At Home Living 021316

Home improvement

Saturday, February 13, 2016 An advertising feature of The Topeka Capital-Journal

Hardwood floors: Quality matters page 6

n Jamie Kidd on cole crops, page 3 n Tree planting time nears, page 5 n Caring for hardwood floors, page 7 n Red decor warms a room, page 10

homes.cjonline.com REALTOR

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Jan Biles/THE CAPITAL-JOURNAL

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Cole crop seeds can be started indoors as early as March OK, die-hard gardeners, it’s time to get to work.

We have been to all the garden shows. Catalogs have stuffed our mailboxes all winter. It’s time for cool season crops to make their entrance.

Here is a little history for you. The word “cole” is borrowed from a wild plant called colewart, or field cabbage — hence, coleslaw. It and other forms of cabbage were grown at least 2,500 to 4,000 years ago. There is evidence of the plant at the Neolithic lake dwellings at Robenhausen, Switzerland, and the ancient Romans favored its relative, broccoli.

Today, cole crops are cool-season crops from the

Jamie Kidd Jamie KiDD

jamiehan@ksu.edu jamiehan@ksu.edu

Brassica genus and include plants like broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, kale, turnips, rutabaga, collards and kohlrabi.

Not all cool crops are cole crops, such as carrots, potatoes, peas, onions, dill, greens, lettuce and spinach.

Cole crops grow best in cool weather. In Alaska, cabbages can grow to 68

pounds with 5-foot diameters. Cabbage plants can continue to grow at temperatures as low as 41 degrees, but little growth occurs above 77 degrees.

The following is from the Iowa State University Extension publication PM 1896, “Cole Crops,” and modified as needed for Kansas.

Planting

Cole crops perform best in full sun and well-drained soils with a pH of 6-7. To reduce disease problems, no cole crop member should be planted in the same garden space more than once every four years.

UPCOMING PROGRAM

“Mason Bee Habitats” will be presented from 1 to 3 p.m. March 2 in the upstairs of the K-State Research and Extension Office, 1740 S.W. Western Ave. The hands-on workshop will focus on raising and maintaining mason bees and building a habitat from recycled materials that can be taken home.

Spring crops of broccoli, cauliflower and cabbage are established by setting out transplants in early to mid-April. Young stock plants can be purchased at garden centers, or seeds can be started indoors in early March. Harden the transplants outdoors by gradually exposing them to longer periods of sunlight, wind and cool nighttime temperatures.

Fall cole crops can

be started indoors or direct-seeded outdoors in early July. Brussels sprouts perform best as a fall crop.

Kohlrabi is usually directseeded in late March to mid-April for a late spring crop, or in July for a fall crop.

Spacing

Broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower and cabbage transplants should

be spaced 18 to 24 inches apart in rows that are 24 to 30 inches apart. Kohlrabi should be thinned so plants are 6 to 8 inches apart.

Fertilization

If a soil test hasn’t been conducted, apply 1 to 2 pounds of an all-purpose garden fertilizer, such as 10-10-10, per 100 square feet and incorporate into the top 4 to 6 inches before planting.

About three to four weeks after planting, apply a small amount of high-nitrogen fertilizer in a band along one side of each row to keep plants vigorous.

KIDD continues on 4

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Kidd: Cole crops require irrigation if rainfall doesn’t provide enough water Continued from 3

Care

Most cole crops have shallow root systems and require weekly irrigation if rainfall doesn’t provide 1 inch of water per week.

About 2 to 3 inches of organic mulch helps to control weeds and conserve moisture.

To have white cauliflower heads, light on the flower buds must be eliminated by blanching.

Blanch when the heads are 2 inches across by loosely tying the inner leaves over the heads with large rubber bands or twine. The heads develop rapidly after tying and are generally ready to harvest within one to two weeks.

Possible problems Buttoning can happen when broccoli and cauliflower are exposed to stressful conditions, such

as prolonged temperatures below 50 degrees, drought or infertile soils, causing them to form heads prematurely. The plants that button don’t form usable heads.

Cabbageworms eat large, irregular holes in the foliage of cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower and Brussels sprouts. Treat when caterpillars are first noticed with Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) or chemical pesticides labeled for vegetables.

Harvest

Broccoli: Cut heads when they are blue-green about 6 inches across and before the small, yellow flower buds start to open. Broccoli stores well in perforated plastic bags in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Brussels sprouts: Flavor is improved by a light frost.

Harvest individual sprouts or buds from the base of the plant as they become solid.

Buds should be 1 to 1 ½

inches in diameter and still tender and green. Remove buds higher up on the plant as they become firm.

Cabbage: Cut head when they feel solid and heavy.

Remove the loose cover leaves and store in perforated plastic bags in the refrigerator for two to four weeks.

Cauliflower: Harvest when the heads are 6 to 8 inches across, but still compact and smooth.

Overly matured heads begin

to open up and become “ricey.” Cauliflower will store well for two weeks in perforated plastic bags in the refrigerator.

Kohlrabi: Flavor is mildest when the thickened stems are 2 to 3 inches in diameter. Remove leaves and roots, and store in perforated plastic bags in refrigerator for three weeks.

Jamie Kidd is a horticulturist with K-State Research and Extension in Shawnee County.

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Flowering trees available Brandpoint Images of green leaves, red and orange blossoms, fresh vegetables and herbs help keep the cold winter days manageable as you wait for the ground to thaw so you can start planting. A good green thumb knows early starts in the garden or yard ensure lush, healthy plants, especially if you’re planting trees.

Many people don’t realize they shouldn’t wait for summer. Young trees do best when they’re put into the ground in spring and have ample time to establish themselves in the soil before extremes of heat or cold hit.

Practical and beautiful

Few things can be as practical and beautiful as a tree. Here are some simple reasons why: n A mature tree can add up to $10,000 to your property value. n Trees can reduce energy costs by providing shade to a house in the summer. n Trees naturally offset carbon emissions. n Because many change from season to

Brandpoint

Young trees will thrive better if they are planted during springtime.

season, trees add a variety of different colors to your yard and allow for a range of creative choices and combinations.

Get started

The nonprofit Arbor Day Foundation is encouraging people to get an early start on their tree planting this year by offering 10 free flowering trees with a $10 six-month membership or $15 for 10 free flowering trees and a one-year membership.

The order deadline in northeast Kansas for spring shipping is April 30, according to its website. For more information, visit www.arborday.org/earlyplanting.

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Hardwood flooring: Options abound

By Dustin Lemmon Special to The Capital-Journal

For quite a while now you’ve been thinking about installing a hardwood floor.

Maybe you have pets and don’t want them damaging the carpet, or maybe you just love the look. But is it worth the trouble, not to mention the price?

It all depends on how much you’re willing to invest in a wood floor, Mark Hewitt, president of Kaw Valley Hardwood Inc. of Topeka, said. There are many options out there, but if you don’t make the right choice you may end up with a product that doesn’t last.

“The cheaper you buy, the cheaper it is — that really holds true in hardwood floors,” Hewitt said.

As for options, one of the first things you’ll have to choose is a type of wood.

There are hundreds out there, he said, but harder woods like oak, cherry and hickory are going to be more durable.

“If you want a durable wood you can stain any color you want, oak is the only way to go,” he said, adding it seems to be the most popular choice in the area.

Softer woods, such as pine, won’t hold up as well.

Other hardwoods won’t either.

“Walnut is beautiful when it’s installed, but doesn’t take punishment very well,” Hewitt noted.

You’ll also have to choose the grade of wood. For oak, for example, a higher, more expensive grade of wood means fewer streaks and a more uniformed look, Micheal Esser, owner of Michael’s Hardwood Floors of Topeka, said. But that doesn’t necessarily mean that’s the wood you’ll want.

He said lower grades with more streaks have become popular with those who want a rustic appearance.

The grades don’t work

Jan Biles/THE CAPITAL-JOURNAL

Angel Rubio, who works for Kaw Valley Hardwood Inc. of Topeka, installs a floor at a residence being built in Lawrence. the same for all woods either, he noted. With hickory, for example, the grade varies based on the number of knots in the cut of wood.

Again, some homeowners prefer having more knots for the unique look.

Next, you’ll have to choose between prefinished or site-finished. Most of the floors Esser installs are site-finished.

“I think there are a lot more choices available (with site-finished floors),” he said. “We can stain the floor any color you like and there are different choices of finish. I think there is a little more pride and craftsmanship involved.”

Installation and cost

Hewitt said a good hardwood floor is going to cost from $5 to $9 per square foot and about $2.50 per square foot to install.

What if you want to install it yourself, you might be asking.

While installing the floor yourself will save you some money now, it may not in the long run. Hewitt said you’re usually better off paying someone to do the work.

“I repair floors that people put down all the time,” he said. “Unless you’re woodworking-inclined, hire someone to do it.”

If there’s one thing Esser recommends hiring a professional to do, it’s sanding the floor.

“Most people with a little common sense can install their own floor,” he said.

“Most people with a little common sense can stain and finish their floors.”

But the sanding?

“If you don’t know what you’re doing, you can cut the floor to pieces,” he said.

“You can ruin the floor in a heartbeat.”

Prep work and cleanup

If you do hire someone, make sure they’re a profes-

sional who will do the job right, the men said. Your average crew should be able to install up to 1,000 square feet of flooring per day (eight hours), more if it’s a large open space, Hewitt said.

Before installing the floor, you need to watch out for some things. First, make sure the subflooring is done properly. Hewitt recommends using 2-inch screws to fasten the subfloor to the floor joist. If this isn’t done correctly, the plywood subflooring can come loose as it expands and contracts with the changing seasons. This is what leads to squeaky floors.

Also, make sure the installer uses a vacuum to remove dust while they’re working, Hewitt said. While there will inevitably be some dust, you want to control it as much as possible.

Esser said he purchased a trailer-mounted dust containment system that sits outside the home specifically to address the problem of dust. He said the system ensures their jobs are almost 100-percent dust-free — adding someone who takes pride in their work will take care to leave as little dust as possible.

“You can’t rent the equipment we use,” Esser said.

Share ’66 tornado memories with C-J The Capital-Journal The Topeka Capital-Journal is collecting information about the tornado that struck Topeka on June 8, 1966, destroying hundreds of homes and killing 16 people.

The Capital-Journal will have a reporter, photographer and videographer at the Kansas Garden Show, Saturday and Sunday in the Kansas Expocentre, to listen to and document your stories. They’d also like to see any pictures or artifacts you have related to the storm.

The Capital-Journal table can be found in the educational exhibits in space 118.

Hours of the show are from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday.

Stop by — we’d like for you to share your tornado memories with us.

For more information, contact Jan Biles at jan. biles@cjonline.com or (785) 295-1292.

Find out more about your favorite listings at homes.cjonline.com

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Beware of how you clean hardwood floors; moisture is bad you’ll want to avoid liquid or water-based cleaners altogether, because even a small drop of water can leave behind a stain.

By Angie Hicks Angie’s List

Dear Angie: What’s the best way to clean a hardwood floor? — Les G., Baton Rouge, La. Dear Les: Hardwood floors are a beautiful addition to any room and can really boost home value.

Installing hardwood flooring also can be a big investment, so proper care and maintenance — including cleaning — are important.

Laminate flooring is a bit more durable, but using the wrong cleaning supplies on hardwood can damage the wood and cause it to warp or even crack. So, here are some cleaning tips to help you safely care for your hardwood floor.

Floor cleaning don’ts

It’s a no-brainer that wood flooring and moisture don’t mix, so you’ll want to avoid any cleaners that involve a mop and bucket.

Getting your floor wet can cause

Selecting supplies

Katelin Kinney/Angie’s list

Use a duster or soft vacuum brush attachment to remove dirt and debris before cleaning floors.

the wood to expand, warp or even buckle. Solutions using vinegar or ammonia are too harsh for hardwood floors and can leave behind residue. Steam cleaners are also a big no-no for hardwood, because the steam can actually crack the wood.

Similarly, commercial polish, waxes, abrasive soaps and floor cleaners can damage your floor’s finish.

Most newer homes have finished hardwood floors that can withstand a small amount of moisture. But if your floor is unfinished,

Whether you’ve chosen a solid hardwood floor, or more durable engineered hardwood or bamboo, you’ll want to follow the manufacturer’s instructions when it comes to choosing cleaners.

If you purchased pre-finished hardwood flooring, check with the manufacturer for recommendations on which cleaning product to use. If your wood flooring was finished at the site by the installer, find out what type of finish was used and consult with the manufacturer.

If you have an unsealed hardwood floor, you can use a solventbased cleaner or wax made specifically for unfinished wood flooring.

You also can buff the existing floor to restore shine. New waxing products should be added to unfinished

wood floors every six to 12 months, at most.

Cleaning hardwood

Once you’ve found the right floor cleaner, get rid of larger dirt and debris by sweeping thoroughly or vacuuming with a soft brush attachment.

Don’t use an upright vacuum cleaner with a beater bar, which can dent or damage the floor.

To clean the floor, spray a small amount of cleaner on a soft cloth or microfiber mop. You want your mop damp, not wet, with just enough moisture to collect dirt and dust without leaving water behind.

Protecting hardwood

Between cleanings, you can take steps to care for and protect your hardwood flooring.

Wipe up any spills or moisture immediately with a dry cloth.

Place rugs in entryways, high-

traffic areas and near the kitchen sink to protect your floor from moisture and wear and tear.

Put felt pads on chair legs or any furniture that might be moved frequently, and use area rugs under coffee tables.

If you have pets, keep their nails trimmed to minimize scratches, and use caution while wearing high heels — or better yet, take your shoes off at the door.

While the color of any wood floor will change over time or with sun exposure, you can take steps to minimize sun fading by closing your blinds when no one is home or using sheer curtains.

Leaving sofas, tables and area rugs in the same spot year after year can cause uneven aging, so consider rearranging your furniture once a year or so.

Angie Hicks is founder of www.AngiesList. com, a provider of consumer reviews and services. Send questions to askangie@ angieslist.com or tweet with #AskAngie.

Follow her @Angie_Hicks.

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Service Directory

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Warm up with red decor; use bright pops of color in design It’s OK to mix tones in same space

By Cathy Hobbs Tribune News Service

With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, you’ve likely seen a lot of red home decor items in retail stores. Red is a strong, bold color that can perk up a space year-round. If you are looking to infuse the color red into your home

decor, now is an ideal time to snag some key pieces.

Shades of red

Red comes in all shades and tones, and you don’t have to limit yourself to using just one in a space.

For example, it’s OK to mix tomato red with burgundy in the same space. This

technique essentially involves using a tint or shade of a dominate color.

In home decor, some of the easiest shades of red to work with in a space are ruby red, bright poppy and rich tomato. These shades of red can serve as ideal pops of color.

How to use red

Red, like other bold accent colors, can be used

in virtually any room of the home, but be sure to use the color purposefully in order to not overdo it.

Some of the best ways to bring red into the home are through the use of bold, bright pops of color in deliberate and thoughtful ways.

Incorporating small yet impactful red accents could be achieved through the use of pieces such as chairs, artwork, toss pil-

lows and even area rugs.

These types of accent pieces will allow you to bring the color red into your space, while still allowing versatility should you choose to swap in another accent in the future.

Color pairings

Looking to purchase red accent pieces for your home? Why not start out small, by purchasing ac-

cent pieces such as toss pillows, lamps or signature art pieces? The use of a bold accent color will not only make a statement and add interest, but could also serve as the springboard for the rest of the color story around your space.

When looking for colors to pair with red, consider neutral colors that will not conflict, such as black, brown, charcoal gray, white and taupe.

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