Home and Garden 03/11/17

HOME & GARDEN • SATURDAY, MARCH 11, 2017

THE BES T

countertops YEAR ROUND GARDENING: STARTING SEEDS KEN MOON: PREVENTING AIR AND WATER LEAKS

Look inside for these specials and many others.

YEAR ROUND GARDENING

Begin your vegetable gardening indoors – 10 steps to seed starting

BY DEBRA STINTON OTHITIS, COLORADO MASTER GARDENER

Starting seeds indoors is a simple and inexpensive way to enjoy many vegetable varieties not commonly found in garden centers. Also, with the shorter growing season in Colorado Springs, starting seeds indoors allows gardeners to “jump-start” long-season crops. Here are 10 steps to starting seeds indoors:

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Select your containers. It’s best to use small, individual, divided containers to reduce root damage during transplanting. Plant two to three seeds per cell — when seedlings emerge, thin to one per cell. To avoid disturbing roots, thin unwanted plants with tweezers once true leaves have formed.

Using warm water, moisten a large bucketful of a soil-less seed starter mixture — germination mix — or use equal parts peat moss, vermiculite and perlite. Fill your clean containers with the mixture to just below the rim.

Do not use potting soil or compost.

Use only sterile mixes to avoid damping off — a common soil born fungal infection and weed seeds.

Plant your selected seeds according to the seed packet instructions.

Cover containers with plastic, and prick holes with a toothpick for ventilation.

Water newly started seeds carefully with a mist sprayer with cool to lukewarm water — 68 to 77 degrees Fahrenheit. A mist sprayer will dispense the water effectively without causing too much soil disruption. Do not allow seeds to dry out, and keep them moist, not soggy.

Seeds sprout best at temperatures of 65 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit. Use plant heating mats available at your garden center or online to maintain the temperature.

When seedlings emerge, remove the plastic and heat mat and move the containers into bright light.

A windowsill is often not a good

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location for starting seeds due to temperature and light fluctuations.

Inadequate light is the major cause of elongated, skinny stems, so it’s much better to grow seedlings under full-spectrum fluorescent lights on a self-timer to ensure 12 to 16 hours of light daily. Don’t leave the lights on continuously, as many plants need some dark period each night to develop properly. Keep lights no more than four inches above the tops of your seedlings; as close as two inches is ideal. Continue to make sure the plants are kept moist.

After seedlings grow and develop true leaves, fertilize with a quarter strength water-soluble fertilizer to stimulate healthy, even growth.

As soon as the seedlings are large enough to handle, carefully transplant seedlings into a sterile soil-less mixture in their own small pots and keep them out of direct sun for a few days. As they grow, you may have to repot two to three times.

Approximately two weeks before planting outdoors, begin hardening off the fragile seedlings to increase their chance of survival by placing them outdoors, where they will receive direct, gradual sunlight. Start with less than an hour and work up from there. The goal is to eventually have the transplants out overnight. You may want to set a timer so you don’t forget them. Increase exposure to bright sun and spring wind for a few hours each day for a week.

Certain vegetables do better when direct seeded in to the garden soil. Plant beets, carrots, corn, parsnips, peas, radishes, Swiss chard and turnips directly in the garden.

For answers to urban horticultural questions, contact ask.extension.org. You can also follow the El Paso County Master Gardeners on Facebook.com/ColoradoMasterGardeners.

HG 2 I THE GAZETTE I SATURDAY, MAR 11, 2017

EPC.

So when do you start your seeds? Here is a general guide for when to start your more common vegetable seeds indoors in Colorado Springs: WEEKS PRIOR TO MAY 18

PLANTING DATES

VEGETABLES

(average last frost) 10 – 12 weeks

Feb. 23 – March 9

Eggplant

8 – 10 weeks

March 9 – 23

Kale, leeks, onions, peppers

6 – 8 weeks

March 23 – April 6

Collards, tomatoes and most herbs

4 – 6 weeks

April 6 – 20

Broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, cucumbers, lettuce, melon*, tomatillo

2 – 4 weeks

April 20 – May 4

Pumpkin,* spinach, squash* (winter and summer)

*These vegetables do not like their roots disturbed; so if you do decide to start these seeds indoors, transplant them into the garden with great caution.

AROUND THE HOUSE

Preventing air and water leaks in the home

BY KEN MOON, SPECIAL TO THE GAZETTE

KEN MOON

Dear Ken: We had a guy come out and clean our furnace ducts. Now he says we should seal the ducts with an injection of plastic particles to prevent air leaks.

What do you think of this idea? It’s pretty

expensive.

– Julie Not too much. If you think about it, any air leaking from your duct system is staying inside the home’s energy “envelope.” So you’re really not wasting heating dollars — I would pass on this.

One exception: sometimes one or more of the branch heating ducts leak enough to produce an irritating whistling sound.

Of course, if you can get to the source, you can wrap the joints and holes with silver duct tape. But many times these areas are not accessible. In that case, it

may be worth it to seal the ducts with this technology.

Dear Ken: I had a new bathroom installed. The toilet is on a concrete floor, and it rocks back and forth a little even though the bolts are every tight. Is it normal to have some movement?

– Dennis Not really. You risk leaks as the toilet gets used and becomes even looser. The concrete floor is probably a little out of level or uneven. Also, the bottom of the toilet may not be perfectly straight. In any event, try easing a few plastic shims under the low edge of the base — these are readily available in the plumbing section on your local hardware store. Loosen the hold-down bolts and gently tap one or two shims into place until there’s no more “rock and roll.” Re-tighten the bolts — not too tight — and then apply a generous bead of caulking on the three front sides of the toilet base, but not the back.

Dear Ken: I am considering a water softener for my house, which is on a septic tank. Is there a potential for damage?

– Darryl Not really, as long as you run the brine line outdoors. When the softener recharges itself every few days, it produces a strong salt solution. Salt is a preservative and microbe killer that may harm the delicate flora balance in your septic tank. So this small line should be run somewhere out in your yard into a pit made of rocks. Keep it away from the foundation, desirable plantings, the wellhead and, of course, the leach field.

One other septic point: adding additional bacteria, enzymes or other activators to the system isn’t a good idea. They hasten the breakdown of the sludge into too fine a mixture, and that can plug up the leaching system. Normal household use — combined with a pump-out every four or five years — will keep the system stable and in good working order.

Serving Southern Colorado for over 83 years

Dear Ken: Do you recommend insulating the basement before hanging sheet rock?

-Josh Not only do I recommend it, but it’s now required in all new homes. Use an R-11 batts — about three inches thick — stapled to the studs. We no longer glue or nail these wall studs directly to the concrete. Instead, build the wall on the concrete floor and tilt it up. That way, the wall be perfectly straight and not mirror the waviness of the typical concrete foundation.

Also, if your existing basement walls have a gap at the bottom — we call this a “floating” wall — you need to build yours that way, too. This is the scheme that allows the floor to move without affecting the structure above.

Ken Moon is a home inspector in the Pikes Peak region. His radio show airs at 9 a.m.

Saturday and is carried on KRDO, AM 1240 and FM 105.5. Visit AroundTheHouse.com.

21st Annual

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March 10, 11 & 12

Fri & Sat 9-5 • Sun 10-4 • New Products for 2017 • Colorful Displays • Experts On-Hand • Door Prizes

FREE Seminars

Show

Friday, March 10, 2017

9:15 a.m. Building the Best Lawn from the Soil Up 10:15 a.m. Container Gardens and Raised Beds 11:30 a.m. Miniature Gardening 12:45 p.m. Root Vegetable Basics 2:00 p.m. Vegetable Gardening in Colorado 3:15 p.m. Solving Grass Seed Problems 4:15 p.m. Seed Starting Success Saturday, March 11, 2017

9:00 a.m. Yard Insects, Diseases, and Solutions 10:15 a.m. Stories and Insights About Native Herbs You Can Grow 11:30 a.m. What’s New in Annuals and Perennials from Welby Gardens 1:00 p.m. Natural Animal Repellants 1:45 p.m. Trees & Shrubs for Colorado 2:45 p.m. Growing Favorite Herbs and Veggies 4:00 p.m. Attracting Wild Birds Sunday March 12, 2017

10:15 a.m. Tree and Shrub Pruning 11:15 a.m. Roses for Everyone 1:00-3:00 p.m. Build a Miniature Garden

Fun for the Whole Family!

Follow us on:

Register at 392-2726 or www.spencersgardens.com SATURDAY, MAR 11, 2017 I THE GAZETTE I HG 3

COMMUNITY EXPERT ADVICE

spring blooms

SPONSORED FEATURE BY KRISTEN SHAW-BURNSIDE, HARDING NURSERY

WE LOVE

Spring is just around the corner, and you will start to see little blooms popping open.

As for your yard, you could have something starting to bloom, whether it’s a yellow forsythia, pink flowering almond or lilacs.

As for trees you could see many varieties of crabapples, plums, cherries and many, many more. Some perennials that you will start seeing are all colors of creeping phlox, pink soapwort and white candytuft.

If you don’t have any flowers by mid-April, you are missing out on the spring fever.

THERE ARE MANY DIFFERENT VARIETIES OF FORSYTHIA. HERE ARE A FEW TO CHOOSE FROM: • • •

Arnold’s Dwarf, yellow flowers. Height: two-to-three feet. Spacing: two-to-three feet.

Gold Tide, yellow flowers, feathery lime green foliage. Height: 24–30 inches.

Spacing: four feet.

Meadowlark, yellow flowers. Height:

•

eight–ten feet. Spacing: six–eight feet.

Pink Flowering Almonds, double pink carnation like flowers. Height: five–six feet. Spacing: four–five feet.

• •

VARIETIES OF LILACS INCLUDE: • • • •

Sensation, purple with white edges.

Height: eight–ten feet. Spacing: eight– ten feet.

Miss Canada, bright pink and fragrant.

Height: six–nine feet. Spacing: five– eight feet.

Miss Kim, pale lavender flowers. Height: five–six feet. Spacing four–five feet.

Wonderblue, sky blue flowers. Height: four–five feet. Spacing: five–six feet.

•

Brandywine, double pink flowers and silver bark. Height: 20 feet. Spacing: 20 feet.

Spring Snow, white flowers, fruitless.

Height: 20–25 feet. Spacing: 15– 20 feet.

Radiant, deep red-pink flowers. Height: 20–25 feet. Spacing: 20–25 feet.

VARIETIES OF PLUMS INCLUDE: •

•

American, small tree or large shrub with white flowers in spring and yellow fall color. Height: 15–20 feet. Spacing: 10to-12 feet.

Newport, reddish-purple foliage, with light pink flowers. Height: 20–25 feet.

Spacing 15–18 feet.

VARIETIES OF CRABAPPLES ARE AS FOLLOWS:

VARIETIES OF CHERRIES INCLUDE:

•

•

Candymint, single pink flowers outlined with red, and purple-green foliage.

Height: eight-to-ten feet. Spacing: 15–18 feet.

•

Kwanzan, vase-shaped rosy pink double flowers. Height: 20–25 feet. Spacing: 20 feet.

Snow Fountain Weeping, abundant

white flowers, fruitless. Height: 12–15 feet. Spacing: six–eight feet.

SOME SPRING PERENNIALS TO CHOOSE FROM INCLUDE: •

• •

Creeping Phlox, spreading mounds of needle-like foliage with abundant blue, pink, red and white star-like flowers.

Height: four–six inches.

Soapwort, green trailing foliage with small pink flowers. Height: eight-totwelve inches.

Candytuft, evergreen foliage with white long lasting flower clusters. Height: nine-to-twelve inches.

These are just some of the spring fever flowers. There are hundreds of trees, shrubs and perennials that bloom in the spring. Once spring is over, the transition into summer is very easy. To achieve the fullest amount of enjoyment out of your landscape, you should have full year color.

How to build better soil? Stop treating it like dirt

BY DEBBIE ARRINGTON, TRIBUNE NEWS SERVICES

The key to a great garden? Look under your feet and start valuing your soil.

“We treat soil like dirt, and they are not the same thing,” says noted soil scientist Steve Andrews, the “Compost Crusader.”

“Dirt is the stuff that your nosy next-door neighbor likes to dig up on you. Dirt is the stuff in your vacuum cleaner. Dirt gets on your clothes, the kids, the dog and the cat. But dirt is not soil.

“Soil is a living treasure, an amalgam of sand, silt, clay, organic matter, air and water, transformed by time, climate,

topography, biology, parent material — and us.”

Soil should be alive and teeming with microbes. It’s those infinitesimally small critters that help plants be the best they can be.

“You cannot have healthy, productive plants without a healthy, living soil,” says Steven Zien, a soil expert in Sacramento.

How many microbes? Consider these facts from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service:

One cup of soil can hold more bacteria than there are people on Earth.

■ A single spadeful of rich garden soil contains more living species than can be found above ground in the entire Amazon rainforest.

■ If you packed all the microbes from an acre of land together, they would weigh as much as two cows.

“We know more about things a billion light years away than about what’s ■

happening six inches under our feet,” says Zien, founder of Living Resources Co. in Sacramento, which provides soil and organic gardening consulting.

Microbes play a vital role in soil health.

“Good, healthy soil is alive with CONTINUED ON PAGE 12

HG 4 I THE GAZETTE I SATURDAY, MAR 11, 2017

Countertopoptionsabound METRO SERVICES

MARBLE

Countertops are where the action takes place in a kitchen. It’s where meals are prepared and where hungry houseguests or curious kids watch the family chef whip up the night’s meal. The options with regard to countertop surfaces are numerous, and the following are just a few of the more popular options homeowners planning to replace their existing surfaces might want to consider.

LAMINATE Laminate countertops are popular and affordable. Made of sheeting glued to plywood or particleboard substrate, laminate countertops are water-resistant but not very heat-resistant, so homeowners will want to place any hot pans, pots or baking sheets on trivets to maintain the laminate. Many homeowners prefer laminate countertops because they are available in so many colors.

Cutting on laminate countertops is not recommended, but such surfaces are easy to clean and maintain.

QUARTZ Quartz is among the most durable countertop surfaces available, as it is resistant to bacteria, heat, stains and water.

Though quartz is not available in as many shades as laminate, it is similarly easy to clean. Also like laminate countertops, quartz surfaces tend to have easily visible seams, which may irk homeowners who find such minor imperfections an eyesore. Quartz countertops can be expensive depending on the amount of surface area a kitchen has, so budget-conscious homeowners with especially large kitchens may find quartz countertops bust their budgets.

GRANITE The natural beauty of granite is what draws many homeowners to install this popular surface material in their kitchens. Thanks to their unique shading and tone, granite countertops are never the same from one home to the next, and granite complements many different cabinet colors. Granite also is resistant to heat, scarring and, when sealed properly, stains. Granite is naturally porous, so if it is not sealed properly, it can harbor bacteria. Some granite countertops must be sealed annually, while some pretreated countertops can go as long as 15 years without a need for resealing. Unlike other countertop surface materials, granite, which is among the most expensive countertop materials, does not come in a vast array of colors, so homeowners should expect to

choose from just 20 or so color options.

RECYCLED GLASS Homeowners who want to give their kitchens a modern and eco-friendly feel may want to consider recycled glass countertops.

Recycled glass countertops, the majority of which are now produced with 80 to 90 percent post-consumer glass, are made of pieces of glass that are held together with cement binders. Some might be concerned that they are not very strong, but the cement binders are very hard, making the countertops durable and unlikely to chip or crack. They come in various colors and are resistant to both heat and stains. Installation of recycled glass countertops can be tricky, as improper installation can lead to stress points that make the glass susceptible to cracking. As a result, the installation is best left to professionals with experience on such projects. They can be quite expensive as well.

COPPER Copper countertops add a bold statement to your kitchen. They are not used quite as often as the other materials mentioned, so they add a unique touch and work especially well in a rustic-styled home. Copper is easy to keep clean, is stain resistant and is nonporous. Perhaps one of the best benefits is they are antimicrobial; and germs die on contact with the material.

Two things are for sure when it comes to marble countertops: they are beautiful and they can withstand heat. Marble has a desirable finish, and can come in a range of colors including solid white, black and white, solid black, rose, gray, yellow and more. Being heat-resistant, it can tolerate hot pots and pans and won’t yellow from the high temperature. The concerns surrounding marble is that it is relatively porous and less sturdy when compared to other natural stone countertops — this leaves the material vulnerable to staining, chipping and cracking.

SOAPSTONE Soapstone countertops provide a natural look and many luxury benefits.

Some pros that attract buyers to soapstone include durability, aesthetic value, density, eco-friendliness, return on investment and cost effectiveness. The material is non-porous and so dense that a sealant is not required to protect the surface. Soapstone can last for several generations and is available in several different textures. While the slab itself may be costly, homeowners can save money on installation as it is a relatively easy material to install.

LIMESTONE Limestone is considered a highly sophisticated and arguably the most beautiful countertop material available.

Due to its popularity, durability and aesthetic appeal, it can increase the value of a home and provide decades of joy to the homeowner. Many love the idea the material itself is formed in marine waters from shells, fossils of aquatic life and sand — making each piece highly unique and stunningly detailed. Limestone is not as dense as quartz, granite and soapstone, however, and may scratch more easily.

Complete Bathroom Remodeling, LLC

FREE

SPRING SEMINARS! Saturday, April 1, 2017

9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. – Larry Stebbins, Pikes Peak Urban Gardens: This class is for the beginning or struggling vegetable gardener. Larry will take you through the basics of gardening – starting with selecting the best site and preparing your soil. Then, you will be guided with helpful tips on how to grow the most bountiful harvest of veggies and small fruits in our challenging climate through the season.

Saturday, April 8, 2017

9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. – Dave, Bonide – Integrated Pest and Disease Management: How to keep your yard and landscape disease and pest-free.

10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. – Dave, Lake Valley Seed Company – All About Seeds: Learn the difference between GMO, non-GMO, organics, non-organics and how you can get them growing.

5 2017 Saturday, April 16,

9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. – Lisa, Gard-N-Wise: Natural and organic products, soils, fertilizers, herbicides and pesticides for you to use in your landscapes.

10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. – Camilla, Harding Nursery – Plants for Small Places: Find the plants that are best for small yards, or a small place in your landscape.

Saturday, April 22, 2017

9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. – Molly, Colorado Springs Utilities Xeriscape Gardens – Ideas for Colorado Xeriscape: It’s not all about rocks! This seminar will include a great photo presentation of various xeriscape landscapes and what they really look like.

Saturday, April 29, 2017

10 a.m. to 3 p.m. – Arbor Day Open House and Customer Appreciation Day: Come for hotdogs, chips and soda and receive a FREE SEEDLING! Great sales!

10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. – Lisa, Colorado Springs Utilities Xeriscape Gardens: Plant selections that create a water-wise neighborhood.

Saturday, May 6, 2017

9 a.m. to 11 a.m. – Larry Stebbins, Pikes Peak Urban Gardens – Growing the Best Tomatoes in the Pikes Peak Region: Tomatoes are America’s favorite garden vegetable.

Growing them can be challenging in this area of the country.

Larry will cover soil preparation; heirloom vs. hybrid; starting from seed or transplant; when to and when not to fertilize; season extending techniques; hail protection; and more. You will learn how to get more than 100 large tomatoes off of just one plant.

1 p.m. – Sara, Harding Nursery – Fairy Gardening: Presentation on how to create your own Fairy Garden followed by an opportunity to build your own Fairy Garden.

Great gift idea for Mother’s Day!

Come in and visit with our expert gardening staff

www.completebathroomremodeling.net

Specializing in Custom Bathroom and Kitchen remodeling

Call James P. Hood for a free Estimate at 322-5517

Family Owned Since 1957

719.596.5712

721 N. Powers Blvd www.hardingnursery.com HOURS: Mon thru Sat: 8am to 5pm Sunday: 9am to 5pm

SATURDAY, MAR 11, 2017 I THE GAZETTE I HG 5

denniS The menaCe

The Family CirCuS

by hank ketcham

Sherman’S lagoon

PiCkleS

by Brian Crane

mr BoFFo

by Joe martin

by J. P. Toomey

by Bil keane

rhymeS wiTh orange by hilary Price

marmaduke

by Brad and Paul anderson

Baldo

HG 6 I THE GAZETTE I SATURDAY, MAR 11, 2017

by hector Cantu and Carlos Castellanos

Blondie

by dean young and John marshall

muTTS

by Patrick mcdonnell

Funky winkerBean

luann

by greg evans

PeanuTS

by Charles Schulz

by Tom Batiuk

SATURDAY, MAR 11, 2017 I THE GAZETTE I HG 7

loS angeleS TimeS CroSSword

non SequiTur

by wiley

edited by rich norris and Joyce lewis

lola

by Todd Clark

BeeTle Bailey across 1 Participated in a movie gunfight, say 11 Symbol of purity 15 Fizzled 16 Junket 17 Really hot 18 Bud 19 Passes 20 Getaway car driver 22 Comforter 23 Metered lines 24 Rudder location 25 “Now!” 26 “Buddenbrooks” author 27 Farm follower?

29 Moolah 30 Pop-up producer 31 How many games are won 35 Cuddled 36 Wine flavor component 37 Compact __ 38 Jerks 39 “No __!”

40 Inventing middle name 44 Six-pack to be proud of 45 Big name in ’50s-’60s civil rights 47 Take turns?

48 Cuts to a roving reporter 50 Introductory language class 51 Digging 52 Symbol of ancient Egypt 54 Shipping hazard 55 Wary 56 Exam for some college srs.

57 Tourist attraction

9 10 11 12 13 14 21 23 26 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 37 39 40 41 42 43 46 47 49 50 53

German coffeecake Optical maladies Webmaster’s code Ancient Syrian Got ready to grill Displaying polish, perhaps Focus group member, casually?

Date provider Average WWII battle site, for short Theodor whose middle name was Seuss It adjoins the altar “Brava!”

Surgeon, slangily Aromatic brew Blaster Unleashes Runs William of “24” Fifth-century invader Elvis Presley lyricist Jerry __ facias: jury pool (from the Latin for “make come”) Grain bristle Sun block ’70s-’80s Egyptian president Permissive Suggestive gander Letter after pi

by mort, greg, and Brian walker

hagar The horriBle

moTher gooSe

by mike Peters

Friday’s Puzzle Solved

down 1 Radar pickups 2 Threaded fastener 3 Interval for Rossini 4 Three-line stanza 5 Benjamin of “Law & Order” 6 Frequency modulation word?

7 Payroll service initials 8 “Forget it!”

HG 8 I THE GAZETTE I SATURDAY, MAR 11, 2017

Tundra

by Chris Browne

by Chad Carpenter

Bizarro

by dan Piraro

argyle SweaTer

by Scott hilburn

CeleBriTy CiPher by luis Campos Celebrity Cipher cryptograms are created from quotations by famous people, past and present. Each letter in the cipher stands for another.

B.C.

by hart

ziTS

by Jerry Scott and Jim Borgman

JumP STarT

Frazz

by robb armstrong

by Jef mallett

SATURDAY, MAR 11, 2017 I THE GAZETTE I HG 9

dilBerT

by Scott adams

Sally ForTh

by Francesco marciuliano and Jim keefe

BaBy BlueS

by Jerry Scott and rick kirkman

PearlS BeFore Swine by Stephan Pastis

PooCh CaFe

HG 10 I THE GAZETTE I SATURDAY, MAR 11, 2017

by Paul gilligan

TAKE OUR ADVICE ADVICE

Dear Amy: Our neighbor of 15 years has never bought any of the equipment required to maintain his property. He doesn’t own a lawn mower, snow blower, ladder, etc. Nor will he hire any help. He feels entitled to borrow AMY neighbors’ equipment.

DICKINSON Over the years some neighbors have stopped lending to him.

When he moved in he asked whether he could count on using our snow blower. I told him no, since it was an overworked lightweight unit that was already being shared with two other neighbors. After the first snow, he rang our bell early in the morning and asked for the blower. I told him again that he couldn’t use it, and he responded by asking to speak to my husband.

He doesn’t reciprocate and is an inconsiderate neighbor. He has been rude and has watched me struggle to clear our driveway when my husband is at work. He has enough money for nice cars, the latest gadgets for the kids, and expensive vacations.

The last time we hired a plumber, he staked out the plumber’s truck to get free advice for a plumbing problem. When we hired a tree service, he dragged branches over to the chopper and told the operator that he needed a favor.

I have had enough. I have no problem with just saying “no.” My husband is reluctant to refuse a neighbor. Your advice? — Fed Up

ADVICE

Question: My co-worker cracks his knuckles all day long! Sometimes he does it in meetings.

It bothers me so much I want DR. OZ AND DR. ROIZEN to throttle him.

Is something wrong with me? — Haley O., New York

Dear Fed Up: You are justified in not wanting to lend your equipment to this neighbor, but don’t then complain when he won’t help you to clear your own driveway. On the other hand, if he was a better neighbor, he might inspire your generosity.

It is not your business whether he attempts to scam the plumber or the landscaper — unless his doing so costs you money.

You seem to have an easier time saying no than your husband does. Because of this, your husband can use you as his favor-shield: “Sorry, man, the wife says ‘no.’”

If your husband undermines you by lending out this equipment, then the burden of retrieving, replacing and repairing it should also fall to him.

Answer: If you’re one of those people who can’t stand the sound of someone next to you chewing, cracking his knuckles or even breathing loudly, you may have a neuropsychiatric condition called misophonia.

Folks with misophonia have seemingly overthe-top reactions to everyday sounds. And since the condition was first identified in 2001, scientists have gone back and forth as to whether it is genuinely a medical condition. Presently, it’s not recognized in the Diagnostic and Statistics Manual, which catalogs every psychological diagnosis a person could have.

But a recent study has identified differences in the brains of people with misophonia, indicating that it might indeed be a distinct condition. Researchers at the Institute of Neuroscience at Newcastle University in the U.K. did brain scans on people suffering with the condition and noticed that they have an abnormality in their frontal lobe — the area that controls emotion. So while most people aren’t bothered by these everyday sounds, people with misophonia can’t control their emotional response; their brains go into overdrive, their heart rate goes up and they begin to sweat.

So, what can you do about it?

• Limit your exposure to triggers (ear plugs and sound-dampening earphones are effective).

• Explain to colleagues who like to click their pen repeatedly or crack their knuckles that you may have a medical condition that makes those noises distressing to you.

• If a noise is really bothering you, leave the room.

• And when you feel distressed, close your eyes and take deep breaths to calm that response.

Send questions to askamy@tribune.com or to Ask Amy, Chicago Tribune, TT500, 435 N. Michigan Ave., Chicago, IL 60611.

Email your health and wellness questions to youdocsdaily@ sharecare.com.

—

—

ADVICE

Dear Heloise: Our guest bedroom smells a little stale. I vacuum often and try to open the windows once in a while, but it just does not smell, well, fresh. — No Name, Jacksonville, Fla.

Dear No Name: Don’t worry, Heloise help is here! Generally, a room that is not used often can get that stale aroma from lack of air circulation. If you have carpeting in there, use my secret (not anymore!) trick: Mix about a cup of baking soda with a dash of cinnamon, sprinkle on the carpet and let sit an hour or overnight.

Vacuum up using slow and overlapping passes.

Keep the door open, if you can, and yes, fresh air is good. However, if you live in a humid area like Jacksonville, then the air is bringing in moisture, too. If there is a ceiling fan, turn it on a few times a week to move the air around. — Heloise

HINTS FROM HELOISE

Dear readers: Spring is almost here, and in many parts of the country it’s time to think “lawn.” That means it’s time to check your lawn mower (if you have one) to be sure it’s ready to cut grass. When the mower was stowed for the winter, it should have been cleaned and the gasoline drained. However, here are a few hints if you didn’t: • Look underneath. Caked and gunked with grass? Scrape off what you can, then clean with a brush.

• Check the air filter. It’s probably dirty and clogged. Replace it — it’s usually cheap!

• Dull blades mean a dull mowing job! Unless you are the handy type and can sharpen the blades yourself, let a pro do it.

A good lawn mower (and they are NOT cheap!) can last a decade or longer with good maintenance. Yes, there are a zillion choices — push, electric and high-end, big riding mowers. Just remember, the more you spend, the longer you want it to last! — Heloise Dear Heloise: When my nephew visits, I give him a set of blue towels, and he knows which ones are his. — Uncle Bill, Fort Worth, Texas —

Send hints via email to heloise@heloise.com or via post to Heloise, P.O. Box 795000, San Antonio, TX 78279-5000.

TODAY’S HOROSCOPES BY JERALDINE SAUNDERS ARIES (March 21-April 19) Recharge your batteries. Rest up from the long workweek and use the weekend to take it easy and focus on matters involving friends and family.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20) Prepare to be surprised. Time flies when you’re having fun, and today will pass in the blink of an eye so enjoy it. You’ll feel like royalty as friends or loved ones lead you off on a memorable adventure.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20) Idle hands are the devil’s workshop. While being a couch potato may seem like a worthwhile pastime, after a little bit you’ll just become bored.

CANCER (June 21-July 22) Play the cards that you’re dealt. Avoid trying to make definitive plans and be flexible. Avoid becoming emotional over a situation and you may observe that it is more of a blessing than a curse.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22) Take the reins. When everyone else is at a loss as to what to do next, it may fall to you to assume the role of leader and show the way.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) Someone may go out of their way to show you a good time. You may want to be “conveniently unavailable” for business as dwelling too long on work-related matters could spoil the day.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22.)

What’s done is done. You may realize too late that you’ve made a mistake, but there’s little that can be done to correct it today.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21) Old habits may be more comfortable. No matter how hard you attempt to use new methods, the old ways still seem the proper way to go. Go with what works for you.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21) A day off doesn’t mean that you have nothing to do. Make valuable use of your free time by making plans that help you achieve long-term objectives.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) There could be a point when trying to accommodate someone’s demands isn’t worth the effort. Let people accept you for who you are or not accept you at all.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18) Lady Luck smiles upon you today. You may roll the dice with better than average odds for success; just don’t plan on making a habit of it.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20) You’ll gain the most satisfaction by visiting new places, meeting new people or experiencing new concepts. Multiply the pleasure you get from your excursions by taking friends and loved ones along.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY March 11 You will learn that there is truly a light at the end of every tunnel as the next two to three weeks pass by. Although you may be saddled by heavy responsibilities, you will have every opportunity to fulfill them. This is not a time to take on more debt or to make new commitments even if you have faith that you can handle them.

Wait until April to make crucial decisions, but if you can put off major changes and decisions until next year it might be best.

SATURDAY, MAR 11, 2017 I THE GAZETTE I HG 11

GOREN BRIDGE WITH BOB JONES GOREN BRIDGE ©2017 Tribune Content Agency, LLC

WEEKLY BRIDGE QUIZ Q 1 - Neither vulnerable, as South, you hold:

EAST 1♣ Pass

♠ 4 3 ♥ A 8 6 5 4 ♦ J 10 ♣ K 10 8 4

What call would you make?

NORTH EAST SOUTH 1NT Pass 2♦* 2♥ Pass ? *Transfer to hearts

Q 5 - North-South vulnerable, as South, you hold:

WEST Pass

What call would you make?

Q 2 - North-South vulnerable, as South, you hold: ♠ 10 9 6 5 ♥ 10 5 4 ♦ A Q 6 2 ♣ K 4

Partner opens one heart and righthand opponent passes. What call would you make?

SOUTH WEST NORTH Pass Pass Dbl ?

SOUTH 1♥ ?

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♠ K J 10 ♥ K J 10 9 ♦ Q 3 ♣ Q 10 9 4

What call would you make?

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WEST NORTH EAST Pass 1♠ 2♦

Look for answers on Monday.

ON CUSTOM BLINDS, SHADES AND DRAPES

(Bob Jones welcomes readers’ responses sent in care of this newspaper or to Tribune Content Agency, LLC., 16650 Westgrove Dr., Suite 175, Addison, TX 75001.

E-mail: tcaeditors@tribpub.com)

BUILD BETTER SOIL

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CONTINUED FROM PAGE 4

3/31/17

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CUSTOM BLINDS, SHADES, SHUTTERS & DRAPES

Q 6 - East-West vulnerable, as South, you hold:

♠ 10 6 3 2 ♥ K J 9 5 ♦ A K 8 5 ♣ 3

♠K975♥K75♦98♣K753

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WEST NORTH EAST Pass 1♠ Pass

SOUTH 1♣ ?

Q 4 - Both vulnerable, as South, you hold:

Call To Schedule (000) 000-0000 719-373-1495

♠AQ♥ AKJ74♦ KQ97 ♣62

Q 3 - East-West vulnerable, as South, you hold:

Partner opens one spade and righthand opponent passes. What call would you make?

CUSTOM BLINDS, SHADES, SHUTTERS & DRAPES

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beneficial soil organisms known as the soil food web,” Zien says. “These organisms create soil structure, improving drainage and aeration.

Nutrients and moisture are stored by the soil biology that makes them available to plant roots, minimizing the need for fertilizer and irrigation. They also provide plant growth hormones and fight off pests, allowing your plants to grow — healthy, pest-resistant and droughttolerant.”

Years of drought severely stressed our soils — and microbes.

“Our soils are scorched,” says Gisele Schoniger of Kellogg Garden Products in Carson. “They need replenishment more than fertilizer.”

As Kellogg’s longtime organic gardening educator, Schoniger teaches gardeners throughout the West how to take better care of their soil.

The lack of water actually can change soil’s acidity — or pH — level.

“The less water, the higher the pH and the more alkaline your soil becomes,” she says. “The more water, the lower the pH. Organic matter helps stabilize pH and

keep it in the right zone, the neutral zone – in the middle of the pH scale. If the pH is too high or too low, plants can’t use all the nutrients (available in the soil). … Organic matter stabilizes the pH and holds it there.”

Organic matter — compost, manure, shredded bark, rice hulls, coconut fiber, peat moss, kelp, bone meal and other natural amendments — does more than keep pH in balance. It feeds those microbes.

“Organic matter is the fuel that makes the whole system work,” she says. “If you do nothing else, put down organic material around your garden.”

Organic matter also helps soil absorb and store water. After recent winter storms, some landscapes — especially in areas with clay soil — developed their own issues. They got waterlogged.

“The most important thing to do when your soil is wet is nothing,” Zien says.

“Walking on or working a wet soil causes compaction, making it difficult for water, fertilizer, air, beneficial soil biology and roots to move through and function in the soil.”

HG 12 I THE GAZETTE I SATURDAY, MAR 11, 2017

ON CUSTOM BLINDS, SHADES AND DRAPES

ON CUSTOM BLINDS, SHADES AND DRAPES

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*This offer must be presented at the time of purchase. Offer valid on 3 Day Blinds brand products only. Buy 3 window coverings and receive the 4th one of equal or lesser value FREE! Offer excludes Shutters, Special Orders, installation, sales tax, shipping and handling. Not valid on previous purchases or with any other offer or discount. Offer Code DAYD. Offer Expires 3/31/17. 3 Day Blinds holds the following licenses: AZ ROC 264398, CA #1005986, CT HIC.0644950, MA #184680, OR #209181, PA #PA107656, Rockland County #H-12401-34-00-00, WA #3DAYBDB842KS. © 2017 3 Day Blinds LLC.

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2017_03_3DayBlinds_Newspaper_5.48x9.815.indd 1

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*This offer must be presented at the time of purchase. Offer valid on 3 Day Blinds brand products only. Buy 3 window coverings and receive the 4th one of equal or lesser value FREE! Offer excludes Shutters, Special Orders, installation, sales tax, shipping and handling. Not valid on previous purchases or with any other offer or discount. Offer Code DAYD. 2017_03_3DayBlinds_Newspaper_5.48x9.815.indd 1 Offer Expires 3/31/17. 3 Day Blinds holds the following licenses: AZ ROC 264398, CA #1005986, 2/21/17 2017_03_3DayBlinds_Newspaper_5.48x9.815.indd 1 2/21/17 11:01 AM CT HIC.0644950, MA #184680, OR #209181, PA #PA107656, Rockland County #H-12401-34-00-00, WA #3DAYBDB842KS. © 2017 3 Day Blinds LLC.

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2017_03_3DayBlinds_Newspaper_5.48x9.815.indd 1

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11:01 AM