2021 Home & Garden

OME

Garden GUIDE|2021

Inside:

Automatic robotic mower page 2B-3B Housing demand remains high page 4B-5B Sorted, purged, organized page 6B-8B 2020 seed trial winners page 9B Know who’s knocking page 10B

Page 2B | HOME AND GARDEN GUIDE | SATURDAY, MARCH 27, 2021 | SAUK RAPIDS HERALD & BENTON COUNTY NEWS

Automated, robotic mower

gaining

popularity Keeps grass cut without human intervention

BY JAKOB KOUNKEL | STAFF WRITER

At Mimbach Fleet Supply in Sauk Rapids, Bobby Hunt, the store’s power equipment department manager, thinks he sells one of the best mowers on the market.

It is called the Husqvarna Automower, and after 20 years of research, it is now an industry leader in robotic mowing with over a million units sold worldwide.

“Basically, it’s a mower that you don’t have to touch,” Hunt said. “It’s like a Roomba

(vacuum) for your yard – it’s a robotic mower.”

Hunt said no matter the yard size, shape or complexity, there is an Automower model that can do the job. The mowers feature advanced navigation, including GPS on some models; the ability to connect via Bluetooth to a smart device; and the durability to operate in any condition so long as grass is showing.

Hunt said customers have been surprised at the mower’s

ability to manage slopes up to 24 degrees and how the device easily navigates around obstacles such as trampolines, swing sets, gardens, weeds and other blockades.

Various models have different features, but every Husqvarna Automower model is fully electric. Hunt said once the parameters are set up, either

by GPS or by burying a wire underground, it does not require human touch to get the machine back on the charger. After mowing or once the battery is depleted, the mower makes its way back to the docking station to charge.

“Once this thing gets kicked in and it starts doing your yard, you’ll have the best yard in your area,” Hunt said.

Hunt said it allows better mulching for the customer’s yard and results in a greener, healthier lawn. Because the Automower does not require human interaction, it can mow the lawn to a consistent height.

“Some people worry that, because it’s automated, it’ll make tracks in their yards,” Hunt said. “Nope.”

The mower takes varying routes, seemingly random, while covering the entirety of the designated area. Hunt said it is effective in reducing track marks or eliminating them all together.

As far as safety concerns, Husqvarna maintains it is as safe as a traditional mower because of collision and lift sensors. If the body of the

PHOTO BY JAKOB KOUNKEL

A Husqvarna Automower sits on display at Mimbach Fleet Supply in Sauk Rapids March 10. Pictured is one of the base models.

mower bumps into an object, it reverses course. If the mower is lifted off the ground for any reason, the blade and mower stop immediately.

Hunt said the base models start around $1,000 to $1,500, depending on the customer’s specific needs.

Robotic mower page 3B

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SAUK RAPIDS HERALD & BENTON COUNTY NEWS| SATURDAY, MARCH 27, 2021 | HOME AND GARDEN GUIDE | Page 3B

PHOTOS BY JAKOB KOUNKEL

Bobby Hunt, Mimback Fleet Supply power equipment department manager, fiddles with the blade on the Husqvarna Automower at the store in Sauk Rapids March 10. He was displaying the underbelly of the mower.

Robotic mower from page 2B “A customer base that we push it toward are people who have cabins and such up north,” Hunt said. “That can mow for you while you’re away from

your cabin.”

Instead of hauling a lawn mower on a trailer to the cabin, people who bought the Automower leave it in operation while they are away. Hunt said it is a massive time saver for that specific demographic.

“This thing is super cool,” Hunt said. “I’d buy one in a heartbeat.”

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Mimbach Fleet Supply power equipment department manager Bobby Hunt demonstrates how easy it is to operate the Husqvarna Automower March 10 at Mimbach Fleet Supply in Sauk Rapids. A number pad and buttons under the top panel are for security and settings preferences.

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Page 4B | HOME AND GARDEN GUIDE | SATURDAY, MARCH 27, 2021 | SAUK RAPIDS HERALD & BENTON COUNTY NEWS

Housing demand remains high in Benton County

Local realtors say lack of inventory makes it a seller’s market

BY ELLARRY PRENTICE STAFF WRITER

High demand, low supply.

That describes the local housing market, which has been resilient in spite of the coronavirus pandemic.

As local realtors enter the spring season, they expect buyer

demand to continue to surge.

For a year, home buying has been competitive in Benton County. Fueling the interest has been record-low mortgage rates and a sudden wave of relocations made available by remote work.

With high buyer demand, however, comes a lagging supply.

“There’s just not much inventory right now,” said Sam

4 STEP PROGRAM

Spring

2

14 offers. He heard of another that had 21. Some home buyers, he said, are bidding $20,000 to $30,000 over asking price.

Sellers once again have the upper hand.

“It is a seller’s market,” said Berni Halaas, realtor and CEO with New Century Realty in Sauk Rapids. “Everyone right now has the opportunity to get the most money for their home.”

Halaas said the median sales price of Benton County homes in 2019 was $200,000. In 2020, it jumped to $215,500.

“It’s definitely going up from there,” Halaas said of home prices in 2021. “People that didn’t sell their house last year will get more this year for those that are well maintained.”

Last year, home sales totaled $131,157,449 in Benton County, up nearly $1.5 million from 2019, according to Halaas.

On average, properties had been on the market 21 to 28 days before moving to a pending sale status, according to Halaas.

Housing page 5B

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Lieser, a Sauk Rapids-based realtor with Edina Realty.

Last January, Benton County had 115 homes on the market, but this January there were only 81, according to Lieser.

“Simply put, there’s not enough homes to go around,” said Brian Helmin, a Foley native and realtor with Premier Real Estate Services.

As a result of the shortage, home prices have steadily climbed, and available properties are receiving multiple offers.

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SAUK RAPIDS HERALD & BENTON COUNTY NEWS| SATURDAY, MARCH 27, 2021 | HOME AND GARDEN GUIDE | Page 7B PHOTO BY NATASHA BARBER

Shoes are stacked to help reduce the amount of space they occupy. Julie Braun, owner of Smart Organing Solutions, suggests people look for ways to make the most of their space when organizing.

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Closets from page 6B Braun said once all the items are removed from a closet, a person needs to decide what items they plan to keep and which they plan to purge.

Each closet is different when it comes to which items should remain, but Braun often uses the oneyear rule of thumb when making decisions.

“Whatever you haven’t used in the last year, you’re most likely not going to use ever again,” she said. “I’m not saying I follow that rule necessarily; I’m guilty of hanging onto things that I probably shouldn’t.”

Braun said people who are hesitant to part with clothing can turn all their

Braun said people who are hesitant to part with clothing can turn all their hangers the wrong way until a piece of clothing is worn. In a year, they will know which clothes they used.

Clothing a size up or down can be stored in a dated tote in a basement, attic or garage to be revisited. hhangers the h wrong way until a piece of clothing is worn. In a year, they will know which clothes they used. Clothing a size up or down can be stored in a dated tote in a basement,

i or garage to be b attic revisited.

“But I would recommend not keeping them,” Braun said.

Closets page 8B

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Page 8B | HOME AND GARDEN GUIDE | SATURDAY, MARCH 27, 2021 | SAUK RAPIDS HERALD & BENTON COUNTY NEWS

Closets from page 7B

For linens, discard sheets that no longer fit beds and reduce the number of extra sets to one.

Nostalgic items can be

saved longer than the oneyear recommendation, but Braun said items should be revisited for regular downsizing to ensure a homeowner’s space is being used wisely.

“This last Christmas, I had a whole tote of things that my kids had made me as they were growing

up. I wrapped up those items for each of them and gave them back,” said Braun, whose children are now adults with their own homes. … “The burden is on them now as to whether or not they want to keep it.”

After the purging process, Braun said people

should clean the closet thoroughly before putting away their possessions.

Shelves and walls can be wiped down to remove dust, and cobwebs should be removed. Then, the closet should be swept and scrubbed or vacuumed.

When it comes to replacing items, organization is key.

Toiletries should be categorized, separated into clear plastic containers with lids and labeled.

“Placing small items into decorative baskets on your shelves is a good thing to do,” Braun said.

She gave the example of keeping a basket of socks, a basket of underwear and a basket of leggings in a bedroom closet and reiterated the baskets should be labeled accordingly.

“It’s not only appealing to look at, but it contains them, and it’s easy to put your clothes away after you wash them,” Braun said.

Labels help people maintain organization, she

said.

Braun also recommended space saving items such as hangers that collapse and store several tops or bottoms on one rung or shoe stackers, which reduce the width a pair of shoes is stored.

“I like using these because I like to keep my winter clothes hung in a different closet during summer,” Braun said of Wonder Hanger, an as seen on TV storage solution. “It makes a lot more room on

your closet pole.”

A clean closet can help build confidence and bring about joy, according to Braun. She said she has seen emotional changes with clients who have taken the steps and maintained organization.

And, for those who might be overwhelmed before they even begin, Braun said there is always help.

“They certainly can call us,” she said.

25

PHOTO BY NATASHA BARBER

A collapsible hanging device allows a person to store many clothing items or lines on one rung. The increases capacity in a cramped closet.

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SAUK RAPIDS HERALD & BENTON COUNTY NEWS| SATURDAY, MARCH 27, 2021 | HOME AND GARDEN GUIDE | Page 9B

2020 seed trial winners

The University of Minnesota and the University of Minnesota Extension Master Gardener Volunteers have been running a flower and vegetable varietal trial since 1982. Extension Master Gardeners around the state devote some of their garden space to the selected varietals and keep records throughout the growing season. The results are then collected, analyzed and shared with the public.

Seeds that have previously been tested include heirlooms, generationally saved seeds, promised highyielding seeds, easy growing, space saving

UNIVERSITY OF MN EXTENSION KATIE DREWITZ

and beautiful.

The university selects six vegetables varietals and two flower varietals each year. In 2020, an herb was also included. Winners and recommendations are based on flavor, disease and insect tolerance,

productivity and germination rate.

The 2020 winners are Amazing cauliflower, Wisconsin 55 tomato (medium size, red), Purple King purple pole beans, Picolino mini cucumbers, Garrison red leaf lettuce, Emerald Tower basil (mildew resistant), Fancy Smoky Eyes white larkspur and Stopwatch portulaca.

To learn more about this seed trial and see other varietals in the trial, visit www.extension. umn.edu and search seed trials.

As you flip through seed catalogs and shop nurseries this spring, consider adding these

varietals to your garden.

You never know when you might find your new favorite.

This article was compiled from the

University of Minnesota Extension website. For additional information or questions, please reach out to your local Extension Educator.

Residents in Stearns, Benton and Morrison counties can call 320255-6169, Ext. 1.

University of Minnesota Seed Trial Winners Year

Vegetable or Flower ...... Winning Variety

2020 2020 2020 2020 2020 2020 2020 2020 2019 2019 2019 2019 2019 2019 2019 2019 2018 2018 2018 2018 2018 2018 2018 2018 2017 2017 2017 2017 2017

Cauliflower ..............................................................Amazing White larkspur ......................................Fancy Smoky Eyes Tomato (medium size, red) ........................Wisconsin 55 Basil (mildew-resistant) .......................... Emerald Tower Purple pole bean..............................................Purple King Cucumber (mini) .....................................................Picolino Portulaca .............................................................. Stopwatch Red leaf lettuce .......................................................Garrison Tall yellow snapdragon ...............Aromas Fresh Lemon Red-orange nasturtium ................................Indian Chief Mint....................................................................Licorice Mint Early tomato ........................................................ 4th of July Snap pea ...............................................................Sugar Ann Red cabbage.............................................Ruby Perfection Golden beet ...................................................... 3-Root Grex Arugula ..........................................................................Surrey Sweet pea ..............................................................Millenium Edamame..........................................................Chiba Green Salvia ..................................................................Victoria Blue Large leaf basil ..............................................................Nufar Yellow bean.......................................................... Gold Rush Yellow tomato ......................................................... Valencia Small yellow squash............................. Sweet Dumpling Bunching onion ............................................................ Feast Yellow carrot ..................................................Yellow Bunch Currant tomato ............................................White Current Brussel sprout.............................................................Gustus Purple cauliflower ................................................Depurple Broccoli ............................................................. Green Magic Note: 2016 selected best pollinator in variety Rudbeckia ................................................................. Irish Eye Snapdragon ................................ Chantilly Cream Yellow Salvia ................................................................ Coral Nymph Sunflower...................................................... Lemon Queen Marigold ...................................................................Bambino Zinnia ............................................. PopArt Red and White

2016 2016 2016 2016 2016 2016

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Page 10B | HOME AND GARDEN GUIDE | SATURDAY, MARCH 27, 2021 | SAUK RAPIDS HERALD & BENTON COUNTY NEWS

Know who’s Doorbell cameras are a popular home security feature

BY ELLARRY PRENTICE STAFF WRITER

With a new home security device, the old knock-knock joke falls flat because you already know who is there.

The video doorbell, also known as a doorbell camera, is a home security device that connects to smartphones and tablets.

Placed on the front door, the wireless outdoor camera works like a security camera, capturing video at all hours. But the

PHOTO BY ELLARRY PRENTICE

A video doorbell detects motion at a residence in Sauk Rapids. The home security device provides real-time notifications when visitors or deliveries arrive.

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device goes a step further by allowing users to see, hear and speak to visitors from virtually anywhere in the world, whether homeowners are on the couch or miles away from home.

The electronic devices send realtime notifications to

smartphones or tablets when visitors trigger built-in motion sensors, have two-way audio, and capture high-definition video of people and packages on the ground.

Connected to WiFi, video doorbells can be battery-powered or hardwired into an existing doorbell and chime setup.

Some doorbell cameras use artificial intelligence to differentiate between

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store.google.com High-definition video with 160-degree field of view and night vision; facial recognition; 24/7 streaming with continuous video recording; two-way talk with noise and echo cancellation; person, motion and sound alerts; can recognize packages then send a special alert; and users can prerecord quick responses.

bluebyadt.com High-definition video with night vision, facial recognition, twoway talk with noise cancellation, custom motion detection zones, push notifications with video previews, works with Google Assistant, Amazon Alexa and IFTTT, works independently or with an ADT or LifeShield home security system.

ring.com All Ring devices have high-definition video with night vision, two-way talk, motion detection and alerts, and can be controlled from the Ring mobile app or an Amazon Alexa-enabled device.

More advanced devices have features such as built-in greetings and aerial view. With the Quick Replies feature, users can take a message from visitors when they are not available; it is like an answering machine for your door.

people and other moving objects, and some alert users of motion of any kind. Users get notified via a mobile app that works with the video doorbell brand they choose.

Doorbells page 11B

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Page 12B | HOME AND GARDEN GUIDE | SATURDAY, MARCH 27, 2021 | SAUK RAPIDS HERALD & BENTON COUNTY NEWS

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