yard patio: An Unlikely Place to Find Free Seeds for Your Garden
- 05/04/17 07:07 PM
Free seeds and starter plants for your vegetable garden happily live in your refrigerator and pantry. Plant a potato and you’ll harvest a bagful; plant a single horseradish root, and you’ll grow a field of the eye-watering spice.
Theoretically, every fruit or vegetable seed in your kitchen can germinate and deliver baby produce. But some store-bought veggies are hybrids and produce offspring that look nothing like their parents. Others are irradiated to prevent insect infestation, or sprayed with anti-sprouting chemicals to prevent spoilage, which wrecks their ability to go forth and multiply.
Your best bet is to shop for produce in an organic market. Seeds (and tuberous … (0 comments)
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yard patio: How to Fix Tomato Problems?
- 05/02/17 06:43 PM
By now your tomatoes are in the ground, growing tall, setting fruit, promising a bumper crop of luscious fruit … or not.
Maybe your tomato plants are yellow and wilting, their leaves full of holes, their fruit half-eaten or marred with ugly brown spots. What’s a backyard gardener to do?
Take a deep breath, and let me help you. Here are common tomato problems and their cures (tip: prayer helps).
Blossom End Rot
Symptoms:Large, sunken, leathery brown spot on the bottom (blossom end) of the fruit.
Cause: Calcium deficiency or too little water.
Cure: Apply calcium sulfate (gypsum) or crushed eggshells to the planting hole. Water about 1 inch … (0 comments)
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yard patio: Do Swimming Pools Add Value to Homes?
- 04/26/17 07:03 PM
You can picture it now: cocktails in hand as you sit by the pool, grill fired up for an al-fresco dinner so it'll be easy to dive back in before dessert.
But you're getting an inkling that the cost might be a bit more than you thought, and now you're wondering, is this going to be dream that'll end up drowing in regrets? Maybe not, but maybe, yes. Depends on your expectations — because in most cases it's like buying a car, once it's yours, you'll never get the full cost back. Here's what you need to know.
When a Pool Makes Financial … (0 comments)
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yard patio: Do Home Remedies Work for Organic Lawn Care?
- 04/09/17 06:06 PM
We might love the idea of maintaining our lawns with non-toxic pantry products -- soda, vinegar, and dish detergent -- that help keep pesticides and other chemicals out of the environment while saving us a little money.
But do these home remedies really work as organic alternatives to traditional pesticides? And if so, do they really save money?
Not so much, say turf professors and pros.
“I wouldn’t waste my time,” says John Boyd, a University of Arkansas professor of weed science. “You can kill a weed with vinegar -- in the better neighborhoods they use balsamic. But it’s not all that effective or … (0 comments)
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yard patio: Start a Community Garden: Get the Community Involved
- 03/06/17 05:34 PM
A community garden can provide a fulfilling and useful way to bond with your neighbors, promote healthier lifestyles, add urban green space, and save money on food. A 4 x 16-foot raised bed within a larger community garden can provide $200 to $600 in produce annually, depending on climate, says Bobby Wilson, president of the American Community Gardening Association. But gardening is also hard work, not to mention the hassle of finding and coordinating hundreds of volunteer hours over the course of a growing season. Before you dig in, step back and look at what’s involved.
Your time commitment
As an organizer, you … (0 comments)
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yard patio: Swimming Pools: Alternatives to Chlorine
- 03/01/17 05:48 PM
Chlorine is popular because it handles the three main jobs in keeping a swimming pool clean: It sanitizes (kills bacteria and germs), oxidizes (controls organic debris from perspiration and body oils), and deters algae. The chemical is unpopular because it has a strong odor, reddens eyes, and causes allergic reactions in some swimmers.
There are alternatives to chlorine including bromine, ionizers, and ozonators, though with each you'll still need to use some chlorine. A fourth alternative is PHMB, which doesn't require the use of any chlorine. All four have drawbacks, including cost.
Chlorine is relatively cheap. How much chlorine you'll need depends on … (0 comments)
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yard patio: Start a Community Garden Find and Design a Site
- 02/19/17 06:35 PM
A well-designed and located community garden can make any neighborhood more attractive and even boost property values. A 2008 article in Real Estate Economics found that in New York City, a 6,000-square-foot community garden added 3.4% in value to a property located next to the garden. After five years, the same garden added 7.4% to property next to the garden and 1.9% to property 1,000 feet away.
Garden groups
Some 18,000 to 20,000 people nationwide, according to the American Community Gardening Association, are planting vegetables and flowers in parks, vacant lots, schools, office parks, and even cemeteries. If you’re looking for a perfect … (0 comments)
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yard patio: Evaluate Your House for a Deck
- 02/17/17 09:11 PM
In the summertime when the living is easy, there's nothing quite like a deck for cooking out, entertaining, or simply relaxing. In addition to boosting outdoor living space, a deck can be an asset when you sell your home.
More good news: Decks add living space at a fraction of the cost of fully enclosed living area. You'll pay $25 to $35 per square foot for a pro-built deck compared to $100 to $250 per square foot for an enclosed addition.
If you're a determined DIYer, plan on spending three to four weekends building a 14-foot-by-18-foot deck yourself. If you choose this route, … (0 comments)
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yard patio: What to Consider Before Building a Spa
- 01/29/17 05:22 PM
Once you've decided to install a pool, tacking on the additional amenity of an in-ground spa often makes economic sense. After all, builders are already digging up your yard. And because the spa uses the same plumbing and mechanical systems, it's cheaper to do it now than to add it later.
Expect to pay an additional $10,000 to $15,000 for a custom-built, eight-person spa. For about half that cost, you can buy and install a portable hot tub, a good option if you want the spa experience without the expense and hassle of backyard construction. There are a few considerations that are … (0 comments)
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yard patio: Plant Trees to Save Energy and Grow Value
- 01/09/17 05:26 PM
Trees don’t ask for much -- dirt, water, sunlight. Yet they provide a wealth of benefits: They improve the air you breathe, cut your energy bills, provide a home to wildlife, and they add beauty and value to your home in the form of curb appeal.
The Financial Benefit of TreesThe most tangible bang from your bark comes from energy savings. Trees properly placed around your home can reduce your air conditioning needs by 30% and save 20% to 50% inheating costs, according to the USDA Forest Service. The U.S. Department of Energy says three properly placed trees could save you $100 … (0 comments)
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yard patio: Smart Upgrades for Decks
- 12/08/16 06:39 PM
A deck is a great way to add low-cost living area. A professionally installed deck costs about $25 to $35 per square foot, compared to the $100 to $200 (and up) per square foot cost of an enclosed addition.
You can ensure you’re getting the most from this smart investment with low-cost add-ons and special features that increase your deck’s appeal, and that will make your deck one of your home’s most enjoyable living spaces.
Hidden Fasteners for Decking
For years now, deck screws have been the fastener of choice. (Nails, prone to popping out over time, are old news.) Deck screws come in … (0 comments)
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yard patio: Care and Maintenance of Your Deck
- 12/07/16 05:56 PM
Because decks are exposed to the elements all year round, it’s a good idea to establish a routine of upkeep that’ll protect your deck and prevent expensive repairs.
Here’s a simple maintenance schedule to help keep your deck safe, sound, and looking great.
Late Spring: Wash the DeckAn unwashed deck is an invitation to mold and mildew, which can cause rot. Here’s how to wash your deck:
1. Remove debris from between deck boards using a putty knife. Pay special attention to the areas where deck boards cross the joists -- the structural members underneath the decking.
TIP: For a makeshift extension that’s a real knee-saver, try pushing the handle of … (0 comments)
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yard patio: Save Money with Your Edible Garden
- 10/27/16 11:16 AM
Whether you’re trying to pinch pennies on your grocery bill or just hungering to eat healthier, having your own edible garden is the answer. The beauty of tending a backyard vegetable patch is that you can pick and choose what to grow, allowing you to customize a mix that suits your family’s palate — and gives you the greatest return on investment.
How much can you save with edible gardening?
A backyard edible garden will trim costs from your grocery bill while providing you and your family with the freshest produce possible. According to Bruce Butterfield, research director for the National Gardening Association, … (0 comments)
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yard patio: Smart Options: Decking
- 10/20/16 10:58 AM
If you’re planning a new deck or upgrading an old one, the decking material is the most important decision you’ll make. Not too long ago, redwood and cedar were just about the only options. Synthetics, such as composite and PVC decking, and tropical hardwoods, such as ipe and mahogany, offer ease of maintenance and longevity that put the traditional favorites in the shade.
These new contenders are pricier initially, but don’t have the annual maintenance costs of softwood decks. In some cases, the overall cost (initial costs plus annual maintenance) of a wood deck can exceed those of a composite or PVC … (0 comments)
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yard patio: Building a Rooftop Community Garden
- 10/17/16 12:05 PM
You’ll savor more than fresh, sun-ripened produce when you convert your condo or apartment building roof to garden space. You’ll also enjoy growing relationships with your neighbors as you work together to raise food that can reduce the annual food budget for each family of four by $200 to $300.
Rooftop gardens usually are planted in containers. This type of garden permits design flexibility that’s ideal for a rooftop location. With start-up costs as little as $5/sq. ft. when shared by five or six families, a rooftop community garden offers a good return on investment. You can achieve payback in three to … (0 comments)
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yard patio: Fencing: A Guide to the Options
- 10/11/16 10:55 AM
There are many reasons to install fencing. You might want to keep the family dog — or the kids — safely in the back yard. Maybe you’re looking to prevent intruders from entering your property, to increase your outdoor privacy, or to block an unpleasant view of your neighbor’s rusty collection of muscle cars. Perhaps you’re safeguarding your swimming pool or adding a boost to your curb appeal.
A fence can do any of these things — if you choose the right one. There are hundreds of different styles to choose from, plus a handful of different construction materials, each with their … (0 comments)
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yard patio: Above Ground Pools: Which Option is Best?
- 10/05/16 10:56 AM
A swimming pool may not add value to your home and property, but if you're wanting that backyard cooling-off spot, an above-ground swimming pool costs far less than an in-ground pool. At around $6,000 for a basic above-ground model versus $30,000 for in-ground, you'll spend 80% less, and you avoid the disruption of heavy equipment digging up your backyard.
Of course, if you select upgrades like patterned or textured liners, fancy stairs, and custom decking, you could up the price for an above-ground pool to $15,000 or more. At that point, it makes sense to consider an in-ground investment, which you may … (0 comments)
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yard patio: Save Money By Growing Fruit Trees
- 09/29/16 11:14 AM
Investing in a fruit tree is a win-win-win-win proposition. You'll save money on your grocery bill; you'll improve the health of your family by assuring an ample supply of healthy produce (which you can grow organically if you want); you'll enhance your landscape with a pretty spring-flowering tree; and you'll have the satisfaction of growing your own food. As a bonus, the whole family will learn a delicious lesson about nature and gardening.
“With fruit trees, the return you get on your input is quite a bit,” says Ron Perry, a Michigan State University professor of horticulture who specializes in fruit trees.
Your … (0 comments)
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yard patio: Yes, You Can Have a Lawn You Don’t Have to Mow
- 09/27/16 10:42 AM
A lawn might be lovely, but it takes a lot of hard work to make it so; you’ve got to mow, weed, thatch, reseed, aerate. Then repeat. If you’d rather spend more time enjoying the outdoors instead of working on it, switch to one of these low-maintenance grasses.
As a bonus, you’ll also save on your water bill because these alternatives use less water.
Low-Maintenance Turf GrassesIf you need grass for kids or pets, consider new "miracle" cultivars or blends. UC Verde Buffalo Grass, for example, delivers lush, silky blades that require little or no water once established, rarely need mowing, and need no fertilizer or pesticides. … (0 comments)
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yard patio: Landscaping Ideas for Your Front Yard
- 09/26/16 10:48 AM
A beautiful yard is a head-turner, no doubt about it. The good news is that even if you can’t tell a tulip from a turnip at the garden center, you can still create eye-catching curb appeal by paying attention to the basics of good landscaping. Ignoring your yard -- or doing something that’s out of character with the neighborhood — can jeopardize the assessed value of your home.
“We have several categories for design and appeal,“ says Frank Lucco, an appraiser in Houston. “That’s where we make those adjustments. Poorly maintained landscaping can be as much as a 5% or 10% deduction.”
Although … (0 comments)
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Free seeds and starter plants for your vegetable garden happily live in your refrigerator and pantry. Plant a potato and you’ll harvest a bagful; plant a single horseradish root, and you’ll grow a field of the eye-watering spice.
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