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Good-Bye My Fruit Fly: Banish Fruit Flies for Good
F
ruit flies are endlessly annoying, and they seem to appear out of nowhere. These black bugs like ripe fruits and thrive on richfructose products. Of course, you can shoo them away, but a more effective way is to do some cleaning and stock up on some pantry staples. Get ready for a fly-free life with these genius strategies!
CLEAN Fruit flies don’t appreciate clean surfaces. Therefore, keep yours as clean as possible. If you spill some lemonade or another sweet substance, clean it right away. Also, maintain the cleanliness of your sink by keeping it free of food particles.
MAKE AN APPLE CIDER VINEGAR TRAP What do you do if, even after cleaning, you still see fruit flies? Try using apple cider vinegar. Pour it in a bowl, top off with plastic wrap and a rubber band to seal the edges. Then poke small holes in the top. Of course, the bugs will be attracted to the sweet substance, and once inside, they won’t have a chance to escape the plastic wrap trap.
USE A PAPER CONE, VINEGAR AND RIPE FRUIT Put a little vinegar and a piece of very ripe fruit in a jar. After that, roll a piece of paper into a cone and stick it into the jar, putting the narrow opening down. The smell of ripe fruit will attract the flies into the jar, but the cone won’t let them get out.
LEAVE OUT OLD WINE
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Besides ripe fruits, fruit flies like the smell of wine. Leave out an open bottle with a leftover liquid, and the narrow neck will keep the bugs trapped. Try adding a couple of drops of dish soap for a better success.
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ORIT’S DRAPERIES & MORE www.oritsdraperies.ca
Exclusive curtains and draperies Decorative covers and pillows Bed sheets Old drapery renewal Large selection of draperies, fabrics and accessories from Europe Interior and fashion designer with 20 years of experience in Israel, Canada and the US.
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August 2019 To advertise in All About Home magazine please contact us
Our Services are: • Attendant Care - Personal Care, Grooming, Hygiene and Toileting, Nutrition, Medication Reminders, Mobility Assistance, Companionship, Transportation • Housekeeping: Meal Preparation, Laundry, Light Housekeeping, Grocery Shopping/Errands We help people to retain their dignity and independence. Russian, Hebrew, English.
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6 GIFTS TO GIVE A COTTAGE HOST
G
enerous friends who invite you to their cottages deserve a thoughtful and useful gift. Bring one of these great prizes with you next time you visit your cottage host!
Hudson’s Bay signature beach towel Nothing can be much more iconically Canadian than a beach towel in Hudson’s Bay’s patterned colour. This item will keep anyone comfortable after a dive in a chilly lake.
Something for the host’s pet If your cottage friend has furry friends, get him or her something like rawhide bones, catnip mouse or a waterproof LED collar.
Maple syrup candle This candle features pleasantly warm and sweet odour. Go for a clean-burning soy wax version.
Cheese knife Take some time to find a rustic cheese knife and give it to your host with a piece of local cheese. Then you both can sit back, relax and share.
Customized cutting board Cutting boards are always useful items, which help organize even a chaotic cottage kitchen. And a customized cutting board will add a touch of personality and family warmth.
A basket of garden goodness If you know that your host is planning a dinner, bring up a basket of vegetables or fruits and offer to help with the cooking.
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5
5 Secrets You Didn’t Know About Your Refrigerator
R
efrigerators. We all are familiar with these cooling systems, and we rely on them to store our food at the proper temperatures. However, how much do we really know about these popular kitchen appliances? Read on to discover some astonishing facts about your fridge.
1. YOU SHOULD CHANGE THE FILTERS REGULARLY Air filters ventilate the cooling space. To eliminate funky smells coming from your fridge, consider changing the air filter about twice a year. Your water filter should also be changed regularly so that you avoid drinking contaminated water.
2. REFRIGERATION DOESN’T ALWAYS KILL BACTERIA Generally, keeping your products in the refrigerator can prevent bacteria growth and keep your food fresh. Apparently, not all bacteria growth can be prevented. For example, some foodborne pathogens including Listeria can grow in refrigerated temperatures. So your best solution is to keep your fridge’s temperature at 40 degrees Fahrenheit or below.
3. THE RUBBER DOOR SEAL HAS AN IMPORTANT ROLE Also called gasket, the rubber seal that frames the inside of the refrigerator and freezer doors plays an important part in maintaining the freshness of your food. It hermetically
seals the door closed after each use, preventing warm air from getting inside your fridge. Just remember to clean it regularly.
4. OVER-STUFFING MAY CAUSE CONTAMINATION Does the fridge that’s overcrowded with food give you a sense of satisfaction? Well, you might want to keep your appliance from over-stuffing, as it can block air ventilators and encourage bad circulation, making it harder for cold air to reach your food and keep it fresh. In addition, putting too much food in your fridge also compromises its functionality, requiring more electricity and money.
5. NOVEMBER 15TH IS NATIONAL CLEAN OUT YOUR FRIDGE DAY The date was set up to alarm homeowners of the dangers of having spoiled food. When food particles in your fridge stay for too long, they may cause bacteria growth and infect your fresh food. Therefore, try to clean your fridge regularly.
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5 Medicinal Herbs Already Growing in Your Backyard
Interesting to note: Some studies show sage tea is effective for treating diabetes patients.
2. PEPPERMINT Mentha piperita
These herbs aren’t just for cooking— here’s how you can use them to treat ailments from asthma to anxiety. By Miles Schneiderman
A
t its core, most of medicine is still herbology, according to Dr. Jenn Dazey, naturopathic physician at Bastyr University’s Department of Botanical Medicine. And growing your own medicinal garden is easier than it might seem. In fact, you might already have one. Many common culinary herbs have a long history as traditional medicines.
How: Dry and eat the leaves, or brew them fresh in a tea. For all medicinal infusions, make sure to cover the tea with a lid for at least ten minutes before drinking to avoid the evaporation of critical ingredients.
Use it for: Relieving gastrointestinal problems such as irritable bowel syndrome, dyspepsia, colonic spasms, and gastric emptying disorders. Peppermint calms intestinal muscles and improves bile flow. How: The best medical use of peppermint comes from extracting the essential
Grow it: Sage is a perennial that thrives in hot, dry climates but will grow in some milder conditions. Plant it in sandy soil in a sunny spot.
1. COMMON SAGE Salvia officinalis Use it for: Cooling and drying body functions because of its phytosterols. This property makes sage useful in treating high fevers, diarrhea, and excessive sweating or phlegm, as well as throat inflammation, asthma, and bronchitis.
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3. CATNIP Nepeta cataria Use it for: Treating common psychological problems such as insomnia, anxiety, and addiction. It’s also a natural sedative for children, particularly when they are sick, as it helps soothe the stomach and relax the body. How: Dry leaves and mix with honey for eating, or brew in a tea.
radicals. This makes it an effective preventative for headaches, memory loss, strokes, and neurological degeneration. Research is being conducted on rosemary’s potential use in the treatment of conditions like Alzheimer’s and Lou Gehrig’s disease.
5. HYSSOP Hyssopus officinalis
Grow it: Catnip is a perennial that prefers rich, well-drained soil or loam and will grow in full sun or partial shade.
Photo from Shutterstock
oil. Crush the leaves, pack them into a lidded jar, and cover them with vodka. Leave the jar to steep, shaking occasionally; the longer it steeps, the stronger the extract. Strain out the leaves, leaving only the extract behind. Grow it: Peppermint will grow almost anywhere, but thrives in partial shade and in rich, moist soils. Interesting to note: Like all mints, the primary active ingredient of peppermint is menthol, which is why peppermint tea is an effective decongestant and expectorant. It can also soothe coughing and sore throats.
Interesting to note: Catnip can also be used as an insect repellant, although Dr. Dazey recommends avoiding it if you are planning to enter forests or jungles populated by large cats.
4. ROSEMARY Rosmarinus officinalis Use it for: Increasing capillary circulation and antioxidant levels. Its anti-inflammatory properties help reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease and other chronic diseases of the heart and blood. How: The most effective way of using it as a medicinal herb is brewing it in a tea. Grow it: Somewhere warm and humid. Rosemary thrives in dry, well-drained soil and fails in extreme cold. In climates with heavy winters, plant it in a container that can be moved indoors. Interesting to note: The carnosic acid active in rosemary helps protect against cellular and brain damage inflicted by free
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Use it for: Treating cuts, scrapes, and bruises. With its natural antiseptic properties, hyssop is effective for skin abrasions. How: Dice the leaves by hand or in a food processor to use in a poultice. Alternatively, boil the leaves and soak bandages in the strained mixture. Grow it: Hyssop is a perennial, droughtresistant plant. It grows best in warm, dry climates with well-drained soil and full sun exposure. Interesting to note: Hyssop has many other medical uses that date back to ancient times, though accounts differ on whether the hyssop we use today is the same plant referenced in the Bible’s Psalm 51. Source: www.yesmagazine.org
August 2019
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HOME MENTOR: How to Create a Calm and Peaceful Home
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o you feel peaceful when you walk into your house? In today’s busy world, stress often escorts you, and you should learn how to reduce it. Interestingly, your home can significantly contribute to your mental state either by nurturing you or leaving you exhausted. Luckily, there are some easy solutions to create a space where you can recharge. Let’s look at what transforms your house into your own sanctuary?
ALL ROOMS ARE ESSENTIAL Sometimes you start decorating a space in your house and leave it, intending to finish later. Unfortunately, those unfinished rooms weigh on your unconscious and bite off your energy as the undone tasks.
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Try to pay attention to each space in your house, making it aesthetically pleasing and inspiring.
BATTLE CLUTTER Clutter creates physical and emotional chaos. Not only can it leave you scrambling to find the metropass and important papers but it can bother you even when you are far away from home. Put a scheme in place and try to instantly declutter.
ALLOW ROOM FOR MESS It is barely possible and practically unnecessary to have a completely spotless and tidy house all the time. However, you can contain the clutter by assigning a dedicated space for it. Let it be a table where your kids can throw books and craft supplies, or have a basket to drop gloves, bags and whatever else you bring in on a daily basis.
COLOUR THERAPY
PLAY MUSIC
Colour can impact your emotionally, psychically and physically. Moreover, some studies report that it can change body temperature as well as appetite. Start to notice how various colours affect your mood, choosing those that make you feel happier.
When stress emerges, try playing relaxing music. Find the tunes that soothe the environment and make you feel better. Classic, jazz or soul music might be a good fit. In the morning, on contrary, turn on energetic music to get you moving.
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ONE CROSSTOWN
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“The original 1967 office complex exemplifies modern design principles with pronounced structure elements, vertical brick mullions, metallic panels, and tinted glass.”
Eglinton & Don Mills
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Occupancy 2023
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ALI NEZAMINIA
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Two gleaming towers of steel, glass and concrete emerge from podiums formed from the historic IBM building designed by John. B. Parkin.
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“The original 1967 office complex exemplifies modern design principles with pronounced structure elements, vertical brick mullions, metallic panels, and tinted glass.”
Babak Eslahjou Principal Architect
A new, master-planned community with 60 acres of space to live, work, play and thrive, coming soon to Eglinton and Don Mills. Discover life in Toronto’s largest parks, or go places with the new Eglinton Crosstown LRT just steps away.
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GRAND ENTRANCE
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3 SIMPLE WAYS TO ATTRACT PEOPLE TO YOUR OPEN HOUSE TV-TIME Is there a big game happening during your open house? Turn on the television to engage visitors to stay longer. After showcasing the house, you can sit in front of the TV and engage your attendees to discuss real estate (and sports).
INSTA-FRIENDLY Nowadays, social media is one of the most effective ways to catch the eye on your property’s listing. Try leveraging Instagram stories to showcase the home’s most attractive features. Consider hiring a photographer to supply your listing with great visuals.
A
n open house is one of the oldest and simplest ways to get prospective buyers to come out and see the property. Theoretically, all you do is put out a few yard signs around your neighbourhood, unlock the door and get people coming. However, the truth is, in today’s competitive real estate market, it is not quite so easy, is it? The goal is to make your house stand out in the best way possible. Get inspired by these creative tips to attract people to your open house!
GIVEAWAYS Who wouldn’t be excited about free stuff? Come up with a small gift to the first 15 guests so that you create an incentive for potential homebuyers to visit your open house. If you have a decent backyard, you can host a barbecue, showcasing your yard and getting prospective buyers to stay longer.
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in Vaughan Best Location utherford R & t s r u th a B
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Beyond the Beige: TIPS FOR CHOOSING A NEUTRAL PALETTE By Andrea Colman, Fine Finishes Design Inc.
E
very year, we seem to get caught up in the colour of the year. In the last decade alone, we’ve cycled through Pantone’s Ultra Violet, Greenery, RoseQuartz, Serenity (a shade of periwinkle blue), Marsala, Emerald, Tangerine and more. This year, the hot hue is Living Coral. While colour trends are fun to follow, they often change on a dime and can quickly date a home’s style. The lovers of neutral hues may be on to something. Many are naturally drawn to neutrals when decorating their homes. It’s the safe option preferred when listing a home for sale due to its wide appeal, and when choosing big-ticket items for the home that will not soon be replaced, such as floors. These are expensive to replace when a trend has come and gone, so this is where neutral selections work best.
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Designer Pick: Neutral and suits any style of home “Freshcut” Fuzionflooring.com Now, contrary to popular belief, neutral does not equate to boring. Here are some ways to liven up a neutral palette.
MATERIAL The typically soft, gentle tones we find in nature are about as “neutral” as you can get. As for the floors, wood and stone are my go-to materials, as they add subtle colour and texture to a space without compromising a neutral aesthetic. I like to think of wood and stone as the jeans of the wardrobe - dress them up, dress them down - they go with everything. Stone veneer has risen in popularity, delivering a look comparable to real stone but at a fraction of the price and weight. You can find an amazing array of stone veneer prod-
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pop. A neutral colour palette can be offset by a bold, geometric pattern to attract the eye and make a lasting impression. The hexagon reigns supreme in 2019, and it is a popular choice for tiles in kitchens and bathrooms, seen in backsplashes, showers and floors. The hot honeycomb motif can be found in a range of materials.
METALS
Beautiful wall detailing Erthcovering.com
Metal is a neutral element on its own, whether you prefer classic chrome or stainless steel, or you lean toward a more trendy gold finish. A great way to boost your neutral decor is to mix your metals within it. The combination of silver and gold instantly adds unexpected interest. Just make sure to match your finish - polished, brushed, satin or matte. Pick one and stick with it. Hudson Valley is one such company that offers a wide range of lighting options such
as this contemporary-style pendant that combines bold geometry with a trendy metal to modernize this neutral, white-onwhite kitchen - and it pairs beautifully with stainless steel. When it comes to trending colours each year, let the details speak to the trends. “Soft� elements such as window coverings, cushions, artwork and accessories can be changed out easily.
ucts on the market, from marble to more cost-effective stone veneer products from companies like ERTH Coverings.
PATTERN The absence of bold colour allows the shape and pattern to make your interiors
Andrea Colman is the Principal of Fine Finishes Design Inc. With almost two decades of reno & design experience, her full-service firm serves clientele throughout GTA, Ontario. The growing boutique design firm is known for creating stylish, harmonious and livable environments.
www.finefinishes.com
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August 2019
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7 Plants that Improve Your Home’s Air Quality
C
louds of dark grey smoke emitting from tall buildings, surrounded by a never-ending stream of cars and trucks.
That’s the sort of image the average person will most likely conjure up when being asked to describe air pollution. While this image of air pollution is both truthful and threatening, many people don’t realize that it doesn’t accurately depict the worst air quality you are likely to experience on a daily basis.
1. BOSTON FERN
Depressing news: is there any way to remedy it?
And it also does a pretty killer job at tackling benzene and xylene, pollutants that exist in car exhaust that like to creep indoors from attached garages.
Yes! It’s Mother Nature to the rescue. As it turns out, there are several types of plants that can act as natural air filters for your home!
So, where is the worst air quality?
How so?
Maybe in your own living room.
When plants absorb carbon dioxide, they do us a major solid by taking in some of the other nasty particulates from the air. Tiny microbes present in certain plant’s soil also work to clean the air, according to NASA.
That’s right. Your own sweet humble abode could be contaminated with stagnant and poorly ventilated air. Trapped with nowhere to go, this air wreaks havoc on your home and your health with its invisible cloud of toxicity. In fact, according to the EPA, indoor air pollution levels are generally 2 to 5 times greater than outdoor pollution levels. Un-
16
suspecting culprits such as furniture, candles, air fresheners, chemical-laden household cleaners, and even printers are all combining to make your home a pollution playground.
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Not to mention plants also make for some nice home decor. Let’s take a look at the top seven plants that make for the best natural air filters.
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The Boston fern reigns supreme when it comes to tackling formaldehyde, a byproduct of chemical-based cleaners and paints, among other things.
These plants require a little high maintenance, but caring for them is definitely doable. They love moisture and prefer to be watered regularly. This can be daily, depending on the moisture and humidity levels in your home. Boston ferns thrive in high humidity, indirect light, and a good soak down once per month.
2. SPIDER PLANT If you’re just starting to test out your green thumb, spider plants are a great place to start.
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Spider plants do a great job of combating some of the most common household air pollutants like benzene, formaldehyde, carbon monoxide and xylene, a solvent used in the printing, rubber and leather industries.
This hardworking plant loves the sun and makes the perfect piece of decor on a coffee table top or a kitchen window.
4. PEACE LILY
These plants are also pet-friendly and are just about as easy to regrow as they are to keep alive. All you need to do is cut off one of the “spiders” and place it in a new pot. Spider plants love cool to warm temperatures, indirect sunlight, and dry soil.
3. ALOE VERA
Choosy about the colour scheme of your home?
Don’t be confused by its name. This plant is anything but peaceful when it comes to dealing with harmful air pollutants.
Aloe vera is one of those plants that has so many superpowers that it practically deserves its own post. This easy-to-grow succulent helps your home say goodbye to both formaldehyde and benzene. It can do a lot more than just clean the air, however. Aloe vera can also help heal cuts and burns, soothe skin irritations, alleviate constipation, moisturize the hair and scalp, aid in digestion, and boost the immune system. All you have to do is crack open one of the leaves and make use of the gel inside. In fact, people have been making use of the aloe vera’s magical powers for thousands of years. Egyptians even referred to it as the “plant of immortality.”
The peace lily is capable of removing three of the most volatile organic compounds (VOCs)- formaldehyde, benzene, and trichloroethylene, and it also does a pretty good job of fighting off toluene and xylene, compounds found in many household industrial products.
You’re in luck with the chrysanthemum. This plant comes in nearly every colour of the rainbow other than blue. Just check when you’re buying that you’re getting the indoor variety and not the garden variety, as the garden one isn’t easy to maintain indoors. These bright flowers are huge fans of bright sunlight and low humidity. Just make sure
Another relatively low maintenance plant, the peace lily only requires some shade and weekly watering to thrive. What’s more, this plant gives you a friendly reminder when it needs watering by dropping its petals. Be aware, however, the leaves can be poisonous to pets and children.
5. CHRYSANTHEMUM Looking to give your home a splash of colour? Enter the chrysanthemum. A pretty plant that’s not afraid to go to town on some formaldehyde.
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August 2019
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to water them under the leaves to prevent fungal infections.
6. ENGLISH IVY Many gardening pros will warn to stay clear of the English Ivy for outdoor use, as it has a frightening ability to tear off gutters and damage your home’s exterior. But bring it inside and it chills out. This plant can filter out formaldehyde and also reduce airborne faecal matter particles. Its ability to climb as it grows also makes it an excellent decorative piece. The English Ivy loves moist soil and about four hours of sunlight per day.
7. WEEPING FIGS/FICUS
Native to Southeast Asia, the ficus also thrives indoors and can even grow up to 10 feet tall! This plant helps fight pollutants that are typically found on carpeting and furniture. The ficus prefers bright, indirect light, and can easily be transported outside when the weather conditions are warm enough. Natural Air Filters, The Bottom Line While these natural air filters can certainly make a dent in your indoor air pollution problem, it is always a good idea to invest in some man-made quality air filters as well. Source: www.articlecity.com
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The exteriors are also contemporary and bold, featuring brick, panelized cladding and large windows. Balconies with glass railings offer outdoor living space for the warmer months. Select homes come with gorgeous rooftop terraces.
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The exteriors are also contemporary and bold, featuring brick, panelized cladding and large windows. Balconies with glass railings offer ntemporary outdoor living space for the warmer , panelized months. Select homes come with ows. gorgeous rooftop terraces.
{
10%
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Register Today:
Deposit Structure: $5,000 with agreement Balance to 5% in 30 days 5% in 120 days
Tentative Occupancy: Spring 2022
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*Prices Subject to change without notice, Illustration is artist’s concept. Not intended to solicit persons under contract. All properties advertised herein may not be listed by Ali Nezaminia.
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Pre-construction Condos For Sale Est. Completion December 2022
SXSW CONDOS Vaughan (South Woodbridge) Now Selling! A luxurious collection of resort style condominiums & townhomes Sales office hours: Monday to Thursday - 12 pm to 6 pm Friday - Closed Saturday & Sunday - 12 pm to 4 pm
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CLOSE TO YORK UNIVERSITY More info on pages 46 & 47 Illustration is artist’s concept. Not intended to solicit persons under contract. All properties advertised herein may not be listed by Ali Nezaminia.
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iPro Realty Ltd., Brokerage, Tel: 905-507-4776, Fax: 905-787-8666
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Aurora 4 Bed., 4 Bath.
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Setting up your system is rarely very invasive, so even if you just want to grow some basil on your windowsill, you can.
Get Growing With Hydroponic Gardening
W
ithin the last few years, hydroponics has become a popular way to garden fast and efficiently.
And thanks to its low barrier of entry, you can start a hydroponic garden with ease. All you need for your brand new garden is the right system, atmosphere, and soil. Ready to learn more about how you can start gardening today? Keep reading. Get Growing With Hydroponic Gardening.
1. PICK YOUR SYSTEM Your first step in growing your gorgeous new greenery is to pick what type of system you want. Traditional gardening may require a bit less research, but the results aren’t as strong. Finding the right hydroponic systems will take a bit more time, but it’ll be worth it. Before you go about picking your system, let’s go over the two primary hydroponic systems. Media-based systems use flowing water and allow the plants to sway freely.
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That said, you’ll still want to follow the basics of traditional gardening. Make sure that your plants have plenty of access to direct sunlight. Water is only part of the equation, after all. You can’t expect your plants to grow in a dimly-lit area. You’ll also want to make sure you’re regularly maintaining your hydroponic system. This entails a few different things depending on which method you’re using.
Comparatively, water-based is exactly what you may think. It’s the closest thing you’ll find to the plant-in-pot gardening method. It may also use flowing water, but it depends on what you’re trying to grow. Both systems have their own unique sets of benefits. Determine the best system for your needs by considering the following few factors. ● First, what are you trying to grow? There are certain systems that are better suited for certain plants and vegetables. Lettuce, for instance, tends to grow better in a media-based environment. ● Next, where are you growing? If you’re going to grow in a greenhouse, you’ll need a different system than if you’re growing on your deck or for your walkway. ● Finally, what are your resources? This includes atmosphere, growing area, and types of soil.
2. FINDING THE RIGHT ENVIRONMENT The great thing about hydroponic gardening is that you can do it pretty much anywhere.
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If you’re using the drip method, for instance, make sure the pumps are working as intended. The same can be said of similar methods, such as the ebb and flow method or even the wick system. The latter system is great for those with a tight budget and little space. All you need to do is purchase a wick and let it drip onto your plants.
3. BUILDING OR BUYING? As you can see, hydroponic gardening is surprisingly simple. Now, you may be asking yourself whether to buy a system or build one of your own. If you buy a system, you’ll know exactly what you’re getting. No need to do the extra research about best materials. Just set your plants, water, and watch them grow. But building a system can be fun and make the project feel more personal. You can also build a system specifically for whatever type of plant you’re planning to grow. Now, what are you waiting for? It’s time to start growing! Whether you’re looking for better air quality or want to create your own garden, hydroponics make growing easy. Source: www.articlecity.com
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