2 CHAUTAUQUA STARFRIDAY, APRIL 19, 2013

ContributedStatepoint

Spring is here, which means it’s time to slip those green thumbs into some gardening gloves.

And if you want to feel truly good about what you grow, consider upgrading your garden to be more planet-friendly.

Here are some ideas to consider:

Grow Your Own DinnerGrow the vegetables, herbs and flowers that you would normally purchase for your dinner and floral arrangements.

Local is more sustainable because it reduces

the carbon footprint associated with transport. And you can’t get more local than your own backyard!

Encourage PollinationPollination is crucial for agricultural production and the health of the ecosystem. Unfortunately, many pollinating insects are highly susceptible to environmental changes and have in recent years, suffered major population decline.

You can help local pollinators thrive by planting a variety of native species of varying colors and shapes and reducing your use of pesticides.

Be Bird-FriendlyNo garden is truly complete without regular visits from birds. Encourage flying visitors by installing a feeder and bird bath.

According to a study published in the Wilson Journal of Ornithology, billions of birds die annually worldwide from collisions with windows. So if you’re going to send out the

mass invite to these beautiful creatures, don’t forget to make it hazard-free for their arrival.

Without affecting the appearance of your home, you can make your windows safer for birds by applying static-cling decals. For example, WindowAlert creates decals that look like frosted glass to people, but brilliantly reflect UV light for birds. To create a complete visual barrier, consider filling in the gaps between decals with UV Liquid dots which are invisible to humans, but visible to birds.

More information on preventing bird collisions can be found at www.WindowAlert.com.w

CompostBy composting, you will not only reduce your home’s overall waste, you’ll also create a rich soil that can be used in your garden to cultivate plants naturally. Be careful what you compost, however. Sawdust from chemically treated wood, diseased plants, and even walnuts, when composted, can create soil that’s hazardous to both plants and people.

This spring, make your garden the envy of the neighborhood for more than just its beauty. With a few easy tweaks, you can reduce your family’s waste and create a safe haven for birds and pollinators.

How to Make Your Garden More environMentallY

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4 CHAUTAUQUA STARFRIDAY, APRIL 19, 2013

ContributedStatePointIt doesn’t matter if you’re a gardening novice trying to supplement your dinner table with some home-grown veggies or an entrepreneur that earns a living off the land, composting is a simple way to go green and help save the environment.

You don’t have to be an environmentalist to compost, either. Compost, which is organic matter that has been decomposed and recycled and used for fertilizing soil, is great for your garden and will help reduce landfill waste. In addition, composting in your home garden will help you save money.

“Using compost means your garden will be more cost-effective because you will have to spend less on fertilizers, insecticides, and fungicides for a given harvest of any crop,” says Brett L. Markham, author of “The Mini Farming Guide to Composting,”

the latest in his Mini Farming book series.

Across the country people are embracing the concept of self-sufficiency and preparedness, “mini farming” anywhere, from rooftop urban gardens to suburban backyards to larger land plots. Growing food is easier

than ever and composting is a huge part of this movement.

Markham, who also has written the bestselling “Mini Farming: Self-Sufficiency on 1/4 Acre” as well as mini farming guides to fermenting and vegetable gardening, offers these gardening tips to get started on composting:

• Composting is a natural form of recycling, so use food waste, grass clippings, coffee grounds and even paper as compost. Just be sure to shred the paper first to speed up the process.

• Start your compost pile in a convenient spot, and make sure it is semi-shaded and well-drained.

• Add bulking agents such as wood chips to accelerate the breakdown of organic materials, allowing the finished material to fully stabilize and mature through a curing process. Add leaves, straw, or hay along with grass clippings or green manures for plenty of bulk.

Each layer should be no more than two inches so that the grass clippings or leaves don’t get matted down to form a layer impermeable to air.

• Keep the compost moist. Either water it yourself or let rain take care of it. The

compost should be moist, but not soaked.

• Cover the compost pile to help retain moisture and heat. This will also help prevent the

compost from being over-watered by the rain.

• Turn the compost pile with a shovel or a fork to aerate the pile. It is important to water the pile as you turn it

as well. Turning the pile adds oxygen to the compost which is necessary to get the most out of your pile.

• Once you add the compost to your garden, you’ll be ready to start planting in two to five weeks!You can learn more about composting, mini farming, and self-sufficiency at www.MarkhamFarm.com/mainsite.

Composting is the first easy step to helping the environment while growing your own food. So make the most out of your garden, and start digging!

tips to start CoMpostinG For Your Garden

Composting can help improve the quality of your garden.

CHAUTAUQUA STARFRIDAY, APRIL 19, 2013 5

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ContributedStatePointIf it feels as though your entire weekends are spent mowing, trimming and watering your lawn, there are steps you can take to speed up your lawn care routine.

AutomateHow many times have you forgotten to water your lawn -- or worse yet, over-watered it? You can eliminate the guesswork (and the grunt work of dragging hoses around your yard) by installing an automatic sprinkler and drip irrigation system that is based on your specifi c landscape, characteristics and geographical region.

A well-designed system ensures peak effi ciency, which means you’re

only watering your lawn when necessary. This is great for your grass and plants -- and for your pocketbook.

New technologies are making it even easier to optimize a watering plan for your lawn, as they can be controlled from the comfort of your computer or from a handheld remote you can take into your backyard. For example, the Irritrol PCW Control system is a software system that allows you to set up an irrigation calendar for different areas of your property. This smart technology can even connect to the Internet and retrieve the day’s weather for your zip code, and change watering time and frequency accordingly. Homeowners can visit www.irritrol.com to learn more.

Maintain Your EquipmentKeeping your mower properly maintained will save you time all season long. For walking mowers, a good maintenance routine is as follows:

• Carefully check blades for sharpness.

• Make sure the cutting deck is clear of clippings. Cooking spray on the underside of the deck will make a new mower easier to clean.

• Check pull cords to ensure they aren’t frayed.

• Check that attachments are connected and working properly.

• If you use your mower infrequently, fi ll the tank

with a fuel stabilizer.

• Periodically change the oil and perform air fi lter maintenance.

Less is MoreIt’s tempting to cut the grass as frequently as do your neighbors. But where mowing is concerned, less is more. You can prevent weeds from taking over your lawn by letting your grass grow out a bit, as longer grass supports a deeper root system. If you cut more than one-third of the grass length, you will have

clumps of clippings that lie on top of the lawn, slower decomposition, and a less attractive, bristly appearing lawn

Keeping grass longer also allows it greater surface area to carry out photosynthesis, which results in healthier plants. In addition, taller grass grows slower than shorter grass. You can use this fact to eliminate up to 20 percent of the mowing you do annually, an average savings of about eight hours a year, not to mention the savings of gasoline and

wear on equipment.

When you do cut the grass, be sure you’re using great time saving equipment. A model with great maneuverability will give you greater control around landscaping and obstacles.

With all that time saved working on your lawn, you’ll have more time to kick back, relax and simply enjoy your lawn instead.

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CHAUTAUQUA STARFRIDAY, APRIL 19, 2013 7

ContributedStatePointCleaning your home from top to bottom this spring?

Do so with care. From falls off ladders to muscle pain, heavy-duty chores can be

hazardous to your health and wellness if you’re not careful.

So before you roll up your sleeves and get into the thick of it, take a moment to review some essential safety precautions:

Avoid Outdoor MishapsWhen mowing the lawn, wear sturdy, closed-toe shoes. Clear your lawn of stones, toys and other potentially hazardous debris before you begin, to prevent fl ying objects. Keep children away from your yard

while you’re mowing.Reduce the risk of a ladder fall by always using a stable ladder. Be sure to use the correct height ladder for the job and follow all weight restrictions. Only set ladders on level surfaces. Pay close attention to what you’re doing and climb up and down the ladder slowly and deliberately.

Treat Muscles RightFrom lawn work to scrubbing fl oors, unusual repetitious motions can really take a toll, resulting in muscle pain or bruising. Treat your spring clean like a workout and stretch your major muscle groups before you get started.When lifting those boxes in your basement and any other objects with heft, bend at the knees to avoid throwing your back out. If a chore is causing you pain, stop what you’re doing.

“Start out slowly to avoid placing a sudden demand on your muscles that are not use to this activity,” says Anne Meyer, MD who focuses on sports rehabilitation medicine.If you feel stiff or sore after a long day of reaching, bending and lifting, Dr. Meyer recommends minimizing physical activity, elevating an injured arm or leg, and treating the fi rst sign of muscle pain by applying a quick absorbing topical muscle pain reliever like Arnicare Gel.

Instead of masking pain, this homeopathic medicine works naturally with the body to relieve muscle pain and stiffness, as well as swelling from injuries and bruising. Pain management tips can be found at www.arnicare.com, where coupons are available to save $1.00 on pain relievers.

Remember to take frequent breaks. And end your long day with a relaxing bath.

Clean SafelyCleaning products can be extremely stringent, causing irritation to your eyes, nose and throat. If opting for natural alternatives, such as vinegar or lemons is not an option, use the harsher stuff with care.

Open all windows when using harsh cleaning products, especially ammonia. Wear gloves and consider protecting your nose and mouth with a surgical mask. Place products out of reach when you’re not using them if you have pets or small children.

By following a few safety measures, you can make your spring clean a rejuvenating experience.

tips to avoid inJuries wHile sprinG CleaninG

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8 CHAUTAUQUA STARFRIDAY, APRIL 19, 2013

ContributedStatepointThrow open those doors and windows -- there is no better cure for months of winter than some fresh spring air.

But with spring, comes spring cleaning. And if the thought of pulling out mops, buckets and brooms brings on more stress than serenity, remember that a few tricks and some great tunes can make cleaning easier and perhaps even fun. Set the MoodThere are work playlists, workout playlists -- why not a cleaning playlist? Put together some of your favorite, preferably upbeat tunes to motivate you while you’re working and keep that music playing when you’re moving from room to room.

Give your nose some sensory motivation too. Spray a fresh clean scent to remind you of what’s to come when the work is done.

SimplifyThe soups, stews and heavy cooking of winter earn kitchen appliances everywhere a little tender loving care. While the task of cleaning accumulated splatters and stuck-on food residue from of heavy winter cooking can sound overwhelming, there are cleansers that can make the sprucing process a lot less labor-intensive.

You can clear the cutter of your cabinet by opting for a cleanser that works on a variety of surfaces and appliances. For example, affresh Kitchen & appliance cleaner and Stainless

steel cleaner can be used on refrigerators, microwaves and countertops, and won’t be too abrasive on fi nishes. And unlike ammonia or bleach-based cleaners, you can simply spray and wipe down without rinsing.

Renew the RefrigeratorIt’s easier to clean the fridge with less in it, so prior to starting, throw out what’s old, pull out what stays and

roll up your sleeves.

Clean door gaskets, racks and drawers with warm water and mild dish detergent. Don’t forget to clean underneath the refrigerator and the vent of the appliance. Proper air fl ow provides better performance and optimum effi ciency.

Once it’s all sparkly clean, admire your handiwork. Then put

your food back inside before it spoils.

MaintainThe dishwasher cleans dishes. What cleans the dishwasher? Don’t stress! Cleaning the dishwasher may be one of the easiest tasks on your checklist. Just run a normal wash cycle and add an easy-to-use tablet, such as affresh Dishwasher cleaner, to the bottom of the tub to help clean and remove residue.Likewise, you can clean your washing machine by running a normal

cycle with hot water and a washer cleaner tablet. A formulated tablet designed to penetrate, dissolve and help remove odor-causing residue from the inside of the machine will give your washer and your clothes a fresh scent.

Don’t forget to check washer and dryer drains and pipes for blockages -- such as lint or the infamous missing sock -- to improve optimum water and air fl ow. Clean the dryer’s outside exhaust to help shorten drying time and decrease energy use.

For more helpful cleaning tips, visit www.affresh.com. You’ll be out enjoying the spring weather in no time.

ContributedStatepointBirds are chirping, fl owers are blooming and do-it-yourselfers are kicking their home improvement projects into high gear. At the heart of any handy job in or around the house is a high-quality set of tools.

“Even great tools won’t work as well or last forever if they aren’t treated with care,” warns Chris Barker, Technical Manager at Royal Purple, a manufacturer of premium synthetic lubricants.

So what can DIY-ers do to extend the life of their valuable tools?

Store ProperlyGood organization is not just about saving time when you’re looking for the proper tool, or even

take tHe stress out oF sprinG CleaninG

With the right techniques, you can make cleaning a cakewalk.

CHAUTAUQUA STARFRIDAY, APRIL 19, 2013 9

ContributedStatepointBirds are chirping, fl owers are blooming and do-it-yourselfers are kicking their home improvement projects into high gear. At the heart of any handy job in or around the house is a high-quality set of tools.

“Even great tools won’t work as well or last forever if they aren’t treated with care,” warns Chris Barker, Technical Manager at Royal Purple, a manufacturer of premium synthetic lubricants.

So what can DIY-ers do to extend the life of their valuable tools?

Store ProperlyGood organization is not just about saving time when you’re looking for the proper tool, or even

just about saving space in your garage or shed. Good organization can go a long way toward keeping tools in proper working order for longer. So never leave tools scattered about where they are susceptible to getting dinged or could be the cause of an accident. Install shelving units and invest in a quality toolbox that meets your size and portability needs.

Proper storage away from the elements can also protect metal tools from rust and wooden handles from rot. Be sure to clean and dry all tools before storing them and maintain a cool and dry climate in your workshop or garage.

Maintain RegularlyUse a versatile product to lubricate power tools, rollers and lawn

equipment, loosen stuck parts, preserve equipment in storage, and facilitate hand drilling, tapping and metal cutting. A long-lasting lubricant means less maintenance for you. For example, Royal Purple Maxfi lm, a high-fi lm strength, multipurpose synthetic lubricant, uses their proprietary additive called Synerlec to adhere to metal parts and provide continuous protection. It is rated highly by the Handyman Club of America for performance, quality durability and effectiveness.

Maintaining your tools and lawn equipment with regular lubrication will protect them against wear, rust and corrosion and can actually improve the condition of metal surfaces.

More information can be found at www.ProtectParts.com.

Use CorrectlyMost tools are designed to perform specifi c functions. Using the wrong tool for a job can pose a safety hazard to you and those around you. By using your equipment incorrectly, you can make the tool less effective for its intended use. Be aware, even with good maintenance habits, tools will need to be replaced over time.

High-quality tools can be expensive. But with the proper care, you can keep them in good working order all season long and well into the future.

diYers: How to eXtend tHe liFe oF Your tools

(c) Tyler Olson - Fotolia.com

10 CHAUTAUQUA STARFRIDAY, APRIL 19, 2013

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