The Press-Dispatch
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C-10 Fall Home Improvement Wednesday, September 30, 2020 The Press-Dispatch tools | hardware | equipment | building plumbing | electrical | lumberyard paint center | locksmith | decorating center 2001 E Broadway, Princeton | 812-385-3479 Hours: Monday-Friday 7am-5pm, Saturday 7:30am-Noon Everyday Low Prices & Unbeatable Service The Nuts, Bolts & Beyond for a Picture-Perfect Home Gardens provide an idyl- lic escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. In fact, many gardening enthusi- asts typically cannot wait for the spring thaw so they can spend the next several months tending to their plants under the warm sun. But a garden- er's work is never truly done, and the work to make gardens stun in the spring actually be- gins during the preceding fall. Preparing gardens for win- ter is an important step that can help homeowners en- sure their gardens return to full strength in the spring. The tasks necessary to pre- pare gardens for winter may depend on what homeowners are planting, but the follow- ing are some general main- tenance suggestions that can keep gardens safe this winter. • Remove weeds and de- bris. Weeds and debris are unsightly and detrimental to plant life in spring, but they al- so can be harmful in the win- ter. Weeds and debris left to linger in gardens through the winter provide overwintering spots for insects and can con- tribute to disease. So it's im- perative that weeds and de- bris are removed before the ground hardens in winter. Don't wait until the ground hardens, as that can make it hard to remove the roots of weeds, adversely affecting the garden as a result. • Prepare the soil. The Farmer's Almanac advises homeowners to gently till the soil in their gardens so they can expose any insects before they settle in for the winter. Once garden soil is exposed, add a layer of compost, leaves, aged manure, and, if neces- sary, lime, gently tilling it in- to the soil. According to the North Carolina Cooperative Extension, the only accurate way to determine if lawn or garden soil needs lime is to test it. Lime makes soil less acidic and reduces soil pH. Low soil pH makes it hard for certain plants to grow, but acidic soil is ideal when grow- ing blueberries. Test the soil for lime and amend it depend- ing on what you hope to grow in the spring so it's ready to thrive when winter ends. • Remove dead or diseased plants. Dead or diseased plants should not be left in the garden through the win- ter. These plants can attract insects and are vulnerable to disease, which can make it hard for the garden to thrive in the spring. • Protect fruit trees. If you have fruit trees, install mouse guards around the base to prevent mice and voles from killing the trees over the winter. If left to their own de- vices over the winter, mice and voles may eat the bark of fruit trees, killing the trees as a result. The Farmer's Alma- nac notes that mouse guards made of fine mesh hardware cloth can effectively protect fruit trees from hungry mice and voles over the winter. A gardener's work is never done, and the work to create beautiful spring gardens be- gins in the fall. IT'S TIME TO PREPARE your garden for winter FIX WET SPOTS in your home's landscape Grass that is greener than green coupled with perfectly manicured shrubs set the tone for impressive curb appeal. Creating such landscapes requires hard work, and while doing such work, homeowners may find they have to contend with certain issues that are adversely affecting their lawns and gardens. Wetness in a landscape is one problem ma- ny homeowners encounter. Wet areas in a lawn not only become muddy and messy, but they also can cause permanent damage to the grass. Puddles can kill the roots, while wet spots can freeze and damage the lawn. Particularly problematic spots can remain soggy for days, while some people find their yards are seemingly always wet. Wet spots can be caused by various fac- tors. Compacted soil may prohibit adequate drainage, as can heavy clay or less porous soil materials. Landscape grading issues may be another concern. Neighbors who have home downspouts that extend into their yards may be pushing roof water into oth- er areas, contributing to puddles and prob- lems. Understanding what is causing the is- sue makes it easier to treat. Heavy, compacted soil can be aerated and amended with sand and compost. Tilling the soil and mixing in these soil additions may help prevent further drainage issues. Homeowners may need to have their property professionally regraded to allevi- ate wet issues. Otherwise, the installation of a drainage system may be necessary. An underground trench or pipe can redirect wa- ter from wet areas to sewers. (Check with lo- cal municipalities about the legality of drain- ing water properly.) Another potential solu- tion is to build up low-lying areas that collect water with soil. Homeowners who want the path of least resistance may consider embracing the wet spot of their landscape by turning it into a man-made pond. Lining a pond and installing an air pump will help circulate the water and keep it from becoming a breeding ground for mosquitoes in the spring and summer. Water issues in a landscape can be a tough nut to crack. But identifying the problem can help homeowners resolve soggy lawns and landscapes. Locally-owned and operated with generations of heating and cooling experience. The knowledge has now been passed to a new generation. My name is Cameron Schlomer. I am here to provide quality and timely HVAC services to you and your family. Be sure your home is ready for the upcoming seasons by calling 812-881-6307 October Special: $60 Furnace Checkup Additional parts or service cost extra. Expires Oct. 31, 2020