How to Remove Gasoline Stains and Odors

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Gasoline is one of the most difficult stains to remove from clothing or carpeting. The stain will not only be hard to remove, but it can also cause an unpleasant odor. Since gasoline evaporates quickly, you have a short time frame to clean up and treat the stain before it becomes permanent.

Luckily, there are several ways that you can go about removing gasoline stains and odors from your clothes and carpets. Below, we’ll cover some of the more popular removal methods.

Before You Begin

Before you start, make sure you test any detergents or cleaning solutions in an inconspicuous area to avoid damaging the fabric. Cleaning chemicals and the dryer’s high heat can interact with the gasoline, so it’s not safe to use a home dry cleaning kit for these stains.

If it’s dry clean only, immediately take the garment to a professional dry cleaner. Do not dry the clothes in a clothes dryer until the stain is entirely gone. This is because if gasoline is still present in the garment, it can ignite your dryer and cause a fire. 

Tools and Materials

Paper towelsSoaking basinWashing machineScrub brushBaking sodaWaterStain remover stick, spray, or gelAmmoniaVinegarOrange cleanerDish soap

Instructions

Remove Excess Gasoline

If the gasoline splashes on your clothing and has begun to soak into the fibers, you need to remove it as much as possible immediately. Place a couple of paper towels over the stained area’s top, press down, and then pat dry with another clean paper towel until no more gasoline transfers from the garment. 


Image credit: https://www.thespruce.com/

You can also use baking soda to absorb gasoline from a wet spot on your clothing. Make sure you prevent the flammable towels or cloths used for blotting from starting a fire by setting out the cloth or towel to air dry. Flammable gas fumes will dissipate in the open air.

Once your item is dry, find a sealable metal tin, put the towel or cloth in it, and wet the material until it’s damp. Seal the container and discard it with your trash. 

Pre Treat with Stain Remover

Before you treat the stain with a stain remover, test the product on an inconspicuous area of the garment to ensure that it does not cause any discoloration or damage to the fabric. Apply a liberal amount of the stain remover to the clothing.

Pre Treat with Stain Remover
Image credit: https://www.thespruce.com/

Stain removers can be found at most local grocery stores in either an aerosol can or a liquid form. Wash the clothing at the hottest setting appropriate for the fabric. Hot water is necessary to remove the gas fully from the clothing.

Use Liquid Dish Soap or Heavy-Duty Laundry Detergent

Dish soap has powerful enzymes that can help it break down oil and grease left behind by food, and it can work very well for other stains such as gasoline. You can also use enzyme-based heavy-duty liquid detergent.

Apply two tablespoons of dish soap or liquid detergent with a soft-bristled brush. Allow your clothing to sit for up to five minutes before soaking it in hot water for 30 minutes. Make sure you use the hottest water safe for the fabric type. Remember not to use DIY laundry detergent as it won’t be effective enough.

Treat with Baking Soda Paste

Another great way to remove gasoline stains and odors is to make a baking soda paste. Mix two parts baking soda to one part water in a bowl. Apply it to the stain, then use a scrub brush to rub it into the fabric. Leave your clothing out to air dry to absorb the paste, then brush off the excess baking soda.

If the stain and odor remain, repeat the step or soak the stained clothes overnight submerged in water with one cup of baking soda added. Wash, rinse, and check for odor. Repeat the baking soda paste application or baking soda soak until the odor is gone.

Soak Lingering Odors White Vinegar

If you still have a gasoline smell after trying baking soda, you can try using white vinegar. Pour white vinegar into a spray bottle and spritz the area where the gasoline odor is present. Let the vinegar sit for about 30 minutes, then blot it up with a cloth.

The vinegar smell will dissipate over time. If you want to get rid of the gas smell in your car, soak the gas with old towels or clean rags as quickly as possible. Then use a mixture of equal parts baking soda, white vinegar, and hot water to neutralize the odor. 

Rub and wipe it away with a clean rug. If the smell lingers, use a few sprays of Febreze to get rid of the smell.

Soak Heavily Soiled Items in Ammonia Solution

Another way to remove gas stains and odors is by using ammonia. Soak the clothing in the washer full of warm water and one cup of non-sudsing household ammonia. This will smell, so make sure you shut the lid. Let them soak for several hours overnight, then drain and wash as usual. 

The ammonia will neutralize the gasoline odor. Never use chlorine bleach or detergent containing chlorine with ammonia. This mixture can make a dangerous chlorine gas that produces toxic fumes.

Remove Gasoline Stain with Coca Cola

Another household remedy for gasoline odor and stains is Coke. Soak the stained clothing in a bucket of Coca-Cola and let sit overnight before washing as usual. This will also remove any grease, oil, or tar stains from items such as motor oil and grease stains on clothes, driveway spills, and grass trimmings stuck to your clothes after cutting the lawn.

You can also add two cans of Coke and one box of baking soda to a sink filled with cold water. The Coke will break down the stain while baking soda absorbs the odor.

Fast Orange Laundry Detergent

If you have a severe gasoline odor, Fast Orange is a laundry detergent that can help. This detergent is formulated to remove stains and odors on clothes caused by gasoline, oil, and other mechanical fluids. Add one cup to your washing machine and let it run through the entire cycle.

You can also use this detergent for hand washing by pouring a little of it into the water, stirring it up, and letting the fabric soak for about 30 minutes. Then rinse the clothing, and the gasoline stain and odor will be removed.

FAQs on How to Remove Gasoline Stains and Odors

Can you put gasoline-stained clothes in the dryer?

It’s not good to put gasoline stained clothes in the dryer because the heat will set the stain and make it harder to remove. The best way to dry clothing that has been stained with gasoline is to line dry or air dry the clothing outside. This will help to dissolve the fumes and reduce the risk of fire.

Can you use bleach on gasoline stains?

You should never use bleach on gasoline stains because it will make them worse. Gasoline stains are oil-based, and bleach will only set the stain, making it more difficult to remove.

Final Thought on How to Remove Gasoline Stains and Odors

Gasoline can be a tough stain to remove. But if you follow the above tips carefully, removing gasoline stains and odors won’t be a problem. Also, consider pre-heating the clothing with the right products to break down the stain and odor before washing to effectively remove these types of stains.

 

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How to Grow and Care for Heather Shrubs

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It can be hard to choose the perfect ground cover for your garden. There are so many options, like grasses and perennials, but not all will work well in every situation. Heather plants are a great option for those who want an attractive flower that acts as a natural weed suppressant. 

This is because heather plants have deep roots that help keep weeds from growing around their base. They also make a great butterfly garden and attract other plant pollinators to your garden. If you’re looking for a ground cover that can keep your garden lush and green all year round, consider heather plants.

Here’s how to grow and care for heather shrubs.

Understanding Heaths and Heathers

As calluna Vulgaris, Heather plants are evergreen perennials found in woodlands and open fields, most often in sandy climates with low drainage and acidic soils. On the other hand, heaths or Erica describe an unrelated group of flowering plants. 


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Although heaths and heathers belong to the same family called, they’re botanically different and are divided into the Calluna genus and Erica genus. But for practical purposes, they are both referred to as heaths or heathers. Heaths bloom from May to September and come in pink, purple, red, white, and yellow.

Heather blooms from August to November and comes in dark pink, purple, and white shades. Both heaths and heathers have fine foliage that forms a dense carpet. The tiny leaves are evergreen with needle-like shapes that grow in four rows along twisted stems.

Heathers and Landscaping

While the blooms of heather plants are the main attraction for gardeners and pollinators alike, their foliage should be your main focus. For example, you can choose to grow a variety called Calluna Vulgaris Firefly because it changes foliage color from copper in the summer to deep red in the winter.

When other ornamental plants are either dormant or looking weary in the winter, your heathers will radiate different shades of bright and lively colors. This makes them ideal for pathways and open areas in your garden. It’s also recommended to pair them with dwarf conifers.

Heather Plant Varieties

You have plenty of choices when it comes to heather varieties to grow. Even though heaths and heathers are often mistaken for each other, heaths are usually smaller and less colorful than heathers. Here are the heather plant varieties:

Erica

Also known as winter is fluffy foliage that changes color from winter to summer. Some varieties bloom in the summer, while others have their flowers open up in the winter. By growing different blooming varieties, you can have bright colors all year round.

Erica
Image credit: https://upload.wikimedia.org/

Daboecia

A popular choice for colder climates, this heather plant variety can thrive in USDA zone 4 or 5. They are known to be low maintenance, but they are recommended to grow with acidic soil. They have green foliage, but they bloom in white, lavender, and purple. 

They can tolerate partial shade, although they favor full sun. Their flowers bloom from mid-spring through fall. They’re also called bell heath, thanks to their bell shape. 

Calluna Vulgaris

This is the most popular of all heather types. These heather shrubs have different shapes, sizes, and colors. They’re the recommended type to grow in your garden, thanks to their high tolerance to cold. They can also thrive in rocky or poor soil, making them perfect rock garden plants. Most varieties bloom in the summer and early fall.

How to Grow Heather Plants

Plant heaths and heathers in open areas, up hillsides, or along pathways.  They pair well with dwarf conifers which require similar acidic soil conditions. They tolerate poor, rocky soil and even salty spray, making them marvelous along coastal hillsides where little else will grow. 

Avoid planting in dry sites, under trees, or in areas exposed to harsh winter winds because they’ll suffer dehydration as evergreens. Heathers don’t become drought tolerant immediately, so they may not be the best choice if your garden is very dry. Heaths grow about one foot tall by 11/2 feet wide while heathers about 2 feet tall by 2 to 3 feet wide. 

Space them as far apart as their mature width and at least 2 feet away from other shrubs to foster good air circulation. Most heather plant cultivars have USDA hardiness zones between 4 and 6, making them ideal for cold to moderate climates. Some heather shrubs can also grow in hardiness zones between 3 and 10, allowing them to grow in diverse climates and weather conditions. 

No matter the type of soil you have, make sure you till it before planting heathers. Consider a sunny spot and dig a hole in the soil twice as deep and wide as the plant’s root ball you got from the nursery. 

Your foliage should be as close to the ground as possible and water the soil to help the plant rest and avoid soaking. This is because the roots of heathers are sensitive to waterlogged soil. Choose acidic mulch to cover the soil as heathers prefer slightly acidic soil.

Caring for Heather Plants

Soil Requirements

Heather plants do well in a variety of soils but prefer acidic soil. Till the soil before planting heathers to ensure good drainage. If your soil is not acidic, mix in some organic matter to make it so. They’re also tolerant to very poor, rocky soil, but acidity is important. 

If you have neutral or alkaline soil, consider acidic soil amendments such as damp peat moss. Avoid using sedge peat or spent mushroom compost as these can be too alkaline. Yellow leaves are a sign that soil pH lacks enough acidity for the plants. So, consider testing the soil pH for growing this shrub.

If you have heavy clay soil, you can double-dig the ground and incorporate lots of peat moss or ericaceous compost mixed with one-third of sand or grit to improve drainage. You can also plant your heather shrub on a raised bed using an equal mix of compost, composted bark, or peat moss and sand. This will not only create acidic soil but will also create well-drained soil.

Consider Sun Exposure

Heather plants need full sun to partial shade. In hot climates, it provides afternoon shade. A heather garden should be planted in a position where it will be unshaded for all or most of the day. If possible, site your heather plants, so the main view is from the south as foliage heathers always color well on the southern side.

Plant your heathers where they’ll get at least six or more hours of sunlight each day for the foliage effect, with afternoon shade on hotter days. Too much shade makes the plants leggy and dulls the brilliance of those that have colorful foliage.

Watering Heather Plants

Water heathers regularly, keeping the soil moist but not wet. Heather plants do not like to have their roots sitting in water, so make sure that the soil drains well. Mulching heather plants will help retain moisture in the soil. Their drought tolerant is normally established within two to three years from planting.

After that, your heather shrubs will take care of themselves. So, make sure you water your heather shrub during this time to keep the soil evenly moist and not soggy.

Temperature and Humidity Requirements

The ideal temperature range for heather plants is between 35-55 degrees Fahrenheit. You can grow these lovely evergreen shrubs throughout the country as long as you take care of them properly, but some zones are better than others.

Fertilizer Requirements

Heathers require very little fertilizer. You can apply for a slow-release, granular form of balanced 10-10-10 fertilizer in the spring and summer months at the rate recommended on the package.

However, unless you grow heather for its flowers, never fertilize during the winter months. Doing so will encourage tender new growth, which will be damaged or killed when the inevitable cold of winter arrives.

Pruning Requirements

After the blooms fade and the snows blow in, Heathers can look a bit ragged and scraggly. To remedy this, cut back any remaining flower stalks to just above where they emerge from the shrub’s foliage.  Pruning heather is a snap with most models of hand pruners. 

The best time for heather pruning is in early spring, shortly before the plants go dormant for winter. In areas prone to harsh winters, it’s especially important to prune heathers at this time because any tender new growth that emerges in the spring will be killed off by the cold.

Common Problems for Heather

Heather isn’t susceptible to many problems, but the available ones are easily avoidable. These include:

Powdery Mildew

The single most common problem that heather faces are powdery mildew. If you’re growing your shrub in an area with hot, dry summers, this could be the problem you’re facing when keeping your plant healthy. 

To prevent powdery mildew from appearing on your heather, make sure you prune faithfully every spring to keep plants compact, thereby improving airflow. Also, avoid overhead overwintering.

Root Rot

Rot typically sets in during very wet winters or springs. The telltale sign of root rot is plants that suddenly wilt, despite being well watered. If you think your heather might have root rot, dig around the base of the plant and take a look at the roots. If they’re brown and mushy, then your plant has root rot.

To prevent rot, make sure your heather is in sunny, well-drained soil and water sparingly when it’s going through a dry spell or very cold periods. If you suspect root rot, re-pot your plant into a fresh potting mix before bringing the shrub indoors during winter.

FAQs on How to Grow and Care for Heather Shrubs

What are the practical uses of heather shrubs?

Heather is an excellent plant for the landscape or garden. It can be used as a ground cover, border plant, or specimen. It can be made into tea and herbal remedies. It has been thought to help with cough and stomach upset ailments.

Final Thought on How to Grow and Care for Heather Shrubs

As you can see, growing and caring for these plants is not too difficult. They require little care and maintenance, and their bright colors and fragrant blooms make them a pleasant addition to any garden or landscape.

 

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Midcentury Modern Bedroom Ideas

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One of the best things about mid century modern bedrooms is that there are many different options to choose from. Whether you want your room to be simple and elegant or bold and in-your-face, there’s something out there for everyone. The trick is finding it. 

In this article, we will discuss some of the most popular mid century modern bedroom designs that people use when they want to make their bedrooms look stylish and luxurious without breaking the bank.

dd a Mid Century Modern Nightstand

One of the easiest ways to add a touch of mid century modern style to your bedroom is by adding a nightstand. Nightstands are a great way to add extra storage space to your bedroom, and they can also be used to add extra visual interest to the room.

If you’re looking for a simple, elegant nightstand that will help you create a midcentury design, then try this one-piece mid century modern furniture to give your bedroom a shot of style. Nightstands are easy to find, and many of them are inexpensive.

Splash of Boho with Midcentury Modern Bedding

If you’d like to add a touch of bohemian style but don’t have the budget for new bedding, you can always choose to change out your duvet cover. This will help transform your room’s look while also being an economical option that doesn’t require extra money on accessories or furniture. 

Incorporate Mid Century Modern Lighting

One of the easiest and most effective ways to add a touch of mid century modern style to your bedroom is by incorporating some mid century modern lighting into the design. Pendant light, for example, is a perfect way to introduce this look and can be found in a variety of price points. 

If you’re looking for a sophisticated bedroom, then mid century modern decor pendant lights in matching finishes and some classic molded plastic chairs would be ideal.

Use Natural Materials

Instead of using modern materials, opt for natural wood and natural finishes. This will reduce the coldness found in many mid century modern designs. When using natural materials, consider combining wooden furniture as this will combine lots of sunlight and some plants to round out the colors.


Image credit: https://blog.modsy.com/

Focus on Earth Tones and Colors

For a classic mid century modern style, you’ll want to focus on color palettes such as neutrals and earth tones. Try to play with different shades of brown, rust, mustard, yellow, and green with a touch of gray and white. If you’re using a dark wall color, make sure you have enough natural light coming in so your room doesn’t look too gloomy. You can also learn other ways to brighten a dark room and make it livelier. 

Skip the Classic Color Scheme

If you’re looking for something a little more unique, then you can try playing with different color schemes. If you also love clean lines, geometric shapes, and the overall clean feel of the mid century modern style but you’re not thrilled about the muted tones, then keep the style and ditch the colors.

Look for Tapered Legs

The mid century modern style is typically associated with furniture pieces with tapered legs, which gives the table, the dresser, and a bed frame a distinct look. If you choose between two otherwise identical tables, one of them has tapered legs, and the other doesn’t go for the more interesting design. Their sleek, round frames make for a roomier and more spacious look.

Look for Tapered Legs
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Consider Bold Accent Wall

Do you want to give a simple mid century modern bedroom a powerful shot of style? Well, create a boldly patterned accent wall. A busy wallpaper with a strong geometric pattern or a solid color in a deep hue can make a big impact. It will also draw the eye and create a focal point in the room.

Consider Bold Accent Wall
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Keep it Neutral

When decorating a mid century modern bedroom, you’ll want to stick to neutral colors as much as possible. That doesn’t mean you have to go for a beige or gray overall color palette, though. Use a soft white in the walls, with off-white trim and accessories. For dark brown furniture, consider painting it a lighter shade of tan instead.

Keep it Neutral
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Go With Eames Chair

When it comes to furniture, the key is simplicity and functionality. A great way to achieve this look is with an Eames chair. These iconic chairs come in a variety of colors and styles so that you can find the perfect one for your room. Plus, they’re comfortable and stylish, making them perfect for mid century modern design.

Look for Natural Wood Furniture

Mid century rooms are all about natural materials, so feel free to go a little more rustic with your furniture choices. Look for pieces made from natural wood, such as maple, walnut, or oak. Also, consider clean lines and muted tones to bring mid century modern into your bedroom. These woods will add a warm and cozy feeling to your room while keeping with the mid century modern aesthetic.

Change Things Up with a Platform Bed

Don’t hesitate to change your bed frame for a more glamorous platform bed. The straight lines of a platform bed work well with mid century decor. So, opt for a nice platform bed, and then stack it with books and throw pillows to give your room extra personality.

Change Things Up with a Platform Bed
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Create a Gallery Wall to Act as a Focal Point

A gallery wall is a great idea for a mid century modern bedroom because it can be a focal point for the room. Choose a few of your favorite pieces of art and hang them up on one wall. This will add some interest to the room and help pull the design together.

Use Geometric Patterns

Geometric patterns are a huge part of mid century modern bedrooms, so use them in your room. Bring in a nightstand, a dresser, organic shapes of lamps, and clean, straight lines of furniture in the room. Choose clean and modern patterns to work well with your decor.

Incorporate Colorful, Fun Mid Century Modern Bedroom Furniture

One great way to add some fun to your bedroom is incorporating colorful furniture. This can be done with a bed frame, dresser, or even just with accent pieces. Add a pop of color with a bright pillow or blanket, and you’ll have a stylish and fun mid century modern bedroom.

Bright Accents in the Mid Century Modern Bedroom

If you prefer to keep your bedroom decor simple, then the use of bright colors is a great way to liven your space. You can incorporate these with wall art, patterned textiles, or even just with small pieces of decor placed on top of furniture. Adding a few shots of accent color will help liven up neutral bedroom space.

Glamorous Mid Century Modern Style

If you are looking to add a touch of glamor to your mid century modern bedroom, there are a few things you can do. You can start by adding metallic finishes to your furniture or accessories. You can also add plush fabrics such as velvet, faux fur, or silk since they also make the best ideas for those looking for how to decorate the bedroom

This will give the room a more luxurious feel. As demonstrated beautifully in this bedroom by an interior designer, the use of bold abstract paintings, luxurious fur throw, mustard armchair, and elegant furniture adds to a sophisticated and glamorous bedroom.

Built-In Bookcases in the Mid Century Modern Bedroom

If you are looking to build-in storage into your mid century modern bedroom, the best option is to install built-in bookshelves. This gives the room a more polished feel, but at the same time, it is functional. Shelves do not clutter up space and can be decorated with ornamental bookends or vases of flowers.

White Mid Century Modern Bedroom

A room with a white tone is always modern and chic. This bedroom oozes elegance and luxury through white silk curtains and plush white carpeting. The bed follows the line of symmetry and leaves plenty of space for the window. The bedside lamps give a warm glow that sets the mood for romance.

White Mid Century Modern Bedroom
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FAQs on Mid Century Modern Bedroom Ideas

What is a mid-century bedroom?

Mid-century modern refers to the decorating style that rose to popularity in the 1950s and 1960s.

What are modern bedrooms?

Today, a modern bedroom is typically one that is minimalist in design, with clean lines and little ornamentation.

What is the difference between mid-century and contemporary?

Mid-century refers to the period around the 1950s, while contemporary usually means designs from the past 10 to 15 years.

Final Thought on Mid Century Modern Bedroom Ideas

Well, there you have it. You don’t have to be overwhelmed by all these modern bedroom ideas. Start with one thing at a time and move on from there while keeping in mind the key elements of mid-century design, including functionality, simplicity, and modernity.  

 

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How to Kill Crabgrass

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Crabgrass is an invasive weed that can ruin your lawn. If you do not fight back, it will become a serious problem for you and may even lower your home’s value. 

The first step in fighting crabgrass is knowing about its behavior and lifestyle. By understanding how this weed behaves, you will have an easier time finding ways to kill it and defend your turf from this invasive plant.

Many products out there claim they can help you get rid of crabgrass once and for all, but only a few works as advertised. In fact, some may cause more harm than good if used incorrectly because they contain harmful chemicals or toxins that can damage the grass when applied incorrectly or too often. 

To make sure you choose the right product for killing crabgrass, check out our guide on how to kill crabgrass below.

How to Kill Crabgrass Naturally

If crabgrass is a problem in your yard, you have more than one way of getting rid of this weed. The most natural way is to cultivate a healthy lawn and outcompete the pesky weed. Other natural ways include pulling the weed in the spring, providing your lawn with the proper nutrients, and reseeding where necessary.


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For tenacious crabgrass infestation, you can learn how to kill crabgrass with post emergent herbicides that kill grass well after germination. Post emergent herbicides work by killing the crabgrass plant.

On the other hand, pre eminent herbicides kill crabgrass before the seeds emerge. This makes it easier to get the job done and allowing you time in the season to cultivate a lawn where there once were weeds.

When to Kill Crabgrass

It’s important to familiarize yourself with the plant’s life cycle to effectively eradicate crabgrass. When spring soil temperatures reach 55 to 60 degrees Fahrenheit, crabgrass seeds germinate. From mid summer through fall, the plant produces more seeds to increase its numbers. Once the first frost arrives, the plants themselves are killed, not the seeds.

When using an organic method, wait until the seedlings are big enough to hand pull the roots and all. While crabgrass doesn’t spread via roots, removing the whole plant in early spring before amending the soil and reseeding is essential.

Pre-emergent herbicide, also known as crabgrass preventer, comes in either a granular or liquid form and kills crabgrass seedlings right as they germinate.

How to Kill Crabgrass Step by Step

Tools and Materials

Post emergent herbicidePre emergent herbicideNon selective herbicideWork glovesOrganic compostPitchfork or weeding toolGrass seedPump sprayerGarden rakeSpadeSafety glasses

Pull Out the Crabgrass by Hand or Using a Tool

Before you start, you should gear up. Wear eye protection, gloves and old clothing that you don’t mind getting dirty. Also, the soil will be wet, so make sure your shoes aren’t worn out. Before hand pulling the young crabgrass, water the problem area with a sprinkler or garden hose and wait about 30 minutes for the water to soak in.

Pull Out the Crabgrass by Hand or Using a Tool
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This method is very important because even if you use herbicide to kill crabgrass weed, you’ll still have to dig it out to completely get rid of it. Try this method before using chemicals because chemicals have detrimental effects on the surrounding lawn grasses. Removing crabgrass naturally by digging up is a great way of eliminating the weeds without killing lawn grass.

pply a Crabgrass Killer Herbicide

Different types of crabgrass killer herbicides are available, but you need to make sure the one you choose is for your type of lawn. For instance, a homeowner with a St. Augustine grass lawn should not use a product designed for a Bermuda grass lawn because it will kill St. Augustine and the weed.

Apply a Crabgrass Killer Herbicide
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For buffalo grass, centipede grass, fine fescue, Kentucky bluegrass and perennial ryegrass, use herbicide with mesotrione as an active ingredient. It’s also important to read and follow the herbicide label instructions carefully. Improper use of these products can not only kill crabgrass but also other plants in your lawn.

Use a quality broadleaf weed killer to kill the crabgrass plants that remain after the seeding process. It will take several weeks to work, but it should eventually kill off any remaining crabgrass plants. Raking up all dead grass will make it easier for homeowners to keep the area free of crabgrass seeds.

dd Compost

Use a fertilizer with crabgrass fertilizer added to it to save time. Apply the fertilizer just before it rains to work the fertilizer and the herbicide into the soil. This will help thicken the turf. Thicker turf helps to squeeze out crabgrass plants missed by the herbicide. You can also learn how to make compost to use instead of artificial fertilizer.

pply Grass Seed

If you have large bare patches in your lawn, reseed these areas with a good quality grass seed mix. A mix that contains perennial ryegrass, Kentucky bluegrass and tall fescue is a good choice. These grasses are all cool-season grasses that will germinate and grow quickly, helping to fill in the bare spots.

pply Corn Gluten Meal

Corn gluten meal is a by-product of the corn milling process. It is a natural, organic herbicide that helps to suppress crabgrass growth. Apply it in the spring, before crabgrass germinates, at the rate of 10 pounds per 1,000 square feet. 

Water the area well after application. Corn gluten also works as a lawn fertilizer due to its high nitrogen content. It works by inhibiting crabgrass seeds from forming roots after germination. Corn gluten meal can be put down as pre-emergent to prevent crabgrass and other weeds that germinate in the spring.

However, corn gluten doesn’t prevent the germination of crabgrass. Instead, it only controls it by feeding lawn grass with sufficient nitrogen, making lawn grass grow faster, choking out crabgrass.

Fight Crabgrass with Healthy Lawns

Fight those pesky crabgrass infestations by first building a healthy lawn. Black Medic, tall fescue and hybrid Bermuda grass varieties are all known for their ability to handle stress and drought and do not encourage the spread of crabgrass. A thick lawn provides a dark canopy of grass blades over the seeds to sprout.

Thoroughly water your lawn once a week to encourage the grass’s root system to go deeper, making the whole lawn hardier and heat tolerant. Avoid short, frequent watering as the sips will promote a shallow, weaker root system in your lawn. Also, don’t mow wet grass if you want to encourage healthy growth.

pply a Double Dose of Herbicide to Crabgrass Hotspots

Limit crabgrass growth in areas like driveways, sidewalks and curbs or on south-facing banks by doing a targeted double treatment when necessary. This is because these areas absorb a lot of heat during the summer months, making them more susceptible to crabgrass.

Once you’ve treated your entire lawn, go back and make another pass about six to eight feet wide, along with hotspot areas. This will help keep crabgrass from taking hold.

Burn Weeds Off With a Blow Torch

When you’ve got an area where there is no grass at all, or you want to kill the weeds and not take out the entire lawn, try this trick. The target weeds absorb so much heat that they will pop when hit with flame. Some varieties of quack grass, for example, will burst into flames with just a couple of seconds of direct exposure to the torch flame.

However, be careful when using this method, as you can also damage nearby plants if you’re not careful. Make sure that you keep the flame moving and don’t hold it in one spot for too long. Also, avoid burning the lawn if it’s still wet from dew or rain. 

This method is effective for killing weeds growing underneath the base of a tree, as the flame will effectively kill everything within about 3 to 4 inches of where it meets the ground.

Mow the New Grass

Crabgrass has a tough triangular stem to slice with a weed eating blade. However, if you take your mower and raise the blades as high as they will go, you can effectively cut the grass at its base. While this may not kill it immediately, it will prevent it from growing back for a period of time while the new grass takes hold.

If you have a lot of crabgrass, it’s best to start with the highest blade height and then work your way down as the new grass grows in. This will allow the lawn grass to protect its turf, depriving crabgrass seeds of the light they need to germinate.

Use Vinegar to Kill Crabgrass Organically

Vinegar is a natural herbicide that can be used to kill crabgrass. It’s important to use white distilled vinegar, as other types of vinegar may not be effective. To use vinegar to kill crabgrass, mix one part vinegar with three parts water in a spray bottle. 

Spray the mixture on the crabgrass and weeds, and then wait for the weeds to die. Be sure to avoid spraying vinegar on any plants you want to keep, as it will kill them.

Use Baking Soda to Kill Crabgrass Naturally

Baking soda can be used to kill crabgrass. When making the mixture, it’s very important that no additional ingredients are included. To use baking soda for killing crabgrass, mix one tablespoon of baking soda with one cup of water.

Add baking soda slowly, so the solution doesn’t bubble over when mixed. Pour this mixture on the crabgrass that you want to kill. 

FAQs on How to Kill Crabgrass

What kills crabgrass and not the lawn?

Post emergent herbicides such as all in one weed killer or image herbicide kill crabgrass plus other lawn weeds and leave the lawn healthy.

Is there an organic way to kill crabgrass?

Yes, you can use baking soda as an organic way to kill crabgrass. Baking soda is a natural herbicide and will not harm the green lawn or surrounding areas.

What causes crabgrass?

Crabgrass is a summer annual weed that thrives in hot summer weather conditions and does best in soil with a neutral to acidic pH level, typically between 6 and 7.5. It becomes dormant during the winter months and will remain until springtime when the soil warms up. 

Crabgrass is typically seed produced; however, it can also reproduce via its roots or stolons in the same season in which it germinated.

Final Thought on How to Kill Crabgrass

As you can see, crabgrass is an unsightly weed that can wreak havoc on your lawn. It is important to get rid of crabgrass at the first sign of its germination to keep it from spreading. The most effective way to get rid of crabgrass is through preventative measures, such as applying pre-emergent herbicides in early springtime when the soil is still cool.

If you cannot get to your lawn early in the season, you should apply a post-emergent herbicide to kill the crabgrass. These methods, when used together, will give you good results in keeping these weeds under control so they won’t wreak havoc on your lawn. 

 

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How to Make a Butterfly Garden

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Butterflies are admired for their bright colors and graceful movements. In addition, butterfly gardening is more than just an aesthetic choice to bring color to your garden, but butterflies also act as pollinators. They can greatly benefit the health of your garden plants. A butterfly garden provides a colorful array of nectar-producing plants that attract butterflies and offer plants to feed the caterpillar of their life cycle. 

Whether it’s an indoor or outdoor space that is available, there are many options when it comes to creating a beautiful environment for these delicate creatures. Keep reading.

What is a Butterfly Garden?

Also known as butterfly sanctuary or butterfly habitat, it is an area for butterflies to feed and thrive. The plants you grow in your butterfly habitat attract butterflies and moths, which help with pollination.


Image credit: https://images.immediate.co.uk/

A proper butterfly garden can accommodate a variety of butterfly species at each stage of their entire life cycle, such as egg, larva, pupa, and adult. Butterflies are most attractive from spring to late summer when plant growth is peaking.

Steps for Creating a Butterfly Garden

Choose the Right Location

Select free-draining soil, preferably with full sun. However, there are butterflies who live for several seasons in shaded areas; one example is the Mourning Cloak (Nymphalis antiopa), which will remain in hibernation during summer when there is no shade. So, make sure that your location gets the right amount of sunlight for flowers to grow and attract butterflies.

Select Flowers that Attract Butterflies

Certain flowers are naturally more attractive to butterflies than others. Nectar-rich plants will bring in many types of butterflies, while flower shape and color can also matter. Serious butterfly gardeners fill their garden with nectar plants and host plants.

Select Flowers that Attract Butterflies
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Adult butterflies drink nectar, so a nectar source will entice them to come to your garden. Host plants provide a place for butterflies to lay eggs, and they serve as food sources for caterpillars once the larvae hatch. The plant you grow will also support butterfly chrysalises, and different plants attract different butterfly species. 

For instance, monarch caterpillars are primarily attracted to milkweeds, and swallowtail butterflies are drawn to verbena and lantanas. Other examples of butterfly-friendly flowering plants include aster flowers which are an important source of nectar for migrating butterflies in the fall. But before that, the butterfly larvae of the Pearl Crescent feed on its foliage.

The Showy Zebra Longwing butterfly, a Florida and Texas resident, feeds its babies exclusively on the foliage of the passionflower. And if you reside in the Eastern half of the United States, you may attract the iridescent Eastern tailed blue to your garden with a host planting of sweet peas. Many garden centers have labels on plants that are butterfly-friendly.

Use Organic, Homemade Bait to Attract Butterflies

If you want to attract butterflies to your garden, using bait is one way to do it. You can either buy or make your bait. Sugar and yeast-based bait can provide food and essential nutrients for butterflies. You can make a homemade bait with a mix of rotting fruit like bananas, peaches, plums, and apples. 

You can also use white sugar, molasses, and beer. Place the butterfly bait in an area that is easily accessible to butterflies, such as on flat rocks, tree trumps, and a shallow dish.

Place or Create Shelter for Butterflies

Butterflies are cold-blooded insects that need shelter to protect them from the elements. Make sure you build them small shelters around your garden. You can also provide shelter in potted plants placed against walls overgrown with vines.

Place or Create Shelter for Butterflies
Image credit: https://images.saymedia-content.com/

You can also create a loose mulch in your garden to protect butterflies against the cold when they are molting or transitioning from immature to adult. Keep it away from plants you want to keep healthy, but do not remove the natural mulch that will break down over time under sunny conditions.

Include a butterfly shelter into your garden by planting one to two feet tall native plants along the edge of wooded areas. This provides butterflies with cover from predators while giving them access to fruit, nectar, and water sources in the wild.

Trees and shrubs can provide shade and resting places for butterflies, but you can protect butterflies against predators and harsh weather conditions by building a shelter. Butterfly houses can act as places for butterflies to rest and hibernate and as a place for caterpillars to cocoon.

Keep it Sunny

Butterflies are cold-blooded insects that will be less active on colder mornings. Make sure you locate your butterfly garden in part of your yard that receives at least six hours of direct sunlight each day.

Create a Garden that Emulates their Natural Habitat

Butterflies like to live in areas with plenty of nectar-producing plants, host plants for caterpillars and water sources. Try to include a variety of plants in your butterfly garden, including milkweed, Joe Pye weed, black-eyed Susan, butterfly bush, western coneflower, and coreopsis. 

When you plant your seeds or transplant butterfly-friendly perennials, make sure they are native to the area in which you live. Use a mixture of perennials and annuals to prolong blooming time. Flowering containers allow you to exchange plantings during low blooming lulls in the garden like late spring and late summer.

Use a combination of window boxes, patio containers, and hanging baskets to create staggered blooming heights in your butterfly garden. Plant nectar flowers in groups instead of singly. Butterflies prefer moving from bloom to bloom of the same type of flower rather than fly from one nectar plant in search of another that may be growing some distance away.

dd a Water Source

Hummingbirds are attracted to many of the same flowers as butterflies are, so you can have both flying around your garden if you add a birdbath. Even though butterflies do not drink from standing water, they love rain puddles and damp patches that form on leaves after it rains.

Butterflies will seek shallow puddles in your garden not only as a source of drinking water but also as a way of obtaining vital minerals. So, a puddling station is essential to keep your butterflies hydrated and receive vitamins and other nutrients from muddy water like sodium. A shallow dish filled with soil, sand, or pebbles can create watery mud and be a valuable drinking station on hot days.

Offer Alternative Butterfly Foods

Your garden should contain a range of butterfly-friendly plants. Some must be in full sun and require regular watering if you want butterflies that lay eggs in your garden. If the weather is cool or there is not enough sunlight, it will open nectar sources.

Provide these nectar sources by growing flowers such as daisies, zinnias, sunflowers, crocuses, and marigolds. Placing overripe fruit like peaches, bananas, and peas in a shallow dish will help continue the feeding cycle for adult butterflies when nectar plants move past bloom. 

Fermented beer or molasses can also be used as a condiment to the fruit main dish, providing irresistible species such as the Question Mark and Red Spotted Purple. Replace the fruit frequently to discourage wasps and ants from taking over the buffet. You can also use a window screen to cover the fruit to block wasps and bees. With their long proboscis, butterflies will still be able to feed.

Stay Clear of Toxic Pesticides

Avoid pesticides that can harm butterflies. Many pesticides kill butterflies and other pollinators, so it is important to read the label before using insecticides. Look for products that are specifically labeled as butterfly-safe. As a butterfly gardener, tread carefully with insecticides to avoid harming butterflies and other beneficial pollinators such as bees and parasitic wasps.

 Even organic pest control options like insecticidal soap and neem oil can kill butterflies or disrupt their feeding and mating habits. But this doesn’t mean that you should hand over your flowers to the aphids. Instead, non-pesticide insect controls like floating row covers, jets of water to blast away small insects, and handpicking large insects like beetles.

Also, your best bet for pest control in your butterfly garden should be companion planting. In addition to planting flowers that attract butterflies, consider planting flowers that repel pests.

Keep a Diary

One of the best ways to learn more about making your butterfly garden thrive is to keep a diary. Record what you plant, when you plant it, what type of butterflies visit, and any other observations. This will help you better understand what works in your garden and what doesn’t. 

How to Select Butterfly-Friendly Plants

Nectar Plants vs. Caterpillar Host Plants

When choosing plants for your butterfly garden, include plants that will support butterflies throughout their life cycle. Flowering nectar plants offer food and energy for adults, while the leaves of larval plants such as parsley and milkweed nourish growing caterpillars. 

Plants that provide both nectar sources for butterflies and caterpillar food sources for butterfly larvae can be invaluable. This will ensure that butterflies flutter around your yard as adults and come back as caterpillars to eat and grow into the next generation of butterflies.

Plant for Continuous Bloom

One way to ensure a continuous bloom in your butterfly garden is to plant a variety of plants that flower at different times of the year. This will provide food for adult butterflies throughout the growing season, especially in mid to late summer when butterflies are most active.

Plant for Diversity

In addition to planting for continuous bloom, it is important to plant for diversity. This will provide a variety of different nectar sources for butterflies and caterpillar food sources. A well-planned butterfly garden will have a mix of both flowering plants and shrubs.

Select Natives

To provide the best forage for butterflies, select native plants where you live. Butterflies have highly specialized relationships with certain plant species, which can be disrupted if a non-native species is introduced into the garden. 

Native plants also tend to do well in your region and require less maintenance while providing just as much beauty as exotic plants.

Plant for Color

You can attract butterflies into your garden by ensuring that there are flowers in every color of the rainbow. Butterflies are very attracted to bright colors, especially reds and yellows.

Planting a wide variety of flowers will ensure access to these colors. Fragrant flowers also attract some species of butterflies, so consider adding attractive scents to your garden. You can get plants that bloom throughout, plant spring-blooming flowers, or anything but just ensures your garden has flowers throughout the year.

FAQs on How to Make a Beautiful Butterfly Garden

Do butterflies need water?

Monarchs and other butterflies need moisture but cannot land on water to drink, so a typical garden pond, fountain, or birdbath won’t help them.

What does a butterfly habitat look like?

Butterflies live worldwide except in the attic. Any place with nectar-producing flowers will host butterflies. Some species live in the desert and feed on succulent plants that grow in harsh conditions.

Final Thought on How to Make a Butterfly Garden

Designing and planting a butterfly garden is a fun project that the entire family can enjoy. With a little bit of planning and some creative thinking, you can create a garden that will bring beauty and enjoyment to your home for years to come. 

 

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Reasons for Yellow Leaves on Houseplants

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It’s very frustrating when your favorite houseplant starts to show signs of stress, isn’t it?

Those yellowing leaves could mean that the plant is getting too much or not enough water. It might also be a sign that the light in the room isn’t right for this type of plant. Maybe you’re using tap water with chemicals in it or it could also mean that you’ve been fertilizing your plants every other week, which might be too little.

No matter what the cause is, understanding why your particular houseplant is showing these symptoms will help you find solutions more quickly and easily.

In this article, I’ll discuss the possibilities of why yellow leaves are happening to your houseplants, what the symptoms mean, and what you can do about it, so if you’re ready to learn about all these things – read on.

Image Credit: http://gardeningknowhow.com

Plants need the right amount of light, water, and nutrients to grow well 

All plants need the right balance of light, water, and nutrients to grow well. They use sunlight to create food through photosynthesis, and if they’re not getting enough light, they might start to turn yellow. This isn’t just true for houseplants – outdoor plants need the right amount of light too.

If your plant is getting too much water, the leaves might start to turn yellow because the roots can’t get enough air and the leaves will wilt. This happens because when you water your plants, the water doesn’t have time to evaporate between watering, which is what helps keep the roots healthy.

Low humidity in the air can also cause houseplants to lose their moisture more quickly, leading to yellow leaves. You can increase the humidity in the room by using a humidifier or placing your plants near a water source.

If you’re using tap water to water your plants, it’s important to check if any chemicals in it might be harmful to your plants. If so, you can use filtered or distilled water instead.

Houseplants need the right nutrients to stay healthy, and you can provide these nutrients by fertilizing your plants at least once every two weeks with a general-purpose fertilizer. Fertilizing your plants regularly will help them grow big and strong.

Different solutions to consider

Now that you know all about the reasons for yellow leaves on houseplants, let’s move on to the solutions.

If your plant is getting too little sun it’s best to find a brighter spot in your home. A south-facing window is great because it will get plenty of sunlight throughout the day.

If you’re using tap water that has chemicals in it like chlorine, you can use filtered or distilled water instead. If you have well water, the chemicals are most likely coming from your pipes. You can talk to someone at your local hardware store for more information about removing these chemicals from your house’s plumbing system if this is an issue you face.

You may find that even after fertilizing regularly with products made especially for houseplants, that they still start to show signs of yellowing leaves because of lack of nutrients – this is likely because you’ve been fertilizing every other week, but plants need supplemental food every week. If you find that this is the case, switch to fertilizing more often.

If your plant is losing moisture quickly, try using a humidifier or placing your plant on top of an inch-thick water-filled tray so the bottom sides of the leaves are touching – this will help increase humidity levels in your room.

You can also try moving your plant to a brighter place since bright light helps increase humidity levels.

If you have tried all of the above solutions and are still having issues with yellow leaves on your houseplants, then it might be time to talk to someone who knows about plants at a garden center nearby. If you’re not very familiar withgardening or plants in general, don’t worry about trying to diagnose what is wrong – it’s better not to guess and risk doing something that harms the plant.

Considercleaning your household leavesand flowers to remove dust and other particles that can settle on the leaves and block sunlight. Regularly wiping your houseplants’ leaves with filtered or distilled water will also help remove any dirt or residue that might be clogging the pores in the leaves and causing yellowing – this is especially important if you’re using tap water because of its chemicals.

Other factors to consider

It’s also important to remember that sometimes leaves start to turn yellow simply because the plant is growing older – this is normal, and if it happens just once or twice then there probably isn’t anything to worry about.

5 reasons your houseplants are yellowing or wilting | Fox News

Image Credit: http://foxnews.com

 But if your plant seems like it’s getting worse over time (the reason for yellow leaves might be different every time), you should take note of the changes. If multiple plants in your home are turning yellow at the same time, or you find areas on the leaves where they look brown instead of green, these could be signs that something more serious might be wrong with your plant(s).

If you’re concerned about any changes to your plants, now is a great time to do some research before reaching out to someone who knows about plants for help. The internet is a great resource for learning about the specific problems your plants might be having, and garden centers usually have experts on staff who can help you out as well. With a little detective work, you’ll be able to get to the bottom of the problem and solve it in no time.

Reasons For Yellow Leaves On Houseplants – FAQ

Why are my houseplants’ leaves turning yellow?

The most common reasons for yellow leaves on houseplants are overwatering and under-watering. Other causes can include pests, diseases, or nutritional deficiencies.

How can I prevent my houseplants’ leaves from turning yellow?

The best way to prevent your plants’ leaves from turning yellow is to water them properly. Make sure to water deeply but infrequently, and never allow the soil to become soggy. You can also fertilize your plants regularly with a balanced fertilizer, and keep them free of pests and diseases by using regular pest control measures.

Final thoughts on reasons for yellow leaves on houseplants

In conclusion, there are many reasons why your houseplants might be turning yellow. It could be a sign that they need more water, or that they’re getting too much sun. It might also mean that they’re being overfed, or that they have a nutrient deficiency. By pinpointing the cause of the problem, you can take steps to correct it and help your plants get back to their healthy green selves. 

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How to Grow an Amazing Flower Garden

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To have an amazing, vibrant garden full of flowers that are in bloom all year round, there are many things to take into consideration. It is important not only to know what type of plants and flowers you want but also where they should be planted, the conditions needed for their survival, and protection from pests or other problems.

This article will help walk you through each step so that your flower garden can be the envy of everyone else’s. Keep reading to learn more.

Image Credit: http://gardendesign.com

How to grow an amazing flower garden

1. Make sure your soil is healthy

One of the most important things to consider when planting flowers is the quality of the soil. All plants need some type of nutrients to grow and thrive, and the soil provides these essentials. 

If your soil is poor or has a lot of clay in it, you will need to add organic matter such as compost, peat moss, or manure to make it more hospitable for plant growth. You can also purchase fertilizer specifically designed for flower gardens, which will provide everything your plants need.

2. Choose the right type of flowers for your garden

Not all plants are suited for every climate or growing condition. Some flowers thrive in full sun while doing better in partial shade. Some like to grow in rocky, sandy, or clay soil while others prefer rich, moist dirt. Before you start planting your garden, choose some plants that are appropriate for your area of the country so they can get all of the nutrients they need to survive.

Thebest evergreen plants to grow in a flower garden are:

Morning glory (Ipomoea purpurea) – A vigorous vine that is easy to grow and produces lovely trumpet-shaped flowers in shades of blue, purple, pink, or white. It blooms all summer long and can be grown as a climbing plant or trained to grow on a trellis.Confederate Jasmine (Trachelospermum jasminoides) – This vine produces clusters of fragrant white flowers that bloom all summer long. It grows best in full sun or partial shade and can be used to cover an ugly fence or wall.Trumpet Creeper (Campsis radicans) – This fast-growing vine is covered with large, trumpet-shaped flowers in shades of red, orange, or yellow in the summer. It thrives in full sun but can grow in partial shade as well. It needs a structure to climb on and will need regular pruning to look its best.

Thebest shade-loving plants to grow in a flower garden are:

Coral Bells (Heuchera spp.) – This easy-to-grow perennial produces pretty blooms and is an excellent choice if you want to color in your shade garden. It blooms in spring and fall with shades of red, pink, white, or coral and will tolerate just about any soil type.Jacob’s Ladder (Polemonium caeruleum) – A delicate, foliage plant with beautiful bell-shaped flowers that come in shades of blue, purple, or sometimes even pink. It tolerates partial sun but prefers shade and moist soil where the roots can spread out.

3. Planting flowers in a pattern can create an amazing design

There are many ways to plant flowers in patterns and designs so that you get beautiful results without having to try too hard. You can line plants up along paths or sidewalks with different colors of blooms at each end for a simple but impressive decoration. If your garden is on slopes, you might want diagonal rows following the hill instead of side-by-side lines. These kinds of flower gardens will add interest to any outdoor setting.

4. Mulch around plants to keep them healthy and prevent weeds from growing

Mulching is the process of adding a layer of organic or inorganic material around plants to protect their roots, retain moisture and suppress weed growth. It is especially important to mulch around newly planted flowers until they are well established. You can use shredded bark, straw, leaves, grass clippings, or any number of other materials for mulching.

5. Add some water into the ground to help with plant growth, but don’t over-water.

Container gardens need more frequent watering than those planted in the ground since the soil in containers dries out more quickly. But be careful not to overwater, as this can cause root rot and kill your plants.

TIP: One of the best ways to water flowers in a container is to water from below by setting the flower pot in a larger container filled with water. This way, the roots won’t sit in soggy soil which can also cause them harm.

6. Design your garden around something special

If there’s a favourite place you’d like to highlight or a particular view that you want to enjoy while tending your garden, think about how you can bridge it into your design so that it becomes an integral part of the overall look. Flower gardens work well when they are set near benches or loungers where people can relax among nature and admire their hard work.

How to Start a Flower Garden: 3 Steps for Beginners | Garden Design

Image Credit: http://gardendesign.com

Other factors to consider

When designing a flower garden, there are a few other factors to take into account, such as:

The amount of sunlight the area gets – Flowers need at least 6 hours of sunlight per day to grow and bloom properly.The soil type – Not all flowers do well in all types of soil. Make sure to check the requirements of the plants you choose.Drainage – Poor drainage can kill plants quickly, so make sure your flower garden has good drainage before planting.

All of this information can help you create a beautiful and unique flower garden that will be enjoyed for years to come. With a little bit of planning and some thoughtful design, you can have the garden of your dreams.

How To Grow An Amazing Flower Garden – FAQ

What type of soil should I use to garden with flowers?

Good-quality topsoil is always a great option when planting any kind of flower. If you don’t have access to topsoil, you can also create your mix by combining equal parts of compost, sand, and clay.

What are some good flowers to start a garden with?

There are a lot of different flowers that can be planted in a garden, but some of the most popular varieties include roses, lilies, sunflowers, and daisies. Be sure to choose flowers that are suited for your climate and growing conditions.

How often should I water my flower garden?

It’s important to keep your flower garden well-watered, but you don’t need to water it every day. A good rule of thumb is to water your plants when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch.

What should I do if I see pests or diseases in my flower garden?

If you notice any pests or diseases affecting your flowers, take action immediately to get rid of them. You can usually treat pests and diseases with organic or chemical pesticides, or by using natural methods such as soap spray or garlic oil.

Final thoughts on how to grow an amazing flower garden

In conclusion, there is so much more that goes into a flower garden than just planting seeds and watching the flowers grow. Even if you have green fingers, there’s still some planning and preparation involved to get those beautiful blooms that we yearn for. Remember that each plant has specific needs, whether it be water or sunlight, and provide them with what they need.

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Creative Bathroom Organizing Ideas

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Bathrooms can be a total mess. It seems like you never have enough storage space, and every time you need something in there, it’s always at the bottom of a pile somewhere. Most bathrooms are small spaces that make organizing hard, if not impossible. 

On top of that, we all have our personal preferences for keeping things clean and tidy. Luckily we have lots of easy ways to organize your bathroom with little to no cost involved. We’ve rounded up some bathroom storage ideas below so you can get started on making yours look neater immediately.

dd a Shelving Unit Above the Toilet

There are lots of ways to store toiletries above the toilet. You can put up a cabinet, use a wall-mounted shelf, or get creative with what you have around your bathroom. Many companies also sell shelving units made to fit around standard-size toilets.


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Another great option is to build open shelving above the toilet for additional storage. Doing it on your own provides more opportunities to match the shelving with your home decor style. Also, consider open shelving.

These open vanities are classic and can make any sink look like a modern floating style and they don’t take up too much visual space in small bathrooms. You can easily add floating shelves underneath for attractive storage baskets that can even disguise the plumbing.  

Lean a Ladder for Towel Storage

The space between the bottom of your shower and the ceiling is a great place for storing towels if you have an old ladder lying around. This is one of the straightforward ways to hang towels in your bathroom, especially when you add hooks or a towel bar to the wall. 

Lean a Ladder for Towel Storage
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Incorporating ladders into your modern bathroom for hanging towels lets you maximize that vertical storage. Plus, you can hang hooks and baskets from a ladder to store washcloths and other toiletries.

Mount Shower Caddy Using Suction Cups

Hanging a shower caddy from the ceiling is an easy way to free up space in your bathroom. All you have to do is screw a hook into your ceiling, then fix strong suction cups or adhesive hooks to the shower surround. This frees up both counter and floor space while also giving you easy access to your bath products, linens, candles, and other toiletries when you’re in the shower.

Mount Shower Caddy Using Suction Cups
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A wall-mounted bath caddy allows you to store more items without taking up any extra storage. A bath caddy is one of the easiest and inexpensive small storage bathroom ideas to implement.

Store Your Reading Material

One of the best ways to free up counter space is to store your reading material elsewhere when it comes to bathroom organization. A great place to put it is in a magazine rack or bookcase that’s mounted next to the toilet. This way, you can grab your reading material when you’re finished with your business, and you won’t have to clutter up the countertop.

Store Items on the Inside of a Cabinet Door

If your bathroom doesn’t have a great deal of counter space, every inch is valuable. However, there are several items you can store on the inside of cabinet doors to free up room. For example, place an over-the-door shoe rack on the back of your bathroom door or in another inconspicuous area so you can store extra towels or shampoo bottles. 

You can also buy a tension rod and hang it on the back of your cabinet door to store washcloths. You can also take advantage of this space by attaching clear bins to the doors in which you can store everyday essentials. Label each bin and add dates to items that have an expiration. This way, you’ll know where everything is, and nothing will go to waste.

Create Some Space for a Hair Dryer

If you don’t have a lot of space in your bathroom, try to find an alternate spot for your hairdryer. You can hang it on the back of your bathroom door or a hook on the wall. This way, you’ll have more room to store other items.

To implement this bathroom organizing idea, you can use an over-the-door rack to fit wider items, including hair tools. The nest part is that you won’t need to drill holes to hang it.

Keep Stylish Items on a Tray

If you want to keep your bathroom looking stylish, try placing all of your luxury items on a tray. Everyday household items, such as hand lotion, perfume, jewelry, cotton swabs, makeup brushes, and tissues can be placed in canisters or jars so they don’t take up room on the counter. Decorate your bathroom countertop with a stylish tray to hold some of your most-loved and visually appealing items.

Use Lazy Susan in Your Bathroom Cabinet

A Lazy Susan is a round turntable that can be installed into your bathroom cabinet. You can use this to store all kinds of items, including makeup, hair appliances, and personal hygiene products. Simply spin the lazy Susan to find what you need. 

Use Cups or Jars for Storage

Add three mason jars to your medicine cabinet to make quick work of organizing toothbrushes, cotton balls, and swabs. You can even use cups or votive candle holders for storage on the countertop to hold your makeup brushes or favorite perfumes.

By storing items vertically inside a jar or cup, you can make better use of the vertical space inside the cabinet. This bathroom organizing idea requires you to keep items together. These include one jar for cotton balls, one jar for cotton swabs, and another for other necessities.

Create a Skinny Alcove

Use a skinny alcove in your bathroom to store smaller items like lip balm, sunscreen, or hand sanitizer. You can also fit larger items into the space by turning them to their sides. By using the vertical space within the alcove, you can stack extra towels and hold baskets with all your skincare products without sacrificing surface area in your bathroom.

Designate a Place for Dirty and Clean Towels

You can keep your bathroom neat and organized by designating a place for dirty towels. After you’re done in the shower, hang the towel on a hook right next to the shower or tub. If possible, create a small spot for a hamper so clothes and wet towels don’t end up in a pile on the floor. You can roll some clean towels and store them on top of the hamper to save space.

Roll Up a Bar Cart

If you have an unused bar cart sitting around, grab it and roll it into your bathroom. You can fit the cart perfectly in the corner, so you will free up some counter space if there’s no room next to your sink. You can also use this area as a makeshift vanity area since there are many drawers for all of your beauty. This is also a good place for flowers to freshen up a guest bathroom or powder room.

Blend It in with Colors and Patterns

If you’re aiming for a more sophisticated and chic style, match your bathroom organizer with the colors and patterns on your shower curtain. For example, if your shower curtain is white with colorful flowers, an all-white or cream laundry hamper will fit right in. 

Paint it the same color as your wall for a clean, cohesive look if you’re looking to keep your bathroom storage shelving from standing out as a focal point. This also allows the entire space to feel sleek, clean, and fresh. Check how to paint the bathroom to get some amazing ideas.

Create Storage Unit Under the Sink

If you’re short on storage space, consider creating a hidden storage unit under the sink area. This is a great place to store bins for toiletries, cleaning supplies, and towels. You can even buy a special cabinet or organizer specifically for this purpose. While a decorative shelf is mounted on the wall for decorative items, the under-sink area offers you room to stow items out of sight, even if you have a tiny bathroom.

Fake a Linen Closet

Don’t panic if you’ve got a space that doesn’t have room for an actual linen closet or the previous owner took the closet when they purchased your home. Instead of having no place to hang damp towels and hand towels, give this idea a try. Take advantage of the free corner wall and add a shelving unit there. You can also attach baskets to the wall for a spot to fold extra towels and washcloths. A slim wall unit will also work.

Organize Bath Toys in Waterproof Bins

Do your kids have bath toys that they never seem to put back when it’s bath time? Turn a cheap plastic organizer into something functional. Niches in the wall are a great spot for storing such toys in a small plastic bin. If you don’t have a niche, turn to a strong suction cup near the bath. You can also hang an extra shower curtain tension rod along the back wall of the tub and add hooks so that you can hang toy bins.

Divide Vanity Drawers into Sections

Don’t let your bathroom vanity drawers look like junk drawers. Instead, purchase drawer dividers and group items together to make your drawers functional and appealing storage spaces. Curate your new vanity drawers with commonly used products that make sense in your household.

FAQs on Creative Bathroom Organizing Ideas

What are the three types of bathrooms?

Bathrooms are categorized as the master bathrooms, containing a shower and a bathtub adjoining the largest bedroom. There is also a full bathroom or full bath, containing four plumbing fixtures, including a toilet and a sink, and a half bathroom or powder room, containing just a toilet and sink.

Final Thought on Creative Bathroom Organizing Ideas

As you can see, bathroom organization isn’t as simple as throwing everything into a cabinet and closing the door. You have to plan out where things will go and what you want to bring together in one place. 

Try these bathroom organizing ideas to spice up your space. Don’t let the lack of storage or time be an excuse for not washing your hands after using the restroom! Take some time out of your day to organize, and you will thank yourself later.

 

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How to Grow Scallions

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Scallions are fresh, fast, and fabulous in salads, stir-fries, and savory tarts. Also known as green onions or salad onions, scallions are harvested before they reach maturity and can be grown year-round indoors.

Fast-growing plants like lettuce that you plant directly in the ground get tall quickly but have a short harvest window of just a few weeks. Indoor onion plants grow slowly over several months with an even longer harvest window than outdoor varieties.

Scallions are also one of those crops that can be sown in late summer to give one of the earliest harvests next spring. Here’s how to grow scallions from seeds indoors, so you always have these tasty vegetables on hand for cooking or snacking.

What are Scallions?

Allium fistulosum, also known as green onions, is called bunching onions or scallions.  Scallions are produced from specific cultivars of the bulbing onion and have a mild flavor.


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Green onions look similar to the traditional onion known as Allium cepa. They have tall, green stalks that are usually 1 to 2 feet tall. Scallions have slender white bulbs at their base that do not get large enough to form an onion.

Scallion Varieties to Try

There are several scallion varieties. These include:

Guardsman

Guardsman scallions are known for their slow bolting. They grow to about 20 inches tall and have green leaves that are blue-green at the base. The white bulb is slender, cylindrical, and has a mild flavor. This variety takes 50 days to grow, and it straddles the line between a spring onion and scallion for taste.

Evergreen White Bunching

Evergreen White Bunching is a green onion that grows best in the spring and fall. It has thick, blue-green leaves with white bulbs at its base. The plant grows up to 12 inches tall and keeps growing every 45 days until frost. This scallion takes around 60 days to grow from start to finish.

Nabechan

Nabechan is an oriental green onion that grows about 8 inches tall with white stalks and blue/green leaves. It takes around 60 days for these scallions to grow. It’s a Japanese variety prized for its flavor.

Nabechan
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Tokyo Long White Bunching

Tokyo Long White Bunching is a white scallion that grows to about 12 inches tall. The leaves are long and slender, with a white bulb at the base. It takes around 90 days for these scallions to grow. This variety is also known as Welsh Onion or Scallion.

Red Beard

Red Beard is a red scallion that grows to about 12 inches tall. The leaves are long and slender, with a white bulb at the base. It takes around 90 days for these scallions to grow.

Red Beard
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How to Grow Scallions from Seed

You can plant seeds indoors about 8 to 10 weeks before your projected last frost date. You can also direct sow in the garden once the threat of frost has passed. Sow your seed about 1/4 inches deep. Other onions may have slow and poor germination. So, the most important element scallion seeds need is constant moisture, making starting them indoors a good choice.

How to Grow Scallions from Seed
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Seedlings emerge in one to two weeks. Once you have grown, thin the seedlings to about 2 inches apart. For a continual harvest, plant new crops every four weeks.

Potting and Repotting Scallions

Scallions can be grown in pots or containers on a sunny windowsill. Use well draining soil and organic potting mix when growing scallions in containers. Cover the seeds with a loose layer of soil and water them thoroughly. Make sure you keep the soil moist and not soaked.

Potting and Repotting Scallions
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If you want more instant gratification, then scraps and starts are two methods that are too quick for growing green onions. You’ll have scraps left over when you buy and use scallions from the grocery store. Get your container and rich potting soil. You can make your own compost to add some nutrients to the soil.

The scallions leave between three and four inches of the white bulb intact. Make 1/2 inch deep holes an inch apart in your container and drop the scrap in. Keep the soil moist and not soaked.

The final method of growing green onions is to get the starts from your local nursery. Take your starts off from the soil and gently shake off excess dirt so you can see the roots. Get a container and fill it with rich potting soil. Trim your roots back until they’re two or three inches long.

Your pot should be narrow and at least six inches deep. Make sure your container is in an area that will get direct sunlight. Keep the soil slightly moist and don’t overwater because this allows for decay and diseases. This way, you should be able to harvest and plant more scallions after every three weeks.

Scallions Care

Sun Exposure

Give your scallion plants at least six hours of direct sunlight per day. If you’re planting indoors, put them by a south-facing window. When planting outside, put them in an area that gets the most sunlight. Plant them in a partial shade if you don’t have that area.

Soil Requirement

Scallion plants prefer rich, sandy soil with sharp drainage and a slightly acidic to neutral soil pH. Amend your soil with organic matter to ensure good drainage. If you live in heavy clay soils, add sand or gravel to the mix. Consider doing some DIY soil tests to get the best for your scallions.

Fertilizing Green Onion

Fertilize green onions with a balanced fertilizer like 10-10-10 when you first plant them and again every four to six weeks. Fertilizer rich in nitrogen such as fish emulsion is ideal for green onions because it will provide the plants with a steady stream of nutrients over an extended period and keep them green and growing.

For a longer-term solution, use granular fertilizers released slowly into the soil. You can also top-dress with rich compost.

Watering Scallions

Scallion plants have a shallow root system, so regular watering is important. Keep the soil moist and do not let it dry out. While this may seem difficult in areas with long periods of hot, dry weather, you can greatly reduce the amount of time between watering by mulching with straw or pine bark nuggets. You can also try planting scallions in a raised bed to improve drainage and provide better access to water.

If you’re growing scallions in a container, make sure the pot has drainage holes and keep it evenly moist; they will likely need more frequent watering than they would get in your garden. A well drained soil also protects foliage from excess moisture, which can cause rot.

Temperature and Humidity

Allium cepa grows best when the air temperature is between 68°-78°F. If you’re growing scallions from seed, place a heat mat over your flats to ensure even soil temperatures around 45°F.

Ensure your flats get at least 6 hours of light each day for optimal germination rates and shoot growth. Scallion seeds do not mind humid conditions as long as they have good drainage to prevent rot and other diseases.

Pruning Scallion Plant

Most of the time, pruning is done by removing wilted leaves, which should be left until it’s time to pick them. If your green onion bolts to seed and you want to prevent seed drop, trim off the flower stalk. You may also experience leaf wilt during flowering.

Pruning Scallion Plant
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Once you notice that the flowers are fading, cut the stalk once it begins to droop and set it somewhere to allow the head to dry out and the seeds to drop out of the flower.

Propagating Scallion

One method of propagation is bulbs or sets. The best way to use sets is by planting them in late fall and overwintering them in the garden. In the spring, they’ll start pushing up new growth. You can also use nursery starts of Allium cepa and plant them to achieve the green onion stalks.

Remember that only Allium fistulosum will produce green tree onions without onion bulbs. True scallion has a milder flavor than A. cepa, which has a stronger onion flavor.

Harvesting and Storing Scallions

Harvesting

Start picking your spring onions once they reach a usable size. The best time to do this is when the bulbs are white and have a diameter about the size of the pencil, but even smaller sizes can be harvested.

You can dig up the whole plant if you plant to eat the mild white bulb or snip the stem off just above the soil level and allow it to continue growing. When growing traditional bulb onions as green onions, harvest the green leaves earlier and use them like scallion plants. 

Storing

Store your green onions in a partially filled jar in your fridge with enough moisture to keep the leaves from wilting. If you harvest stalks without bulbs, store the stalks wrapped in a paper towel in a plastic storage bag. You can also slice and refrigerate them in a plastic bag.

To freeze your onions, rinse them off and thoroughly pat or air dry them before freezing. Their texture will be a bit mushy when they thaw out, so it’s best to use them in cooked food rather than as a garnish. Dehydrating the stalks and grinding them into a powder is a great option for long-term storage if you have a dehydrator.

Common Pests and Plant Diseases

Pests

Thrips and aphids are common pests in onion crops and can be remedied by using a strong stream of water from a hose. If they persist, use insecticidal soap or neem oil or treat severe infestations with pyrethrin. Cutworms, onion maggots, onion nematodes, slugs, and allium leaf miners are also potential pests but can be dealt with by using prevention methods such as crop rotation or organic mulches.

You can also use a beer trap to trap slugs and snails. As long as the trap is deep as a pie pan, snails and slugs will be attracted to the beer’s aroma, which will be deep enough to drown them.

Diseases

Botrytis neck rot, purple blotch, and Fusarium basal rot are the most common onion diseases. They can be controlled by planting disease-resistant varieties and spacing plants properly. You can also remove infected plants and leaves, and use a fungicide.

White rot can also cause mold or rot at the base of the plant and yellowed, wilted leaves. If you notice the diseased plants, remove and dispose of them. Avoid planting Allium in that location for a couple of years. Practice crop rotation for the benefit of your plant’s health.

FAQs on How to Grow Scallions

Do green onions grow back every year?

These spring onions are biennial and can live for several seasons. They’ll come back after being cut down but won’t regrow if the bulbs die or are frozen.

Final Thought on How to Grow Scallions

As you can see, growing scallions is easy and can be done in almost any climate. With a little bit of care, you’ll have plenty of these delicious onions to enjoy all season long. So, what are you waiting for? Get started on your scallion garden today.

 

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Reasons Why Mowing Wet Grass is a Bad Idea

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Is your lawn looking a little shaggy? Are you thinking about mowing it, but the weather doesn’t seem to be cooperating? Then don’t do it. It’s better to wait until the grass has dried out than risk damaging it or your lawnmower by cutting when it’s too wet. 

If you’re considering mowing your lawn, then make sure that the ground is dry before doing so. Otherwise, you’ll end up having to deal with clumpy grass and damaged equipment. And if you want to keep your yard healthy and green, don’t cut grass while wet. This will help prevent soil compaction, which can lead to erosion and runoff into local waterways like lakes and rivers. 

This article takes a deeper dive into mowing wet grass and why you should avoid it. Read on.

Why You Should Not Mow a Wet Lawn

Cutting Wet Grass Can Hurt Your Lawnmower

The first reason you shouldn’t cut wet grass is that it can damage your lawnmower. It’s not worth breaking out the mower if the grass has just been watered or if there are puddles on the ground. If you cut wet grass, you’ll likely end up with clumps of grass stuck to the underside of the mower deck.


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The clumps will end up blending into your lawn, but they’ll also eventually dry and look like dirt until you run over them again with the mower. Moisture is problematic for the gasoline in the mower’s fuel tank, its metal, and indirectly its engine. Intruding moisture can cause corrosion if you don’t mix a stabilizer into the fuel tank.

Moist grass clippings that cake on the metal underside can cause rust. Even in the short term, the caked substance can stress the engine, impeding the motion of the mower blade and making your engine work harder to make up for it.

Cutting Wet Grass Can Affect Your Lawn’s Health

Mowing wet grass doesn’t just affect your mower only; it can also have an impact on your lawn. Wet grass blades are more susceptible to disease and fungus infections, which can lead to problems with your lawn’s health down the road. For an ideal cut, your grass blades should be standing up off the ground.

Wet blades are heavier than dry ones, making such blades hug the ground. As your wet turf starts to dry after rain, some of your blades will resume their upright position and get chopped off when you mow. The resulting uneven look would be bad enough, but the result will be tears instead of a clean cut when you try to cut damp grass.

The wet clippings will mat down, preventing healthy airflow. If you allow wet grass clippings sticking to the underside of your mower deck to remain, you’re inviting mold that can spread to your turf. Also, making passes up and down a wet lawn with your machine can hurt your lawn.

The large wheels will sink into a moist surface in a way that they won’t in dry grass. The wheels will form ruts on the surface, directly damaging the grass. This will cause the soil to become compacted, causing damage over time. You can learn how to use core aeration to heal your grass and beautify your lawn.

You Cannot Cut Wet Grass with an Electric Mower

Water and electricity don’t mix, so using an electric lawn mower on wet grass is out of the question. If your mower has a mulching attachment on it, then the clippings will stick to the underside of the mower deck and create an incredible mess.

electric lawnmower
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You’re also at a greater risk of injury when mowing wet grass than dry grass with electric mowers, especially when an extension cord runs the risk of being wet and becoming a safety hazard. When this extension cord gets wet, it can damage your mower and even electrocute you while mowing.

Alternatively, opt for a cordless electric mower which provides a safer option since there are no exposed wires. However, these cordless don’t have enough power to cut through serious wet grass. So, it’s best to stick with a gas mower for wet grass because it’s the safest, effective, and least frustrating option.

Uneven Cutting

When your mower’s blades hit hidden rocks or other debris while cutting through wet grass, it can cause the mower to jerk and unevenly cut the grass. This creates an unattractive look to your lawn and can also lead to scalping or slicing off too much of the grass blade, exposing the soil beneath.

Wet grass bends and lies closer to the ground compared to dry turf. This is because the dew on the grass blades makes them heavy, forcing them to bend down instead of standing upright. Your blades need to stand upright to cut the grass properly.

Otherwise, your mower will miss most of the grass, producing uneven cuts across your lawn. Once rainwater starts to drain away, and the grass blades dry up, sections of your lawn will appear as if you didn’t mow them. This uneven cut will make you go over the lawn and mow it afresh to get that even cut.

Clippings Clump on the Lawn and Sticks to the Mower

If your lawn is too long and wet, clippings will not just lie on the grass as usual after you mow it. Rather, they cling to blades of grass or form clumps resulting from heavy dew. The clippings won’t be as easy to collect and discharge from the mower’s bag if clumps and grass are stuck to it. This will require you to stop and clear your lawnmower blade before restarting the machine.

Clippings Clump on the Lawn
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It’s a good idea to mow wet grass, especially regularly, because the mower will produce wet clippings that easily clump together and lay over your grass. When wet clippings stay on your grass for some time, they’ll keep a lot of moisture over an extended period, exposing your lawn to fungus diseases.

So, it’s best to cut dry grass because the clippings will easily fall off your blade and can be collected in the bag. If you still prefer to mow your lawn after it rains, then consider getting a drag unit to help you clear the soaked clippings off the grass. Furthermore, check the deck frequently when mowing turf grass after the rain to ensure the clippings are not clumping it, which can be a problem for air tapered decks.

Cutting Wet Grass Can Easily Spread Diseases

Mowing wet grass can easily spread diseases because the clippings will be wet and covered in mud. If you mow over a disease-infested area, you’ll just be spreading the disease all over your lawn. When the clumps of damp, matted clippings are left on the lawn without sufficient airflow to dry out, the grass becomes more susceptible to fungal diseases.

Cutting Wet Grass Can Easily Spread Diseases
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The wet grass clippings that stick to the underside of the mower deck can grow mold which can spread to your lawn next time you mow. So, before you start cutting, make sure to walk around your yard and identify any infections such as the brown patch disease

Mowing a Wet Lawn Gives You Extra Work

Mowing a wet lawn is also more difficult because the grass is wet and heavy. This means you’ll have to spend more time mowing, and you’ll probably end up with a tired arm at the end of the day. In addition, wet grass stains your clothes, shoes, and every surface your shoe touches, making cleaning an uphill task.

If you must mow wet grass, make sure you take all the safety precautions. Start by testing your soil’s saturation. When you stand on your lawn, you shouldn’t sink into it or see water rising around the edges of your shoes. Therefore, mowing too much is a bad idea.

Without the presence of standing water, you could tame your yard to some degree using a stabilized gas powered mower with sharp blades. If possible, set your mower to side discharge mode. Though this leaves rows of cut grass on your lawn for manual bagging later, it will save you the mess of dealing with a mower bag with a wet interior.

FAQs about Mowing Wet Grass

How long should you wait to mow the grass after it rains?

When dealing with mild morning dew or after light rain showers, you may need to wait between two and five hours for the lawn to dry before mowing. With heavier rainstorms, you should wait for at least one day to mow safely.

Can you cut grass after it rains?

While mowing a wet lawn can damage your mower or grass, there’re still tricks that you can use to minimize the problems if you don’t have time to wait. Such tricks include using a sharp blade to keep your lawn healthier when the ground is still damp.

Does mowing wet grass result in a dull blade?

While wet grass alone cannot dull a mower blade, its slick surface doesn’t make the cutting process easier. And if you leave the lawn to sit on the blade, the saturated clippings can cause rust and an early demise to metal parts of your mower, such as the blade.

Final Thought on the Reasons Why Mowing Wet Grass is a Bad Idea

While it may be tempting to mow your grass after it rains, it’s important to wait until the ground is bone dry. If you can’t, make sure you sharpen your blade first to avoid a nasty accident, soil damage, and fungal infections, which are preventable with a little patience.

 

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