Shelby Shopper

April 21, 2022

Shelby Shopper Shelby NC

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Page 16 - shelby shopper & info - 704/484-1047 www.shelbyinfo.com Thursday, April 21-April 27, 2022 Spring Spring we welcome we welcome BUY ONE GET ONE FREE FREE FRESH WATER FISH FRESH WATER FISH (OF EQUAL OR LESS VALUE) (OF EQUAL OR LESS VALUE) Limit one per customer - Expires 5/31/22 - WITH THIS COUPON FINS FINS & CRITTERS CRITTERS YOUR PET HEADQUARTERS! YOUR PET HEADQUARTERS! Gift Gift Certifi cates Certifi cates Available Available 1008 GANTT ST. • SHELBY, NC 704-484-0600 Mon.-Sat. 10-6 CLOSED SUNDAY ISA #S0-5754A 24 Hour Emergency Services I'll Go Out on a Limb For You! I'll Go Out on a Limb For You! • Forestry Mowing • Stump Grinding • Plant Healthcare • Residential & Commerical 704-692-4202 704-692-4202 www.fi sherstreeservice.com "Family Owned & Operated Since 1974" 704-867-2847 LET US BE YOUR HIRED KILLER!!! LET US BE YOUR HIRED KILLER!!! TERMITES? ©CommunityFirstMedia hhpci.com Pest Control, Inc. & RESIDENTIAL COMMERCIAL ANT TERMITE KNOW THE DIFFERENCE FREE ESTIMATES! RESULTS GUARANTEED We Can Help! Homeowners enjoy gardening for many differ- ent reasons. In addition to add- ing beauty to a property, gar- dens can offset grocery costs by yielding tasty produce. They also offer impor- tant habitats and food sources for both insects and animals. While grow- ing a vegetable or flower garden can turn into a rewarding hobby, or even a passion, gardening also can be overwhelming — particu- larly when the results are less than stellar. Novice gardeners have scores of resources at their dis- posal, including the ad- vice of gardeners who have made mistakes and learned from them. The following guidance can make home gardens that much more successful. 1. Start small. You may have visions of an expansive garden growing rows of crops or acres of flowers. But it is smart to start small and build on what you find successful, which in- cludes plants that thrive in your lawn and garden. This also is beneficial if you are unsure of veg- etable yields. Several blooming plants produc- ing bushels of crops can be overwhelming, espe- cially if you can't get to harvesting or cooking them in a timely fashion. 2. Assess the soil. Plants need nutrient- rich soil to encourage extensive root systems and produce strong, hardy plants, according to the gardening resource GrowVeg. Nourish soil with organic matter, such as manure, compost, shredded leaves, and natural mulch. Add this organic matter in the off- season to give it enough time to be incorporated into the ground before spring. You can have your soil tested for pH and other characteristics that make it friendly or averse to plants at a local garden center. 3. Arm yourself with knowledge. Do you know how deeply to plant seeds and how far apart to space plants? Are you aware of the sunlight needs of certain flowers or plants? If not, read the packag- ing and do your research so your plants have the best chance of not only sprouting, but also sur- viving. Many people prefer to start seedlings indoors in late winter and then transfer those plants outdoors when they are stronger and more estab- lished. 4. Sit in your yard and observe. Watch the way the sunlight dances over areas of your landscape. Take note of which areas get the most sun and shade. This will help you plan what to plant and where to plant it. Vegeta- ble gardens tend to need ample sunlight to bear pick-worthy produce. You can give plants a leg up by growing them in opti- mal conditions. 5. Choose hardy va- rieties. Certain plants have been bred to thrive in your climate, including heat-tolerant plants for climates with sweltering summer sun. Consult with a local gardening center to figure out which plant zone you are in and which plants will do best within that zone. 6. Use rainwater. Rainwater contains fewer contaminants and additives than tap water, which can benefit garden plants. Collect rainwater in rain barrels and use irrigation systems to de- liver it to the garden. Home gardens can yield many gifts, from flowers to fruit. Begin- ners can utilize some time-tested strategies to increase their chances of planting a successful garden. T h e d e c i - sion to replace windows often comes down to aesthetics and necessity. Drafty windows can re- duce energy effi- ciency in a home, requiring HVAC systems to work harder to keep interiors comfort- able. The harder the HVAC must work, the more homeowners will pay in energy costs. Old windows also may be points of entry for water and insects. De- spite the importance of windows, Money maga- zine advises that new windows make up only a fraction of the home's total exterior "envelope," resulting in only about 5 to 15 percent of total en- ergy savings. But there are still plenty of reasons to in- vest in new windows. 1. Vinyl or aluminum may be best. Lumber is farmed rather quickly today and solid wood products may not stand up to elements as well as wood used a half-century ago. To avoid rot, vinyl windows often are an affordable and durable choice. Homeowners also have the option of wood windows with alu- minum cladding, which are long-lasting. 2. Moisture problems indicate windows need to be replaced. Conden- sation that shows up as fogging between double- pane windows or on the inside of windows indi- cates that the windows are starting to fail. If in- stalling a vapor barrier in the basement or crawl space, ventilating prop- erly when showering or cooking, or using a dehu- midifier indoors does not remedy the situation, it might be time to replace windows. 3. Windows add curb appeal. Beyond function- ality, replacement win- dows immediately update the look of the home and can improve curb appeal since they are one of the most prominent features on the exterior of a home. If a house needs an up- date, replacing windows and can be a quick and affordable update. 4. Consider other en- ergy-efficient upgrades. Sometimes older win- dows can be salvaged, especially if they are not damaged and only mod- erately drafty. Replac- ing panes, sash cords, weather stripping, and even glazing may be less expensive than replac- ing a window. Plus, older homes with attractive windows complement one another. To keep energy bills down, think about adding insulation to the attic and basement — which is a good idea even if you are replacing windows. 5. The wrong windows can adversely affect home value. The National Association of Realtors says homeowners get about 73 percent of their replacement window in- vestment back when they resell a home. But choos- ing the wrong windows might lower the value of the home. It's important to match the look of the original windows, includ- ing window material and the divided light pattern (the number of panes in each window) with the original windows. 6. Think about sound- proofing, too. When up- grading windows, also think about how certain windows can cancel out noises and make homes more soundproof. Some windows can help re- duce outdoor distractions like leaf blowers or lawn mowers. 7. Proper installation is key to longevity. Replace- ment windows are only as good as their installa- tion in many cases. Poor installation and orders of standard rather than custom sized windows could result in poor fitting and seals. Homeowners should carefully vet and review window replace- ment contractors to find the best professionals for the job. 6 ways to make your garden more successful 7 things to know before replacing windows

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