BUYING • SELLING • IMPROVING
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WE LIVE HERE. WE WORK HERE. WE LOVE IT HERE! Preparing your home for sale is our specialty! Our experience in the Prior Lake/Savage area is second to none. Call today to set up an appointment! KAREN STILES 612.749.1615 Karen@StilesAndBothof.com
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2 | Spring Home and Garden, April 2021
www.TheMustardSeedInc.com Chanhassen Pioneer Trail & Hwy 101 952-445-6555
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April 2021, Spring Home and Garden | 3
Home improvements on a budget Local outlets offer bargains BY MADDIE DEBILZAN mdebilzan@swpub.com
S
ummer is a g reat time to freshen up indoor and outdoor spaces, add layers of paint and even renovate kitchens or bathrooms. But oftentimes, price quotes for renovations are daunting and prohibit homeowners from taking on the projects. But if you’re willing to do a bit of digging, DIY-ing and thrifting, there are ways to freshen up your spaces, even on a tight budget. The southwest metro is fortunate enough to be in the vicinity of several underthe -radar home improve ment warehouses that sell everything from windows to patio furniture to kitchen cabinets at prices that will make your wish-list projects within reach. Here are three of them.
HEARTLAND OUTLET If there were ever such a thing as a hole-in-the-wall warehouse, this would be it. Tucked behind Shakopee’s Hosanna Church off Vierling Drive, Heartland Outlet is the kind of spot that becomes popular by word of mouth — and now you’re in on the secret. T he wa rehouse, which opened in 2 019, sells discounted scratch-and- dent home improvement items from big box stores at about half the price. The proceeds go towards Hosanna’s outreach organization, HEART Ministries, which partners with businesses, ministries, and government agencies to assist individuals, families, a nd com mu nities loca l ly and nationally in times of difficulty and crisis. He a r t l a nd a lways h a s new inventory coming in a nd sel l s a ny t hi n g f rom lawn mowers to closet organization systems to light fixtures. But the outlet specializes in f looring, bathtubs, toilets and vanities. Most customers will pay 50% less for the same flooring or tile that’s still being sold at big box stores such as Lowe’s or Home Depot. Tony Caterina, the director of HEART Ministries and Heartland Outlet, said most times, that’s just because the boxes had been opened or there are minor issues w it h t he pro duc t , l i ke a scratched tile. “Because it’s so discounted, that’s usually not an issue for customers,” Caterina said. Caterina added Heartland Outlet isn’t in the business of making a lot of money. “We’re in it to help pass
More information Heartland Outlet Address: 1694 Vierling Dr E, Shakopee (behind Hosanna Church) Phone: (612) 656-9522 Hours: Tuesdays: 4 p.m. to 7p.m.; Thursdays through Saturdays: 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Building Materials Outlet Address: 3045 Sibley Memorial Highway, Eagan Phone: (651) 365-1141 Hours: Monday,Tuesday, Thursday, Friday: 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; Wednesdays: 8 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.; Saturdays: 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Minnesota Home Outlet Address: 2300 Highway 13 West, Burnsville Phone: (952) 279-1587 Hours: open daily from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. along big savings to people,” Caterina said. “People who buy from us are helping to fund the mission of HEART. A nd you’r e a l so helpi n g some of our local businesses ... That’s why Heartland is set up.” Caterina said first-timers coming to the outlet should ask for help from one of the volunteers. “I f someone is looking for a white 60-inch vanity and we don’t have one here, we can send them a photo of what would be coming in and tell them the price up front,” Caterina said. “You can actually order the stuff in advance from us, and you should be able to get it in a few weeks.”
BUILDING MATERIALS OUTLET This 150,000-square-foot warehouse of f Sibley Memorial Highway in Eagan used to work mainly with contractors, selling home i mpr ovement it em s at a consignment price. Now, coowner Angie Ribar said the majority of the warehouse’s base is DIYers looking for heavy discounts. Building Materials Outlet is an auction liquidation company that specializes in selling misorders or discontinued items from large distributors. The outlet keeps inventory in its warehouse for a minimum of 90 days, and if it doesn’t sell, it’s put up on an online option. The warehouse specializes more in constructionbased materia ls, such as f lo or c over i n g s, k itchen cabinets, interior and exterior doors, siding, windows and shingles. The discounts range anywhere from 30 -
PHOTO BY MADDIE DEBILZAN
Heartland Outlet, tucked behind Hosanna Church in Shakopee, offers substantial discounts on home improvement items such as flooring, tile and tools. 100% depending on the product, Ribar said. Ribar suggests new customers compare apples to apples before purchasing any home improvement product. “For example, our cabinets you’d want to compare to a cabi net store rat her than going to Home Depot or Menards,” Ribar said. “Do your homework.” Ribar added many homeowners might stop searchi n g for go o d de a l s a f t er getting sticker shock from initial quotes, and Building Materials Outlet could offer a way around that. One option would be to purchase windows directly from the out let , for ex a mple, a nd hire a private contractor to install them.
Building Materials Outlet offers significant discounts on windows. SUBMITTED PHOTO
MINNESOTA HOME OUTLET This home goods outlet is a bit more above-the-radar than the first two, but offers a variety of discounts on household items ranging from bathrooms to television s to f u r n it u r e. M i nnesota Home Outlet works with large retailers by purchasing closeout items and selling them at a fraction of the price. The retail store’s location in Burnsville is more than 50,000 square feet and adds newly discounted inventory every day, according to its website. Because its inventory is constantly changing, t he best way to get what you’re looking for is to register for emails and follow MN Home Outlet on Facebook.
Building Materials Outlet in Eagan sells kitchen cabinets at a fraction of the price you’d fi nd at a cabinet store. SUBMITTED PHOTO
4 | Spring Home and Garden, April 2021
Have a knack for killing plants? Here are some tips for a green thumb BY AUDREY KENNEDY akennedy@swpub.com
W
ith spring comes new g r o w t h , greenery and backyard f lowers blooming — well, unless you live in Minnesota. The occasional 60 degree days bring hope that spring will stay, but the state isn’t exactly known for consistent weather. (Last year’s Easter snowstorm, anyone?) For those wanting some easy greenery this spring without the fear of freezing over, picking up a houseplant from your local nursery seems like the perfect compromise. But for those of us with “black thumbs,” it’s not that easy. Thankfully, there are still ways gardening-challenged people can keep some green in their home — starting with picking the right plants. Not all houseplants are created equa l, explai ned Max Fulkerson, Chanhassen nursery The Mustard Seed’s
Local options Looking for a local nursery? The Mustard Seed is located at 10000 Great Plains Blvd. Chaska, MN 55318. resident house plant expert and greenhouse manager. He has a tiered system for houseplants, depending on the buyer’s skill level. Succulents are an obvious choice for beginners — as long as they have sun and an occasional watering (between once a week to once a month), they’re hard to kill. Snake plants, also known as mother-in-law’s tongue, can thrive almost anywhere with little water and sunlight. If you prefer more color, certain annual f lowers will thrive inside throughout the year with the proper amount of sunlight. Tropical houseplants are an attainable step up. Ficus is a trendy option that does well indoors with indirect light, and peace lilies can stay in the shade while making it easy to know if the plant needs care — the leaves visibly droop, but spring back to
Plants to 5
PHOTO COURTESY OF THE MUSTARD SEED
Succulents are a perfect “beginner” option for those searching for a low-maintenance houseplant.
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Bromeliads are a good tropical plant for intermediate home gardeners. PHOTOS COURTESY OF THE MUSTARD SEED
near a cold window could be a death sentence.
If you’re looking to start an indoor herb garden, rosemary is a sturdy choice.
PLANTS continued from 4
normal once watered. T he t h ick fol i a ge a nd brightly colored bloom of a bromeliad may look highmaintenance, but last for a few years with proper care. If you feel like a challenge, Bonsai and Norfolk Pine trees are good choices for experts, Fulkerson said. For those wanting to try their hand at edible plants,
F u l kerson recom mends herbs like basil and rosemary — everyone loves having them in their food, and they’re sturdy while still growing quickly. Just keep in mind that the moisture inside is different than outdoors, so watch their water intake. Chosen the plant for you? Think you’re ready to start planting? Here are some suggestions from Fulkerson to remember as you grow your indoor garden.
KEEP THE TAG Don’t throw that dir ty paper away! Keeping it in the plant, or nearby, is the easiest way to remind you what the plant needs (and saves you f rom rep eated Google searches). Most tags have the suggested amount of sun and water, type of soil needed and how tall your plant will get. Things like recommended temperature is also helpful during Minnesota spring — even putting some plants
MAKE SURE IT’S SAFE FOR YOUR HOUSEHOLD Whether you have a dog, cat or curious toddler, plant parents should check if their new addition is safe for the whole family. No non-edible plant should be swallowed, but some, like the popular peace lily, are particularly dangerous to animals. En su re a ny h a n g i n g plants are properly installed and out of curious hands (and mouths).
CHOOSE THE RIGHT POT You might think replanting into a much larger pot will give a plant plenty of room to grow, but it could hurt more than it helps. Put a plant in a toolarge pot without drainage, and the water could gather at the bottom, causing root rot. If it stays in a too-small pot, it could become “root bound” — when the roots have taken up all the space and are now in a dense web, instead of spreading throughout the dirt. Make sure your plant doesn’t require a special type of pot or drainage (for example, orchids
typically need a pot that allows for air in the soil). As it grows, the rule of thumb is to shift into a pot 2-4 inches larger in diameter when needed.
WHEN IN DOUBT, CALL YOUR LOCAL NURSERY Vines shedding? Leaves turning yellow? Doing something even Google doesn’t recognize? Your local plant nursery may know the answer and can save your precious plant from an uncertain future — or at least help you find something that matches your space.
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6 | Spring Home and Garden, April 2021
Exterior lighting can add ambiance to a property BY METRO CREATIVE GRAPHICS
The value of the right lighting in a home is undeniable. Lighting can instantly transform a room and create the ambiance homeowners are looking to establish. Though it might be mostly seen as a way to create mood inside a home, lighting also can do much for lawns and gardens. Backyards have come a long way over the last several decades. Once reserved as play areas for children and stomping grounds for the family dog, backyards have become oases for homeowners and their families. Outdoor living areas are wildly popular, and no such area is complete without exterior lighting. In fact, a recent report from the National Association of Home Builders found that 85 percent of home buyers want exterior lighting, making it the second most desired outdoor feature
(patios topped that list). Exterior lighting can have a dramatic effect on landscaping, and estimates from the online financial resource Kiplinger.com suggest such lighting is inexpensive, with installation averaging roughly $67 per fixture. When installing exterior lighting around their landscapes, homeowners can keep various tips in mind to create a relaxing, awe-inspiring mood on their properties at night. Consider uplights. Uplights are installed in the ground and direct light up at a tree, focusing on its trunk or canopy. This creates a dramatic effect that makes it possible to enjoy majestic trees at night just like you might when spending time in the yard during the day. Focus on trees. Many homeowners already have exterior lighting lining their walkways and patios, but
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Exterior lighting can add significant appeal to a property without breaking the bank. focusing on trees can create an entirely different look. Though it’s possible to install exterior tree lighting on your own, landscaping professionals with lighting experience know which fixtures will pair most effectively with the trees around your property and how to arrange them for maximum effect.
Opt for war m light. War m white light creates an inviting feel around the property. The exterior lighting experts at Utah Lights acknowledge that choice of lighting is up to homeowners but also note that, in situations with lower levels of ambient light, such as in exterior lights around a property, peo-
ple typically prefer warmer light. That’s because warm light tends to be easier on the eyes and directs attention to the features of the landscape, which is many homeowners’ goal when installing exterior lighting in their yards. Utilize a timer. Modern exterior lighting timers make it easier than ever to control
the lights outside a home. Many such timers even adjust for the changing seasons and the shifting hours of daylight. That means homeowners shouldn’t have to tinker with the timer once it’s set. Exterior lighting can add significant appeal to a property without breaking the bank.
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A revamped outdoor space can provide the perfect retreat for homeowners who want to get away from it all. But one winged, unwelcome guest can quickly transform an oasis into an uninviting space.
3 techniques to keep mosquitoes out of your backyard oasis BY METRO CREATIVE GRAPHICS
The value of a retreatlike backyard was never more apparent than in 2020. Over the last year-plus, much of the world has been forced to stay home as a global pandemic has claimed millions of lives while countless others have had to fight to survive in hospitals. It’s no surprise people have looked for a respite from the harsh realities of living during a deadly pandemic, and many turned their attention to their own backyards to provide such an escape. The online home remodeli ng plat for m Houzz reported a 58 percent annual increase in project leads for home professionals in June 2020. Contractors who specialize in outdoor spaces saw the biggest i ncrease i n dema nd. A reva mped outdoor space can provide the perfect retreat for homeowners who want to get away from it all. But one winged, unwelcome guest can quickly trans-
form an oasis into an uninviting space. M o s q u it o e s m a k e their presence felt in many areas each summer. These pesky, often hungry insects can carry disease, and their bites can be painful and itchy. Homeowners can try these three techniques to keep mosquitoes out of their backyards.
1. REMOVE STANDING WATER St a nd i n g water i s a breeding ground for mosquitoes, who don’t even need a lot of water to successfully breed. A daily walk around the property may uncover kids’ toys, empty flower pots or other small receptacles that can collect water. Even clogged gutters can lead to the accumulation of a small amount of water, and that can be enough for mosquitoes to breed. Remove these potential breeding grounds when you find them, and do so each day, as mosquitoes matu re from eggs to nymphs in roughly four days.
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2. MOW REGULARLY Mowing the lawn so the grass never gets too high is another way to make a backyard less hospitable to mosquitoes. The pest experts at Terminix note that mosquitoes seek tall grass to protect them from the elements, including wind and hot summer sun. Mowing enough so grass never gets too high in summer can make backyards less inviting to mosquitoes.
3. PLANT WITH MOSQUITOES IN MIND The home remodeling experts at HGTV note that plants can be par t of homeow ners’ strategy to repel mosquitoes. Various plants have mosquito -repellant qualities. For example, bee balm releases a fragrance as it grows, and mosquitoes don’t l i ke t h at f r a g r a nc e. Homeowners can speak with a local lawn and garden professional for recommendations about plants that can thrive in their region and repel mosquitoes at the same time.
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10 | Spring Home and Garden, April 2021
Top 5 hottest home building trends From creating outdoor living spaces to home automation, here’s what’s trending BY METRO CREATIVE GRAPHICS
These days, home trends are about more than good design and aesthetics, they’re about creating spaces that reflect our values and are more comfortable and enjoyable to live in. From net-zero and netpositive construction to tiny minimalist homes, trends are all about your family’s lifestyle. Whether you’re shopping for a new home, renovating your own or creating a new build from scratch, here are some of the biggest trends you need to know for inspiration. Sustainable design: This one has been popular for a long time, but green design has evolved to be about much more than energy-efficient appliances and LED light bulbs. Now, it’s all about making sure everything in your home reduces your carbon footprint and minimizes any
impact on the environment. To try the trend yourself, think big and get creative. Install solar panels on your roof, choose building materials that don’t require deforestation and upcycle old furniture for decorative elements instead of buying new. Disaster resiliency: Climate change affects us in s o m a ny ne g at ive ways , and one of the top concerns is the increase in natural disasters. From wildfires that last for months to major floods that affect entire cities, we now need to prepare for the worst when building our homes. Switchi ng to di sa sterresi lient materia ls is a n important first step. Many builders now prefer to use stronger, more energy- efficient materials like insulated concrete forms (ICFs) instead of more traditional materia ls like wood. For example, Nudura ICFs can withstand winds of up to 250 miles per hour (equivalent to an F4 tornado) and offer a fire protection rating of up to four hours. Outdoor living: Many of us are now choosing to forgo getting a cottage or summer home and recreate the experience in our own backyards. This trend helps you make
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Creating a home that’s as unique as you are is the latest trend, with custom-built storage and personalized architectural features to make your space stand out. the most of your existing space and take full advantage of your yard or patio during the summer months. You can design a full living space outside, complete with an outdoor television and comfy couches, as well as a kitchen and refrigerator for enter taining. Consider add i n g a f i r epl ac e or firepit to keep warm during c o ol su m mer ni g ht s a nd enjoy the outdoors through spring, fall and even winter
if you’re brave. Home automation: This i s a not her lon g st a nd i n g trend that shows no signs of slowing down. It has also evolved to encompass more of the home to make life even more comfortable and convenient. From an oven that can be turned on remotely to preheat, to skylights that can open and close automatically to create the perfect ambient temperature, there are more ways than ever to integrate
smart home technology into your living space. You can start small with voice assistant and smart light bulbs and work your way up to a total smart home system that includes home security, temperature controls and all your electronic devices. Customization: You don’t have to settle for what mass ma nu fact u rers decide to build, or what works for everyone else. Creating a home
that’s as unique as you are is the latest trend, with custombuilt storage and personalized architectural features to make your space stand out. You can even go as far as building a custom home that’s suited to your family. Older home demolitions and purchasing land-only properties is becoming more common, allowing you to work with an architect to create exactly what you want with a new build.
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How to design your dream custom-built home Find the right property and avoid the fantasy trap BY METRO CREATIVE GRAPHICS
There are many advantages to designing your own home. Gone are the builderbasic styles, layouts that don’t work for your family and exteriors you can’t tell apart from your neighbor’s. To help with your planning, check out these tips.
1. FIND THE RIGHT PROPERTY T here a re no li mits to what you can create with a custom-built home, but the size and quality of your lot do impose restrictions. While you don’t need to have everything decided when you purchase the property, make sure you have a general idea of what you need so your architect can help with this. Also, double check zoning laws, so you don’t wind up not being able to build you r d r e a m t h r e e - s t or y home on a residential street that only allows bungalows.
2. CONSIDER YOUR LIFESTYLE What kind of lifestyle do you want to live? W hat’s i mp or t a nt to you ? F r om bigger elements like smart home automation and sustainability to smaller consider at ion s l i ke s t or a g e and organization, think of these things when design-
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Gone are the builder-basic styles, layouts that don’t work for your family and exteriors you can’t tell apart from your neighbor’s. ing the layout and built-in elements. For example, if you hate shoveling, now is t he oppor t u nit y to ma ke sure you have the shortest driveway possible.
3. BUILD FOR THE FUTURE You r ne e d s a nd wa nt s right now are at the top of
you r mind, but a custom home is a significant investment in time, money and energy. It’s also likely you want this to be your forever home, so it’s a smart idea to build for tomorrow. Think about how your family will evolve and what your future needs will be. Consider
building materials that are designed to stand the test of time. This alternative to wood framing is a greener option and offers disaster resilience against high winds and fire. The superior insulation also means more com for table, uni for m indoor temperatures and less
money spent on heating and cooling your home.
4. AVOID THE FANTASY TRAP This is your dream home, so it’s OK to indulge on that outdoor fireplace or luxury bathroom tiles that you’ve been envisioning. But to
keep your budget in check, focus on the priorities and items that will give you the best value for your dollar. Invest in features that will improve your everyday living and boost your property value, like energy-efficient construction or a finished basement.
Stay safe when working in the yard this spring and summer BY METRO CREATIVE GRAPHICS
A day spent working in the yard is an ideal way to pass the time on spring and summer afternoons. A pristine landscape can add value to a property and instill pride in homeowners who put a lot of thought and effort into their lawns and gardens. A su n- soa ked d ay c a n make it easy to overlook potential threats when working in a lawn or garden. But safety precautions are of the utmost necessity when working in the yard, where the risk for serious injury is considerable. For example, the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons reports that, in 2016, more than 90,000 patients, including nearly 5,000 children, were treated in hospital emergency rooms for lawn mower-related injuries. Lawn- and garden-related injuries can be prevented without going to great lengths. Know your terrain before mowing. Knowing the terrain in your own yard can reduce the risk for accident or
injury. This can be especially important when mowing the lawn with a riding mower. Adhere to manufacturers’ recommendations regarding inclines to reduce tip-over accidents that can pin riders beneath the mower. Study hilly areas of the yard prior to mowing so you know which areas are safe to mow with a riding mower and which areas are best mowed with a walkbehind mower. For greater control when using a walkbehind mower on an incline, mow parallel to the slope. Apply and reapply sunscreen. Sunburns may not require trips to the emergency room, but they can still be serious. In fact, the Skin Cancer Foundation notes that sunburn is a leading cause in the majority of cases of basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma and melanoma, which is the deadliest form of skin cancer. The SCF recommends applying sunscreen 30 minutes before going outside to allow the sunscreen to bond to your skin. Reapply sunscreen at least every two hours, and more often if you’re sweating excessively.
The SCF recommends broad spectrum sunscreens, which protect the skin from both UVA and UVB rays. Though a product with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 15 is acceptable when walking the dog or driving to work, the SCF advises using a product with an SPF of 30 or higher when engaging in extended outdoor activities like gardening or mowing. Employ the buddy system. Use the buddy system when pruning tall trees or performing any tasks that require a ladder. The Orthopedic Institute of Pennsylvania reports that more than 164,000 people are injured each year falling off a ladder. Ask a significant other or neighbor to hold the ladder in place while you climb up to reduce your risk of falling. If cutting large branches, cut them piecemeal to reduce the risk of being injured by heavy falling branches. Inspect the property for insect hives. The OIP notes that the most common insect stings in spring come from bees, wasps and hornets. Homeowners who are
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A sun-soaked day can make it easy to overlook potential threats when working in a lawn or garden. not careful can inadvertently come across hives when doing spring cleanup, making them vulnerable to bites and stings. That can be very dangerous for anyone, and especially so for people with a history of allergic reactions to insect
bites or stings. Inspect areas where you’ll be working to make sure insects haven’t put down roots in your property. If you discover any hives and are hesitant to remove them on your own, contact a local landscaping firm.
Lawn and garden accidents and injuries can be serious. Thankfully, accidents and injuries are easily prevented when homeowners take a few simple safety precautions while tending to their lawns and gardens.
12 | Spring Home and Garden, April 2021
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Whether you’re working on your car or tackling a weekend DIY project, having all your tools and supplies in order will make all the difference.
5 tips to get your garage organized BY STATEPOINT
Is your garage in disarray? While you dream of a perfectly organized workbench or garage, your reality probably looks more like a sea of random toys, boxes and exercise equipment. Ever y do -it-you r sel fer knows a clean, organized garage is the key to efficient project planning and repairs around the home. As we head i nto war mer months, set aside the time to take charge of the space and finally create a sense of tidiness that will last year-round. Follow these five tips to
tame the mess and get your garage back in shape: 1. Invest in shelving that accommodates clear storage bins. When it comes to organizing and storing the assortment of cords, car care items, paint supplies and kid’s toys littering your garage, nothing does the job better than clear storage bins. Not only can you categorize items by project or activity type, you can also easily stack them to save space without sacrificing the ability to easily find what you need, when you need it. Invest in taller, wider shelving for the perimeter of the garage to accommodate
we protect your house. because to you it’s home. simple human sense
3 . Ut i l i z e c ei l i n g a nd wa l l space wit h ha ngi ng storage. From bicycles and skis to rakes and shovels, some equipment is better of f stor e d up a nd out of your way. Install hanging racks or shelving above the area where you park your veh icle s to stor e l a r ger, heavier equipment, and use a double - sided mou nti ng tape to attach hooks along the sides of your garage for lighter-weight items. 4 . Sto ck up on t he e s sentials so you can make repairs on the f ly. W hile it ’s g reat to have a wide assortment of tools and sup-
plies, for many projects and repairs you really just need t he basics — t hi n k ma xstrength waterproof tape, bungee cords, a hammer, n ai l s a nd si mi l a r essentials. Use these items as the foundation of your garage workstation and stock up on extras to keep on-hand for emergencies, camping and other on-the-go uses. 5 . Give ever y t h i n g a home. Aim to group supplies for similar activities, tasks and repairs together, giving each c ategor y a “home.” In addition to helping keep things organized in dedicated spaces, hanging fre-
quently used tools and supplies on hooks or pegboard can make it easier to quickly scan the garage and find exactly what you need. Use your mounting tape to safely and securely create a space to store and display all your go-to items. Interested in more solutions for all your home and DIY needs? Visit www.trextape.com for a wide variety project and repair ideas. Whether you’re working on your car or tackling a weekend DIY project, having all your tools and supplies in order will make all the difference.
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your chosen bins. 2. Fix or dispose of anyt hi ng broken or past its prime. There’s nothing worse than scrambling to find a specific tool or product in an urgent situation, only to realize it’s broken, damaged or dried out. As you organize, pay attention to textures, consistencies and expiration dates. Toss and replace any items that have seen better days. For broken tools that seem salvageable, like cracked hoses or broken handles, reach for a professional grade, heavy-duty duct tape like T-Rex Tape to tackle the repair.
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April 2021, Spring Home and Garden | 13
4 ways to prepare home for bug season BY STATEPOINT
Spring is the official start to bug season, making it important to prepare your home. Here are four steps you can take you keep bugs at bay: 1. D o a sp ot che ck : Che ck w i ndow a nd do or screens for tears to prevent f lyi ng bugs from get ti ng in the home and make repairs where necessary. Also, take a quick look around for a r e a s w it h st a nd i n g water and try to eliminate them. Standing water creates a breeding ground for mosquitos. Lastly, even the sturdiest garbage bags can’t entirely prevent leaks and spills, and over time, your trash bins can begin to accumulate residue inside and around the rim. Bugs, especially f lies, love leftovers, so give your garbage cans a thorough rinse. 2. Be ready: Put an effective pest control product in your shopping cart early in the season so you’re ready when you see the first sign of bugs in your home. If you see one cockroach, chances are there are more hiding in nooks and crannies. It’s hard to put a pin on how many, but an old saying is that for every one you do see, there are 10 more you don’t. Striking at the first
sign of ants or roaches can help you avoid big problems d ow n t h e l i n e , a s t h e s e insects can multiply very quickly. One solid choice is Zevo Instant Action Bug Killer Spray. Zevo’s BioSelective Technology targets and shuts down biological pat hways fou nd i n bugs, not in people or pets. Easy to use, just spray on pests, then wipe up the dead bugs, as well as any excess product. Zevo is now available nationwide at The Home Depot and Target, and online at zevoinsect.com. 3. Protect your trees: Prepare for the upcoming visit of the 17-year cicadas. In many parts of the country, billions of cicadas will swarm and the females will scrape small twigs to lay their eggs under bark. Protect small and vulnerable trees (ones that are under 4 or 5 feet tall) with cheesecloth to spare them from attack. 4. Keep an eye on pets. Pets are liable to gobble up large helpings of dead cicadas. While not toxic, too many cicadas could cause some digestive issues for furry friends. Help keep them healthy by watching what they eat! During the spring season, it is necessary to take steps both to keep bugs out, and to be ready if they do invade.
PHOTO BY JAMIE THORPE, @HOMEOFUANDME
Put an effective pest control product in your shopping cart early in the season.
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14 | Spring Home and Garden, April 2021
Revitalize your most-used spaces BY STATEPOINT
H ave t h e c ol d w i nt e r months left your home feeling a bit dirty, drab or disorganized? Are you feeling the urge to purge? Then it’s time for some spring cleaning. With a few simple tips and tricks, your home — and mood — can be refreshed and revitalized. For the biggest payoff for your efforts, focus spring cleaning in the areas of the home that are used most: the kitchen and bathroom. Clear kitchen clutter: According to research from the Mayo Clinic, decluttering can have a significant positive effect on your mental health and well-being. To start your refresh, toss anything that’s expired or no longer being used. Use a wall-mount spice rack to free up shelf space and keep ingredients within easy reach. Add sanity to the silverware drawer by giving all gadgets their own spaces with Spectrum HEXA In-Drawer Organizers. HEXA organizers feature a unique, six-sided honeycomb base design that offers a sturdy foundation while allowing crumbs to fall through its base away from clean utensils. Simply, “lift and sift” to clean drawers. Labels & liners: Add a new level of organization and
personalization to cabinets, drawers and even wire racks with shelf liners. Available in a variety of colors and patterns, they offer a smooth top and grip bottom for easy sliding of items. Plus, the smooth surface catches messes and spills, making clean-up a breeze. Next, create custom labels for organizer bins with chalkboard or dry erase adhesives from Duck brand. For wire racks, add shelf liner to the bottom to hold items in place. Get savvy at the sink: Next, move to one of t he germiest areas of the kitchen: the sink. To keep this area neat and clean, add an organizer (such as Spectrum HEXA Sink Organizer, which has a built-in soap pump) to keep all cleaning essentials — sponges and brushes — upright and dry and help resist the growth of bacteria. Excess water is captured in the base, which can be easily removed and wiped clean. Finally, place a raised mat in your sink basin to encourage air and water flow for faster drying, and to provide extra cushion for fragile glassware. Banish bathroom battles: From towels to toiletries, bathrooms collect a lot of “stuff.” Keep the daily-use items and purge the rest. If you have limited shower
STATEPOINT
According to research from the Mayo Clinic, decluttering can have a significant positive effect on your mental health and well-being. space, use a suction shower basket or shower caddy to hold shampoo and soaps. Add an over-the-tank toilet paper holder to store extra bath tissue and keep it out of the way. Just like the kitchen, utilize small baskets or HEXA indrawer organizers to keep
everything from makeup to medicine easily accessible and in the right place. Conquer cluttery cords: Conquer cords and countertop clutter by utilizing vertical spaces. Add shelves to walls to hold towels or smaller items, and add over-
the-cabinet accessory baskets to the insides of cabinet doors. These easy-to-install organizers keep items like your blow dryer, straightener and curling iron out of sight, but within arm’s reach, for a faster morning routine. For more unique organi-
zational products, visit www. spectrumdiversified.com and follow the conversation at #LiveLifeOrganized. Soon, with a bit of cleaning and organization focused in key areas of your home, you’ll be feeling refreshed and revitalized this spring.
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April 2021, Spring Home and Garden | 15
STATEPOINT
Raised garden beds create visual interest and an ideal growing environment.
How and why to build a raised garden bed this season BY STATEPOINT
Fairly easy to construct and even easier to maintain, raised garden beds are a great way to raise plants and vegetables in the comfort and convenience of your backyard. In a recent episode of the Exmark Original Series, “Done-inA-Weekend-Extreme,” landscape designer and show host, Doug Scott, spoke to organic gardener Joe Lamp’l of “Growing a Greener World” about the ins and outs of raised garden beds. Here are some of the top insights and tips Lamp’l shared. W hy u s e r a i s e d garden beds? A raised garden bed can help facilitate the ideal growing environment, as most people don’t have that perfect soil naturally in their yard. Their accessibility makes them easier to work in and maintain. Plus, they’re a nice architectural design element in any landscape. What’s the ideal size? The main rule of the thumb applies to width. The bed should be no wider than 4 feet, as you never want to compact the soil when working. Length however, is based on personal preference and needs. As far as height is concerned, you want the roots to be able to grow out and down as much as possible — 6-inches at minimum. While 12-inches is common, anything higher is a bonus.
What materials work best? Treated lumber is the most readily available and economical material and will likely last the longest, however, being an organic gardener Lamp’l prefers untreated hardwood, as it lasts almost as long and doesn’t contain chemicals. Other materials you have around the home and yard, such as rocks, old tubs, etc., can work too. Where’s the best location? Build your raised garden bed on level ground, in full sun exposure near a water supply. DIY Instructions: To build a 10-foot x 4-foot x 18-inch raised bed, you’ll need: Nine 6-inch x 6-inch x 12-foot cedar timbers Tape measure, tsquare and marking pencil A saw and extension cord One box of 10-inch h e av y - d u t y e x t e r i o r wood screws Ten 24-inch x 1/2inch rebar stakes Twenty 10-inch galvanized timber spikes Sledgehammer Impact drill and long drill bit Level Hammer Shovels Hardware cloth, wire cutters and fence staples Work gloves, safety glasses and ear plugs Wheelbarrow (to transport soil) 1. Begin by cutting six, 6 x 6 timbers, each
measu ring 10 -feet 6-inches in length. And six, 6x6 timbers, each measuring 4-feet 6-inches in length. Drill rebar holes in each timber. 2. Once the first layer of bed has been placed, leveled and squared in your desired location, fasten the corners using 10 -inch wood screws. Secure the entire layer to the ground with 10 pieces of rebar. 3. Place the second layer of timbers, staggering the corners and fasteni ng t hem wit h wood screws. Secure this layer to the first with ten 10-inch galvanized spikes. 4. Install galvanized cloth to prevent burrowing pests from eati ng ea r t hwor ms a nd destroying plants. 5. Place the third layer of timbers (following above directions.) 6. Fill with soil and plants. For more tips a nd complete build instructions, check out “How to Build Raised Garden Beds” by visiting Exmark.com /backyard. E x m a rk ’s B a c k y a r d Life is part of a unique multimedia destination with a focus on helping homeowners make the most of their backyard. There you can also access other series, including “Prime Cuts” and “Dream Yards.” For an amazing crop this season, take a cue from the professionals and build a raised garden bed for best results.
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16 | Spring Home and Garden, April 2021
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