The way to Kill Moss on Pavement

Moss grows on shaded, moist stretches of pavement, such as sidewalks and driveways. Even though the moss may appear harmless, it can accelerate deterioration of the surface because of all the moisture it traps. In addition, it can look unsightly by leaving behind green or brown stains. Killing the moss and removing the stains helps make the pavement appear pristine again, however, the surface will need ongoing maintenance to be certain the moss does not return.

Spray the sidewalk with a strong blast of water from a garden hose sprayer, thoroughly wetting the area covered in moss. In case you have one, then use a pressure washer, which might get rid of all traces of the moss.

Dilute 1 part flammable bleach in 9 parts water. Alternatively, use a commercial cleanser formulated for moss removal, following package directions. Cover the moss with the bleach or cleaner alternative.

Scrub the sidewalk using the bleach and a rigid deck brush before all signs of the moss are gone. Use a handheld wire brush to work the moss out of cracks and seams in the pavement.

Wash the pavement with clear water. Bleach and moss cleansers can damage nearby plants as the water runs off the sidewalk, so handle the rinse water so it will not come in contact with your own plants.

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The way to Landscape With Dianthus

Dianthus plants, commonly known as “pinks” in reflection of this pinked or zigzag-patterned petal edges, provide the lawn with an extract of fascination. These herbaceous blossoms are both visually beautiful, with their blossoms in hues of pink, red, lavender or white, and fragrant, with spicy scents in the atmosphere. In their vast array of alternatives, you should decide on a plant that thrives in your specific region. Dianthus plumarius does well in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 3 through 9, while “Parfait” pinks (Dianthus x “Parfait Series”) perform well in all USDA hardiness zones.

Incorporate Dianthus plants at the front of garden borders. Plant low-growing plants, like “Parfait” pinks, such as a burst of color that helps to anchor plants that are taller. These plants attain a height of 6 inches to 1 foot. Add Dianthus plants to borders containing company plants, like snapdragons, for additional visual interest.

Landscape using Dianthus plants as ground cover using a mat-forming species for visual interest in the lowest point of the landscape. Plant Dianthus plumarius because of its gray-green evergreen foliage, height of up to 1 1/2 feet and aromatic 1-inch flowers in colors like purple and white.

Grow taller varieties with bold color as a focal point in the garden for greater visual impact, like “Can Can Scarlet” (Dianthus chinensis “Can Can Scarlet”) to its bold red colour and height of up to 1 1/2 feet or “Ideal Violet” (Dianthus chinensis “Ideal Violet”) for its purple colour and stature of up to ten inches.

Plant Dianthus plants that attract butterflies to the garden, like “Parfait” pinks. Landscape with these flowers by putting them using a transparent view from a window so you could enjoy visiting butterflies whether you’re indoors or out.

Landscape using Dianthus flowers as mass putting for added dimension within the garden. Pick Dianthus plants that work well when positioned near one another for an expanse of visually satisfying flowers. Plant Sweet William (Dianthus barbatus), for example, which exhibits flowers in pink, red, white and bicolor, reaches a height of 2 feet and a spread of 1 foot, and also thrives in USDA hardiness zones 3 through 9.

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The very best Soil Forms

There is no ideal soil type. The rich clay preferred by a single plant may be too thick for the roots of the other. However, every soil type could be maximized to help plants thrive. Soils are divided into four general types based on the particles located in the mixture. Adding the right amendments enable you to transform mediocre soil into a good growing medium, regardless of what sort of soil you have to work with.

Sandy Soils

Most of the coastal areas of California feature soils with a high sand content. Sandy soils don’t stick together and are easy to turn, allowing for strong root growth. They drain quickly and provide plenty of air pockets to help plants that are prone to root rot, but this can make it hard to keep plants sufficiently watered. Sand does a poor job of holding nutrients too. The University of California Cooperative Extension Master Gardener Program recommends combining manure and aged compost into light, sandy soils to retain water and add much-needed nourishment.

Clay Soils

Clay is composed of extremely fine particles that pack together tightly. This leaves very little room for atmosphere and makes water drain very slowly. Many gardeners struggle to turn deep, dense clay soils. The tight composition of the type of soil can be beneficial since it retains nutrients better than other soil types. The Missouri Botanical Garden says that mixing in peat moss, aged sawdust or decomposing straw can loosen up tight soils and support drainage.

Silt Soils

Silt particles are larger than clay particles but smaller than pieces of sand. This soil component feels silky when wet and lacks the stickiness of clay. Silt is frequently found at the bottom of ponds and other bodies of water. Soils that have a lot of silt provide lots of nutrients for crops without limiting air flow around the roots, in accordance with National Geographic. However, these small particles are easily compacted and slow to drain if insufficient organic matter is combined in. Silt needs the identical sort of organic amendments used for clay soil to improve the texture.

Loam

Many gardeners believe rich loam to be the ideal garden soil. Loam unites all three soil particles with lots of organic material to form a mixture that’s loose, drains at a moderate pace and supplies a lot of air flow. The high organic matter content and parts of clay and silt make sure that loam has lots of nutrients. Most plants can thrive in loam, even if they also develop in thicker or looser soils. Amendments can allow you to make clay, silt or sand soils more like loam.

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How to Lay Sod from the Color

Whenever you have shaded areas in your lawn you have to sod, deciding on the correct variety of sod will help succeed. Shade-tolerant varieties that will thrive in less than four hours of bright sunlight daily include St. Augustine and zoysia. St. Augustine grows in U.S. Department of Agriculture hardiness zones 8 through 10 and zoysia grows in hardiness zones 5 through 10. Verify the sod variety you choose is rated for shade before spending time and money on installation. The wrong selection of sod might result in poor growth and bud discoloration.

Till the place to a depth of 6 to 8 inches. This will loosen the soil to help with root institution of the new sod. Rake the soil to smooth the region, and remove any vegetative matter and stones.

Distribute a 1-2-1 lawn starting fertilizer evenly over the region with a broadcast spreader in the rate of 1/2 lbs for each 1000 square feet of distance. Work with a lawn roller filled with water over the region to pack the fertilizer into the soil and smooth the planting area.

Sprinkle the soil to moisten it to your thickness of 1/4 inch before placing the sod.

Unroll the sod, starting at the longest right area of the lawn. Stagger each roll to create a brickwork layout across the lawn. The short edges shouldn’t line up with additional. Push each sod strip close together so there are no gaps between the seams.

Inspect the sod installation place, and pack topsoil to any gaps or divots to create a smooth surface. The grass roots will spread and fill in the empty places.

Roll the newly laid sod with a lawn roller filled half-full of water to push the roots to the ground underneath and help with root institution.

Water the sod immediately after installation to saturate the roots system with approximately 1/2 inch of water. Set a tin can under a sprinkler to measure the total amount of water being applied to the ground. Apply 1/4 to 1/2 inches of water to the sod each day for the first month when there is no rainfall to promote root institution. Shaded places hold moisture in the ground longer and may need less frequent water programs after root establishment.

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Greenhouse Lighting Requirements for Rumors

Rumors (Solanum lycopersicum) are warm season vegetables which grow best in full sunlight and warm summer temperatures. Although commercial greenhouse manufacturers in Canada and Europe absorb the higher prices of power necessary to cultivate ocean tomatoes under approximate lighting, growing them in sunlight lighting below 15 percent of summer lighting is typically not practical in the USA. For dwelling growers, the expense of supplemental lighting compared to yield is much more prohibitive. But growers in warmer climates can achieve good yields of strawberries in winter lighting.

Spring and Fall Harvest in Warm Climates

In California and other states with sun and mild temperatures in the winter, house growers can harvest good crops of greenhouse tomatoes between November and May. High daytime temperatures and increased sunlight from mid-May during September produces poorer greenhouse tomatoes. California growers can expect a return of 8 to 10 pounds of strawberries per plant during a two to three month period from the fall along with 15 to 18 pounds of tomatoes per plant in a 4- year into 5-month-long spring harvest.

Spring Harvest at Cooler Areas

Because of the high price of supplementary lighting, growing winter tomatoes in greenhouses isn’t wise in northern nations which have short days and low sunlight. But growing and harvesting greenhouse tomatoes in the spring is practical in areas that have spring sunlight and heating prices low enough to maintain nighttime temperature between 60 and 62 degrees Fahrenheit.

Achieving Maximum Natural Light

Growers in areas with enough winter lighting to grow greenhouse tomatoes typically find their greenhouses north to south and away in the shade of buildings and trees. Rows of strawberries running north to south get an even distribution of lighting during the day. Northern walls painted white will reflect light back onto the strawberries. Painting inside surfaces white and placing reflective white vinyl over the ground between rows of strawberries help maintain light intensity.

Supplemental Lighting

The benefits of using metal halide lamps to provide supplementary lighting is marginal because the lights consume high amounts of power. Oregon State University horticulturalists state at least 650 footcandles of light on tomato foliage is needed for normal growth and a full crop of tomatoes. A 1,000-watt metal halide will yield about 600 footcandles over an area of 112 square feet. That quantity of lighting would yield a minimal crop of tomatoes and about 32 such fittings would be needed for a 30-by-120-foot greenhouse. The cost of maintaining these lights will be different according to regional differences in the expense of power.

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How to Care for Indoor Potted Majesty Palms

Majesty palm (Ravenea rivularis), is a robust, low-maintenance tropical palm with graceful, feathery fronds. Majesty palm is a warm-climate tree acceptable for growing outside in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 10 to 11. Even though the palm produces a beautiful indoor plant in warmer climates, it may eventually become too large, as older trees reach heights of 15 to 20 feet.

Water majesty palm whenever the surface of the soil feels slightly dry to the touch, but never let the soil become completely dry. Water thoroughly, then let the pot drain prior to returning the grass to the drainage saucer, as the plant may develop stem decay and other diseases in soggy soil.

Fertilize majesty palm every 3 months during spring and summer, employing a general-purpose, slow-release fertilizer based on the directions on the label. Avoid excessive fertilization, which may result in spotted foliage.

Place a majesty palm where it will acquire bright, indirect sun, including an east-facing window or a spot three to five feet away from a sunny window. Avoid bright, intense sunlight, which may scorch the leaves.

Protect majestic palm from chilly air from doors, doors windows or air conditioning vents. Even though majesty palm tolerates temperatures as low as 35 degrees Fahrenheit, it prefers normal room temperatures between 70 and 80 F during the day and about 10 F cooler at night. Throughout the winter, cooler temperatures — between 55 and 60 F — tend to be safer.

Repot the majestic palm I to your container one size larger when the plant outgrows its grass, typically every two to three yearsago Do not repot more often than necessary, as fingers perform best when their roots are slightly crowded.

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What to Ask When Purchasing Faux Wood Blinds

Faux wood blinds, which imitate the natural warmth and glow of timber, are made of vinyl, plastic polymers or wood mixture. They have a lot of benefits over wood blinds in that they charge less, are longer-lasting and durable, are immune to heat and dampness, and won’t crack, split, warp or decay. An attractive addition to any house, you might wish to take into account a few factors before buying faux wood blinds to make certain they will meet your window-covering needs.

Window and Slat Size

The appropriate slat width is based on the size of the window and also the thickness of the window sill. Select 1/2- to 1-inch slats for smaller windows or for those mounted within narrow window frames. Choose 2- to 2 1/2-inch slats for medium to big windows to keep them from appearing disproportionate. Make sure slats will fit snugly in an inside mount, and use an external bracket to adapt wider slats. For big windows, multiple blinds must be mounted on one head rail to decrease strain.

Privacy, Light Control and Safety

Smaller slats block sunlight when they’re shut, but they might obstruct more of the view when they’re open. Broad forks are a much better option when an airy and open atmosphere is desired. Route-less or no-hole options eliminate cord holes and provide blinds better light and privacy controls. Fabric tapes also eliminate holes and add a decorative touch. Consider cordless lights or string cleats to decrease security risks to pets and children brought on by loose cords.

Layout, Theme and Colour

Faux wood blinds come in a diverse range of colors and textures that match any decor scheme. Select textured colors in earthy tones which resemble natural wood for a rustic appearance. Soft, warm colors and smooth slats utilize modern or traditional designs; lighter colors like creams and whites create a bright and airy Nation Cottage atmosphere. Try soft greens, greens, and tans with creamy whites or yellows to catch a soothing coastal ambiance.

Maintenance Options

Faux wood blinds are easy to care for and keep looking their best. Check the manufacturer’s directions before applying any products to wash out the slats. A moist cloth with warm water and a small quantity of a mild detergent like dish soap is generally enough to keep the slats and hardware clean. Use your vacuum cleaner’s brush attachment to remove dust and loose dirt. Avoid using synthetic sponges or cleansers because this might damage the synthetic wood surface and cause water to seep into the material.

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Shelf Life of Olive Oil and Lemon Juice Wood Polish

A homemade wood furniture polish gives a safe, natural alternative to chemical- and petroleum-based polishes. A easy polish made of olive oil and lemon juice excels furniture and offers a comfortable lemony odor, evoking an nature of clean air. Because the polish contains actual lemon juice, it should be used within a couple of days or stored in a refrigerator to guarantee freshness.

Polish Recipe and Shelf Life

Make your own lemon-scented furniture shine using one part lemon juice, two parts olive oil, or the juice in 1/2 of a lemon mixed into one cup olive oil. Any inexpensive, unflavored olive oil will do. Mix the ingredients in a jar with a tight-fitting lid, like a mason jar. Secure the lid tightly and shake the jar to mix the liquids. Lemon juice may go rancid after a couple of days, so mix only what you feel you may utilize in that amount of time, or store the mixture from the refrigerator after use, allowing it to warm back to near room temperature before using it. In the refrigerator, the homemade polish lasts at least a few weeks. If it still looks and smells good, it’s. If it smells rancid or looks moldy, discard it.

Applying the Polish

To utilize the homemade wood shine, twist the jar lid tightly closed and shake the jar to mix the materials. Pour some of it onto a lint-free white fabric; then stain the fabric onto the wood. Rub in the fluid, generally following the grain of the wood. Wipe excess away with a dry cloth. Test the shine in an inconspicuous area first to make sure that you are delighted with the results.

Shelf-Stable Substitution

To adapt your lemon furniture polish so that it continues without refrigeration, substitute lemon essential oil for your lemon juice. Essential Oil carries the exact same pleasant lemony odor in concentrated form and continues indefinitely, even without refrigeration. Use 10 to 20 drops of essential oil from the mixture for starters; include a couple more drops for a more powerful odor, if you would like.

Polish Plus Cleaner Recipe

To clean and polish wood at precisely the exact same time, mix two parts white vinegar, 1 part olive oil, and only enough lemon juice or lemon essential oil to add odor, like 10 to 20 drops essential oil or one tablespoon lemon juice per cup of combined vinegar and oil. Shake the mixture in a sealed jar; then rub it over the wood using a soft, lint-free fabric. Adjust the recipe as desirable to make the process more or less oily, depending on the dryness of the wood. If using lemon juice, store it in a refrigerator or utilize it within a couple of days.

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Buffalo Gnat Deterrent

Like its mammalian namesake, the buffalo gnat includes a hunched back and stocky build. The small insect, also known as black fly (Simuliidae), uses its scissorlike mouth parts to cut the skin and suck a blood meal. Although black bows’ pesky cousins, mosquitoes, often bite at dusk, black bows feed throughout the day, making it hard to function at a garden and enjoy other outdoor activities. Black flies breed in running water, such as streams and creeks, where their larvae grow. This preference, along with the adults’ ability to fly a few miles away from their breeding habitat, makes control of this pest difficult. Keep black flies from biting pest repellents and protective clothing.

DEET-Based Repellents

Insect repellents containing the active ingredient DEET (N,N-diethyl-meta-toluamide) are effective at preventing black fly bites. Concentrations of DEET vary by product, with higher concentrations supplying repellent properties for extended periods. A 5-percent solution provides about 90 minutes of protection. Concentrations above 30 percent can lead to skin and eye reactions. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency signals no hazards to human health exist with the appropriate use of DEET. Avoid applying DEET-based repellents on injured skin. Even though the products are usually safe for children, avoid accidental ingestion by not applying them to their fingers or near their mouth or eyes. Just like all pest repellents, wash off DEET products thoroughly before eating and when returning indoors.

Picaridin Repellents

Introduced in the USA in 2005, pest repellents containing a pepper derivative known as picaridin tend to be as effective as DEET-based repellents in preventing black fly bites. Picaridin is a relatively new repellent and may be more appealing to use than DEET because it is odorless, non-greasy, non-damaging to plastic and other synthetic substances and doesn’t seem to have the skin-irritation possibility of DEET. Picaridin remains effective for four to eight hours.

Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus Repellents

Repellents using the active ingredient oil of lemon eucalyptus will help discourage black bows but for a shorter time than the usual DEET-based repellent. The oil is derived from your lemon-scented gum eucalyptus tree (Eucalyptus citriodora Hook) and chemically processed to p-menthane-3,8-diol, abbreviated PMD. PMD is not safe for children under the age of 3 decades. Avoid contact of this oil with eyes because it is an irritant.

IR3535 Repellents

Registered for use in the USA in 1999, IR3535 (ethyl butyl acetyl aminoproprionate) is somewhat helpful in deterring black flies. Insect repellent formulas that are 10 to 30 percent IR3535 are usually effective against biting insects, such as black flies. The compound IR3535 is a known eye irritant and can dissolve plastics, but it also poses several health hazards.

Non-Chemical Protection

If you want to avoid using chemical repellents, then wearing appropriate clothing and preventing peak pest activity will keep black flies from biting you. Wear light-colored clothing because black flies are attracted to dark colours. Tuck your long pants into your socks, wear a suede shirt along with a hat when working in your lawn. Black flies are most abundant in late spring and early summer, and they are inclined to bite most frequently on overcast, humid days with little wind.

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Feng Shui Fix for a Bedroom Next to the Bathroom

En suite bedrooms, also known as a master bed and bath package, have been a staple feature of house building since the mid-20th century. However, according to feng shui — the ancient art of creating a harmonious surroundings — difficulties are presented by this layout unless it designed. Feng shui seeks to maximize the flow of chi, the very important life energy, throughout the house. The chi flow can be interrupted by Putting a bathroom or guide it in manners that are inharmonious.

Why It’s a Problem

En suite bedrooms appeal to homeowners that want to create a private retreat away from the bustle and sound of the household. Putting two incompatible actions — rejuvenation and the rest associated with the functions of the bath — in precisely the same area contributes to challenges that are practical in addition to energetic. When a few shares the package, the light and sound of pipes flushing from the bathroom can disrupt sleep. Also, according to feng shui, pipes station powerful chi, although the watery energy of the bathroom leads to an ungrounded feeling. Since we spend one third of our life in the bedroom, the stress from such adverse conditions can be draining, especially for sensitive men and women.

Best Bathroom Feng Shui

Improving your bathroom’s feng shui is important regardless of where in the home it’s situated, but it is bathroom. Make it a habit to keep the toilet lid shut and sink and bathtub drains stoppered; the two steps can help stop your home’s chi from rushing”down the drain” Bathrooms should have at least one window. If windows are missing, which is often the case in en suite baths, utilize crops — artificial or real — to bring in the power of expansion and freshness. Ceramic accessories or tile, which signify the earth element, at the bathroom helps offsets the watery element of the bathroom and soil the chi.

Placement Pointers

Never place the head of the bed against a wall which contains kitchen, bathroom or laundry . If you can, arrange an en suite bedroom so that no component of the bed is directly opposite the bathroom door. You might also consider converting your en suite bedroom to a different use, such as an office space, game room or playroom and sleeping at the bedroom. These measures, if feasible, can avoid bed-bathroom juxtaposition’s feng shui issues.

Shut the Door!

Hiding the door to the bathroom is the solution when placement cures aren’t feasible. Shutting the restroom door during sleep time or at night is an obvious remedy; for additional benefit, tie a ribbon to the bathroom doorknob to keep the chi circulating. This option may pose accessibility issues, especially for older people who should visit the restroom. Put a folding screen to hide the door from the bed, while still leaving an opening for entry. A gentle nightlight in the bathroom attracts chi and adds a measure of safety.

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