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Spring cleaning Time to declutter and organize, Page 6
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KNOW YOUR GARDEN SOIL, PAGE 2
NEW HOME, GARDEN APPS, PAGE 3
PHOTOS SELL HOMES, PAGE 7
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2 Saturday, March 24, 2018 The Topeka Capital-Journal | homes.cjonline.com
Have garden soil tested before planting Other factors also can affect growth
MARK YOUR CALENDAR The Shawnee County Extension Master Gardeners will be presenting three programs in April at the Topeka and Shawnee County Public Library, 1515 S.W. 10th Ave. There is no charge to attend the programs. • April 5: “Grandpa’s Tomatoes,” 7 p.m. • April 19: “Curb Appeal,” 7 p.m. • April 26: “Growing and Using Herbs,” 7 p.m. Information: shawnee.ksu.edu/ lawn-garden/master-gardener; (785) 232-0062
Ariel Whitely-Noll
O
ne of the most common questions gardeners have is how to fertilize specific plants. Many plants have individual nutrient needs. But with all plants, it’s challenging to guess what you need without knowing what you have. Although soil tests generally are done to find out what nutrients are deficient, it’s just as important to know if you have adequate levels of nutrients so you don't add unneeded fertilizer. The most basic soil test checks pH and phosphorus and potassium levels. Most of the lawn and garden soil tests that come out of the K-State Research and Extension soil-testing lab show more than adequate levels of both phosphorus and potassium. If those nutrients aren’t needed, applying them is a waste of money and can be a source of pollution. In extreme cases, excess phosphorus can interfere with the uptake of micronutrients. Soil testing can be done at any time, but spring is generally recommended in order to allow time for nutrients to be added prior to the growing season. Begin by taking a representative sample from a number of locations in the garden or lawn. Each sample tested should be composed of about five sub-samples. If you’re testing your lawn soil, samples should go 3 to 4 inches deep. For
It might be a good idea to have the soil in your garden tested before planting your crops and flowers. The most basic soil test checks pH and phosphorus and potassium levels. [METRO CREATIVE CONNECTION]
vegetables, flowers and small fruit, dig to a depth of 5 to 6 inches. Tree and shrub soil samples should be at a depth of 10 to 12 inches. Mix the sub-samples together in a clean container and select from that about 1 pint of soil. Take the soil to the Shawnee County Extension Office or your local county Extension office. For a fee, the samples will be sent to the soil-testing laboratory at Kansas State University. Depending on the package you choose, the fee will range from $10 to $18. Soil tests take two to three weeks to be processed, although the time can be longer in peak seasons, generally spring and fall. Once the soil tests return to the Shawnee County Extension Office or your
local office, staff will process them and recommendations will be added. Soil samples shouldn’t be taken or brought in while the soil is wet. If the soil is wet, it’s best to wait to retrieve the sample or allow the sample to air-dry before submitting it for testing. Do not use artificial means of drying, such as an oven or microwave, because such treatment may result in inaccurate readings of nutrient levels. Also, be sure to use a clean container to collect the sample. Wet samples are more likely to absorb foreign materials adhering to the container, which also may influence soil test results. Although soil tests are useful for identifying nutrient deficiencies and soil pH, they don’t tell the whole
story. We often receive soils from gardeners who are having a difficult time growing crops even though the soil test shows the pH is fine and nutrients aren’t deficient. Here are some factors that can affect plant growth and aren’t due to nutrient deficiencies or pH. • Not enough sun: Plants need a minimum amount of sunlight before they’ll grow well. As a general rule, flowering and fruiting plants need at least six to eight hours of full sun per day. There are, of course, exceptions, such as impatiens that bloom well in shade. Move sun-loving plants into more sun or use plants that are better adapted to shady conditions. • Poor soil physical characteristics: Roots need oxygen
as much as they need water.
A tight clay soil or excessive water can restrict soil oxygen levels, as well as make root penetration of the soil difficult. Increasing the organic matter content of clay soils can help rebuild good structure. Add a 2-inch layer of organic matter and till it in. • Walnut trees: Walnuts give off a natural herbicide that interferes with the growth of some plants, such as tomatoes. Vegetable gardens should be at least 50 feet away from walnut trees, if possible. • Tree roots: Trees not only compete with other plants for sun, but they also fight for water and nutrients. Extra water and nutrients may be needed if you’re growing plants near a tree. • Shallow soils: When new homes are built, the topsoil is often stripped off before the soils for grading are brought in. Although the topsoil should be replaced, it sometimes isn’t — or isn’t replaced to the same depth as it was originally. As a result, you’re left with a subsoil that usually doesn’t allow plants to grow well because of a See SOIL, 9
The Topeka Capital-Journal | homes.cjonline.com Saturday, March 24, 2018 3
Latest apps help visualize home layouts Technology embraces design, landscape options By Katherine Roth The Associated Press
Planning out how to arrange furniture in your home — or plants in your garden — used to involve a pencil, graph paper, a measuring tape and a lot of imagination. The process has gotten easier — and way more streamlined — thanks to a burgeoning selection of home and garden apps. Furniture companies, interior design firms and even landscapers have been rolling out a new generation of apps and online programs to make the process more foolproof for novices and pros alike, often using
“View in My Room 3D,” an augmented reality tool in the Houzz app, lets people preview more than 1 million furniture and decor products from the Houzz Shop in 3D. [HOUZZ VIA AP]
virtual and augmented reality technology. “Design apps are really great for generating ideas, and deciding on materials and sources for do-it-yourself projects,” said Margaret
Mayfield, an architect in Los Osos, Calif. “And they’re also very helpful for communicating design ideas to contractors and architects.” See APPS, 8
4 Saturday, March 24, 2018 The Topeka Capital-Journal | homes.cjonline.com
Clean air ducts every 4 to 5 years How do I avoid air duct cleaning scams?
Hire certified contractors, ask for references By Paul F.P. Pogue Angie's List
With springtime comes refreshed weather, more time outdoors and those inevitable flyers and ads for air duct cleaning. The concept sounds useful enough, but you may be asking yourself: Is air duct cleaning really worth it? Angie's List members anecdotally report increases in air quality after a cleaning. However, the Environmental Protection Agency says no scientific evidence shows that air duct cleaning improves air quality. That said, a proper air duct cleaning can result in improved HVAC efficiency and a longer lifespan for your
Debris in air ducts and on your HVAC components force the system to work harder. Removing that debris can lower energy consumption and costs. [DREAMSTIME]
equipment. So, it's a worthwhile purchase — provided you hire the right contractor.
Treat any claim of a cheap duct cleaning with great skepticism. A company with a flyer promising a $49 duct cleaning will almost always end up tacking on hundreds of dollars of hidden fees and extra services once workers actually arrive. The work involves more than just sticking a vacuum hose up to your ducts. A proper air duct cleaning addresses all aspects of an HVAC system, including the coils and the central unit. The task involves at least a couple of workers, specialized equipment and several hours of labor, which is why a good cleaning costs hundreds of dollars. A reputable contractor will provide a solid price quote before they begin the work. Indeed, most good contractors will offer to do
an inspection beforehand for a nominal charge, if any, to determine whether you even need a cleaning. When should I have my ducts cleaned?
The EPA recommends cleaning your ducts as needed, such as when mold, pests or excessive debris clutter the system. The leading professional organization, the National Air Duct Cleaners Association, recommends doing so every three to five years, or more often if you have allergies or asthma.
How do I hire a good duct cleaner?
If you hire someone to clean your ducts, make sure they know what they're doing. Because most states and localities don't license air duct cleaners, you need to check their professional
credentials. The EPA recommends all duct cleaners follow NADCA standards. NADCA requires member companies to keep at least one technician on staff who has passed a rigorous test and earned a certificate. Member companies commit to a list of standards for proper work, including using agitation devices to break loose debris in the ducts and applying continuous negative pressure to remove particles as they become airborne. In addition to certification, make sure your cleaner is an established company, maintains appropriate insurance and is registered to do business. Ask for references, and check them. A reliable company will be glad to provide both proof of professional certification and a list of references.
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6 Saturday, March 24, 2018 The Topeka Capital-Journal | homes.cjonline.com
Getting your house in order Tips for organizing and decluttering By Carolyn Cogswell Special to The Capital-Journal
What does spring cleaning mean to you? Get out the buckets and the mops and start to scrub? Put all the clothes you haven’t worn for a year in a box and take them to the thrift store? With renewed interest in feng shui, minimalism and saving the planet, you might be inundated with new ideas about your spring cleaning but unsure where to start. “Many think cleaning and organizing are the same thing — when in fact, they are very different,” said
Rhonda Cathey, owner of Love Your Space, 2532 S.W. Granthurst Ave. “Cleaning is the removing of dirt and grime that leave your home smelling of bleach and furniture polish. Organizing is developing systems to keep our belongings orderly.” Before you start cleaning, Cathey recommends you devise a plan. “As an organizer, I would suggest you begin your spring cleaning chores by taking some time to develop a plan that includes storage options, space allocation and frequency of use,” she said. “With shelving, we can take advantage of vertical space and start the framework for organizing. In
determining where to put each item, you need to consider the purpose of the item and the frequency of use.” Keep or toss? According to Cathey and Liz Allen, owner of Simple Life Organizing in Olathe, the first steps in the process of spring cleaning are to find a place for everything and declutter. “Everyone has slightly different ideas and ways that work best for each individual, but the basic concepts are the same,” Allen said. “This is very overwhelming for most people, because it can be very easy to stuff things
in drawers and closets.” “Many of us stash as we clean, tossing the stuff piled up on the kitchen counter into a drawer or grabbing a box and filling it with a random collection of grocery receipts, junk mail, kid’s school papers, and anything else that happens to be lying around,” Cathey explained. “Some haven’t seen their dining room table top, kitchen counters, etc., in months.” Allen says decluttering is a constant process, but a real money saver. “It keeps you from buying duplicates and can make you realize that you See CLEANING, 7
This kitchen cabinet was packed with so many items it was difficult to determine what was being stored. [SUBMITTED BY RHONDA CATHEY]
Spring cleaning checklist helps you get started Rule: Clean rooms from top down
Rooms
By Carolyn Cogswell Special to The Capital-Journal
Rhonda Cathey, owner of Love Your Space, 2532 S.W. Granthurst Ave., provided a list of indoor and outdoor tasks to include in the spring cleaning process. But first, gather the items you’ll need for the task. Cathey says to begin by purchasing your favorite cleaning supplies, “so you are stocked and ready when the weather and mood strike.”
Before you begin your spring cleaning, gather all the supplies you’ll need for the tasks at hand. [METRO CREATIVE
Entryway
CONNECTION]
• Take everything out of your coat closet. • Vacuum the floor. • Wipe down the corners to remove any spider webs. • Wash or dry clean coats — remember to check the
pockets. • Only put coats that are clean, fit and in good repair back into the closet. • Put all mittens, gloves and stocking caps into a labeled box on an overhead shelf.
• A general rule: Start cleaning at the top of the room and move down. • Dust off ceiling fans. Reverse the fan direction if you have it blowing up for winter. • Clean light fixtures. • Take down drapes, remove hooks and toss in the dryer to fluff and remove dust. • Dust corners and wipe down walls. • Move the furniture to vacuum and dust behind it. • Shampoo carpets yourself or schedule an appointment.
Refrigerator • Remove everything in your refrigerator and wash down the shelves and drawers. • Discard items that have passed their expiration dates or have turned into science experiments. • Remove all items on the front
of the refrigerator, so you can wipe it down. Don’t use the front of the appliance as a bulletin board. Create a “home command center” in another location of the kitchen or mud room.
Cabinets • Throw away expired food and keep only what you use regularly. • Keep like items together. Store the waffle iron elsewhere if you only use it a few times a year. • Placing items in containers and labeling them will make life easier. If you open the pantry and quickly see the flour container is nearly empty or you are down to four slices of bread, menu planning and grocery shopping become easier.
Outdoor tasks • Sweep out the garage to rid
the area of salt and sand. • Clean out your vehicle and vacuum the inside. Wash mats and windows. • Check your lawn mower. Sharpen its blade and purchase fresh gasoline. • Uncover and clean patio furniture. • Check garden hoses for cracks, leaks and other wear. • Clean outdoor lighting fixtures. • Clean out gutters so they are ready for spring rains. • Sweep porches from top to bottom. • Power wash patios and sidewalks. • Check your grill to see if it needs a new propane gas bottle and if anything has nested inside the grill over the winter.
Carolyn Cogswell is a freelance writer from Topeka. You can reach her at carolyncogswell@yahoo.com.
The Topeka Capital-Journal | homes.cjonline.com Saturday, March 24, 2018 7
Quality online photos can help sell home Follow these tips to create better images By Cathy Hobbs Tribune News Service
When it comes time to sell your home, photos may make all the difference. The reality is many potential buyers spend a lot of time perusing photos online before even deciding if they wish to see a property in person. This is where the power of photography comes into play. These days, with the advent of lower-priced, high-quality cameras and even cell phones, it is possible for homeowners to take good-quality photographs. Still, others may choose to leave the job to a professional. Regardless, here are
CLEANING From Page 6
don't need all the stuff you buy,” she said. Instead of waiting until you have a house full of things you don’t want, Allen recommends keeping a “donate box” close to your car to help you get rid of things. When the box is full, take it to a donation site and start over with the empty box. Cathey suggests two colors of trash bags — one for trash and one for donations. When going through your closets, she says to look for coats with missing buttons, tears or a zipper that no longer works. “Coats that are beyond repair should be put into a bag marked ‘bailer’ for the Topeka Rescue Mission. They are able to generate funds by
A child’s bedroom is staged with accessories and accents in order to create an online photograph that might help attract potential buyers to the home. [TRIBUNE NEWS SERVICE]
some photography tips to keep in mind to make sure your property is ready for its close-up: • Take photos in late morning or early afternoon. This is typically when you have optimal light. Never take photos at night. • Make sure all lamps
selling 1,000-pound cubes of unused clothing for the recycled fiber,” she said. “Match up all the gloves and mittens. Toss those with no mates or those with holes. They, too, can go into the ‘bailer’ bag.” Switching out your seasonal clothing can help identify which things you haven’t worn all season. Cathey keeps her off-season clothes on hangers in the laundry area of her basement. “Actually, taking each item out helps me with the purging process, because I realize the items at the back of the closet were never actually worn all winter,” she said. “These items are placed in the donate box. I look for stains, tears or wear to aid in the purging process.” Utilizing space Most people under-utilize their space, Cathey says. As a
and overhead lighting is turned on. • Add bursts of color to a space through colorful toss pillows, throws or accents. These types of touches will really help to make your photos pop. • Tell a story. Whether you choose to hire a professional
former kindergarten teacher, she organized children’s classrooms into “centers.” The same principle may apply to home organizing. “You need to create zones, like putting all your billpaying items in one location so you have stamps, address labels, checkbook, pens and calculator all at the ready,” she said. “The same with car wash supplies or baby-changing items. Life’s tasks are easier if we don’t have to constantly be looking for things.” Organizing can be a long process, depending on how much stuff you have accumulated. Allen recommends not waiting until you have a week dedicated to organizing. “If you find that you do have a week … to get your house in order, you are most likely to just say forget it. … If you find yourself with a
stager or style a space yourself, telling a story through the use of similar colors, finishes or complementary decor will help ensure a space is cohesive. • Add artwork. Artwork is a wonderful finishing touch and an important accent. • Don’t forget areas such as kitchens and bathrooms. • Don’t overcrowd a space. A photograph can make a space feel smaller or larger than it actually is in person. When in doubt, edit. Many potential buyers are turned off by photographs of spaces that appear to be overstuffed with personal belongings or furniture. • Don’t forget curb appeal. Many potential buyers will judge a book by its cover. When it comes time for photography,
you will want to make sure your home is appealing both inside and out. • Don’t use a flash. Unless you are a professional, using a flash may create unwanted shadows. Instead, opt for a manual setting on a professional digital camera. • Don’t forget to use greenery. Greenery — blooms, succulents, trees or florals — can help make a space look finished and fresh. Cathy Hobbs, based in New York City, is an Emmy Award-winning television host and a nationally known interior design and home staging expert with offices in New York City, Boston and Washington, D.C. Contact her at info@ cathyhobbs.com or visit her website at cathyhobbs.com.
few days off, you will most likely want to relax or take a vacation,” she said. “You can decide to dedicate a day or a half day a week to organizing, and then it seems a lot less daunting. If you find that you have an unexpected free hour or 30 minutes, declutter a drawer or closet.” Allen says most people end up needing help to get through the organizing and decluttering process, especially in the beginning. “I do advise getting a professional organizer to help you rather than a family member,” she said. “It never seems to go well, and you either end up not getting rid of anything The kitchen cabinet was because they can tend to reorganized, with cereals and talk you into to keeping stuff peanut butter on the top shelf or you end up at lunch.” Carolyn Cogswell is a freelance writer from Topeka. You can reach her at carolyncogswell@yahoo.com.
and spices on the two shelves below. The reorganization allows for quick identification of the items on hand. [SUBMITTED BY RHONDA CATHEY]
8 Saturday, March 24, 2018 The Topeka Capital-Journal | homes.cjonline.com
APPS From Page 3
The technology allows you to see what furniture would look like in your home before you buy it, using just the camera on your phone, for example, instead of dealing with the hassle — and back pain — involved in returning, say, an ill-chosen sofa. And the design apps don’t stop at the door. With spring’s arrival, there are landscaping apps to help take the guesswork out of deciding what to plant and where and when. Among the most popular home apps is Houzz, a free app with 40 million users around the world each month, according to Liza Hausman, vice president of industry and marketing for Houzz. Features
The Houzz app can be displayed on several different devices. Houzz has more than 16 million photos of professionally designed interiors and exteriors to provide inspiration for those remodeling or building a home. [HOUZZ VIA AP]
include a huge database of design photos — searchable by style, country or color, for example — to create a personalized “idea book.” The site’s “Visual Match”
feature allows visitors to order furniture and other products that are the same or similar to those seen in the magazine-type photos. You can work with a
friend by using the “Invite a Collaborator” feature, or, through “Directory,” contact local designers, architects or landscapers. One of the newest features is “View in My Room 3D,” which invites you to photograph your room on your phone and then — using augmented reality technology — place a selected piece of furniture in the room to see what it would look like there. Other indoor design apps include Hutch, Home Design 3D and interior design apps from stores like IKEA and Overstock.com. For outdoors, Houzz — which recently acquired the GardenWeb app and is integrating it into its own app — features articles and advice from gardening pros, and a forum where home gardeners can share ideas and suggestions. Another popular
landscaping app is iScape, which helps you visualize your garden, save and share ideas, and buy gardening products. As with all technology, though, the apps have a learning curve that in some cases is far greater than the old graph paper and pencil method of laying things out. And professionals warn that for major jobs, it’s still best to seek out a pro. Just don’t be surprised when your landscaper or designer pulls out their phone to consult an app. “My designs are very focused on drawing nature into the garden. So I frequently consult the Cornell Lab of Ornithology’s Merlin app,” said Matt McMillan, a landscape designer in Pound Ridge, N.Y. “I also have apps for dragonflies, butterflies and mushrooms. I can’t live without the ‘Toolbox’ app in general, and specifically its compass.”
The Topeka Capital-Journal | homes.cjonline.com Saturday, March 24, 2018 9
SOIL From Page 2
lack of soil structure. Adding topsoil to a depth of 8 to 12 inches would be best, but this often isn’t practical. In such cases, try to rebuild structure by adding organic matter and working it into the soil. • Too much phosphorus:
Most Kansas soils are naturally low in phosphorus. However, soils that have been fertilized for a number of years may have phosphorus levels that are quite high. Extremely high
phosphorus levels can interfere with the uptake of some micronutrients, such as iron, manganese and zinc. High phosphorus soils should only be fertilized with fertilizers that have relatively low amounts of phosphorus. • Improper watering:
Roots develop where conditions are best for growth. Shallow, frequent watering leads to roots developing primarily near the surface of the soil where it’s moist. It is better to water less frequently and to a greater depth to encourage a deeper root system that’s less sensitive to heat and water stress.
• Overwatering: Roots need to breathe. In other words, they must have oxygen in order to survive. Be careful to not water so heavily that the soil remains saturated. Water deeply, but allow soil to dry somewhat between waterings. For more information on soil testing in Shawnee County, visit shawnee.k-state. edu/lawn-garden/ soil-testing.html.
Ariel Whitely-Noll is the horticulture agent for Shawnee County Research and Extension. She can be reached at arielw@ksu.edu.
10 Saturday, March 24, 2018 The Topeka Capital-Journal | homes.cjonline.com
TIP OF THE WEEK
Hidden from view We all know mold can grow in a shower or in the basement, but here are a couple of other places you might want to inspect: • The space between an electric toothbrush head and its body. Wipe the toothbrush clean regularly. Store toothbrushes in an upright position where they can air-dry, instead of placing them in a dark medicine cabinet. • Refrigerator drip pans, which collect moisture and food spills. Prevent mold from growing by cleaning the drip pans regularly with a Clorox disinfecting wipe. Source: goodhousekeeping.com/home/
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