Home & Garden 2023

When to plant your garden

It’s easy to get overexcited, but some seeds aren’t ready to be sown.

Year-round gardening has never been easier with indoor planters and greenhouses. But there’s nothing like a traditional garden, which provides fresh flavors and a chance to enjoy the outdoors. Just be aware that many plants grow best when planted at a certain time of the year.

Best in Spring

Start transplanting plants that started indoors each April, and start seeding projects too. Germinating plants need the extra time in the ground. Beets, beans, carrots, corn, lettuce, cucumbers, melons and onions should be planted in April. Cabbage is one of the easiest things to grow; it’s not too late for peppers and tomatoes, either. If all goes well with peas, they could ready for harvest by May.

In the High Country

especially, make sure you pay attention to the weather as frost can commonly occur into late April!

Early Summer

Unfortunately, a check of planting zones shows that many Americans live where April still brings freezing temperatures. That could mean waiting, or being prepared to cover your plants when wintry weather threatens. Most of these plants will thrive in May, if the temperatures where you live mimic those from April elsewhere. Plant beans, squash, melons and cucumbers as temperatures continue to warm in May.

Hottest Months

Some plants simply love summer’s heat, including zucchini and summer squash. Plant them in June, with an expected harvest late in July or in early August. Choose bean

varieties like Kentucky Wonder, Contender or Topcrop in June and they may be ready to eat before mid-July. Lettuce and car -

rots can be planted until very late in the summer. Planting a larger garden that needs a tractor or other heavy equipment? Blue

Ridge Tractor has served the Northwestern area of North Carolina since 1949. Factory trained service techs insure accurate re-

pairs of various equipment for farming, lawn care and commercial mowing. More information can be found at www.blueridgetrac.com.

Local seed libraries provide free seeds, promote secure food system

BY JILLYAN MOBLEY

Since 2017, Blue Ridge Women in Agriculture has partnered with the Watauga and Ashe County Public Libraries to provide a catalog of fruit, vegetable and flower seeds with a mission to promote food security, community resilience, a

culture of sharing and the expansion of locally acclimated seeds.

Housed in repurposed card catalogs, the Ashe and Watauga County Seed Libraries offer free, open-pollinated and heirloom seeds to community members who can take seed packets,

and grow and enjoy their own gardens. Patrons are encouraged to save seeds from those plants to eventually return some to the library. Anyone can access the Seed Library as no registration or library card is required.

Seed libraries exist in

communities across the country as a resource. In addition to increasing food security and access to produce, seed libraries can be an important step in “developing a network of seed savers to create

Many plants grow best when planted at a certain time of the year.

PHOTO BY JILLYAN MOBLEY

No library card, registration or even signature on a paper is needed to utilize the Watauga County Seed Library. SEE SEED ON PAGE 4

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locally adapted varieties to respond proactively to climate change or loss of gene integrity due to GMOs or to preserve genetic diversity,” according to the Public Library Association.

According to the Public Library Association, saving and sharing seeds can help people become more self-sufficient and independent, build meaningful relationships with neighbors, and empower people to participate in building a stronger and more secure food system.

“It benefits the program if more people participate in it. The idea is if you’re growing a seed, you’re acclimating it to your climate, and depending on if you’re

selecting varieties that do better and are more resistant to the blight that we see in humid areas, you’re

creating, ideally, a seed bank that in turn could help with food sovereignty in the long run,” Seed

Library volunteer Monica Gowan said. “The idea of a seed library is that you’re helping your community

grow things that grow well in your community so that you can continue to grow that food and your

community can continue to acclimate that variety of food to your climate for your community.”

To improve chances of success for future growers, seeds should be open-pollinated, mature, dry, clean, labeled and saved from a variety of properly isolated healthy plants. Gowan said the library is open to hosting community workshops on seed saving and anyone experienced and interested in hosting can contact her at agnesminifarm@gmail. com.

Local seed libraries can be found at the main branches of the Watauga and Ashe County Public Libraries in addition to the Little Free Seed Library located at the Western Watauga Community Center. For more information, visit www. seedlibrary.brwia.org.

PHOTO BY JILLYAN MOBLEY

The Watauga County Public Library sorts seeds in a system formerly used to catalogue books.

Smoke alarms are key to keeping a safe home

BY MOSS BRENNAN

Community members

should test all smoke alarms and Carbon Monoxide alarms as well as replace batteries in all these devices every year.

A good time to test and change the batteries is when the clocks change for Daylight Savings Time, but it’s always a good idea to check them on a regular basis to make sure they are working properly.

Smoke alarms are a key part of a home fire escape plan, according to Boone Fire. Fires in modern homes burn hotter and faster than in the past and a person may only have a few minutes to escape safely. When there is a fire, smoke spreads fast and working smoke alarms can

•

give an early warning to get outside quickly.

In addition to testing alarms and changing batteries, here are other tips to keep your home safe:

• Closed doors slow the

spread of smoke, heat and fire. Sleep with bedroom doors closed. Install smoke alarms in every sleeping room and outside each separate sleeping area. Install alarms on every level of the

home including the basement. In new construction, smoke alarms should be interconnected so that when one alarm sounds, they all sound.

• Large homes may need

extra alarms.

• Test all alarms at least once a month. Press the test button to be sure the alarm is working.

• Smoke alarms should be on the ceiling or high on a wall. Keep smoke alarms away from the kitchen to reduce false alarms. They should be at least 10 feet away from the stove.

• There are special alarms for people who are hard-ofhearing and deaf.

• Replace all smoke alarms when they are 10 years old. Writing the expiration date on the outside of the alarm will help you determine replacement date from the ground without the need for ladders.

• Some newer alarms have lifetime batteries.

These detectors are more expensive, but are a good choice for rooms with high ceilings. They will eliminate the need for tall ladders and labor expenses twice a year compared to conventional replaceable battery alarms. Alarms with replaceable batteries are disposed of and replaced when the alarm indicates the battery is dying.

• Home fire escape plans are a crucial tool to keep your family safe in an emergency. Smoke and CO alarms are an important part of these plans. Please take the time to review your Home Fire Escape Plan with ALL members of the family. Practice your plan regularly and remember to practice at different times of the day and in different weather conditions.

Families should check smoke and carbon monoxide alarms each year when clock times are changed.

Practicing energy efficiency

Ways to conserve energy and save money at home

BY JAMIE SHELL

Between the chilly mountain winters and the heat of summer, area homeowners are always seeking to save money when it comes to their monthly energy bill. Blue Ridge Energy, which serves residents of Alleghany, Ashe, Avery Burke, Caldwell, Catawba and Watauga counties, offers a number of ideas and steps that residents can take to help lower costs of heating and cooling their homes.

First, home residents can make small changes in everyday life to conserve energy and save a few bucks. BRE offers several suggestions, including:

• Wash clothes in cold water when possible and save approximately $63 per year.

• Take advantage of the sunny days of winter by opening your drapes during the day and closing them at night to naturally heat the home. In the summer months, overworking a heat pump or air conditioning unit can be prevented by keeping drapes closed during the day to allow less sunlight and heat in.

• Install a programmable thermostat to save up to 10% on cooling and heating costs.

• In the bathroom, BRE suggests taking short showers rather than full tub

baths. A normal tub bath will use up to twice as much hot water. You’ll save on total water consumption as well.

• Rather than using the conventional oven, the microwave oven reduces energy consumption and cooks food in about one fourth the time. Additionally, if the kitchen oven is used for cooking, it is recommended to bake several dishes that can be cooked at equal temperatures together in the oven.

• Pool pumps can use significant amounts of electricity. If pumps operate by a time clock, check to

make sure it is operating properly.

• Well pumps average around 50 kWh per month. However, a faulty check valve, pressure switch, or leaks in lines can quickly double the electrical usage, so it is suggested to check the equipment on a regular basis.

• Change to new and improved light bulbs. Reduce energy use from about a third to as much as 80% with today’s increasing number of energy-efficient halogen incandescents, CFLs and LEDs.

• Clean or change filters regularly. A dirty furnace

and push cool air down. In the winter, switch to clockwise to push the warmer air near the ceiling down along the walls into the main area of the room. Also, turn the ceiling fan off when you leave a room to save energy; you can only feel the effect when you’re in the room.

or A/C filter will slow down airflow and make the system work harder to keep you warm or cool.

• Schedule service for your heating system. Find out what maintenance is required to keep your heating system operating efficiently.

• Seal air leaks and properly insulate to save up to 20% on heating and cooling bills, while also increasing home comfort. Additionally, the Smart Energy Consumer Collaborative shares no- and low-cost solutions to save money while also staying preferably warm or cool.

• Take advantage of air circulation from ceiling fans. Circulating the air in a room can make a major difference in comfort while limiting energy use. In the summer, use the switch on your fan to rotate the blades counterclockwise

• Stop the draft with weather-stripping and caulking. A drafty home can cause your heating and cooling costs to skyrocket, but fortunately, there’s a lot you can do to improve the situation. Weather-stripping and caulk can be purchased at any home improvement store for a quick, inexpensive weekend project. Use weatherstripping on any movable part of your home (windows, doors, etc.) and caulk for filling cracks and gaps. According to the Department of Energy, air sealing a drafty home can save you 20% or more on heating and cooling!

• Check with your power company for a free Energy Saving Kit. Power companies have many reasons for supporting their customers’ energy efficiency efforts, so if you’re trying to reduce your overall energy use, a good starting place is just checking with your power company. Many utilities offer free Energy Saving Kits to get their customers started down the path of saving energy. These can include free LED light bulbs, advanced power strips and other energy-saving measures. Your utility may also have other free programs or advice for helping you save.

• Make better energy-related buying decisions. When you need to replace an appliance around your home, like a washing machine, water heater or TV, avoid making an energy-inefficient purchase. By using an online tool to compare products, you can find the most energy-efficient appliance for your needs. Even if it costs a little more upfront, you’ll likely save quite a bit over the appliance’s lifetime. You can also look for the ENERGY STAR® label, a government-backed symbol that lets you know a product is more energy efficient than others you might choose.

• Turn off your lights and unplug unused appliances. The old adage “Turn off the lights when you leave a room” is great advice for being more energy efficient, but did you know that appliances like coffee makers and gaming consoles can also be major sources of wasted energy? Many appliances, like your cable box or TV, still draw some power while turned off or in standby mode. Some sources estimate that these “energy vampires” account for 10 to 20% of a home’s total energy use! Consider adding appliances and devices to a power strip to conveniently turn them on and off, and you should start seeing a decrease in your bill.

For more information on home energy conservation, click to www.blueridgeenergy.com/residential/energy-saving-tips.

PHOTO SUBMITTED

One way to lower energy costs in the home is to replace incandescent light bulbs with more energy-efficient LED bulbs.

4-H Homesteader Club brings after school learning opportunities

BY LILY KINCAID GREEN VALLEY — Riv-

erside Elementary School is growing its outdoor learning program with the 4-H Homesteader Club.

The project dates back to 2019, when Jamie Johnson was principal at RES. Johnson worked with the Avery County Cooperative Extension and the High Country Charitable Foundation to search for funding and create a plan.

In fall 2020, Whitney Baird became the principal at RES, and despite the challenges that the pandemic brought about, she continued building toward the outdoor learning program. By summer 2021, 14 raised garden beds were built at RES and just a few months later, in October, a greenhouse was constructed

at the school as well.

Now, the garden beds and greenhouse serve as a way to enhance children’s learning experiences at RES. Teachers tie the outdoor learning structures into their curriculum, allowing students to get hands-on experience alongside what they learn in the classroom.

“It’s a really cool project,” said Avery Cooperative Extension Agent Bobbie Willard. “The whole purpose is teaching kids self-sufficiency.”

In fall 2021, the 4-H Homesteader Club started. Initially, the club was only for fourth and fifth graders, meeting twice monthly. The school took time this past fall to find parent volunteers to help and now, the club has made a comeback

and is here to stay.

The 4-H Homesteader Club is open to all RES students, Kindergarten through fifth grade. The purpose of the club is to give students the opportunity for more outdoor learning, with the garden beds and greenhouses and beyond. In addition to planting, growing, harvesting and selling produce, the club aims to educate children about a variety of topics, including hunter safety, farm safety, pest management, entrepreneurship and more.

“I think long term, the goal was that once they know how to do it, then they can also take it home and do it with their families,” Baird said.

The goal is to teach kids skills that they may not

otherwise learn, like how to sew a button back onto a shirt or how to can tomatoes. Eventually, the club will be mostly run by the students, with the help of a club leader, and they envision older students teaching the younger students what they’ve learned, Willard said.

“Homesteading is so wide open,” Willard said. “4-H’s new thing is ‘find your spark.’ We’re introducing kids to so many different things, and hopefully they’ll find something they’re passionate about.”

RES hasn’t run out of ideas for its outdoor learning program, either. The school plans to expand the outdoor facilities to include a trail, a barn, livestock and apple trees, Baird said. They’re currently looking

for funding to move forward with those plans, and they also want to start allowing students to sell their produce in the summer and before or after school in an effort to teach them about the whole process of farming, from planting the seeds to selling or preserving what they harvest. The profits from this mini farmers market will go back into the garden, Baird said.

Part of the goal with the program is to hopefully encourage some kids to decide to be farmers, said Jerry Moody, Avery County Extension Director. In the future, they hope to possibly replicate the program with other schools, have the FFA students at the high school work with the younger students and show them that older kids are

interested in agriculture, too, he said.

Willard said the best part of this entire project is the partnership between the school and the cooperative extension. As a program, 4-H exists to enhance what the schools are doing and teaching, she said.

“The beauty of all this is the partnership between Riverside, the cooperative extension office, the parents, kids, community, Kiwanis and the High Country Charitable Foundation,” she said.

The opportunities wouldn’t have been possible without support from the parents, teachers, community and organizations like Kiwanis Club of Banner Elk and the High Country

PHOTO COURTESY RES

Riverside Elementary now has 14 raised garden beds and a greenhouse, and plans to add livestock and a barn in the future.

PHOTO COURTESY RES

RES students pose with their award-winning pumpkin, which won first place at the Avery A&H Fair.

Since heating and cooling account forabout half of the typicalhome’s energy costs, upgrading to ahighefficiency system is an effectiveway to improve your comfort AND savingsall year.

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Charitable Foundation, Baird said. Amber Singleton, who has a child in preschool at Riverside, has stepped up to be the Club Leader for the 4-H Homesteader Club. In addition, Bill Hoffman from the cooperative extension, Moody, volunteers at Camp Linn Haven, the Quartz Corp, Sibelco, students from Lees-McRae, Avery County Government, Avery County Board of Education, SkyLine SkyBest and Wheels Contracting were community partners that RES also developed and received support from for this project.

“We really want our families and our community to be involved,” Baird said. “We want to have a way for everyone to work together as a team.”

PHOTO COURTESY RES

Freshly harvested vegetables from the RES raised garden beds.

PHOTO COURTESY RES

Jerry Moody teaching students in the 4-H Homesteader Club how to inoculate logs with mushroom spores.

Know your zones

Tips for the gardener

Sometimes, it’s not that you have a black thumb. Maybe you’ve been buying the wrong plants for your USDA growing zone.

The growing zones are a temperature minimums for your area, ranging from the coldest — 1a, or -60 to -55 degrees Fahrenheit — to 13b, or 65 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Each zone represents the mean extreme minimum temperature — meaning it’s the average coldest temperature. It does not mean that that’s the coldest it’s ever been or ever will be. You should still prepare for somewhat colder temperatures than what is shown on the map.

Finding Your Zone

You can find your USDA growing

zone by going to the interactive GIS map at planthardiness.ars.usda. gov and entering your ZIP code. If you don’t have a broadband Internet connection, you can also find static images that will load better on your connection. Experts at your local garden center or agricultural extension office will also be able to tell you your hardiness zone.

New Data Means New Zones

This is the first time the USDA has offered the upgraded GIS map, and it’s been updated with data from 1976-2005. GIS technology has a higher level of resolution and can show smaller areas of zone definition than previous iterations of the map. It may show, for example, a warmer zone around a larger city because cities tend to hold more heat than rural areas or a cool spot

around a hill and valley.

The new map also has new zones. Zones 12 and 13 have annual extreme minimum temperatures above 50 and 60 degrees, respectively. You can find these zones in Hawaii and Puerto Rico. Even though these zones do not include a freeze, they will enable gardeners in these areas to plan for conditions to suit tropical and semitropical plants.

Zones and Climate Change

What you shouldn’t use the zones map for is any evidence of climate change. Climate changes usually show up in records for 50 years or more. Because the zone map uses 30 years of data, it shouldn’t be considered reliable evidence of whether or not there is global warming.

Knowing your zones is important for gardening.

Getting that house clean for the warm weather

Few things are more satisfying than washing off a coat of winter grime with a power washer. You can use them on windows, walls, pools, driveways, walkways, grills, outdoor furniture, fences, vehicles, decks and more. But there are some safety rules you should keep in mind.

About Power Washers

Power washers are either electric or gas. The gas units tend to be more powerful

Power washing basics

than electric ones, delivering up to 3,000 lbs. per square inch of pressure. Make sure you match the material you’re washing to the power of your equipment. Home Depot says that vinyl siding can take up to 3,000 psi while aluminum, stucco or soft-grain woods should get no more than 1,500 psi. There are also a variety of wands and attachments to make your job easier.

Rent or Buy?

Many home stores will rent the power washing gear that you need so that you don’t have to buy equipment of your own. This is an ideal situation if you’re going to

do projects like your home, driveway and deck, say, once a year. If you’re going to wash your vehicles often or need to do several jobs a year, consider buying either an electric or gas washer to meet your needs.

Prepare the Area

Before you start washing, cover items such as light fixtures and air conditioner compressors on the exterior of a home. Also cover any plants that are close to what-

ever you’re going to power wash. Make sure to note the locations of windows and electrical outlets. Cover the sockets with tape and avoid them while washing. Pre-scrub the exterior with a scrub brush or spray it down with a garden hose to remove dirt, debris and mildew.

You also want to don your safety gear before turning on your power washer. Use safety goggles and work gloves. Never use a ladder while power washing because the pressure could cause you to lose your balance. Keep the power washer wand at least six feet away from wires. Don’t spray into outlets, cracks and holes. Do not point the power washer

at people or pets.

Cleaning

Mix the detergent and water according to manufacturer directions. Attach the washer to your garden hose. Then, attach the wand you want to use to your sprayer. Step back three feet and test the power washer against your surface, adjusting the pressure until you can remove dirt without damaging the surface.

Once you’re done, turn off the washer and disconnect it from the hose. Follow the manufacturer’s directions for proper storage and use the garden hose to rinse any excess soap. Remove any protective tarps and leave your item to dry.

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Power washers can be used on windows, walls, pools, driveways, walkways, grills, outdoor furniture, fences, vehicles, decks and more.

Give your weatherbeaten outdoor furniture

a whole new look

After a few seasons, the sitting area in anyone’s backyard, patio or balcony space can begin to look grimy and old. But there’s no need to buy a whole new set of furniture. With the right preparation, the right paint, favorable weather conditions and a little elbow grease, you can get it all looking good as new.

Clean Surface

Make sure you have a clean surface, otherwise the paint won’t properly

Freshening up outside

adhere to wood, metal or plastic. Wipe away all dust and dirt, as well as any rust or old paint flakes. Try to remove or smooth over any other imperfections. For wood, lightly sand before painting. Wash everything after each step. If hardware is in place, remove it and label everything for easy reattachment later.

Right Tools

Make sure you have the right tools before work begins. For instance, brushon paint may require a pan and stir sticks. You may also need rollers or smaller brushes to get paint in tight spaces within the furniture. Table tops and bulkier

items are more easily painted with large rollers. Invest in gloves, painters tape or masking tape, drop cloths and protective eye wear, as needed.

Many Choices

There’s a difference between paints formulated for indoors and outdoors, and plastic furniture requires its own special products in order to bond properly. Make sure you buy the right version. Brush-on paints work best with primer, and make sure both are applied smoothly. Thinner coats go on more easier, while also drying more quickly. Two coats is usually a good rule of

thumb on any painting project. There’s no need for primer if you choose a spray paint option. Keep the can the recommended distance from the furniture as you paint, working in bursts to avoid drips.

Where you paint

Check paint can guidelines for temperature ranges, then pay close attention to the weather forecast. Some formulations won’t adhere if it’s too hot or wet outside. Make sure you paint in a well-ventilated area to avoid the accumulation of potentially toxic fumes. A shady spot will give you a break from the heat while

encouraging the paint to dry more evenly. Don’t forget to hydrate!

If you’re ready to replace old furniture or just start-

ing out, there are plenty of stores in the area that can help, including Francisco Rustic Furniture located in Boone.

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After a few seasons, the sitting area in anyone’s backyard, patio or balcony space can begin to look grimy and old.

Keeping mosquitos away

Use natural options instead of potentially dangerous chemicals

Some insects, like pollinators, are welcomed in any backyard or garden. But others are most certainly not — including pesky mosquitoes that seem to appear out of nowhere as temperatures rise each year. Here’s how to fight back, the natural way.

Inside the Numbers

Disease-carrying mosquitoes are actually a huge problem globally, killing hundreds of thousands of people each year. That’s more than any other animal or insect. They feed on blood

from unwitting host animals, then transfer sometimes deadly pathogens as they move from bite victim to bite victim. Among the most serious diseases associated with mosquitoes are malaria, West Nile virus and dengue fever, but there are many others.

Studies show that mosquitoes are more attracted to people with Type O blood, as well as pregnant women and people who are breathing heavily. Sometimes, it’s simply a matter of timing. You’re most vulnerable to a bite around dusk and dawn, as mosquitoes virtually disappear during other parts of the day.

Keeping them Away

Sprays, candles and brace-

lets are popular repellents, but often rely on chemicals to do the job. Zappers can be loud and unsightly. That’s why planting certain plants to keep mosquitoes away has become a growing trend. Marigolds and lavender, for instance, emit a smell that drives away these flying pests. Place these hardy plants in pots around your outdoor living space, and they will also produce gorgeous blooms.

Rosemary, sage and basil are typically only thought of as herbs used for in our kitchens, but they also keep mosquitos away. Allium likewise have a strong smell that they don’t like — but, unfortunately, you and your guests might not either, since this plant is part of the garlic and onion family. Citronella

and bee balm are other commonly used natural alternatives. Lemon-scented plants have also proven to be useful for many.

Other Options

Sometimes using plants to make your outdoor space inhospitable to mosquitoes simply isn’t enough, in particular for those who live in humid climates. If you’re still being hounded, be on the look out for standing water in nearby places. They’re breeding grounds for more mosquitoes. Wear light, breathable long-sleeved clothing and cover your legs. Use overhead fans, if possible, to move the air around. Treat pools and water features to reduce the number of mosquito eggs, as well.

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Planting certain plants to keep mosquitoes away has become a growing trend.

Thinking about solar?

It’s easier to get on board as new technology becomes more affordable

People are increasingly turning to solar in order to save money and guard against outages. In fact, a system was being installed every few minutes in the U.S., according to one solar-advocacy survey. Because it’s all still so new, however, you’ll need to do your homework to figure out which option is right for you.

Home suitability

There are a number of factors to consider when deciding if your particular home is suitable for

Financial concerns

solar. Generally, homeowners need to have a recently installed new roof that faces south, and isn’t subject to long periods of shade. Individual companies may have their own additional requirements, depending on the specific equipment they use.

Solar arrays can be expensive, but there are a variety of purchase options. They can be financed through a loan, they can be leased or they can be sold outright. With leases and loans, monthly payments are more affordable — sometimes less

than your regular electric bill — but you are required to sign a long-term contract. Power-purchase agreements allow customers to buy the electricity produced by the installed panels at a set price.

Purchased panels may qualify for special tax credits, while lease and power-purchase agreements do not have this option. Net metering allows homeowners to earn credit on their monthly utility bill for power that panels feed back into the larger electric grid. So shop around and compare the options with local installers. Pay close attention to monthly and upfront costs, as well as whatever tax benefits are available.

Is it safe?

The U.S. Department of Energy recommends that homeowners hire

a certified electrician to inspect the system before it goes online. But rest assured, the solar industry is well regulated, and that includes protecting the safety of homeowners. The panels have to meet testing and inspection standards, and installers have to meet strict qualifications. Installed panels must meet local electrical, fire and building codes.

Need more info?

The U.S. Department of Energy’s Solar Energy Technologies Office has created a helpful primer called the Homeowner’s Guide to Going Solar. They cover the basics of how the technology works, how to determine your house’s suitability for installation, and the safety and financial considerations that are involved. Visit bit.ly/3rIT1xk.

BRING YOUR

VISION TO LIFE

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There are a number of factors to consider when deciding if your particular home is suitable for solar.

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