Home & Garden Fall 2015

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Animals thatmay help your

gardenPlanning and maintaining a gar-

den requires a lot of effort, whichcan result in an aesthetically pleas-ing addition to the landscape. Butthat hard work can also fall victimto nature when local wildlife find agarden too mouth-watering toresist.In an effort to rid a garden of

unwanted pests, gardeners mayunwittingly scare away animalsand insects that might just protectthe garden from more ill-inten-tioned animals. Not every creaturethat scurries is out to get prizedpetunias or to devour tomatoes. Infact, many can prove beneficial togardens.

BatsBats have a bad reputation, as

people unnecessarily fear batsbecause they believe them to becarriers of disease. But many batsfeed off of insects or fruits and willnot harm a human. The averagebrown bat can eat 1,000 mosqui-toes in an hour, so it’s easy to seewhy bats are good to havearound. Mosquitoes are not only anuisance but also harbor poten-tially dangerous diseases. Batsalso may eat certain rodents,which can cut down on the num-ber of animals burrowing in ayard.

Continued on page 6

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SUNDAY, OCTOBER 11, 2015 ARGUS/ WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 14, 2015 INDEPENDENT ENTERPRISE

The expansion of waterwhen it freezes can puttremendous pressure on thepipes under your home, caus-ing them to break. Pipes that freeze are fre-

quently the ones exposed tosevere cold, such as outdoorhose bibs and swimming poolsupply lines. Pipes that run against exteri-

or walls that contain little orno insulation also are subjectto freezing, so it’s important toknow how your water linesare set up in your home.

What You Can DoThere are many steps to

take both before and duringcold weather to protect yourpipes from freezing.

The most important thing isto have a plan in action. Knowhow your water lines are con-figured and which ones maybe susceptible to damage. Consult with a local plumber

to conduct a run-through ofyour home. A licensed profes-sional will be able to walk youthrough your situation andgive you tips on where youneed to focus your attention. Here are some other helpful

tips recommended by theAmerican Red Cross: • Remove, drain, and store

hoses used outdoors. Closeinside valves supplying out-door hose bibs. • Open the outside hose bibs

to allow water to drain. Keepthe outside valve open so that

any water remaining in thepipe can expand without caus-ing the pipe to break.• Check around the home

for water supply lines locatedin unheated areas. • Look in the basement,

crawl space, attic, garage, andunder kitchen and bathroomcabinets. Both hot and coldwater pipes in these areasshould be insulated. • Consider installing specific

products made to insulatewater pipes, such as a “pipesleeve” or installing UL-listed“heat tape,” “heat cable,” orsimilar materials on exposedwater pipes. • Newspaper can provide

some degree of insulation andprotection to exposed pipes.

Even inch of newspaper canprovide significant protectionin areas that usually do nothave frequent or prolongedtemperatures below freezing.

• Keep garage doorsclosed if there are water sup-ply lines in the garage.• Open kitchen and bath-

room cabinet doors to allowwarmer air to circulate aroundthe plumbing. Be sure to moveany harmful cleaners andhousehold chemicals out ofthe reach of children.• When the weather is very

cold outside, let the cold waterdrip from the faucet served byexposed pipes. Running waterthrough the pipe — even at atrickle — helps prevent pipesfrom freezing.

Protect Pipesfrom Cold

Freezing pipes in thewintertime can becostly and danger-

ous to homeowners.What you do now inthe fall can help avoidthis problem.

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Preparing for Winter

Mow & Rake Even when the cool air

enters your neck of thewoods, it’s still necessary tocontinue mowing your yard.If your grass is still growing,you should still be mowing. Raking and lawn sweeping

your yard after you mow isnecessary to prevent sun dep-rivation from impacting youryard. By neglecting the areasof your lawn with built-upgrass on top, you’re ensuringyou’ll end up with unattrac-tive brown spots pepperedthroughout. Keep the clippings in check

by raking and removing yourgrass after every mow. Thisnot only helps your lawn lookgreat but prevents overwork-ing your mower.

Create a Compost PileThe fall season is an excel-

lent time to start your owncompost pile and can helpyou put your yard waste togood use. Start a pile of green leaves,

clippings and non-meatkitchen scraps close to yourgarden. Add a second layer ofbrown material such as gar-den soil, leaves and coffeegrounds before adding anoth-er layer of greens. Finally,add some garden soil to thetop and turn it throughoutthe season. You’ll end up witha rich, black pile of fertilizerfor next year’s garden.

Tend Your GardenYou may think your gar-

dening is done once you pull

the last carrot or onion formthe ground, but your gardenneeds regular maintenancejust like the rest of your yard. Remove any damaged

annuals and clear out debris

from flower beds. This fresh-ens up the appearance ofyour garden and helps pre-vent mildew and mold fromtaking over.

Another long mowing and landscaping season isalmost in the books but that doesn’t meanyour work is over. In fact, the key to a healthy

year-round yard is in how you care for it during thefall and winter months. Ignoring your lawn when thetemperatures change can mean even more work foryou when the springtime rolls around again. So getahead of the game now to help yourself in the longrun.

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The Garden ShedHAS YOUR BACKYARD BECOME AN EYESORE?

Add Paint Sometimes an outdated

shed that has seen better dayssimply needs paint. Specialmetal paints can even coverup rusty areas that immediate-ly draw your attention. Choosethe color you’d like your shed

to be and head down to thelocal hardware store. Opt for tough exterior paint

that can stand up to the ele-ments, and don’t forget a sep-arate color for the trim work.Royal blue or dark gray is

Are rusty metal or rotting wood the first things you noticewhen you head in for the mower? Then it’s time to spendsome time rejuvenating it this fall. With less than $100

and a creative eye, you can overhaul your favorite outdoor spaceinto one you can be proud of. Grab some paint and get ready toput in some elbow grease. You’ll be showing off your shedmakeover to anyone who comes for a visit.

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complemented wonderfully bypops of white door and win-dow trim. Consider matching your

home’s colors, too. If yourecently re-sided your homewith a new color, it may betime to make your outdoorstructures such as gardensheds and barns match.

Focus on the Inside Once the outside is swell, it’s

time to make sure you actuallywant to go into the shed.Incorporate shelving andsmaller storage units to allowfor more space. Hang yourweed trimmer from the studsof the wall and organize yourgas, oil and weed killer con-tainers to free up floor space. While painting the inside of

your shed probably doesn’tmake much sense, reinforcingit against the extreme hot andcold temperatures does. Add

some standard insulationbetween the studs. Staple aplastic liner to the studs andenjoy a shed that’s cooler inthe summer and warmer inthe winter months. Landscape Integration Pre-fabricated sheds are

more popular than ever. Youcan buy them with wrap-around porches, large interiorspace and even lofts. Withsome insulation and a powersource, they can even serve asguest houses. You can make them look

even better by adding land-scaping around them to makethem look like part of youryard. If your storage unit does-n’t come with a deck, build a6-inch platform. Add mulchedflower beds around the edgesof the shed to serve as bright,beautiful borders. The more you treat your

shed like an extension of yourhome, the better it will look inyour yard.

THE GARDEN SHEDContinued from page 5

FrogsFrogs and toads will prey on

insects and make the local insectpopulation more manageable. Toadseat mainly slugs, who feed on theleaves and fruits of many plants.Frogs and toads are attracted towater, so including a pond or anoth-er water feature in the garden willprovide them with a habitat theylike.

BirdsWhile it is true that some birds can

damage crops, many birds are con-tent to feed on insects attracted tothe garden, which helps to keepinsect numbers in check. Chickadees,for example, will dine on aphid eggs,while larger birds may prey on miceor other rodents or simply scarethem out of the garden. Jays and

mockingbirds are known to be feistyand can even deter dogs and catsfrom a yard. Hummingbirds will sipon the nectar of flowers and helppollinate plants.

SnakesSnakes in a garden can be discon-

certing to some people, but snakesare ideal predators who feed oninsects and rodents several timestheir size. Snakes are the right sizeand shape to invade the burrows ofpest animals.

Butterflies and beesButterflies and bees are responsi-

ble for pollinating the vast majorityof plants. Avoid using pesticides thatmay diminish butterfly or bee popu-lations. A beehive right next to a gar-den may not be practical, but don’tmake attempts to destroy it. Consultwith a professional beekeeper to seewhat can be done to move the bee-hive without destroying it.

ANIMALS THAT MAY HELP YOURGARDENContinued from page 2

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Best Crops for FallAs the sun starts setting on another pro-

ductive summer gardening season, it’stime to turn your attention to your fall

harvest. That’s right, you can grow bountiful produce inthe cooler fall temperatures. The key to doingso is in the preparation you put into planningand readying your garden for planting.There are many vegetable crop options thatthrive in the cooler weather of autumn, so youcan include fresh produce in your meals allseason long.Some fall vegetables even continue growingafter the first frost. As long as you’re preparedto check in on your crops during the coldweather months, it’s time to start plotting yourfall garden.

BeetsBeets are about the most robust and resilient

fall season plant you’ll find. They are inexpen-sive and non-temperamental, making for a ver-satile option in your garden. Another way theyare versatile is in how you can use both theroot and the leaves for various recipes.When planting these vitamin-rich crops,

don’t forget to dig deep so the plans stay cool.

It’s also recommended to not let the rootsgrow too long, as they can toughen the beetand make it harder to cook. CarrotsCarrots are the favorite autumn crop of

many because of their long shelf life — up toseveral months — and their crisp, vibrant tex-tures. In the southeastern or central parts of the

country, consider planting your carrots inSeptember and expect a late winter harvest.Let them grow to full size or pick them earlierat your convenience.

Broccoli According to Organicgardening.com, broccoli

is one of the best fall vegetables for the homegarden. Broccoli stands up to pests and canflourish in the colder months, as well as in thespringtime. Rich in vitamins and minerals, broccoli can

be started indoors from seed or planted out-doors.You may have more luck growing broccoli

indoors and transplanting it after a few weeksto help the plants stand up to the cooling tem-peratures in autumn.

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Broker/OwnerCell: 208-707-4440Office: [email protected]

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Apple Pie Recipe Is there anything better in the fall time than sitting down with a heaping hotslice of warm apple pie? Yeah, we didn’t think so. Making an apple is as easyas, well, pie. Follow the recipe below from Pillsbury to pull off your own ver-

sion. Don’t forget to compliment your creation with a scoop of vanilla icecream and cup of milk.

Ingredients

Crust: 1 box Pillsbury refriger-

ated pie crusts, softenedas directed on box

Filling:6 cups thinly sliced,

peeled apples

(6 medium) 3/4 cup sugar2 tablespoons all-pur-

pose flour3/4 teaspoon ground

cinnamon1/4 teaspoon salt1/8 teaspoon ground

nutmeg1 tablespoon lemon

juice

Directions

Heat oven to 425degrees Fahrenheit.Place 1 pie crust in

ungreased 9-inch glasspie plate; press firmlyagainst side and bottom.In large bowl, gently

mix filling ingredientsand spoon into crust-lined pie plate. Top with second crust. Wrap excess top crust

under bottom crust edge,pressing edges together

to make a seal. Cut slits or shapes in

several places in topcrust.Bake 40 to 45 minutes

or until apples are tenderand crust is goldenbrown. Cover edge of crust

with 2- to 3-inch-widestrips of foil after first 15to 20 minutes of bakingto prevent excessivebrowning. Cool on cooling rack at

least two hours beforeserving.

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Throw a Harvest Party A

re you looking forany excuse tothrow a party? How

about the change of theseasons? Say goodbye tosummer’s heat and helloto fall’s treats with a funharvest party at yourhome.

Think Pumpkins Is there a symbol that bet-

ter represents the fall seasonthan the pumpkin? Utilize thebrightness and shapes ofpumpkins in your decora-

tions, table centerpieces andeven your dishes. Mix insome uniquely shapedgourds on the tables or deckareas to give party-goerssomething to talk about. Fill a wheelbarrow with an

assortment of pumpkins andgourds. If you have friendsbrining over children, givethe kids their own pumpkinto design or color. Pumpkinsmean fun during your fallharvest party.

A Grand EntranceYou want your guests to

realize they’re at a harvest

party from the minute theypull up in your driveway, somake your entrance grand.Use autumn-shaded

streamers to mark your mail-box or front gate. Hang cor-nucopia-inspired collectionsfrom your front patio or buildDIY scarecrows out of strawand old shirts. Creativelyarrange pumpkins, gourds,apples and leaves aroundyour walkway and front stepsto draw your guests into yourharvest wonderland.

Think Fall FoodsWhat would a fall harvest

party be without the harvest? Infuse your party with fall

flavors and serve up recipesusing the bounty from yourgarden or local farmer’s mar-ket. Find new fall recipes to try

out on your guests — onesthat include apples, sweetpotatoes or pumpkins. Findfruits such as peaches that hittheir peak during the earlyfall months and incorporatethem into tasty pies. Fall isthe perfect time for a party tocelebrate the new seasonwith the ones you love.

Outdoor cleanupAutumn means leaves are

falling from trees and litteringlandscapes. Cleaning up leavescan be a time-consuming task,but it’s necessary to promotethe health of lawns and otherplants. Grass that is completelymatted down with leaves canbecome starved for light andmoisture, and lawns may evenrot when forced to spend win-ter beneath fallen leaves. One eco-friendly timesaver

is to shred leaves with amower (a manual mower ispreferable) and leave them astopdressing for the lawn. Aslong as the grass blades canbe seen within the leaves, thelawn should be fine. Shreddedleaves will decompose andadd necessary nutrients andorganic matter to the soil natu-rally. Leaves also can be used in

annual flower and vegetablegardens to improve the soil.Mulch made from shreddedleaves can be placed on thesoil around trees and shrubs.This helps to reduce weedproblems and protects rootsystems from harsh tempera-

ture fluctuations.

Clothing donationsIt’s time to pack away sum-

mer clothing and once againfill closets and drawers withsweaters and jeans. Beforepacking away your summerwardrobe, conduct an invento-ry to determine if there areany items you no longer use.Donate these items or usethem as rags when cleaning.Keep some short-sleeved

shirts accessible so you canlayer them under sweatshirtsand sweaters. The heat fromlayering will be trappedagainst your body and keepyou cozier, reducing yourreliance on HVAC systems tostay warm.

Home repairsCheck the roof for any miss-

ing shingles. In addition, lookfor spots where animals orinsects may be able to gainentry into your home. Sealthese areas and repair anyleaks. This will make yourhome more efficient later onwhen winter hits its stride.

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Autumn is upon us, and with the change ofseasons comes the fall to-do list that mustbe completed before the arrival of winter

weather. Many outdoor jobs are best completedbefore temperatures drop, while others can betackled indoors to help save energy and preparefor increased time spent inside the home.

Continued on page 14

Earth-friendlytips for autumn

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Remove window airconditioners for thewinter. If they can’t beremoved, seal themwith caulking or tapeand cover them withan airtight, insulatedjacket. If you haveforced-air systems,move furniture awayfrom the vents so thatair can flow betteraround the home andkeep it comfortable. Check weatherstrip-

ping around windowsand doors and makethe necessary adjust-ments. Installing addi-tional insulation alsocan help reduce ener-gy consumption. A few tips can help homeowners prepare for autumn in eco-friendly ways.

EARTH-FRIENDLY TIPSFOR AUTUMNContinued from page 13

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Look around your yard. Doyou see colorful trees andshrubs as the summer turns tofall? Are your eyes met withrich reds and fiery oranges? If not, it’s time to add somefall-inspired trees and shrubsto your landscape. Doing sorequires some basic knowl-edge of your location’s plant-ing recommendations and thetypes of trees and shrubs thatthrive there. Spend a Saturday morning atyour local nursery picking thebrain of its expert owner. Askquestions about planting,maintenance and colors, andthen make an informed deci-sion about where some newtrees and shrubs would fit bestin your yard. You’ll be gazinginto the vibrant glow of beau-tiful fall leaves and plantsbefore you know it.

Maple TreesSome trees are just made for

the fall. Able to withstandcolder temperatures andknown for dazzling with brightleaf colors in the fall, mapletrees can turn a hillside orbackyard gorgeous shades ofred, orange and yellow.

Some sugar maples can growup to 75 feet tall and 40 feetwide, so know how muchyour yard can handle beforedigging your hole. Vinemaples and Japanese maplescan give you a smaller, yetjust as striking, fall tree option.

PomegranateWhen it comes to smallertrees and shrubs, pomegran-ate offers a unique twist. Somevarieties produce edible fruit inthe fall, while others are strict-ly ornamental. Know which kind you havebefore taking a bite. Someproduce single colorful flowersthat form fruit, but not the

soft, juicy kind that you’relooking for. Either way, pome-granates can give your gardenor yard a burst of color just intime for the fall season.

BlueberrySpeaking of colorful, howabout adding a little blue toyour life? Blueberry bushescontinue to transform duringthe fall with leaves that turnyellow, orange or red. Both the northern and south-ern varieties are eye catchingbecause of their brilliant fallcolors. There also are ever-green types that feature someleaves that turn red and othersthat stay green all winter.

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Trees & Shrubs

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Acres upon acres of landscape maybe under siege this winter, and not byforaging animals looking for food. Soilerosion is a significant problem whenthe temperatures dip, as snowstormsand wind can blow unprotected soilaway. What’s more, when warmerweather returns, even more soil mayerode from spring melt and runoff.Unprotected soil that is exposed to

wet and windy weather can quicklydeteriorate. Especially harsh winterweather can cause soil to break down,subjecting the soil to erosive forces. Soilloss is wasteful and can compromiselandscapes, leaving lawns and gardenssusceptible to further damage. To com-bat poorly performing gardens, land-scapers may have to rely more heavilyon chemical fertilizers and supplements,neither of which is an especially eco-friendly alternative.Rather than reacting to the problem of

soil erosion, homeowners can takeproactive steps to protect soil before

winter weather has a chance to wreakhavoc. Composting can protect andimprove soil conditions throughout thewinter season.Some people see gardening as a

spring and summer activity. However, bymaking gardening a year-round effort —and choosing plants for all seasons —homeowners can protect landscapesand provide hardy habitats for wildlife.Speak with a landscaping professional

about which plants are hardy enough tosurvive through the fall and winter sea-sons. Certain ornamental bushes andshrubs can thrive in colder temperatures.Root vegetables, such as carrots andpotatoes, are viable in the wintermonths. Many people plant flower bulbsin early winter to protect the soil and toenjoy vibrant color upon the arrival ofspring. If your goal is to plant a placeholder

for spring crops or plants, cover plants,such as rye, are an ideal winter protec-tion crop.

How to prevent winter soil erosion

Home & Garden Fall 2015

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Transcript of Home & Garden Fall 2015