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i•• THE OBSERVER, SEPTEMBER 29, 2014
FALL HOME Sr GARDEN ( PREPARATION
hen you picture "planting season," you may envision the springtime months: rainy conditions, soft ground and plenty of impending sunshine on the horizon of summer. But the fall also is an ideal time to load up your yard with new bulbs, perennials, shrubs and trees — depending on where you live.
Gardening in the fall can be better for both your plants and you. Which of these scenarios sounds more appealing as you toil away in your garden: Sweating in the summer heat while you pick the never-ending assortment of weeds or planting a new tree in comfortable, crisp weather conditions? The soil will also be your best friend during the fall, since it is not likely as muddy as it is during the springtime. You will be able to pop your new shrubs, perennials and container-grown trees right into the ground without much of a struggle.
CLEAN UP
AIR-SOIL CONDITIONS So what makes the fall season such an ideal time for planting? As the temperatures begin to cool, the soil remains warm — the ideal setting for a new plant. In fact, the National Gardening Association (NGAl states that most plant roots continue to grow until soil temperatures drop into the 40s.
The fall season brings leaves, dried foliage and seed heads to your garden, and you may feel the urge to quickly tidy up. Not so fast, says the NGA. Of course, aesthetically speaking, you can decide to keep your garden area nice and clean for the next planting season. But the NGA recommends leaving fallen leaves within your garden bed, because they are nature's way of insulating the soil. They also add nutrients to the soil as they decompose. You can also rake up the leaves and add them to a compost pile, or simply choose to mow over them to add small, nutrient-filled pieces to your grass.
• Yard • Leaf Disposal • Trimming • Snow Removal
Call today for an estimate on leaf removal andgutter cleaning 541-962-0523 or 541-663-7075
© FOTOUA
THE OBSERVER, SEPTEMBER 29, 2014
HOME & GARDEN, PAGE 3
FALL HOME 8c GARDEN i WINTERIZING
intertime brings with it holiday gatherings, beautiful snowflakes and adventure-filled sledding expeditions. But if your house could talk, it would tell you that winter is also accompanied by biting winds, damaging ice and dropping temperatures that correlate with increasing heating bills. The fall is the perfect time to listen to your house and prepare for those chilly conditions. Doing so can help you save time and money in costly repairs come springtime. There are certain pain points of your home — drafty windows and outdated furnaces come to mind — that may need immediate overhauls. Other improvements require only a bit of sweat equity to fully ready your home for the wrath of winter.
REPLACE YOUR WINDOWS An inefficient window can lead to more than an uncomfortable draft once winter arrives. It can also welcome damaging frost or condensation on the inside of the window, which can lead to rotting wood frames. Replacing a window is a fairly straightforward process, but you may want to consult a licensed professional to ensure warranty-protected installation. Find a company dedicated to carrying the latest, most efficient models for your home.
SERVICE YOUR FURNACE Gas and electric furnace systems are projected to efficiently operate for about 10 to 15 years and require annual service checks for optimal operation. Do you know how old your furnace unit is? Check the sticker with your model number for the date of manufacture and installation. If you're around the 10- to 15-year mark, it may be time to consider an upgrade. A lower heating bill is one of the immediate benefits of having your unit replaced or repaired. The U.S. Energy Information Administration reports that residential energy costs have been rising across the board for several years. With this trend likely to continue, now may be the time to dramatically improve your family's bottom line in terms of heating and cooling expenses.
OTHER TIPS You can complete plenty of other basic tasks to winterize your home: • Add a fresh coat of exterior sealer to your home to minimize the impact of snow or ice. • Check your roof for any leaks or damaged shingles — or have a professional do it for you. • Power wash your siding and decking to prevent the growth of mold and mildew that grow on dirt and grime. PAGE 4, HOME & GARDEN
THE OBSERVER, SEPTEMBER 29, 2014
FALL HOME & GARDEN i GARDENING
a rlic can absolutely thr i v e out of the garden, especially if you plant it du r ing the fall m onths. It is a perennial bulb that , when planted in the fall, will root, make limited growth before the first hard freeze and produce a bountiful harvest the next summer. THE CHILL FACTOR
• Lay out your planting rows 15 to 18 inches apart. • Separate individual cloves from the main bulb and plant them about four to six inches apart in the row. • Set your cloves tip up and one to two inches below the soil surface.
What many green thumbs may not realize about garlic is that it has an internal chill requirement, according to the University of Illinois agriculture extension center. When planting it in the spring, garlicshould be stored in the refrigerator forat least eight weeks prior to planting. This will ensure proper chilling. Not as much planning is needed if The University of Illinois identiyou decide to plant garlic in the fall, fies garlic as a "weak competitor," since it will obtain its chilling direct- which explains its needs for extra ly in the soil. Fall-planted garlic will help fighting against garden weeds. also have the advantage of gaining You shouldn'thave to worry about much earlier maturity. the weeds much in the fall or winter, but be prepared to stave them off duringthe spring and summer seasons. Since you will likely consume Here are the proper planting your garlic, avoid all chemical-based methods for garlic, according to the weed killers and instead opt for University of Illinois extension: mulch, straw or other organic mate• Soil recommendations include rials that can help keep weeds from high organic matter levels, good taking over. Doing so directly after drainage and a couple ofpounds of planting the bulbs can also help fertilizerper every 100 square feet. alleviate winter soil frost.
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THE OBSERVER, SEPTEMBER 29, 2014
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HOME & GARDEN, PAGE 5
FALL HOME Sr GARDEN i MAINTENANCE
t's too bad asphalt doesn't stay smooth and flawless forever. Potholes, cracks and weathering are common enemies of asphalt as it battles the elements year after year. Luckily for you, repairing driveway cracks may be simpler than you realize. High-grade crack fillers are likely available at yourlocal hardware store and are relatively inexpensive, depending on the size of your crack. You will generally need the filler, a wire brush and a trowel tool to get the job done.
PREPARING THE SURFACE Before applying the driveway crack filler, it is important to clean the entire area thoroughly. Use your wire brush to remove any dirt or vegetation from the crack for a nice, smooth surface. Next, prepare your crack filler by shaking up the bottle. The mixture can be a bit thick, so be vigorous in your motion. Doing so will ensure that the mixture is completely mixed for optimal application. Also, carefully cut the top of the applicator, making sure to match the opening with the width of the crack.
APPLYING THE FILLER After your surface and filler are ready for application, fill the crack flush with the surrounding pavement. Be careful not to overfill the crack, which will result in an odd-looking raised spot in your driveway once dried. Use your filler tool or trowel to smooth out the crack filler even with the height of the adjoining pavement. The most important requirement of this DIY process is patience. Depending on the brand of filler you choose, it may take up to 24 hours before appllying a second coat is recommended. You will also likely need to wait at least 24 to 48 hours before driving or walking on the repaired area. Read all of your manufacturer instructions to make sure your repair stands up to daily use and the elements. Š FOTOLIA
PAGE 6, HOME & GARDEN
THE OBSERVER, SEPTEMBER 29, 2014
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HOME & GARDEN, PAGE 7
FALL HOMESr GARDEN ( SECURITY
arage security is a crucial, yet often-overlooked aspect to the overall safety of your belongings and family. Some reports have shown that experienced burglars can open a locked, yet deficient garage door in only six seconds. And once they're in your garage, they can get away with valuable tools and toys, not to mention having easier access to the inside your home. And with the fall season full of trips to family members' homes and the shopping mall, it's time to check all of the doors, windows and other features of your garage to measure its security level when you're away from home.
SERVICE AND ENTRY DOORS The side door on your garage is the most common point of entry for PAGE 8, HOME & GARDEN
burglars. Why? Because many homeowners overlook the importance of have a dead-bolteddoor to the garage, which is just as important a feature onother exterior doors. Install a dead bolt and heavy-duty strike plate to make forced entry a difficult task.
LIGHTINGINSIDE AND OUT Bright lighting can deter a burglar — especially motion-detector lighting that not only can spook a thief, but will also be more cost-efficient for
you than lighting that stays on all night. As for the interior of your garage, think on the opposite end of bright lighting when you are away or sleeping. Cover all of your windows to keep visibility from the outside to a minimum. A crook may be more likely to pass on trying to enter if he can't see inside.
KEEP THE CLICKER CLOSE If you leave your garage-door remote affixed to your sun visor, you
are in danger of simply giving away access into your home. A thief who breaks in to your car — no matter where you are — can also swipe the remote for easy access into your garage. Why not opt for a keychain remote that can be in your pocket or purse at all times? These small, handy clickers are perfect for ensuring garage security every time you leave the car. Once again, don't forget to check all of the features of your garage to measure its security level when you're away from home. You'llbe glad you did.
THE OBSERVER, SEPTEMBER 29, 2014
Simple Tips to Be More Efficient in Your Garage
I F VOU CAN DR EAM IT W E CAN B U IL D I T r
Custom H o m e s 8, Furniture • C a b i n e t r y H ome Re n o v a t i o n s 8, Rem o d e l s
Nojobtoolargeortoosmal Call or comebytoday!
StatePoint Media Service Most everyone has a couple of tricks up their sleeve that make chores and tasks simpler. You likely have a few of your own and o n ce you develop a superior method of ticking off a to-do list item, it can be difficult to remember what your life was like before.Here are a few such "lifehacks" straight from automotive experts,that you may not have thought of yourself, that can make your time in your garage more efficient and effective. • Better organization: A wellmaintained garage is a more pleasant place to work and can boost your efficiency. If your shovels, spades and other yard tools are stacked in a precarious pile, it's time tocreate a better system. SeeSimple Tips / page 11
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Visit http://bit.ly/GarageHacks for inspirationand use the hashtag ¹GarageHacks to share your own creative tips.
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HOME & GARDEN, PAGE 9
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SIMPLE TIPS continued ~om page 9 Freelance automotive writer and photographer Maxwell Matthewson suggests screwing a ripped sheet of plywood to the studs of your shop or garage to hold yard and auto tools vertically and out of the way. • Spark plugs in a snap: It can be tricky to remove spark plugs from hard to reach or extreme heat locations. The experts at JR Motorsports suggest attaching a vacuum to a length of rubber hose. With the proper size hose, this same method also works for nuts and bolts. • Play favorites: Working on your vehicle? Don't dig to find your favorite tools, says Tom Gerrald of Tripp Gerrald Motorsports. Save time when looking for the right wrench by using tape to color code the tools you reach forfirst.
• Stay in place: The professionals at JR Motorsports mark their nuts and bolts with a paint pen to ensure they haven't moved or become loose.
• Share: Have your own DIY tips for the garage? Don't keep them to yourself. Valvoline, the producer of automotive products, is spotlighting the creative "hacks" DIYers around the country are using to make life easier in the garage. Submit your best ideas, tips and tricks that demonstrate how to improvise and boost efficiency, using the ¹GarageHacks hashtag at www. Facebook.com/Valvoline, www. Twitter.com/Valvoline and www. Instagram.com/Valvoline. The best submissions will receive one offour $500 giftcards to the Valvoline store. Submissions should include a photo and brief description related to organizing your workspace, changing motor oil or general automotive maintenance and repair. Visit http://bit.ly/GarageHacks for full contest rules and details.Is your time in the garage well-spent? With the right tricks, you can innovate the way you restore your ride, make home upgrades and maintainyour yard.
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j o h a r d .com HOME & GARDEN, PAGE 11
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THE OBSERVER, SEPTEMBER 29, 2014
FALL HOME Sr GARDEN ( SAFETY •
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s the wind chills and the leaves begin to fall, our utdoor activities turn from yard maintenance to cleanup. And taking care of the clutter can be a physically challenging endeavor. There's the raking, mulching, wheelbarrowing and bagging of leaves, not to mention cleaning them out of your gutters.
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THE OBSERVER, SEPTEMBER 29, 2014
The fall season can be one of the most dangerous in terms of injuries suffered while performing yard work. Consider the following safety tips from the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons to prevent injuries while performing yard work. • Use a rake that is comfortable for your height, strength and physical ability. If you generally don't use your hands for manual labor, wear special gardening gloves or use rakes with heavily padded handles to avoid painful blisters. • Wet leaves can be slippery, so be safe by wearing shoes or boots with slip-resistant soles. • Do not overfill leaf bags, especially if the leaves are wet. Lifting too many leaves at once can cause back or neck injury, so be sure you can lift your bags comfortably before transporting them. • Avoid throwing bags of leaves over your shoulder or to the side. The twisting motion required to do so places undue stress on your back. • Make sure the engine is off and cool before you begin any maintenance work on your lawnmower, mulcher or leaf blower. • Wear protective gear such as goggles, gloves, boots and long pants when mowing. Never mow barefootor in sandals and always check areas for poison ivy, branches or other obstructions that could harm you or your mower. • Never use your hands or feet to clear debris from under a lawnmower. Use a large stick or broomhandle instead. Also, never touch the blades with your hands or feet, even if the engine is off. The blade can still jar forward and cause serious injury.
HOME & GARDEN, PAGE 13
5 Ways Co Save Money on DIY Cusiom Closeis 1. Seek professional help he first time we DO IT When I started looked at our YOURSELF on this closet, I 1930s Tudor, we imALYSHA WITWICICI had intentions of mediately fell in love getting it done with the character. professionally. I But when it came to was blown away, however, at how the closets, character wasn't necessarily expensive it was. I got two quotes, a good thing. one for $1,950 and the other for Our master closet has sloped ceil$2,500. Although I didn't end up ings and a smalldoorway. So when going with a pro, their plans and we moved in, my top priority was designs for the space were invalutransforming the large hall closet able. It helped me see the possibiliupstairs into my dream closet. The ties of what the space could be withspace,about 7-1/2 feet deep by 5-1/2 out paying the exorbitant price. feet wide, was originally used as a linen closet. 2. Shop around As with all home improvements As new homeowners, we're in we've tackled asof late,this closet hardware stores on a near-daily makeover was more complicated basis.I was surprised by allthe closthan I thought. But by doing it ouret options I found when I looked selves, we saved nearly $2,000 over down the right aisle one day. theestimate from one professional. "We have wireshelving, wood Here are the tricks I learned along units, plastic systems, do-it-yourself the way. kits. We even have systems where
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The installation process takes time and patience. Now is not the time to cut corners. "I always tell people to measure twice, cut once," Bagurdes said. "Make sure you know your measurements so you aren't wasting time and product." Another rule of thumb is to read all instructions before you start. There's nothing more frustrating than being halfway done with a project,only to be forced to redo some of your work. 5. Take inventory This comes after the closet build, but now is the perfect time to take inventory ofwhat you have in your closet, sell what you don't need and make donations to charity. I sold about 12 items to a local consignment shop, which helped me recover some ofthe closet material costs. It also helped me make room in my wardrobe for better things to come.
you can make your own design, too," said Jimmy Bagurdes,hardware manager at Menards inFranklin, Wisconsin. "We have project lists that we can print out that give you everything you need, from materials to screws and anchors." We decided to design our own closet using the wooden organizers from Easy Track. We bought a deluxe starterkit,three sets of shoe shelves, two sets of corner shelves and a deluxe drawer. 3. Wait forsales Although the Easy Track system was much cheaper than a professional installation, I still wanted the best deal I could get. Every few months or so, Menards offers an 11 percent rebate sale.All ofour materials cost a littleless than $600, so we were able toget a $66 rebate. 4. Build with caution
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THE OBSERVER, SEPTEMBER 29, 2014
Making Compost Happen the Right Way composting of piles s the bumper built in the next few sticker on my COMPOST weeks is to add suptruck reads,"ComHAPPENS plemental nitrogen. post Happens." LEE REICH No need to balance Sometimes, hownitrogen and carbon ever, it doesn't hapmaterials exactly, pen fast enough. That problem usually can be traced to because microorganisms will eventusome limiting factor in what a pile is fed, ally do it for you, albeit slowly if the or toissues ofmoisture or aeration. excess isof carbon foods.Also, there's more at play than just carbon and Feed your pile nitrogen ratios. Particle sizes, for Compost piles work most quickly if instance. the two most important foodstuffs Chopping the raw materials gives carbon and nitrogen ar e i n balmicroorganisms more surface area to ance. Old,usually brown and dry "chew" on initially. plant materials, such as autumn A machete is a handy, cheap and leaves, straw, hay and sawdust, are satisfying tool for this job. rich in carbon. The older the plant material, the more carbon it has. Quench your pile's thirst Nitrogen-rich materials include sucAnother frequent cause of a slugculent, green plant parts, such as gish compost pile is insufficient tomato stalks, vegetable waste from moisture. Sun and wind dry out piles the kitchen and grass clippings, as that are free-standing or enclosed by well as manures. Nitrogen fertilizers wire mesh. A solid-walled bin speeds are concentrated sources of nitrogen, things along by holding in moisture and are the active ingredient of comand generated warmth. There's often mercialcompost "activators." not enough water when you gather As autumn approaches, an excess together quantities of dry materials, of compostable materialsrich in carsuch as autumn leaves. The cure, of bon buildup, so the way to speed up course,is to add water, and an effec-
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tive way to do this is by adding raw materials in layers, watering each layer as the pile grows. Let your pile breathe The opposite condition, too much water, also slows composting. And soggy ingredients lead to another common composting problem a pile that gives off offensive odors or attracts flies. When too much water gets into a compost pile, air is displaced and a new set of microorganisms go to work, ones that work slowly and malodorously. The cure for a waterlogged pile is aeration, accomplished either by stirring the pile, or by turning and rebuilding it. Rotating drum bins make it especially easy to stir ingredients.Odors due to poor aeration also result when piles contain too many dense, succulent, raw materials, such as grass clippings or kitchen waste. These materials compound
the odor problem because they are rich in nitrogen, which is vented off as ammonia. In this case, turning the pile and adding some fluffy, highcarbon material, such as straw, puts things in order. To monitor compost progress beyond what your nose or time will tell you, slide the long probe of a compost thermometer deep into a pile. Temperatures in a pile that's been built quickly in warm weather can soar to 140 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. No heat indicates insufficient moisture, nitrogen or air, or too small a pile. No matter what though, any pile of living or once-living materials will eventually turn to compost, and a few benchmarks signalwhen. Take the pile's temperature: It has cooled down. Look at the pile: It's mostly a dark brown, crumbly fudge. Smell it: Finished compost has a pleasant, woodsy aroma.
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This undated photo shows sprinkling soybean meal on the hay within this compost pile is one way to add nitrogen for quicker composting, in New Paltz, NewYork. THE OBSERVER, SEPTEMBER 29, 2014
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HOME & GARDEN, PAGE 15
Prepping Your Home for Cold Weaiher Pays Off The roof takes the brunt of the cold weather, so repair leaks, however minor, and replace loose shingles. Winterize pipes with insulation, especially those that are exposed to the elements or located in unheated areas. Know where your water shutoffvalves are located so they can be turned off in case of a pipe leak. Trim tree branches that could potentially fall onto your home or driveway. Check with your local municipality about regulations.
Also consider low-flush toilets and showerheads. Low-flush toilets use less than 1.6 gallons of water per flush and low-flow showerheads use up to 36 percent less water. Some localwater department offer rebates for making theupgrade. If you don't have the time or knowledge to inspect your home for problem areas, certified home inspectors can quickly check all areas of your home and will give you a report of your home's condition. For example, Pillar To Post offers home inspection reports detailing up to 1,600 keycomponents of a home's condition so you can take a preventative approach to problems. More information about home inspections can be found at www.pillartopost. com. Home inspections and prepping for the cool weather can help protect your familyand your pocketbook.
Thermostats Programmable thermostats can cut energy bills by $100 or more each year. For every degree your thermostat is adjusted, you can save up to one percent on energy bills. In-Home Leaks Repair leaking faucets and toilets, which can add up to 20 gallons of water per person per day. Statepoint Media Service photo
Preparing your home for winter can help ensure your family stays warm and safe, as well as save money on energy-related costs and potential damage to your home's structure.
StatePoint Media Service Preparing your home for colder weather can help ensure your family stays warm and safe,as well as save you money on energy-related costs and potential damage to your home's structure. "I recommend homeowners do a thorough home inspection at least every five years," says Tom Capuano, afranchisee of Pillar To Post Home Inspectors, North America's largest home inspection franchise. The experts at Pillar To Post recommend homeowners take the following steps to cover their bases. Doors and Windows If you can feel cool air coming through the bottom of the door, replace the weather stripping and door sweeps to save about one-third of youraverage annual heating and cooling costs. Next, caulk drafty winPAGE 16, HOME & GARDEN
dows and replace old single-pane windows with thicker, more modern versions. Install storm windows and insulate walls and attics. Chimney and Flue Annual inspections of the chimney and flue minimize the threat of chimney fires. Additionally, add a chimney cap to keep out moisture and ensure your chimney has an appropriate liner to separate system emissions from the home's structure. Inspect and maintain chimney flashing. Outdoor Areas Ensure gutters and downspouts are flowing freely. Clogs can cause water to make contact with the foundation walls of your home and creep under your roofing. Seal cracks in your home's foundation to prevent moisture intrusion. Seal decks and fences to prevent the wood from rotting.
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Fall l e a ni n T i s t e H e l Ri Y eur Heme e A u t u m n A l ler e n s as allergens, irritants and pollutants," says Wilson. For example, the Panasonic MC-UL429 Vacuum has a HEPA filter and accessoriesthat allow you to be more thorough and get into tight corners. This vacuum also comes with an attachment that pulls pet hair — another potential allergenout of upholstered surfaces. More information can be found at www. shop.panasonic.com. • Wash or freeze stuffed toys. If your child sleeps with their favorite stuffed animals, you should frequently wash or freeze them in a plastic bag for 48 hours. This will lower the level of dust mites which can trigger asthma and allergies.
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Some simple fall cleaning can help make your home more comfortable this season, eliminating allergens and maintaining a clean and healthy space. StatePoint Media Service Many people think of allergies as a spring problem, but most sniffle sufferers know that fall can pose its own issues. Mold and ragweed are common fall allergy triggers, as well as dust mites, which are naturally more prevalent in the home during the drier months. aYou can turn y ou r h om e i nt o a
safe haven from fall allergens with regular, strategic cleaning and a few preventive measures," says Robin Wilson, an interior design expert and an ambassador withthe Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America. To help make your home more comfortable this season, Wilson is offering some fall cleaning tips to eliminate allergens and maintain a clean and healthy space: THE OBSERVER, SEPTEMBER 29, 2014
• Wash your bedding. Mattress and pillow protectors will help control dust mites.As an added precaution,wash your bedding in warm or hot water every month and replace pillows every three years. • Check for mold. Moisture breeds mold, so make sure to scan the inside of dishwashers, under the fridge in the water pan and in sink and bath drains. Change water dispensers and icemaker filters on a regular basis. • Vacuum frequently.Whether you have wall-to-wall carpeting, tile or hardwood floors, it's important to eliminate dust and dirt. Vacuum, mop or steam clean flooring regularly. "Use a vacuum with a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA1 filter, which captures small particles such
• Use Slipcovers. Slipcovers have come a long way in the last 10 years. Since they can be cleaned regularly and more easily than upholstery, consider using them on sofas and other furniture. • Keep ragweed outside. After spending time outside, have your child leave any clothing or sports equipment close to the entrance of the home to avoid tracking irritants throughout rooms. "Just because the pollen count isn't through the roof doesn't mean you can't fall prey to allergies," says Wilson. "With regular cleaning, you can manage the irritants in your home and make ita more breathable place."
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HOME & GARDEN, PAGE 17
FALL HOME Sr GARDEN ( TERMINOLOGY
ave you ever brought a plant home from your local gardening center only to be confused by the directions for actually putting it in the ground? The gardening industry has lingo all its own, which can be somewhat perplexing for the novice green thumb. What does it mean when a plant is "bolting?" How exactly do you "broadcast" seeds? And those are just a couple of gardening terms that start with 'B.' Use this simple glossary the next time you are staring in bewilderment at the directions for planting your seeds. • Annual: A plant that grows, flowers and dies all in the course of one year. Petunias, violas, marigolds and dianthuses are some of the most popular annuals. • Bolting: The early stages of flowering for a plant, even before it enters the development phase of its crop. Some of the most common bolting plants include lettuce, radishes and cabbage. • Broadcast: A method of scattering seed by hand instead of sowing it in rows. • Compost: An organic growing matter comprised of decomposed garden waste such as fallen leaves, grass clippings and evenfood by products like banana peels. • Deciduous: Plants that naturally lose their leaves during the cold winter months. • Herbs: Used for seasoning, medicinal purposes or garnishes, these aromatic plants have fragrant leaves or flowers. • Leaching: Occurs when substances such as fertilizer or pesticide are dissolved and transported by rain water. • Outcropping: When landscape beds extend beyond their designated surroundings.Vines, expanded shrub beds or climbing plants fall into this category. • Perennial: A plant that grows, flowers and comes back year after year. Evergreens are perennials, as are many plants that actually die back to the ground but grow again the following season. • Sandy Loam: A soil mixture made from a combination of sandy soil and loam, which is a mixture of silt, sand and clay. • Thatch: A dead-grass layer between the soil level and blades ofgrass. It restricts air,water and fertilizer from reaching the soil. PAGE 18, HOME & GARDEN
THE OBSERVER, SEPTEMBER 29, 2014
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