Watering your plants regularly is essential to the good health of your plants. Unless watered on a regular basis, you plants can suffer from moisture stress, wilt and possibly die. Shrubs and trees can last longer without water than plants that have shallow roots like annuals.

There are times in the summer months when water may be in short supply when the temperatures soar and it feels like you’re living in a desert. The watering technique that you use, the how, when and where the water is applied is important, especially if you want to avoid wasting water.

Be sure that the water is going right down to the root of your plant. Position the hose or watering can at the base of the plant. Don’t direct a strong stream of water at the base, that will wash away the soil from the roots and prevent the water from seeping down into the soil.

Avoid water during the hottest part of the day.  If you water at mid-day, especially with the sun shining, you can cause scorching on flowers and buds. Plus the resulting humidity from that watering can increase the chance of fungal disease to develop.

When a surface is very dry, water the soil lightly to keep the water from running right off the dirt. Water it again when the initial water has been absorbed into the dirt.

Caring for plants, indoor and outdoor plants, is a responsibility. Be sure to treat them with lots of TLC. Make sure to wash your hands before touching plants so as not to transfer germs to the plant.

Stay tuned for more tips to help you keep your castle.

Take care. I’ll talk to you soon!

Plants always need additional feeding, especially in a garden where the plants are close together. So, always use a fertilizer and plenty of nutrients. The correct timing for using a fertilizer is important. If you feed them late in the season you may promote a weak growth and make them vulnerable to any early frost.

Choose a fertilizer that is best for the specific needs of the plants you are feeding. The time of the year should also be taken into consideration when fertilizing plants. Keep a separate watering can to use for fertilizing.
The fertilizer you choose will depend on the …read more

In about two weeks it will be spring and I know for a fact that will make just about everyone on the East Coast very happy. We have had so much snow this season that we can’t wait to start planting, whether indoors or out.

You need to research what you need for planting. What type of plant, what type of soil, where to plant to get the most out of sunshine or shade. When you choose the right plant then you will need to invest the time and prepare the soil.
Turning the soil will improve its texture to some extent, …read more

Baking is one of the most rewarding and fulfilling cooking skills. It is important to follow recipes, especially measurements, to the letter when baking.
When making cakes remember to prepare your cake pan first before mixing your batter. You will get a good rise if the cake is baked as soon as possible after mixing.
Instead of using oil or butter to grease your cake pan, use an oil spray and follow up with a dusting of flour. Or instead of using white flour, try a sprinkle of wheat or oat bran to add fiber as well as flavor to your cake.
If …read more

I have been cooking for a long time, but I always love to learn new and interesting tips and cooking tricks for creating flavorful dishes. Even everyday meals become special when you add extra flavor with coating, glazes and yummy stuffings.

For example, brushing poultry skin with olive oil and sprinkling with a little curry will give it a rich taste and a spicy, crisp skin.
For a tasty ham glaze, mix equal parts of dry mustard with brown sugar and sprinkle the mixture over the ham for the last 30 minutes of cooking.
To enhance a hearty stew, use wine, tea or …read more

There is an overwhelming variety of painting material available in today’s marketplace. They are used in a number of general categories. Water based paints tend to be the number one choice when it comes to painting walls because it is fast drying and easy to use on large surfaces.

Flat latex is water based with a dull matte finish. It is easy to work with and has a low odor. It can be used for walls and ceilings and its especially suitable on newly plastered surfaces.
Vinyl flat latex is water based with a wipeable matte finish. It is better wearing than …read more

There are an enormous amount of pots and pans available today with a wide variety of styles and materials from which to choose. Buy the best quality you can afford and learn how to protect, clean and care for them.

Your choice of pots and pans will affect the success of your cooking. The materials they are made from should be suitable to the stove you use and the cooking that you will be doing. Select good quality cookware and they will give you years of reliable service.
For cast iron cookware, choose the heaviest gauge of cast iron for the best …read more

A couple of weeks before you move, make a plan for packing each room and put together your packing materials. As you pack the items, toss out any clutter and label each box. Then you can place the boxes in the appropriate room in your new home.

Before you start packing, make an inventory of your possessions and keep this list for a reference. Put this list in a safe place so that you can refer to it during the move.
Make a note of the name and model numbers of all of your appliances. List like items together like silverware and …read more

Locks, bolts and alarms are only as good as you make them. Make it more difficult for a thief to get into your home by installing a good quality of locks on your doors and windows, and keep them locked. Always change your locks when you change residences.

Don’t lock interior doors. A burglar may think that you’re hiding something valuable and break down the door.
Keep your curtains open during the day. Believe it or not, that will discourage a burglar since they’ll be at risk of being seen by someone on the outside. However, close your curtains when you have …read more

There are some simple measures you can take around your house to conserve water and save some money on your household bills. Bathing uses more than 25% of all household water, so showering instead is the better way to go.

When you’re buying a new washing machine, keep in mind that front loading machines use less water than top loading ones. Unless your machine has a half load or a short cycle, only wash full loads to save water.
When you are washing your car, use a bucket filled with soapy water and only use the hose to rinse off.
Sweep driveways and …read more