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Around the House Blog
October 22, 2018

Annual Plants Which Blooms All Through The Summer

Do you have a large garden or enough containers in your balcony? Need home maintenance tips especially for your garden? Well, you need to think about growing easy to grow flowering plants that help in adding color to the entire home.
Some of the annual plants that can be planted in your home or garden are as follows:
· Tuberous Begonias
· Petunias
· Impatiens walleriana
· New Guinea Impatiens
· Geraniums
· Marigolds
· Calibrachoas
· Zinnias
· Ageratum
· Vincas
· Mandevillas
· Scaevola
· Pentas
· Portulaca
· Salvias

DIY home improvement ideas for your garden

· Tuberous Begonias
Tuberous Begonias are tender perennials mostly grows all through the year. It forms as a lovely bedding plant and it looks magnificent even in hanging pots. It is necessary to plant the tubers in a medium pot or rich soil with the curved in a bowl. The tube should be buried exactly in the middle of the soil. As the growth starts, you have to use necessary fertilizers once in three weeks till the flower beds start to form. It is recommended to ask an expert plant nursery professional regarding ways to apply fertilizers.

One of the recommended fertilizers for the first stage is 22-14-14. When the plant starts to grow you need to switch to 0-10-10, where it should be applied once in three weeks. Pick the flowers when it blooms or as it fades. The plants may turn yellow after some time. You need to stop watering at this stage.
When the top becomes completely dry, you have to dig and take out the tops. Let it get dried in the sun for two to three days. Use sulfur power to dust the tubers to prevent rot. It should be wrapped in a paper and stored in a cool, dark and dry place. It can be used for planting again in spring.

· Petunias
These are beautiful tender perennials that grow in USDA Zones. Most gardens display Petunias as annuals. The best part of this perennials is they can manage heat and bloom all through the growing season occupying beds, borders, and containers with color. Though Petunias grow in medium to partial shade, they develop and blooms in full sunlight. It is necessary to offer them regular water and use a water-soluble and balanced fertilizer as mentioned in the label of the product. Ensure to remove the flowers when they fade. It helps in encouraging more blooms.

· Calibrachoas
It is also referred to as ‘Million Bells’. They almost look similar to petunias but small in size. They are mostly grown in containers and hanging baskets and best to use as ground covers for small areas. Ensure to provide them well-drained and moist soil which is rich in organic ingredients. They prefer full sun but when you give light shade it last long. If you are living in a region where the summer is hot, you can preserve in light shade areas. Containers would require extra water when the temperatures are hot. It is not necessary to take the faded flowers. You have to trim the plants to maintain that bust look.

· Zinnias
Zinnias are simple to care and they come in numerous forms and colors. They require well-drained soil and sun. The soil should be rich in organic substances.

Jennifer Couch
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Blog Green Living
July 22, 2018

Simple tips to reduce your fuel bill

Are you planning to get home repair services to reduce expensive energy bills? Well, apart from repairing and maintaining your house and appliances, you need to think of ways how to reduce the energy bills. You may be wasting energy without your knowledge. Check our simple home maintenance tips that help in limiting your fuel bills.

· Make use of solar energy:
As the winter is gone, you can make use of the warmth of the sun. It is free and can be obtained as you wish. Open drapes and windows that are south facing on sunny days. Ensure to close the windows at night. You can notice instant savings by utilizing this option.

· Dress warmly:
If you wear thick clothes like sweatshirt or sweater, you need to switch the air-conditioner. But when you wear clothes appropriately, you do not have to use the air-conditioner. In the same way, during winter months, you can choose a sweater to switch off the thermostat. It results in less heating expenses.

· Less light:
Turn off the lights when you leave a room. It should be a habit followed by your entire family members. Install dim light in the dining room and kitchen. The dim lights are highly beneficial not only in terms of energy consumption but also add perfect ambiance for entertainment and meals. With the help of sensors, you can switch on the outside lights when necessary.

· Fill the freezer:
When the freezer is full, the refrigerator requires less energy. Empty freezers require a lot of energy. It is one of the best excuses you can give to store some ice creams in your freezer. You can buy large quantities of vegetables and store them to use when needed.

· Cook smarter:
If you are using large pans, you should check whether it is really necessary for that dish. Large pans need more energy than small pans. While boiling water, close it with a lid to prevent the escape of energy and heat.
Are you planning to bake your favorite cake? Ensure not to open the oven door on a frequent basis. Whenever you open the door, the temperature would anywhere between 25 and 50 degrees Fahrenheit. It means it will take a long time to finish the baking process and in result, the energy expenses will be high.

· Think small:
Ensure to use toaster or microwave oven when you need to cook small portions or heat leftovers. It is best to use a small appliance as it is energy efficient than the large one. Ensure to unplug toaster and coffee maker once you finish using or when not in use.

· Unplug it:
Several electrical appliances continue to draw power unless you completely switch off or unplug. It is the reason you see a LED light glowing even after you switch off the television. Some of the common culprits that consume power are cell phone charger, printer, and television. It is best to turn off them completely to reduce the energy bills. It is best to put your computer in sleep mode instead of keeping it on when not in use. This way, you can save around $75 per year in fuel expenses.