Home & Harvest 2021

Home & Harvest Fall2021 A Special Supplement to The Daily Star Tuesday, Sept. 21, 2021

• Saving seeds: Some things to know • Delhi Harvest Festival to return after COVID hiatus • Tips before deciding to do a DIY demolition • Houseplants are making a comeback • Homeowner’s fall checklist

Saving seeds: Some things to know

BY ALLISON COLLINS

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Contributing Writer

andemic-related seed shortages have growers saving what sprouts.

In a written statement, Carla Hegeman-Crim, horticulturist and educator with Cornell Cooperative Extension of Delaware County, said she saw seed-saving interest take root through the COVID-19 shutdown.

“I think the pandemic really sparked interest in self-sufficiency,” she said. “People had concerns about the global supply chain coupled with time on their hands, and all of a sudden everyone was gardening, baking and canning. Since we went into lockdown in the early spring, seed shortages were felt immediately. I had most of the seeds I needed … but had to do without a few favorites. As the summer progressed and I watched vegetables ripen, I started looking at them as sources of food and seeds for the future. Seems many others were feeling the same, as YouTube exploded with seed-saving videos.”

Beyond fending off shortages, Crim said, saving seeds saves money, too.

“I saved quite a few seeds from (Birdsong Community Garden in Delhi) last year, and it made a big impact on our seed bill this year,” she said. “We grow hundreds of different varieties of vegetables and flowers, and when you are looking at $3 to $6 a packet, it can add up in a hurry.”

Seed-saving success, Crim said, depends on the plant’s origins.

“Seed saving, just like seed starting, really varies from plant to plant,” she said.

“The biggest thing to consider is the heritage of the variety and how it is pollinated. Many of the seeds and plants you buy from stores are hybrids — two established parent plants are crossed to give a consistent, high-yielding offspring. The hybrid’s babies are going to be all over the place

genetically and may or may not yield something that is desirable.

“You are much better off saving seeds from varieties that are considered heirloom or open-pollinated,” Crim continued. “The terms are used interchangeably, but in general, heirlooms have been handed down over generations and are at least 50 years old. These varieties breed true for the most part, but hybridization can still occur, thanks to cross-pollination. Plants that generally self-pollinate include beans, peas, tomatoes, peppers and eggplants.”

Crim said, to prevent cross-pollination, growers can place an organza bag, as would be used for a party favor, over the flower once it begins developing.

ALLISON COLLINS

Flowering annuals are among the plants that are easily grown from seeds saved from the previous crop.

You are much better off saving seeds from varieties that are considered heirloom or open-pollinated.”

— Carla Hegeman-Crim

She said, though saving seeds from tomatoes and squash can be tricky, peas and beans are a snap.

“There is a bit of an art to saving tomato seeds,” she said. “They need to go through … a fermentation process, that usually happens in the gut of a mammal but can be accomplished in a Solo cup. There is a slimy outer layer that needs to be removed to ensure efficient germination.”

“Peppers just need to be ripe and dried a bit,” Crim continued. “Beans and peas are the easiest. They also need to be mature, but then you just take them out of the dried pods. It is a bit trickier with cucurbits like squash, pumpkins and cucumbers. Pollinators love them, and most of their babies turn out to be gourds. Certainly, you can take measures to prevent cross-pollination, but in general it is easier to buy those seeds. They are also quite susceptible to bacteria and fungi, so it is worth spending a few extra dollars on disease-resistant hybrids.”

Similarly, Crim said, some floral varieties save better than others.

“I really love saving flower seeds; I’ve

SEPT. 21, 22 AND 24, 2021 | Home & Harvest - THE DAILY STAR

been growing a lot of old-fashioned varieties at home and in the community garden,” she said. “Plants like cleome, foxglove, lupine and flowering tobacco put off great seed pods that can be harvested when they are brown and dry. You can also save seeds from the fully mature and dried flower heads of bachelor buttons, marigolds and zinnias – just keep in mind the flowers might be a different color or size if you or your neighbors are growing more than one variety.”

Crim said timing, too, plays a part.

“The best time for saving seed really depends on the timing of flowering for the plants,” she said. “Early bloomers set seed (in late summer and early fall), so be on the lookout for dried seeds where the first flowers were. For fruiting varieties, the riper the better: think of it in terms of the natural cycle, and what things will selfsow and when.”

For more information, visit ccedelaware. org.

Remodeling a kitchen adds value to a home. Remodeling Magazine’s “Cost vs. Value Report” indicates mid-range kitchen remodels cost about $66,000, and homeowners can expect to recover about 60 to 80 percent of that cost at resale.

Homeowners may wonder if remodeling their kitchens is worth the investment.

But homeowners should not just consider cost, but also the current conditions of their kitchens when deciding if a renovation project is the right move to make. These signs indicate it may be time to renovate a kitchen.

• Breakers are triggered: If the lights go dark from a tripped circuit breaker every time you try to microwave and run the toaster oven at the same time, your wiring is likely not up to the task of handling the workload and could be out of date. A kitchen remodel will assess wiring load needs and an electric overhaul may be necessary.

• Lack of storage: One of the biggest hassles homeowners encounter in their kitchens is a lack of storage space. If

Signs it is time to overhaul your kitchen

making a meal involves a Jenga-like stacking and rearranging of kitchen tools, or if an avalanche occurs whenever you search for an item, you might need more storage. A carefully planned redesign can achieve this, even in a smaller kitchen.

• Outdated appliances: Even if your appliances are not avocado green or mustard yellow relics of the 1970s, they might still need to be replaced. According to CRD Design, appliances are only

desires, such as the addition of a wine chiller or espresso station.

• Poor lighting: Task lighting is essential in a kitchen, but older homes may not be equipped with lighting where it’s most needed. A carefully designed remodel can improve lighting with under-cabinet lights, pendants, overhead lighting, and even natural light to make the space attractive and more functional.

• Frequent run-ins: The notion that you can have too many cooks in the kitchen refers to having too many people trying to pitch in or offer their opinions. However, it also can apply to when too many people are gathering in a small space.

Redesigning a kitchen can improve the efficiency of a space and make the room feel larger.

• Aesthetic appeal: Many kitchen remodels have been inspired by unsightly kitchens. Cosmetic changes can lead to big improvements.

Kitchen renovations can add instant appeal and help address issues that tend to plague outdated rooms. - MCS

expected to last around 10 to 15 years. If appliances have become unsafe or energy hogs, it could be time for a remodel.

• Family is expanding (or shrinking): Kitchens often are the heart of a home.

They need to meet the needs of the family that resides in that home. A remodel can add space as needed. On the flip side, when a couple becomes empty nesters, kitchens can be redesigned and downsized to reflect their new needs and

Did you know?

Disinfecting garden tools can help ensure the long-term health of plants and vegetables. According to the University of Minnesota Extension, plant pathogens, including bacteria, fungi and viruses, cause diseases that can damage and even kill plants. These pathogens can be transferred to plants and infect them through bits of soil and plant debris that get stuck on common gardening tools, including shovels and pruners. Pathogens are microscopic and invisible to the naked eye, which is why even tools that appear clean may still contain harmful substances on their surfaces that can prove life-threatening to plants. Disinfecting tools at the appropriate time, such as when the tools are being stored in fall or before using them in spring or after using them to remove infected plants, can prevent the damage caused by invisible pathogens. Avoid using strictly bleach to disinfect garden tools, as the UME notes that bleach corrodes metal and can therefore render tools that require sharp edges ineffective. A homemade solution that’s nine parts water and one part bleach can be used to effectively clean shovels, spades and rakes. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention notes that isopropyl alcohol (rubbing alcohol) in concentrations of 70 percent or more can effectively disinfect surfaces for bacteria, fungi and viruses.

Such a solution can be used to disinfect hand pruners and other small hand tools. Store-bought cleaners with an active ingredient that is .1 percent alkyl dimethyl benzyl ammonium saccharinate also can be effective when disinfecting small hand tools as well as small pots and saucers. - MCS

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Home & Harvest - THE DAILY STAR | SEPT. 21, 22 AND 24, 2021

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It’s usually a busy day, so I think people enjoy it. I’m hoping this year people will continue to come out and be safe while they’re having a great time at the harvest fest.”

— Christina Viafore

ROBERT CAIRNS | THE DAILY STAR

The Courthouse Square in Delhi, shown in this Sept. 10 photo, will be the site of the 2021 Delhi Harvest Festival.

Delhi Harvest Festival to return after COVID hiatus

BY ALLISON COLLINS

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Contributing Writer

fter a pandemic-induced year off, the longstanding Delhi Harvest Festival will return to the Courthouse Square on Main Street in Delhi, on Saturday, Sept. 25.

The event, organized by the Greater Delhi Area Chamber of Commerce, will take place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Christina Viafore, vice president of the chamber, said this year marks the Delaware County village’s 36th festival.

“It (began) as just a way to allow Delhi businesses an opportunity to have a lot of people gather in Delhi,” she said. “It is now held in conjunction with (SUNY Delhi’s) Family Weekend, and I don’t believe that was the case when it first started, but it ended up coinciding and that brings a lot of people to Delhi … and a lot of those folks take the walk down to attend, so it’s a nice event for those families to do.”

go festival hopping. There’s also the Catskill Conquest Rally, and that’s on the same day and they typically come through Delhi, so it’s kind of nice to watch the cars go by.

It’s usually a pretty busy day, especially with SUNY Delhi’s Family Weekend. You can’t miss it when you drive through town.”

This year’s festival, Viafore said, will feature live music and vendors.

“I’m working on getting music in the bandstand, and the vendors provide their own draw,” she said. “There are jewelry vendors; candles; there’s informational vendors; there’s school groups raising funds for their sports team or their clubs; we’ll have some food vendors that’ll be there; and lots of gifts. There’s a wide variety of vendors.

“I think it’s well-received and I think people enjoy getting out and seeing the different vendors,” she said. “We have a very active farmers’ market every Wednesday, so that’s of course more focused on homemade items, where at the harvest festival, we do allow people to bring multi-level marketing (products), like 31 and LuLaRoe. So, it brings a different group of vendors to the square and, because we are the chamber, we want to support all types of businesses.”

Viafore said, though she is the primary organizer, with day-of help from members of the Kappa Sigma Epsilon fraternity, the event’s impact is broad.

The event, Viafore said, is well-loved by Delhi residents, too.

“Right now, we have 32 registered,” Viafore said in early September, “which is about half of what we usually get. I know COVID has probably dampened a little bit of that, but there’s still a couple weeks to go. In 2019, we had almost 70. I started (planning) probably just last month, (in August), because I wasn’t sure what was going to be happening with COVID. So, I sent out notifications to previous vendors in mid-July.”

“I really think having it in conjunction with SUNY Delhi’s Family Weekend has really helped keep vendors around, because they see the benefit of coming to the fest,” she said. “It brings people (and) it’s great for restaurants in town, because people come in, then they go have lunch or dinner. It’s usually a busy day, so I think people enjoy it. I’m hoping this year people will continue to come out and be safe while they’re having a great time at the harvest fest.”

“It’s mostly locals,” she said. “There’s the Cauliflower Festival in Margaretville that same day, so maybe people

The mix of vendors, Viafore said, also brings new shoppers to Delhi.

For more information, find “Delhi Harvest Festival” on Facebook or click the “News” section at visitdelhiny.com.

SEPT. 21, 22 AND 24, 2021 | Home & Harvest - THE DAILY STAR

Must-have features in your bathroom remodel • Small textured tile on shower floors: Small textures are appealing and add safety. The added texture and grouting will keep feet from slipping on wet floors.

Also, opt for mold-resistant grout to make cleanup even easier.

• Special shower heads: Invest in shower heads that can run the gamut from creating steam showers to rainfall effects. Some showers will have multiple shower jets to offer an invigorating experience.

• Improve drainage: Increase the diameter of the drain pipe in the bathroom from the standard to a twoinch drain pipe. This will reduce the risk of clogs and overflow leaks.

• Install a window: Natural light and air flow can reduce the risk for mold and mildew growth, and windows add some aesthetic appeal to a space. Just be sure to choose frosted privacy glass.

Additional considerations for a bath Veteran homeowners recognize the value of remodeling their kitchens and bathrooms. Kitchens and baths tend to appear dated more quickly than other spaces, such as living rooms and bedrooms, which can always be revamped with some fresh paint and new furnishings.

The home improvement pricing resource Home Guide indicates an average bathroom remodel costs anywhere from $5,500 to $15,000 depending on the size and scope of the renovation. However, a bath redo can increase a home’s resale value and can return as much as 68 percent of homeowners’ investments.

As homeowners plan their bathroom renovations, it’s a good time to consider improvements that will improve function and add design appeal for years to come.

• Floating vanity: Add an airy feeling to the room by creating space between the vanity and the floor. A floating vanity can be a counter with a vessel sink or even have cabinets, as long as the vanity doesn’t extend to the floor.

remodel include heated floors, wellplaced and attractive storage options and a toilet enclosure (water closet) for added privacy. These and other bathroom renovation ideas can add value and improve the appeal of the room. - MCS

• Freestanding traditional sink or tub: There’s something elegant about a freestanding tub or pedestal sink. Such features can lend a classic vibe to a space.

However, freestanding fixtures also come in modern or eclectic forms, so there are options for any design style.

• Frameless showers: Switch to a walk-in shower option, which improves aesthetics and makes it easier to “age in place” in a home. Pair that frameless shower with clear glass shower doors so sightline in the space remains unencumbered.

• Natural textures: Create a calm and serene sanctuary in the bathroom with light, natural hues and materials. Natureinspired colors on tiles, walls and vanities can add to the spa vibe.

• Dual sinks and vanities: With a double vanity, two people can share the space and easily use the bathroom without getting in each other’s way. One vanity with two sinks works, but homeowners can create even more personal space by dividing vanities and mirrors.

Home & Harvest - THE DAILY STAR | SEPT. 21, 22 AND 24, 2021

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ROASTED PUMPKIN HUMMUS If you love hummus, this creamy combination of chickpeas and roasted pumpkin is sure to become a seasonal favorite.

Start to finish: 50 minutes (10 minutes active) Servings: 6

Easy ways to clean up leaves Autumn is marked by colorful foliage and plummeting temperatures. Once those leaves reach peak color, they fall from the branches and collect on lawns, necessitating cleanup projects. For homeowners with big yards, such a project can be tiring and time-consuming. However, there are ways to make leaf cleanup easier.

One of the easiest ways to clean up leaves is to reach for a lawn mower rather than a rake. The mower will cut leaves down to smaller sizes, creating an effective mulch that can add nutrients back into the lawn. Davey, a lawn and landscape solutions service, says that mowed leaves also can be collected in a mower bag and added to garden beds or compost piles.

For those who prefer manual raking, select a rake with tines that will not skewer the leaves in the process. Big rakes also can make faster work of gathering leaves into piles.

The home improvement resource The Family Handyman advocates for the use of a lawn sweeper. This is a manual device that has a rotating sweeping brush that gathers up lawn debris and leaves into an attached hopper bag. Like mowed leaves, the bag can be emptied into a compost pile or distributed where needed.

Raking leaves onto a large tarp is another option. Once it’s full, the tarp can be taken to the curb where many towns will collect the leaves seasonally. Otherwise, the tarp can be used as a funnel to put leaves into a gardening bag or another appropriate receptacle.

Leaf blowers remain a fast option for cleaning up yards, but they require electricity or gas and can be noisy. Still, they are a popular choice for large landscapes or when quick work needs to be made of leaf clean-up.

Leaves will fall in autumn, but luckily homeowners have various methods at their disposal to tame the mess. - MCS SEPT. 21, 22 AND 24, 2021 | Home & Harvest - THE DAILY STAR

INGREDIENTS • 1 small pumpkin (about 18 ounces), peeled, seeded and diced • 6 tablespoons olive oil, divided • 1 teaspoon ground coriander • 1 garlic bulb • 1 can chickpeas, drained and rinsed (save some of the liquid) • 2 tablespoons tahini • 2 tablespoons maple syrup • Juice of 1 lemon • 1 pinch of salt • 1 teaspoon paprika • 1 teaspoon sesame seeds • 1/4 cup Italian parsley, finely chopped DIRECTIONS 1. Preheat the oven to 425° F. In a large bowl, combine the pumpkin, 2 tablespoons of olive oil and the ground coriander. Toss until the pumpkin pieces are well coated.

Spread evenly on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cut off the pointed end of the garlic bulb to expose the tops of the cloves. Place the bulb on the baking sheet. Bake for 30 minutes.

2. Remove the pumpkin and garlic

from the oven and let cool for about 15 minutes. Hold the garlic bulb at the base, turn it upside down and squeeze out the roasted cloves.

Place the garlic, pumpkin, 3 tablespoons of olive oil, chickpeas, tahini, maple syrup, lemon juice and salt in a blender. Blend until the mixture is a uniform puree. Add seasoning and adjust the consistency with the chickpea liquid as needed.

3. Scoop the hummus into a serving bowl. Drizzle on the remaining olive oil and sprinkle it with paprika, sesame seeds and parsley. Serve warm with pita chips. - NT

Tips before deciding to do a DIY demolition Home improvement projects can range from relatively inexpensive undertakings to complex endeavors that cost homeowners thousands of dollars. In an effort to make expensive projects more affordable, homeowners may look for ways to pitch in, and do-it-yourself demolition is a common way to cut costs.

Due to geographical fluctuations in price as well as the scale of a project, it’s hard to pinpoint just how much homeowners can save by doing demolition work themselves. HomeAdvisor estimates that the average small interior demolition project costs just over $3,000, though more significant demolition projects can cost considerably more than that. Given the cost, it’s no surprise that so many homeowners volunteer to do demolition on their own. Though it’s possible to do so safely, homeowners can take steps to determine if it’s in their best interest to take on a DIY demolition or leave it to the professionals.

• Conduct a cost analysis. Demolition projects seem simple, but they often require the use of equipment most homeowners don’t have on hand. Rentals can be considered in such instances, but the cost of renting equipment can reduce the amount of money homeowners are saving by going it alone. For example, homeowners may be able to pull up vinyl or tile flooring on their own,

but not all floors are installed the same. Some floors may have been glued more effectively than others, making it hard and/or time-consuming to pull them up by hand. A walk-behind floor scraper can make it easier to remove such floors, but that equipment must be rented. A cost analysis comparing the contractors’ demolition cost estimate and the cost of DIY, complete with equipment rental projections, can give a more accurate picture of how

much money homeowners will save by going it alone. If the savings of DIY are negligible, homeowners should probably let the contractor handle the demo.

• Speak with your contractor. Prior to saying they’ll do the demo work on their own, homeowners should speak with their contractors to get an accurate idea of what the project will entail. Demolition projects may seem simple enough, but contractors can illustrate the correct way to do things so as to minimize potentially costly damage.

Some contractors may offer to help homeowners start the demo project and then leave them to their own devices once they get a knack for what to do. Once homeowners see what it will take, they can then decide if DIY is best for them.

• Enlist help. No DIY demo should ever be done alone.

The risk for accident and injury is simply too great for homeowners to go it alone. Homeowners who can’t enlist some volunteers to pitch in should leave the job to the professionals.

DIY demolition can save homeowners a lot of money.

But such projects are not necessarily as simple as they seem. Homeowners should take steps to see exactly what they’re getting into before they volunteer to take on demo duty. - MCS

Now for Still booking time to get 2021!!

Fall/Winter that roof done!

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A simple guide to getting your home and garden ready for winter Summer may be over, but don’t put away your gardening gloves just yet: your home and yard need to be prepared for the cold months ahead.

Here’s a fall checklist to ensure you’re ready for winter.

Remove dead plants. Once the growing season is over, uproot plants that won’t grow back next year and compost them.

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large perennials. If a 2 Prune plant has grown too large for its allotted space, this is the perfect time to trim and/or divide it.

Prepare the soil for spring.

Add mulch, manure or com­ post to your beds and turn the soil with a pitchfork. This will replenish nutrients that were depleted over the summer.

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Bring potted plants indoors. Check them tho­ roughly for insects before bringing them into your home.

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the lawn. Cut your 5 Prepare grass short so that sunlight can reach as close to the roots as pos­ sible. Rake fallen leaves and use them as mulch for your flower or vegetable garden.

Protect trees and shrubs.

Wrap them in burlap to pro­ tect them from the wind and cold.

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Winterize outdoor plumbing.

Drain the hose and turn off the water supply to prevent pipes from burs­ ting.

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Prepare the sump pump.

Disconnect and clean it. Af­ terwards, run a bucket of water through the sump pit to make sure the pump works.

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Tidy the shed. Organize every­ thing and be sure to clean and sharpen your garden tools so they’re ready to use in the spring.

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Store the patio furniture. Clean chairs and tables before putting them away for the winter. Make sure to bring your cushions indoors.

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Plant bulbs. Before the first frost, plant tulip, daffodil, crocus and other spring bulbs.

Put away the barbecue. If you’re not planning on using it over the winter, clean the grill, disconnect the propane tank and cover the barbe­ cue before storing it.

Trim branches. Prune trees and bushes that grow close to your home. This will prevent them from damaging your property.

Check the home’s foundation and windows. Look for cracks that water or cold air might get through and seal them.

the pool. Drain the wat­ 9 Close er, empty the filter, remove the skimmer basket, detach the ladder, set up the winter cover and bring the pump indoors.

the roof. Replace curled 16 Inspect or damaged shingles and re­ move all debris. Consider getting a pro­ fessional roofer to conduct a thorough inspection.

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SEPT. 21, 22 AND 24, 2021 | Home & Harvest - THE DAILY STAR

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Clean the gutters. Once the leaves have comple­ tely fallen, remove all debris from your gutters to make sure water flows freely. If the gutters need to be repaired, do it now.

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Get the chimney swept.

Hire a chimney sweep to ensure your fireplace is free of fire hazards. Determine whether the chi­mney cap is in good repair or if a new one should be installed.

This device prevents animals from getting into your home.

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Inspect the furnace. Be­ fore turning on the fur­ nace for the season, get it ins­ pected and ensure it works properly. Replace the filter so that the air is clean and circulates freely.

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Check the vents. To keep ro­ dents out, place grills on vents that need to remain open all year, like the extractor fan, the bathroom fan and the dryer vent.

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Winterizing your home and gar­ den ensures they’re protected during the coldest months of the year and guarantees that there’s less work to do in the spring. -NT

Is your home

winter ready?

How to winterize your home’s interior To ensure your house is safe, warm and energy efficient all winter, there are several maintenance tasks you should complete in the fall. Here’s what you’ll need to do.

Heating system Inspect your heating system. Whether you use a wood stove, electric baseboards or a furnace to heat your home, it’s important to have your equipment professionally inspected, cleaned and maintained before the cold weather hits. Use a vacuum to clean the electric baseboards or wall vents, and make sure furniture and curtains are at least four inches away from these heat sources. Remember to test your system before the temperature drops.

Doors, windows and foundation Ensure your doors and windows are airtight. To protect your home from drafts, caulk and replace worn weather stripping around your doors and windows. Remove window screens to prevent condensation from building up. If you have an attached garage, check that the door closes completely. Fill in small cracks around your foundation and basement walls with caulking to keep water and moisture out of your home.

guisher has expired and needs to be replaced.

Sump pump Confirm that your sump pump is working by slowly pouring water into the pit. The pump should immediately turn on and start draining the pit.

Ventilation system Clean your air exchanger filters and make sure the system is working properly. Dust your air vents. Remove the air vent covers and grilles throughout your home, and vacuum inside and around the openings to remove as much dust and debris as possible.

Are you looking for a space heater to help keep you warm this winter? With so many options on the market, it can be a challenge to choose the right one.

Here are a few things to consider when making your selection.

• The power source. Different space heaters rely on various types of fuel. If you want one that runs on electricity, convection and infrared heaters are good options. If you prefer a fuel-burning unit, choose one that uses natural gas, propane, oil or wood pellets to operate.

• The effort required. Some heaters require more work to install and maintain. Fuel-burning heaters need a permanent flue or vent to allow harmful gasses to escape. In addition, while natural gas fireplaces are easy to use, they require a connection to your home’s gas line.

• The size of your space. Consider the size of the room you want to heat. Some heaters are great for larger spaces while others are better at providing direct heat. Infrared and oil heaters are better for small areas like under your desk. The size of the unit is another thing to think about. Electric heaters are generally smaller and take up less space in your home.

Air conditioner If you have a central air conditioning system, cover the outdoor unit with a weather-proof tarp. Alternatively, if you own a portable air conditioner, now is the time to remove it from the window, clean the filter and store it in a protected area until the weather warms up.

Humidifier Clean your portable unit or the humidifier that’s integrated into your central heating system.

Detectors Make sure your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors work. Hold down the test button until the alarm goes off. Change the batteries if necessary and make sure you have extras on hand. It’s also a good idea to check if your portable fire extin-

What to look for WHEN BUYING A SPACE HEATER

Stove Replace the filter in your range hood vent.

To ensure you don’t forget a step, create a checklist and post it on your fridge or bulletin board.

Doing these things will ensure you can breathe easier while sheltering from the cold. - NT

• Your safety needs. Space heaters pose some major safety concerns including an increased risk for carbon monoxide poisoning, burns and fires. In addition, it can be dangerous to use certain heaters around children and pets. To minimize safety risks, look for a heater that has tip-over protection, a grill to prevent burns and heat se­n­sors that shut off when the temperature gets too high.

Finally, it’s important to consider your budget. Certain space heaters provide potential energy savings, but they can be costly to install and maintain. -NT Home & Harvest - THE DAILY STAR | SEPT. 21, 22 AND 24, 2021

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Houseplants are making a comeback

C

CONTRIBUTED

Rare and common houseplants hang in the 1930s glass greenhouse at the Green Thumb in Delhi in this undated photo.

I would say it’s a retro movement. Today, some of the young people like all the stuff we had back in the ‘60s and ‘70s. Then, for the last year and a half, people were stuck at home, using social media and Instagram, buying plants online and having them delivered. We closed for a little while, then we were packed all the time in here. The pandemic got everyone into it.”

— Leslie Mignier

SEPT. 21, 22 AND 24, 2021 | Home & Harvest - THE DAILY STAR

BY ALLISON COLLINS Contributing Writer

hris and Leslie Mignier, husband-and-wife owners of the Green Thumb in Delhi, have grown their 265 Main St. greenhouse business to include organic soils, annuals, hanging baskets, pots and garden decor, vegetables and herbs, but their passion is houseplants.

Thanks to a lifelong love, the Migniers have been ahead of the recent houseplant trend for decades. Many of their rare and common varieties, they said, are propagated and grown in their restored 1936 Lord and Burnham glass greenhouse.

“I’ve been doing it since 1969, when I was a kid,” Leslie said.

“I’ve always been into it and, back in the late ‘60s and ‘70s, (houseplants) were very popular. I had rooms full of plants and so did my husband. Then it calmed down for a while, but we’ve always sold houseplants and been heavy into it. In the ‘70s, we admired this greenhouse … and we were able to, eight years ago, purchase (it) and, five years ago, get in there and start restoring this old greenhouse. It is packed with houseplants, so we opened the doors for other people to enjoy it.

“We’re collectors,” she continued. “We travel all over collecting plants, we’ve been in plant societies and we go to plant shows with our plants. (The popularity of houseplants) calmed down, but I would say maybe four years ago they started getting very popular again, which we’re thrilled about.”

“We’ve been into it a long time and it’s nice now to have other people getting into it,” Chris echoed.

The Migniers credited vintage-centric trends and the COVID-19 pandemic with cultivating current interest.

“I would say it’s a retro movement,” Leslie said. “Today, some of the young people like all the stuff we had back in the ‘60s and ‘70s. Then, for the last year and a half, people were stuck at home, using social media and Instagram, buying plants online and having them delivered. We closed for a little while, then we were packed all the time in here. The pandemic got everyone into it.”

“The big trigger of it, was a few people started doing it and it caught on,” Chris said. “It was, ‘I’ve got to have one of these,’ so the collectability really triggered it and we were at the forefront because we’ve always specialized in certain plants that were unusual. People are just naturally attracted to beauty and unusual things, but what drove it is that people could share a hobby, especially in the times of COVID. “We have people coming from the city, Albany, Syracuse and Binghamton,” he continued. “They’ve heard what we have here — vermillion cacti, all kinds of different philodendrons, monstera — and we had it all when people were trying to find it.

We have plants that mimic stones, plants that grow with no soil — the air plants — orchids and all type of cacti. People come in here and … they’re just in awe of what my wife has

Pre-winter perennial pruning pointers Foliage and football might be two things people instantly associate with fall, but there’s more to this beloved season than brightly colored leaves and action on the gridiron.

put together … and that drives us, too.”

Leslie said cacti succulents are among their bestsellers, particularly as people return to traveling, as they require minimal watering. Leslie said lemon and edible fig trees, snake plants, tradescantia varieties and monsteras, which she called “very trendy and easy to grow” are also customer favorites and some of the easiest houseplants to maintain.

Reciprocally, she said, certain fern, palm and orchid varieties can prove tricky for beginners, at-home growers.

The Migniers said, when it comes to tending houseplants, less is often more.

“People are funny, and they tend to overdo it with the watering,” Chris said.

“Or fertilizer; fertilizer will burn the plant. If you keep it on the edge of survival, it will do better. Caring too much and overwatering are some of the biggest problems.”

“Sometimes, if you ignore a lot of them, they’re fine,” Leslie said.

And, the Migniers said, sourcing matters.

“We propagate as much as we can and we grow a lot of ours, so they’ve been here for months,” Leslie said. “You get to see it, we put fresh soil in and fertilize correctly, we check for bugs and diseases; when you buy from a box store, sometimes it’s been shipped in refrigerated cars, or it’s been on a truck for a couple weeks. (Houseplants) have to acclimate to different locations, so I think it’s good to come to the grower, see how it’s grown and make your selection.”

“Get your plants from a place that’s going to be able to take care of them, or a place that can help if you’re having trouble,” Chris said, noting that he and Leslie encourage customers to bring ailing plants in for assessment.

For more information, find “Green Thumb” on Facebook, follow @greenthumbglasshouse on Instagram or call 607-746-8840.

The Green Thumb is closed Monday and Tuesday and open year-round from 10 a.m. to 5p.m., Wednesday through Sunday.

Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday: 10am to 3pm • Friday and Saturday: 10am to 6pm CLOSED SUNDAY AND MONDAY

Gardeners know that spring is an ideal time to plan and plant their favorite flowers and most flavorful fruits and vegetables. However, seasoned gardeners know that gardening is a year-round commitment. Pruning is one of the keys to keeping perennials coming back for years to come, and fall is an ideal time to take on this important task.

Pruning perennials in the fall is not a one-size-fits-all endeavor. According to the Old Farmer’s Almanac, some perennials can be cut down after the first killing frost, while others can be left to benefit wildlife, including birds and insects. Understanding pruning and when to do it this fall can help gardeners lay a strong foundation for their gardens that will benefit them next spring.

Why should some perennials be pruned?

The College of Agricultural Sciences at Pennsylvania State University notes that perennials that have become diseased or infested with insects are pruned to prevent those problems from resurfacing in the spring. In addition, according to the Old Farmer’s Almanac, many herbaceous perennials have old foliage and dying stems after several hard frosts.

If dead foliage or dying stems aren’t pruned, disease, slugs and other pests can overwinter in the plants. Cutting these plants down to the ground after several hard frosts allows the base of the plant to remain dormant over the winter but makes the plant less hospitable to disease and insects.

Which perennials should I prune?

The first step to pruning perennials is to recognize which need to be pruned and which can be left intact for the win-

ter. The Old Farmer’s Almanac notes that bee balm and phlox are prone to powdery mildew and should be cut back once they’re gone. Hostas harbor slug eggs, so they, too, should be pruned after a hard frost. Hosta leaves that have fallen on the ground should be removed as well. There’s no need to cut back certain perennials if they’re healthy. For example, hardy geraniums do not require pruning in the fall, and Penn State Extension notes that hardy perennials like garden mums are more likely to survive a cold winter if they’re left intact. That’s because the tops of such plants will collect leaves and snow for insulation and moisture over the course of winter. Gardeners who are unsure about fall pruning can speak with their local gardening center for additional advice regarding which plants to cut back before winter.

When to prune perennials Gardeners need not rush to prune perennials in the fall. Diseased or infested plants can be pruned at the first sight of disease or infestation, but gardeners can wait until several hard frosts have occurred before they prune healthy perennials. In gardening parlance, a hard frost refers to when temperatures drop below 28° F. Several hard frosts kill the uppermost growth of most perennials, making this an ideal time to prune them.

Pruning perennials in fall can be the first step toward creating an awe-inspiring spring garden. - MCS

Home & Harvest - THE DAILY STAR | SEPT. 21, 22 AND 24, 2021

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