Outdoor Living

Help your landscape defeat the heat and thrive this season

Tue, 02 Apr 2013 18:25:00 GMT

(BPT) - Most of us have heard the rhyme "April showers bring May flowers." While April has traditionally been a rainy period, giving way to the start of spring growth and colors, this coming season also could bring stifling heat that scorches landscapes or results in on-going water shortages. After more than two-thirds of the country experienced drought-like conditions in 2012, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, homeowners everywhere are making preparations for yet another year of extreme heat and a lack of precipitation.

This season, experts from Pennington Seed de-stress lawn and garden care with seven quick tips that will help reduce your outdoor water consumption, while keeping your landscapes lush, healthy and vibrant:

1. Drought-condition plants: Plants can be conditioned for dry weather starting at the beginning of the spring season with a few changes in your irrigation schedule. As part of ongoing maintenance, decrease the frequency of watering and increase the amount of water penetration to encourage deeper rooting. Deeper roots will be more drought-tolerant. That said, it's important to remember that more watering is needed in the early stages of seed development, including germination and establishment.

2. Don't be overly reactive: Lawns tend to be overwatered, often with entire lawns being watered to avoid a few dry spots. Overwatering can cause numerous problems, including: shallow root systems; increased disease, weed or insect infestations; reduced drought tolerance; and increased thatch and excessive growth. A lawn does not need water until the color falls by 50 percent, at which time only one inch of water should be added.

3. Select water-efficient plants: By utilizing grass seed that requires less water, lawns are more resilient during periods of drought and easier to maintain (e.g. reduced time, energy and resources). Consider a pure-bred, drought-tolerant seed, like Pennington Smart Seed, which stays green for up to three weeks without water and requires 30 percent less water year after year versus ordinary seed. The varieties in every bag were developed to help homeowners establish fuller, healthier and greener lawns, while efficiently using natural resources.

4. Install water-saving systems: Install a drip irrigation system around trees and shrubs in your landscape to improve water efficiency. Drip irrigation applies water only when needed, minimizing water loss due to evaporation and preventing moisture from reaching spaces between plants - thus, limiting the chance of weed growth in those areas. Rain barrels also can be used to harvest rainwater for later use in landscapes as irrigation.

5. Water wisely: Water at night or in the morning - from 4 a.m. to 10 p.m. - to reduce the chance of water being lost to evaporation in the mid-day heat. This timing allows grass to retain moisture but dry in enough time to prevent diseases that are more likely to develop in a wet-lawn.

6. Retain moisture with mulch: Spread mulch when seeding new areas to add a protective layer over soil. The mulch allows soil to retain moisture during the critical seed germination and establishment stages. The clippings from mulching mowers also serve the same purpose-- preserving soil moisture and nutrients for growing grass.

7. Fertilize thoughtfully: Fertilization supplies plants with essential nutrients for strength, uniform growth and a healthy, fibrous root system. A vibrant and healthy plant makes the best use of available water, meaning less water is needed over time. There also is less chance of the plant being "burned" or dried out to a point beyond recovery. Fertilizers, however, should not be applied during periods of drought.

For more information and additional resources, visit www.penningtonseed.com.

Simple tips to stay safe from the sun while outdoors

Mon, 02 Jul 2012 17:52:00 GMT

(ARA) - Warm weather means more time spent enjoying the outdoors: picnics, bike rides, hikes and sporting events. While the summer months should be enjoyed to the fullest, outdoor enthusiasts must remember that the sun, with all of the benefits it brings, also has many dangerous effects.

The sun's ultraviolet (UV) rays are at their strongest during the spring and summer; unprotected skin and eyes can be damaged in as little as 15 minutes. While applying sunscreen and wearing sunglasses with UVA/UVB protection is important throughout the year, taking extra sun-safety precautions during the summer is especially important.

Try these simple tips on your next trip to the park, pool, beach or casual stroll outside and learn to enjoy the sun safely:

Wear sunscreen: While this may seem like a no-brainer, many people still need to be reminded. Keep some handy in your car, purse and around the house. Sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 30 protects the skin from the sun. Apply one ounce of sunscreen (about the size of a ping pong ball) to all sun-exposed areas of the body. Don't forget the ears, feet and behind the neck. Because sunscreen can take up to 30 minutes to go into full effect, it's a good idea to apply it at home before going outside.
Wear the right shades: Find a pair of sunglasses that will give you adequate UVA/UVB protection so you can reduce the risk of burning your retina, cornea or eyelids. Most of us don't realize it when sunglasses do not provide adequate UV protection. If you wear sunglasses that feature UV blocking lenses, but the frame does not block sunlight from reaching your eyes from the sides, you are still being exposed to harmful UV rays. For example, Solar Shield Sunglasses feature Advanced UV Protection designs that help protect your eyes through the combination of 100 percent UV protection lenses and frames that wrap around to block stray light.
Wear protective clothing: Warmer weather inevitably means less clothing, especially when you're laying by the pool or on the beach. When bathing suit shopping this summer, pick up a few lightweight wraps and cover shirts; they offer much more protection than sunscreen.
Cover your head: Whether it is a baseball cap or floppy, wide-brimmed hat, find one to protect your head and face during the summer months and wear it. Anything that keeps your sensitive scalp protected is going to lower your chances of skin cancer.
Avoid the danger times: The Food and Drug Administration says that UVA/UVB rays are at their most dangerous from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Do your best to stay in the shade and stay even more on top of your sun protection during those hours. If you must be in the sun during peak hours, be sure to wear SPF 30 sunscreen and wraparound sunglasses with advanced UV protection and polarized lenses.

If you follow these simple tips, you can look forward to an active, fun and safe summer.

Five tips for creating a stadium-style lawn in your own backyard

Tue, 05 Jun 2012 19:04:00 GMT

(ARA) - With summer on the horizon, families will be heading to backyards across the country for picnics, sports games and to simply soak up the sun. A lush green lawn is the perfect setting for these activities and will be the envy of the neighborhood. How does one achieve that well-manicured, stadium-style lawn?

Many homeowners think a professional-looking lawn requires a stringent water and fertilizer regimen. While both water and fertilizer play their part, neither is the stand-alone key to a perfect lawn. The following five tips offer homeowners simple solutions to achieving a great yard.

Know your region. Grass seed is not one size fits all. Select the right grass seed or sod based on where you live. It's also important to consider how you plan to use your lawn. Do you have children and pets that will be playing on it regularly, or will the purpose be primarily curb appeal? To determine the right grass, talk to your local garden center or contact the turf grass specialist at your state agriculture school.
Only feed as needed. According to Grass Seed USA, a coalition of American grass seed farmers, many homeowners over water their lawns, which does more harm than good. A simple trick to determine whether your lawn needs watering is to stick a screwdriver into the grass. If it enters the dirt easily, your lawn has plenty of water already. If you have trouble getting the screwdriver into the ground, it is time to give the grass a drink. It is also recommended to fertilize your lawn at least once a year. However, putting your lawn on a quarterly schedule will help achieve optimal health.
Break out the ruler. The maintenance crews for professional sports fields are meticulous about the height of their grass because it ensures a uniform look. Grass Seed USA recommends maintaining a lawn height of about 2 inches. It's important not to cut more than one-third of the grass height at a time to minimize damage, so aim to mow when your lawn is about 3 inches in height.
Arm yourself with the right tools. The proper equipment can take a lawn from looking well-manicured to professional. When selecting a mower, don't jump straight to those that pick up the grass clippings. Allowing the clippings to decompose in the lawn will add to the overall health of your yard, and when you mow often, the shavings are small and less noticeable. Adding an edger to your arsenal is another great trick for cleaning up the lines and defining your yard.
Replenish as necessary. Grass is a natural carpet that cleans and repairs itself. It's equipped to withstand a number of elements yet is impacted over time. If you've noticed that your lawn is sparse in areas, or not as full and lush as you'd like, it may be time to add more seed. The best time to plant new seed is in the fall when the temperatures are more temperate. But reseeding may be done throughout the year. The important thing is to avoid drastic temperature changes and water regularly, yet moderately, to give the seed time to absorb moisture and build roots.

Growing and maintaining a lush green lawn doesn't have to come with a backache. Basic planning and these five quick tips will have you well on your way to a backyard prime for the summer season.

Enjoy outdoor activities while keeping ticks and mosquitos away

Tue, 05 Jun 2012 18:51:00 GMT

(ARA) - While warmer weather brings many opportunities to enjoy outdoor living spaces, it also ushers in unwanted pests like ticks and mosquitos.

A mild winter often triggers an early emergence and larger populations of these insects. Frequent accounts of tick sightings and bites have been documented in many states, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports a steady increase in the prevalence of tick-borne illnesses like Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain spotted fever each year.

About 75 percent of all reported Lyme disease cases are acquired from ticks picked up during activities in backyards and around the home, according to the CDC website.

The site also notes that homeowners can reduce the population of ticks that can cause Lyme disease and the like by 68 to 100 percent with as little as one application of an appropriate outdoor insecticide spray.

Another pest-spread illness, West Nile virus, is transmitted through the bites of infected mosquitos. West Nile poses health risks to humans and pets alike during the warm summer months.

While incidents of West Nile virus have declined over the past 10 years, the CDC reports it to be an established seasonal epidemic that can cause severe illness and result in permanent neurological damage.

The best way to prevent an outbreak of the disease, according to the CDC, is through the use of an integrated pest management (IPM) approach to control both adult mosquitos and their larvae before they can hatch and mature.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) describes IPM on its website, www.epa.gov, as "an effective and environmentally sensitive approach to pest management that relies on a combination of common-sense practices."

The EPA points out that the IPM approach, which takes insects' life cycles into consideration as well as currently available pest control methods, is a good way to manage pests economically and with the least health and environmental hazards.

In addition to the efforts and community education by organizations like the EPA, there are many simple, preventative steps that individuals can take to ensure their own lawns, gardens and patios are a safe environment for summer fun.

"Keeping grass cut short and eliminating standing water in and around the home are two easy, effective ways to reduce the prevalence of menaces like ticks and mosquitos, " says Aaron Hobbs, president of RISE (Responsible Industry for a Sound Environment) - a national organization representing the manufacturers, formulators and distributors of pesticide and fertilizer products. "The applications of insect repellents and thorough skin checks after spending time outdoors also serve as important safeguards for adults, children and pets.

"Pesticide and repellent products can provide significant protection, and it is important to note that these products are rigorously tested and approved by EPA and your state to ensure they will protect you and your pets from harmful pests," Hobbs continues.

Reading pesticide and repellent labels and following directions for proper application and storage are ways to ensure that your outdoor living spaces remain a healthy, pest-free summer haven.

To learn more on how to protect your family, friends and pets from insects, rodents and weeds, visit www.DebugTheMyths.com.

Guidance for gardeners: avoiding injury and discomfort

Mon, 20 Jun 2011 17:42:00 GMT

(ARA) - Warm weather is here and it's time to get the garden going. Gardening is good for you on many levels - from the mental health boost you get from doing something relaxing to the physical benefits of exercise, time outdoors and adding fresh vegetables to your diet. Bending over to weed, gripping gardening tools and the general physical effort of gardening, however, can make existing aches and pains worse, or even cause new ones.

This summer, take steps to ensure your gardening experience is as comfortable and beneficial as possible. Here are some ideas for avoiding injury and irritating existing conditions while gardening:

Warm up

You wouldn't go jogging or work out without doing some light stretching and warm-up exercises, and you shouldn't jump into gardening without warming up first. Before stepping into your garden, do some stretches to limber up, especially your arms, legs and back. When you've completed your gardening chores for the day, finish up with more stretching.

Banish bending

Many Americans suffer from chronic back pain, and while it's important to keep moving despite discomfort, it makes sense to minimize activities that could create or worsen pain. Bending over to work in the garden can be hard on your back. If back pain is a concern, consider planting your garden in raised beds this year, or working with container gardens. Elevated beds require you to bend less when doing typical gardening chores. And container gardens can be placed on tables or deck railings to make it easy to reach plants.

Protect hands and wrists

Weeding, hoeing, raking, shoveling - the repetitive motions of gardening can lead to hand and wrist pain, and worsen existing conditions such as arthritis. Taking steps to minimize irritation and discomfort while you work can help ensure your gardening tasks don't create aches or worsen pain. Consider wearing an Arthritis Glove, like the Imak-made glove commended by the Arthritis Foundation, to provide mild compression and warmth while you work. Because the gloves are made of cotton Lycra with an open fingertip design, they won't make your hands hot or hinder movement. Designed by an orthopedic surgeon, the Arthritis Gloves are also fully washable, so you don't have to worry about getting a little dirt on them as you go about your gardening tasks. An added bonus - wearing any kind of glove can help you avoid another common gardening injury: blisters.

Guard skin

Sunburn and insect bites are also a risk for gardeners, who spend a lot of time outdoors. While most insect bites are just an irritation, sunburn can cause serious, long-term skin damage. To ward off mosquitoes and other biting bugs, apply an insect repellent. Prevent sunburn by always wearing sunscreen - the kind that blocks both UVA and UVB rays - whenever you're outdoors. Use a wide-brimmed, lightweight hat to shade your eyes and keep the sun off your head. Take frequent breaks and drink plenty of water, especially on hot days when you'll be out for several hours.

Move wisely

Lifting can be another source of back pain, and gardening often involves lifting, whether it's heavy bags of soil or seed, or a full basket of the fruits of your labor. Remember to lift from a squatting position, with your back straight, so that your legs do the work, not your back. When kneeling down, use gardening knee pads or even just a rolled up towel to cushion your joints from the hard, damp ground. Remember to minimize twisting motions that can inure your back and joints.

With a few precautions, you can ensure this summer's gardening activities remain safe, enjoyable and pain free.

Backyard upgrades bring the resort lifestyle home

Mon, 20 Jun 2011 16:25:00 GMT

(ARA) - From murals to outdoor kitchens, resort-style luxury can be had for less right in your own backyard. To get an idea of where to begin, think of the features and decor that you most loved about your last resort stay and work toward recreating them at home for a fraction of the cost.

Your outdoor decor can go a long way toward creating a luxury resort feeling. Draw on favorite luxury touches of interior designers, such as luxurious floor coverings and engaging wall murals. An outdoor mural can transform a space from mundane to exotic.

New technology, dubbed SmartStick, can allow you to mount a mural virtually anywhere outdoors. All you need is a flat surface (other than non-painted brick). The space-age material will withstand all weather conditions, won't shrink or curl, and can even wrap around corners and curves. It's easily removable, peeling effortlessly away from the surface without leaving any marks or residue, and can then be re-used elsewhere. Log on to http://www.muralsyourway.com/ to learn more.

Don't let allergies or asthma spoil a summer soiree

Mon, 20 Jun 2011 17:45:00 GMT

(ARA) - Summertime means outdoor fun at weddings, graduations, festivals and picnics. But uninvited guests ranging from stinging insects to grass pollen can ruin the fun for the millions of Americans with allergies and asthma.

Allergies and asthma can lead to sneezing, wheezing and itchy misery - and sometimes more serious reactions - turning a joyous occasion into agony.

"By planning ahead, people with allergies can still enjoy outdoor events," says Dr. Myron Zitt, past president of the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (ACAAI).

ACAAI and its allergist members suggest following a few simple tips to make summer soirees more enjoyable:

- Treat before you go. Take allergy medication before walking out the door. If you wait until symptoms kick in, the medication won't be nearly as effective.

- Go undercover. Big, wrap-around sunglasses help keep pollen from getting into your eyes.

- Avoid bees. If you're allergic to bees or other stinging insects, avoidance is your best bet. Keep your distance from uncovered food, be cautious of open soft drink cans and resist wearing bright clothing or perfume, all of which attract bees. If someone near you gets stung, move away - some bees give off a chemical after they sting that can attract other stinging insects.

- Be cautious at the food table. Avoid foods in which nuts, dairy and other common allergens can be lurking, such as mixed salads, barbecue sauces and salad dressings. If grilling is involved, have your portion cooked on aluminum foil to avoid cross-contamination with other foods.

- Stick to the middle. Poison ivy can lurk in bushes and other foliage, so stay in open areas where you're less likely to brush up against it.

- Pay attention to ozone alerts. High temperatures mixed with pollution can pose a problem for people with asthma. Carry a quick relief inhaler.

Visit http://www.allergyandasthmarelief.org/ for more information about allergies and to find an allergist near you. Allergists have expertise to select the most effective treatment options and also can determine if you should consider allergy shots (immunotherapy) which are effective for seasonal and stinging insect allergies. The treatment involves periodic injections with tiny amounts of an allergen so that your reactions become milder or disappear completely, curing your allergy. Allergy shots also can help prevent the development of asthma.

Mowing tips that will keep your lawn looking good all year

Mon, 20 Jun 2011 17:39:00 GMT

(ARA) - Every homeowner dreams of that perfect lawn, but the fact is maintaining a green and lush carpet of grass takes some work. One of the easiest ways to keep up the appearance of your lawn is to mow it in a way that promotes optimal lawn health.

In fact, mowing frequently is one of the best ways to maintain the health of your lawn according to the U.S. Natural Resources Conservation Service. Ideally, you should own a mower that allows you to mow frequently and efficiently.

If you have a smaller yard, a walking mower may do the trick, especially if you can get the job done in a half hour or less. If you measure your lawn in acres, as opposed to square feet, a riding mower is probably more appropriate. But most people have a lawn that fits somewhere in between, in which case, there's another option.

Cross mowers are smaller riding mowers that are designed for yards up to one acre. With a compact design, these mowers offer increased maneuverability, as well as easy storage. Among the companies offering cross mowers is Weed Eater, which features a SmartCut model.

Whether now is the time to rightsize your mower or not, here are some other mowing tips to keep your lawn looking good all year:

- Keep your blade sharp. A dull blade can damage your grass, hampering healthy and even growth. Mower blades should typically be sharpened once at the beginning of spring and once in the summer. Examining your grass after you mow can help determine whether your blade is producing a clean and even cut.

- Spread clippings evenly throughout your yard. Grass clippings are your best form of fertilizer - and they're free. Throughout the year, your clippings will provide the equivalent of one or two applications of fertilizer, according to the Natural Resources Conservation Service.

If your mower discharges clippings to the side, mow the outer edge so clippings are thrown toward the middle of your yard, and as you move toward the center, change your direction so they are thrown outward. Sweeping any clippings that ended up on your driveway or sidewalks back onto the lawn both promotes the health of your lawn and prevents them from entering local waterways - grass clippings can contribute to toxic levels of phosphorus in lakes and rivers.

- Don't mow in the same direction every time. Mowing in different directions will prevent your grass from becoming matted down and instead keep it growing upward, where it can receive the most sunlight.

- Cut your grass between 2 and 3 inches. Keeping it longer than 2 inches can help prevent weeds from receiving the necessary sunlight to take hold. It also can prevent scorching during warm and dry weather. For optimal growth and regeneration, never remove more than one third of your lawn's length during one mowing session.

- Mow only when your grass is dry. Mowing when your yard is wet can cause your mower to leave tracks. It can also cause your discarded clippings to clump together, providing an ideal breeding ground for bacteria that can cause disease in your grass.