Most packages will also include information on what time of year to plant, so follow the guidelines for best results. In general, start seeds about six weeks before the
last frost date. Check the Farmer’s Almanac Frost Date Calculator to find out when that is in your area.
windowsill where they’ll get more natural light. * Caring for seedlings
* Choosing containers
Seed starter kits are available for easy planting, but any container will do as long as it is about 2 to 3 inches deep and has drainage holes. Egg cartons and paper cups are inexpensive and easy options; be sure to poke drainage holes in the bottoms. Fill your containers with a good soil mix - never use regular soil from your yard. Seeds need just the right texture and mixture of nutrients to succeed. Covering your containers with plastic wrap or plastic lids will help keep soil and seeds moist. * Setting the environment
In order to germinate, most seeds need a steady temperature of about 78 F. You can create localized warmth for seeds through use of electric heaters or heat mats placed under containers. You can also try placing containers atop warm appliances, such as a refrigerator, as long as they will also receive ample light in the location. Once seedlings push through the soil, you can move them to a
It’s important to provide seedlings with constant moisture, but don’t let the soil get soggy. If you used plastic wrap or covers, remove them from containers once seeds have sprouted. When leaves appear, begin fertilizing with a liquid fertilizer. Pay close attention to the dosage amounts recommended on the fertilizer packaging; seedlings are fragile. Check on seedlings daily until you’re ready to plant them outdoors. Of course, not everyone with the urge to grow a garden has the time to invest or the green thumb to achieve it. If you find yourself lacking the resources to plant and care for seedlings, Porch.com has plenty of professionals who can help you get - and keep - your garden growing. “The hardest part of planting seeds indoors is caring for them before they are transplanted,”-Brockelbank says. “Once they are transplanted, the plants should be very low maintenance.”
12 • Morning Journal • Spring Lawn & Garden 2014 • Thursday, March 20, 2014
49290 STATE RTE 14 • EAST PALESTINE, OH 44413
330-426-2166
49290 STATE RTE 14 • EAST PALESTINE, OH 44413
330-426-2166 www.elderequipment.com