7must-havetoolsandaccessories for

7 must-have tools and accessories for novice gardeners

Are you new to gardening? If so, here are some tools and accessories to stock up on before you get started. 1.Trowel. Chooseahigh-quality,one-piecemodel that’s durable and ergonomic. 2.Gloves. Look for a pair with rubberized palms and fingers for addedgripandprotection. 3.Spade. Whether you need to dig holes, turn over soil or loosen packed earth, look for a spade that’s the right size to suit your needs.

4.Hoe.

This multipurpose tool is great for large gardens. It can be used to break up packed earth, loosen weeds and dig trenches for sowing seeds and starters. 5.Hose. Pairyourno-kinkgardenhosewithaspray nozzle. Look for one with several spray patterns to meet your watering needs. 6.Rake. Look for a durable model that can be used for soil, leaves and gravel. 7.Shovel. This landscaping essential can be used to move a variety of materials including soil and sand.

4 attractive types of mulch

Do you want to beautify your yard? If so, here are four mulches you may want to use in your garden. 1.Cedar mulch is available in a variety of colors. It lasts for several years and is suitable to use around the base of trees and hedges. However, it’s not recommended for flowerbedsorvegetablegardens. 2.Hulls from cocoa beans, peanut shells and buckwheat decompose naturally over time and nourish your soil. Consequently, vegetable gardens benefitgreatlyfromhullmulch. However, cocoa bean hulls can be hazardous to dogs. 3.Ramial fragmented wood mulch slowly decomposes over two years. It’s made of shredded hardwood branches and is one of the best choices for vegetablegardensandflowerbeds. 4.Recycled glass that’s been crushed into small fragments is safe to use as mulch but shouldn’tbemixed with soil. Instead, it should be layered on top of landscaping fabric. It’s perfect for plants that tolerate heat and drought.

To findeverything you need, visit your local garden center.

To findmulch for your yard, visit your local garden center.

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How to choose which peppers to grow in your garden

Do you want to add a little spice to your life? If so, here are a few tips to help you choose peppers you’ll love to eat and grow.

INTENSITY

Although it may be tempting to grow the hottest peppers you canfind, you don’twanttoendupwith dozens of them you can’t eat because they’re too potent. Therefore, make sure you choose a variety that you can comfortably handle.

PREFERENCE

Thinkabouttherecipes you liketocookandfind out which types of peppers would enhance the dishes you create without masking the taste or overpowering your palate.

DIFFICULTY

In general, mild peppers germinate quicker and are easier to grow than hotpeppers.Ad-ditionally, when buying pepper seeds or starters, make sure the varieties you choose are suitable for your climate.

Happy gardening!

When to sow and plant melons

Melonscomeinarangeofsizes,flavors,colorsand texturesandcanbegrownsuccessfullyinavarietyof locations. However, it’s important to know when to sow and plant them to produce good yields.

SOWING

Melonseedsshouldbesownindoors.To do so, fill severalsmallpotswithwell-drainingsoilandapinch of mycorrhizae. Plant two seeds in each pot and place theminasouth-facingwindoworundera grow light. You can use a heat mat for quicker germination. If both seeds germinate, cut off the weaker stem once it has three leaves.

PLANTING

Choose a sunny spot that’s sheltered from the wind andhasrich,well-drainingsoil.About a monthbefore planting your starters, lay black plastic mulch over the area to warm the earth. After, plant them outdoors and surround them with landscaping fabric to protect them from the cool night air until the weather warms up.

To findout which melon varieties are easiest to grow in your area, visit your local garden center.

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When the weather starts to warm up, it’s time to take care of your spring cleaning and yard work. Here’s a list of tasks to complete both inside and outside your home.

INSIDE

1. Sort through your belongings and throw away, sell and donate what you no longer need. 2. Air out each room.

3. Dustandcleanthewalls,ceilings,floorsand carpets. 4. Wash the windows, curtains and blinds, and reinstall your window screens. 5. Clean out the pantry, refrigerator, freezer, cupboards, drawers and medicine cabinets. 6. Wipe down the inside and outside of your small and large appliances. 7. Disinfect your garbage cans. 8. Dust all fan blades, baseboard heaters and lightfixtures. 9. Vacuum your chair cushions and mattresses and turn them inside out. 10. Check the attic to ensure there’s no water or pest damage. 11. Test your air conditioning unit.

13. Inspect your home’s foundation and seal any visible cracks. 14. Clean your gutters and make sure they’re in good condition so water drains away from your home. 15. Check all your door and window seals and make any necessary repairs. 16. Check your home’s siding, faucets, light fixturesandelectricaloutlets.

17. Wash your home’s windows and siding. 18. Wash your deck, and sand and paint it if needed. 19. Hook up your water outlets and reinstall your garden hoses. 20. Put away yoursnowshovelsandde-icers. 21. Open up your pool by removing the liner and turning on the water treatment system. 22. Inspect and repair your garden accessories, barbecue and tools. 23. Trim back any tree branches or shrubs that are too close to your home. 24. Pull weeds, and rake and fertilize your yard. 25. Cleanupyourflowerbeds, removeany winter coverings and prune perennials, roses, evergreensandspring-floweringshrubs.

Don’t delay — it’s time to get to work.

OUTSIDE

12. Examineyourhome’s roof, skylights and chimney, and schedule any necessary repairs.

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