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The Evening Leader • www.theeevningleader.com • Saturday, April 9, 2016 • www.wapakdailynews.com • Wapakoneta Daily News

Hard work pays off for gardens By ERIC ADAMS Staff Writer

ST. MARYS — When it comes to growing successful vegetable plants, Caleb Cisco believes preparation is everything. Whether that pertains to tilling and emulsifying soil, applying fertilizer or deterring pests, the Cisco Lawn and Landscape owner said the more thoroughly gardeners prepare their plots and plants, the better their results will be. While he advised local green thumbs wait until at least the first week in May to begin planting their vegetables, the initial steps can be taken a few weeks prior. Because the ground will be hard and possibly still slightly frozen from winter, planters should turn their soil first and foremost. Novice gardeners should bear in mind this can be a long and arduous process that can take hours depending on the size of their plot. “Even before anything else, you need to go out there and open your soil up,” he said. “Get it open from last winter, because you get a lot of freezing, Staff photo/Andrew Wilson thawing (and) settling.” Putting in some work now can lead to a healthy, green lawn in the summer. Cisco recommended a rototiller be used for this process, with the ideal depth of tillage being 6 to 8 inches. Going hand-in-hand with the tilling process is the application of organic matter. This requires a somewhat precise measurement — one involving a balance between nitrogen-rich By ANDREW WILSON seed stage. They kill the seed that they had just put and carbon-rich material. For the former nutriStaff Writer down and/or they put the fertilizer down with the crab grass preventive in it, and then two weeks later ent, grass clippings are ideal while carbon can be ST. MARYS — Once the long, dreary winter sea- they decide they want to top seed their yard, which gleaned from many different sources including son turns to spring, the best time to begin cultivating the barrier’s already there, they’re not going to have leaves, hay and straw, as well as most debris from flower beds. a lawn in the front or back yards of a home or busi- any success.” Gardeners should strive to maintain an approxinesses begins. Once they have made the decision to seed or use mately 25-to-1 carbon to nitrogen ratio. Before a homeowner can begin, however, one local a starter fertilizer, a home or business owner should “If you’re adding a lot of grass clippings just landscaper highly recommends that home or business remove twigs that accumulated on the lawn over the be careful — you want to add more brown than owners make a decision on whether or not they want winter and then mow the grass a little shorter than green,” Cisco said. “Let’s say you’re filling up fiveto seed their lawn. Grass seeds will not grow if they normal for the first mow of the season. This will also gallon buckets: if you fill up 25 five-gallon buckets are mixed with a pre-emergent fertilizer. help remove winter damage. with leaves, put on one bucket of grass clippings.” “This time of year, before they fertilize, they need “I think another thing to tell a homeowner to keep The first step in the tilling process involves colto make the decision if they’re going to be seeding,” in mind is having sharp blades, cut the grass, not lecting organic matter from the yard and flower Dues Nursery and Landscaping Owner Michael Dues shred it,” Dues said. “A lot of times you can see it when bed(s), and dispersing it across the surface of the said. “What we see as a big homeowner mistake is, someone’s got a dull blade if you got out and you pick garden. Then the clippings, leaves, and other matthey get out early, they either throw grass seed down ––––––––––––––– ––––––––––––––– now and they fertilize with a pre-emergent, which is See LAWN, Page C3 See GARDEN, Page C2 for crab grass, which actually kills everything in the

Work starts now for green lawns

Make sure to prep mowers before first use of the season (BPT) — After months of winter, warmer weather is finally here. It’s time to head to the lake, spend time on the deck or take your kids to the park. Yes, you’re ready for the season - but is your lawn mower? One of the season’s most important tools has been hibernating through the winter, and it will need a helping hand to get ready. So before you fire it up for the first cuts of the season, make sure you follow these important mower maintenance tips. 1. Replace any existing gas. Did you run your mower out of gas or add fuel stabilizer last fall? If you didn’t, stored fuel is likely to break down over the winter months and can go bad in as little as 30 days - making your mower hard or impossible to start in the spring. To protect your mower, make sure you fill it with fresh fuel from the gas station. And make sure it doesn’t

have too much ethanol, as most mowers can only accept up to a 10 percent ethanol blend (E10). 2. Monitor the oil levels. It’s a new season and your mower deserves new oil. Check the engine’s existing oil level, you’ll likely find it’s low. If it is, add oil as appropriate. Operating a mower with too little oil can burn out your engine. At the same time however, you want to avoid overfilling the oil level. Consult your owner’s manual for the right oil type and amount for your engine. And as your changing the oil, this is also a great time to inspect and possibly replace your oil filter. 3. Focus on the spark plug. Inspect the area around your mower’s spark plug to make sure no dirt or other debris will enter the cylinder once the plug is removed. Once you’re satisfied the area is clean, use a socket wrench to remove the plug and inspect it for

any damage or carbon deposits. These deposits will appear as a black coating. If the plug appears to be worn, or has been used for several mowing seasons, replace it. 4. Clean the air filter. A mower’s air filter collects a significant amount of dirt, dust and other debris over a typical cutting season, so it’s good to start the year with a clean one. Consult your owner’s manual to determine which filter is right for your mower and to learn how to make this simple replacement properly. 5. Adjust the blade. When performing your spring maintenance, this is also a good opportunity to inspect your mower’s blade. Look for cracks, nicks, bends or any other signs of damage. If you find these, replace the blade. Also, if the edge is dull, the blade should be sharpened. If you feel uncomfortable sharpening the blade yourself, take it

to your local hardware store or small engine shop. For safety, always unplug the spark plug when inspecting the blade. Considering a replacement? If you’ve applied the seasonal maintenance tips above and it’s obvious your old mower just isn’t cutting it anymore, you’ll need to shop for a new one. Start your search by focusing on the mower’s most essential component, the engine. Look for an engine that offers minimal maintenance, like the Kohler XTX Series, which never requires an oil change over its lifetime. Simply check the oil level before each use and you’re good to go. The engine is built to last, with a rugged cast iron cylinder bore for extended life. It also features Smart-Choke and Easy-Pull technology to make starting a breeze. And with its Consistent-Cut power, it will make short work of tall grass.

2C Home & Garden The Evening Leader • www.theeevningleader.com • Saturday, April 9, 2016 • www.wapakdailynews.com • Wapakoneta Daily News

BPT photo

Designing your own deck can be a simple process.

Designing a deck can liven up your back yard (BPT) — A backyard should be enjoyed to its fullest extent. But all too often, homes lack enticing outdoor living areas. One way to give your outdoor space a retreat is to add a new deck. A well-designed deck can extend your living space, make your yard more functional and, best of all, provide a comfortable space for fam-

ily and friends to enjoy the great outdoors. If you’re ready to build a new deck and turn your backyard into your favorite “room” in the house, here are five must-ask questions to help you design the perfect addition. 1. What do you want your deck to do?

here has clay (in their soil),” he said. “Really From Page C1 the best things to do (in the following order, are to) go through, clean out ter can be tilled under. your flower beds, clean Once the soil and matter up your yard, go ahead are thoroughly mixed, a and dump that all on top third ingredient — gyp- of your garden and till it sum — comes into play. under. You get it tilled Gypsum (calcium sul- in, then go back and put fate) is a naturally occur- a little gypsum on it, and ring mineral that helps till that gypsum in real to break up compacted good as well.” or clay soils, and can be Manure, provided the purchased at nearly any gardener has access to it, home and gardening re- should be tilled in at this tailer. Cisco noted the point as well. application of gypsum Roughly two weeks is particularly important after the tilling process in the Auglaize and Mer- is complete, a garden cer county area. will be ready for spring “Everybody around planting.

Garden

With planting comes the implementation of yet another organic material: fish oil. Though it may sound unconventional to the uninitiated gardener, Cisco assured that the nutrient has long been touted by professionals as an effective natural alternative to chemical fertilizers. Though sometimes useful in moderation he said over-application of chemical fertilizers largely defeats the purpose of home gardening. “Adding chemicals to your garden is okay, but I think it needs to be done with some precaution,” he said. “Most

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A deck can boost the value of your yard, but only if it fits the way you live. So, before tackling a deck project, set aside time to think about how you plan to use your new space. Whether you’re designing a multi-level deck for entertaining or a small, peaceful getaway, a little forethought can go a long way to ensuring your deck suits your family’s people garden because it’s going to be organic anyway, and your plants are only going to be as healthy as your soil is.” The most important distinction pertains to the type of fish oil fertilizer being used. Cisco recommended hydrolyzed (liquid/full-air spray) fish oil as opposed to granular for the initial application after planting. This will ensure near-immediate nutrient absorption and give the plants a solid initial “boost.” “With hydrolyzed fish oil, the plant’s going to (absorb) that within the first one to three days,”

lifestyle. For example, if outdoor entertaining is what your deck is all about, an expansive deck with multiple level changes, handrails and furniture can streamline traffic flow and define areas ––––––––––––––– See DECK, Page C3

he said. “Which is great for early spring, because right when you get those plants out there, you put that fish oil around those, and that plant will start to (absorb) it almost immediately.” After plants have been growing anywhere from a week to ten days, gardeners can then switch to a granular fish oil. Due to its solidity, the granular nutrient will absorb far more slowly, and may sit for up to a month before the plant begins to reap its benefits. Cisco noted that granular fish oil can be re-applied to a garden every two to four weeks, or as specified on

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the package. The final piece of the garden preparation puzzle involves deterring rabbits and other pests from nibbling at (or even completely destroying) vegetable plants. As with fertilizer application, Cisco touted the natural pesticide alternatives. These include three time-tested homeopathic remedies he has learned from customers over the years. The first involves spraying semi-diluted hot sauce on the plants themselves, a method that can prove effective with just one application. “People will dilute the sauce in a hose-in sprayer, and spray that on the plants,” he said. “After the rabbit eats it, they’ll taste that it has a burning sensation and won’t come back to it.” Human hair is another deterrent that plays upon the rabbit’s delicate sensory responses. When the animal approaches the garden, it will detect the scent of a human and steer clear. Lastly, Cisco said nothing works better to prevent the entry of virtually any rodent or rabbit than placing a chicken wire fence around the perimeter of the entire garden.

Home & Garden 3C The Evening Leader • www.theeevningleader.com • Saturday, April 9, 2016 • www.wapakdailynews.com • Wapakoneta Daily News

Deck

From Page C2

for eating, socializing and relaxing. If a peaceful deck-escape is more your style, a free-standing deck tucked into some foliage in your backyard with a screening trellis and a water feature can create a perfectly restful retreat. 2. How will you access your deck? As you evaluate your deck’s function, keep transitions in mind. The easier your deck is to access, the more you’ll get out of it. Decks positioned near frequently used openings, such as the kitchen door, make it simple to travel from one area to the other and are perfect for entertaining. Additional pathway features, like decorative stones and ground lighting, can help guests transition smoothly between your deck and yard. If you have a raised or multi-level

Lawn

From Page C1

it, and the end of it’s a little more jagged and you’ll see some browning in that top eighth of an inch (of the lawn) versus it being green.” It is also best to recycle the grass clippings back into the yard, which will add more organic matter and keep a healthier soil profile without pulling nutrients off all the time. Local home and business owners can also get a soil test done on their lawn to measure the amount of nitrogen and potassium in the lawn. Brookside Laboratories Inc., in New Bremen can perform soil tests, which cost around $25. “If a guy’s going to try to be a steward and everything else, you might as well get a soil test, there’s no sense in just throwing a bunch of nitrogen down if you already have the optimal level of nitrogen, you’re just causing more work for yourself,” Dues said. Following the soil test, Dues recommends avoiding a universal five step program and carefully reading the labels of the fertilizer and seeds, as different yards will react in different ways. “The biggest thing is just know what you’re trying to achieve, be it fertilizer or grass seed, then read the label and make sure it’s going to meet the specifications you’re trying to achieve,” Dues said. “It might need a little research or a couple phone calls.” For those who want to seed their yard, blue grass doesn’t germinate until the ground temperature is 54 or 55 degrees. Tall turf fescues will germinate around 65 degrees. However, Dues said putting the seeds down a little early and having them lay dormant will likely still result in 85 to 90 percent germination. The spring months of March, April and May see a lot of rain that will help germinate the seeds as well, but using a sprinkler to put 2/10 of water per day on the seeds can help them grow as well.

deck, be sure to think about stairs and railings. While these features make it safe to move between your house and backyard, they can also add visual distinction to your deck. Curved stairs, decked out walkways, backlit risers and decorative glass panels can all showcase your creativity while guiding visitors through outdoor living spaces. 3. Is your deck near water? If you envision lounging waterside, now is the time to think about moisture-resistant decking. Decks near pools, hot tubs and lakes need to withstand frequent exposure to waves, splashing and, in some instances, full water submersion to stay beautiful for years to come. While there are many decking materials from which to select, advanced products like ChoiceDek composite decking are a great choice for decks with water contact as they protect against moisture intrusion all the way

to each board’s core. “The boards are so durable they can be installed on the ground, in the ground or underwater without voiding their 25-year warranty. They keep moisture at bay so homeowners don’t have to worry about their deck’s long-term beauty,” says Randy Gottleib, president of ChoiceDek composite decking. 4. How do you want your deck to look? To make sure your new addition is as big on looks as it is on function, spend time dreaming about how you want your deck to look. Whether you favor sleek, clean lines or more adventurous deck patterns, the secret to a beautiful backyard deck is to make sure it ties-in with your home’s architecture. You can select from a wide array of decking color combinations that complement indoor flooring options, including popular greys and rich dark browns. Or, use contrasting colors to balance your home’s exterior color

scheme. If you love the look of wood but don’t want to deal with all the upkeep, look for modern composites that mimic the appearance of traditional wood decking. Their realistic wood grains blend beautifully into the landscape, and complement many of today’s exterior siding options. 5. Are you designing a curved deck? If you’re still looking for a way to set your yard apart, consider incorporating curves into your deck design. Curves can add architectural interest by following the contours of your landscape, encircling hot tubs and pools, or contrasting the straight lines of your house. Get creative, but don’t let materials limit your design. By following manufacturer instructions, you can shape contemporary materials like composite decking into stunning curves that will have neighbors commenting on your deck for years to come.

“Another thing I can think (a) homeowner misses out on is they can do a nice job of watering, and then once that grass gets up about half inch, 3/4 of an inch, they stop,” Dues said. “And that’s probably the most critical time to keep watering, to keep that grass (growing).” If a home/business owner is going to be re-seeding, it is best to use a starter fertilizer with no herbicide included with it. If a homeowner sees a lush green lawn and only wants to prevent weeds, then it is best to go with a starter fertilizer that does have herbicide included. “If you walk out and say, ‘Ok, I need to top seed my yard,’ then you know instantly you’re going to top seed your yard, you’re going to fertilize it,” Dues said. “And that’s fine, but anything that has a pre-emergence herbicide in it, you just need to go with a starter fertilizer or just a basic fertilizer with no herbicide incorporated in it.” The best way to go about fertilizing your lawn is to use a push granular broadcast spreader, but home/business owners should be careful not to overlap their broadcast or they will have different shades of green on their lawn, which will stem from an over application of the fertilizer. Dues said crab grass often gets get misdiagnosed as another problem, such as goose grass or wide bladed fescues, but not every wide bladed grass that pops up is crab grass. Pre-emergence herbicide is the only economical way to address crab grass, although Dimensions will kill crab grass after the crab grass has gotten to two tillers. Another landscaper, Caleb Cisco, said that prior to core aeration, fertilization or over seeding, it is advised that home or business owners take a walk across their lawns to remove sticks, leaves or large piles of grass or anything else that has piled up over the winter and would prevent the lawn from receiving sunlight/water. By doing this, home or business owners will also be able to spot any bare spots or crab grass

in the lawn. Then, the early spring is a good time for core aeration if a home/business has compacted clay soil. Core aeration uses tines to remove plugs of soil from the yard, which will help reduce thatch and compaction, which will give roots more room to grow. Once aeration has been completed and as dormancy starts to break, Cisco recommends beginning the process of over seeding. Kentucky blue (fine bladed grass), fine fescues and perennial rye-grass (similar to Kentucky blue, but more tolerant to droughts) are all ideal for the west central Ohio region. If a home or business owner doesn’t have a sufficient amount of time to get the crabgrass preventer down, Cisco specifically recommends using the crabgrass preventer “Dimensions.” Another landscaper Bambauer Fertilizer and Seed Manager Mitch Bambauer, reminded local residents that throughout the years, small pieces of grass die and convene by the soil. While a small amount of thatch can be beneficial to the lawn, a significant amount of thatch can hurt the lawn because thatch will form on the soil and prevent the grass from receiving the air and moisture it needs to survive. “I’d say if you want to get fertilizer, before you fertilize, if you want to get fertilizer down to the roots, a good thing to do is that your yard so that you get all of the old grass out of it,” Bambauer said. “Then it would be a good time to aerate it, so use a (lawn) plugger or an aerator to actually pull the plugs out of the ground and make some divots (so) that the fertilizer can get down into the ground. That would do two things: that would allow some air to get down to your roots and it would also allow the fertilizer to get down into the ground so that it wouldn’t be washed away or lost.” Bambauer recommended keeping the grass at least three inches above ground, as the longer the grass is, the healthier the roots will be. This will be especially beneficial during the dry pe-

riods of July and August. When it comes to fertilizing the lawn, home and business owners should follow a four step process. First, in March and April, home owners should put on crab grass preventer and a high nitrogen fertilizer as that will spur growth, get a head start on greening the grass and prevent any crab grass from growing. Second, in May, a home business owner should a more balanced fertilizer such as Triple 12 or 17/17. This will help establish the roots and the plant heading into the summer. “I’d say pay more attention to the analysis than the brand and make sure that you’re getting decent amounts of the three numbers: N, P and K or N and K if we don’t want any phosphorus in the watershed,” Bambauer said. Then it comes time to add a weed and feed to the lawn to kill any dandelions, thistles or other weeds that have sprout up. Fourth, as it is advised to put another application of fertilizer on the lawn around the Fourth of July as well as another fertilizer application in early September, which will keep the roots healthy heading into winter. March and April are the best months to apply seed to bare spots on the lawn, as it is usually too late to do so in May. “The best way (to seed the yard) would be, if you had a thin area in your yard, to use an inter seeder, a slicer or an all-purpose seeder,” Bambauer said. “But you can just throw the seed on top of the ground, as long as it gets plenty of water, a lot of times it will grow.” Covering the seeded bare spot with straw or pen mulch can help protect the seeds as they grow. The new grass can be mowed for the first time once it has grown to the level of the rest of the lawn. The best way to address crab grass is to put on the crab grass fertilizer as soon as possible to stop the seeds from germinating. Once there is crab grass on a lawn, one herbicide — Quinclorac — can suppress the crab grass.

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4C Home & Garden The Evening Leader • www.theeevningleader.com • Saturday, April 9, 2016 • www.wapakdailynews.com • Wapakoneta Daily News

Create a ‘wow-worthy’ entry using simple design tools (BPT) — Entire TV shows are dedicated to it, and real estate agents say it is essential when selling your home. So what is "curb appeal?" More importantly, how do you create it for your home? Even if you're not planning to sell your home any time soon, some simple steps to boost the attractiveness of your home from the street (so called "curb appeal") can make it feel more appealing to you and your guests. Start with the front door From TV to magazines to popular websites, many home improvement experts call out the front door as one of the most important aspects for creating curb appeal. "While curb appeal depends on many factors landscaping and siding, lighting and lawn care - the front door, the focal point of the facade, trumps the others in terms of importance," says Donna Boyle Schwartz, a home furnishing writer and editor. Schwartz and other experts offer a range of tips for enlivening your front door.

At the most basic level, a new coat of paint for the front door is a simple and inexpensive update that only takes a few hours to complete. More homeowners are experimenting with bold primary colors on their doors to make the front of their home pop. But if you're worried that a bright yellow or red might be too much for your tastes, several paint manufacturers offer free online color visualization tools. With a few clicks, you can see how any hue will look next to the color of your home's siding and trim. Other ways to perk-up your front door include new handles and locksets. A quick visit to Pinterest.com, Houzz.com or other no-cost to access online resources will show you the range of creative options available. For many homeowners, the ultimate way to perkup their front entry is by replacing the door. "Not only does replacing your front entry door kick up your curb appeal, it's a solid investment with a decent payback," explains

Photo provided/ Brandpoint

A new door, or even repainting your present one, can make your home entry ‘wow-worthy.’

home improvement journalist Karin Beuerlein on HouseLogic.com. A new door provides opportunities to personalize the home's entry to best suit your current tastes. Whether it's a major style change like a switch from Colonial to contemporary, a different type of decorative glass or your favorite wood species, manufacturers offer many ways to make a front door truly your own. As with paint, many homeowners

tools," notes Brad Loveless, product development and marketing manager for Simpson Door Company. "Called Doormagination, these tools include a 'test drive,' in

which you can upload a photo of your home and compare different door designs." Such tools allow people to quickly explore the range of options and to see what their personalized door will look like before they order it. You don't have to be a design guru to add curb appeal to your home. Paint and door manufacturers, even some local landscape companies, now offer fun and easy-to-use tools to create a "wow-worthy" home entry.

improperly sealed doors can contribute a further 11 percent. Another easy renovation idea to consider is researching and selecting high efficiency, green materials in commonly used rooms, such as bathrooms. Low flush water systems, solar hot water systems and even small-scale geothermal energy systems, as well as Energy Star-rated appliances, can reduce energy consumption and your overall carbon footprint while maintaining a comfortable, enjoyable living space for you and your family. Investing in an effective insulation solution also can make a noticeable impact on reducing household utility costs. Building experts suggest that homeowners completing a home renovation should be as involved as possible in determining the

best insulation type for their home. This means that homeowners should actively research the types of materials available and how well they perform over the long term. Spray foam insulation, available from Icynene, is growing in popularity among homeowners since it is an energy-efficient insulation material that delivers year-round benefits. Spray foam insulation performs for the life of the property, ensuring that homeowners can enjoy comfortable indoor temperatures all year round without overrunning their heating and cooling equipment and accumulating high heating and cooling costs every month. More information on the effectiveness of spray foam insulation is available online at www.icynene.com.

Called Doormagination, these tools include a ‘test drive,’ in which you can upload a photo of your home and compare different door designs. — Brad Loveless

find it difficult to picture how different door styles would look on their homes. "To make the process of finding a door simple and fun, we've created a range of free online design

Boost From 6C tures or granite countertops. For instance, high efficiency windows are an excellent investment for any home renovation to help drive down excessive energy waste and high utility costs. The U.S. Department of Energy suggests that traditional windows contribute to as much as 10 percent of the total amount of air escaping from a typical home, while

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Home & Garden 5C The Evening Leader • www.theeevningleader.com • Saturday, April 9, 2016 • www.wapakdailynews.com • Wapakoneta Daily News

Container gardening gaining in popularity By LAURA GERMANN STAFF WRITER

Just like every other hobby, trends are often coming and going, and gardening is no exception. Village Green Floral and Garden Center, Inc. offered some expertise on one of the hot garden trends right now: container gardens. "Container gardens are pretty popular right now," Lindsay Wisener of Village Green said. "You can look at it both ways. You can look at it as an edible container garden, where you can plant herbs and vegetables, or some people call container gardens like hanging baskets, ferns, patio planters, that kind of thing." Container gardens can take all kinds of forms, Wisener noted. "You can either keep one on your patio like some people like to do or you could mix it in with your landscaping, put some here and there," Wisener said. Village Green Greenhouse Manager Allison Craft said some people even use container gardens as recyclables, such as putting plants in stacked tires or by using pallets as "containers." Craft also explained some "container garden theory," as told by Proven Winners, one of the main plant brands sold at Village Green. "(Proven Winners)

like to tell customers to use a thriller, a filler and a spiller in their container," Craft said. "A spiller would be something that falls over the edge, a thriller would be something that would be a focal point, and a filler would be something that just kind of fills in the basket or the container." There are many different combinations of thrillers, fillers and spillers, Craft said, and Village Green can help their customers arrange the right combination. One of the services offered by Village Green is that customers can bring in their own containers, choose the color combination or types of plants they want grown inside and then Village Green starts growing the arrangement in the greenhouse in late winter or early spring. "They're customplanted," Craft said. "(Customers) choose what color combination or type of plants they want and then we plant them and grow them on until it gets warm enough and then they can just put them right in their yard and they're ready to go." Craft said the advantage of using the service is that it can help customers get a head start on their gardens. Starting early can ensure that customers can get their first choices before Village Green runs out

Above: Allison Craft of Village Green holds a hanging basket arrangement being “pre-grown” in the greenhouse for a customer.

Staff photo/ Laura Germann

Right: A hanging basket arrangement grows in one of Village Green’s greenhouses. Hanging baskets are one example of containers used in “container gardens.”

of some items, and it can also ensure that plants are ready in time if customers have a special event, such as a get-together or wedding. Village Green offers the "pre-grow" service until around a few weeks after Mother's

Day, Wisener said, right around Frost Free Day on May 15. Those interested in the service or seeking more information can contact Village Green at 419-738-2424 or stop in at their location at 902 S. Blackhoof St., Wapakoneta.

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6C Home & Garden The Evening Leader • www.theeevningleader.com • Saturday, April 9, 2016 • www.wapakdailynews.com • Wapakoneta Daily News

Boost your home’s energy efficiency

Container gardening

(BPT) — You wouldn't know it with the mild weather we're having this winter, but spring is fast approaching. Building industry experts say now is an ideal time to carefully consider and prioritize home renovation plans. Most homeowners will opt to address the cosmetic features of a home when completing a renovation project to

add comfort and value. However, it's often what you can't see that can have the biggest impact. Before diving into any home renovations, consider the "skeleton" of your home, known as the building envelope, rather than just the cosmetic features such as chrome fixSee BOOST, Page 4C

Staff photo/ Laura Germann

Above: Allison Craft of Village Green shows off a moss purse, an example of a container used in “container gardens.” See the full story on Page 5C.

Right: Several pots brought in by customers hold custom plant arrangements at Village Green.

Ensure clean air for your home (BPT) — Before you take that next breath, do you know what's in the air in your home? Sure there's oxygen and carbon dioxide — that much you know — but it's the things you don't know about that should concern you. A quick test of your indoor air quality can unearth the presence of several, unwanted contaminants in your air, including volatile organic compounds (VOCs) like formaldehyde, allergens like dust mites, as well as mold and other particulates. This is the material you're unknowingly breathing in every day, and continued exposure to it can lead to future health concerns. So what can you do about the quality of your air? Do you have to just breathe it in and deal with it? Hardly. You can dramatically improve the air quality in your home, and doing so is easier than you thought. Start by implementing these five tips. • Keep the floors clean. Many of the particulates and allergens found in your home's air are kicked up from the floor as people or pets move about. • Build a wall against formaldehyde. If you're like most people, you spend about 90 percent of your time indoors and that choice exposes you to a greater risk

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