2 • April 2020 Spring Home & Garden 10 ways to bond with your houseplants By LISA BOONE add life to your interiors while vorite houseplants. Simply cut mioides, known as “the friend- time comes to socialize again). Los Angeles Times (TNS) calming your nerves. Many re- the vine just below the node ship plant” is another popular 5. START AN INDOOR Now that we’ve been or- tailers offer creative and inex- (where the leaf joins the stem), houseplant that is easy to prop- HERB GARDEN dered to stay home, the surre- pensive ways to display plants leaving two to three leafs at the agate. Cut the “babies” that alness of the global pandemic such as the Satsumas bamboo top, and place several stems pop up at the base of the plant Now that you’re spending has set in. While many people and powder-coated metal in water, or around the rim of with a clean, sharp knife and a lot more time cooking, why are coming together virtually, stands from Ikea, an assort- a 3-inch pot. Allow the stems place them in water. When new not plant some of your favorite now is a good time to tend to ment that works well in small to stand in a warm area of the roots and leaves materialize, culinary herbs, such as parsley, your houseplants. Does your spaces and allows you to dis- house and, eventually, rooting transfer the cutting to a small thyme and basil? Plant them in Dracaena “lemon lime” need play multiple plants at once. will occur. After three months, pot with well-drained potting pots that are at least 8 inches dusting? Is your Chinese ever- (Remember, humidity-loving move each individual plant to soil. (These make great home- green getting too much sun? plants do better in groups.) a 3- or 4-inch pot. Pilea pepero- made hostess gifts when the See HOUSEPLANTS 10 Are you watering your plants Etsy also offers a variety of fun too much? Or not enough? plant shelves and if you’re feel- Below, we offer some ways to ing inspired, you can use this cultivate your indoor garden, time to build your own. SHOP ONLINE while helping you stay sane in 4. PROPAGATE the process. (Note: We know it’s hard, but try to resist the Propagating houseplants, urge to overwater your plants such as Epipremnum aure- www.shopfl emings.com while you are stuck at home). um, or pothos, is one of the easiest ways to clone your fa- 1. START STYLING WITH PLANTS You know that table next to your bed? The one littered with bills, change and receipts for your income taxes? The first thing you see when you wake up in the morning and won- der what day it is in this ongo- ing pandemic? Put a plant on it. Trust us, it’ll make you feel better. Take this time to tap in- to your inner Justina Blakeney We’re Open or Hilton Carter. Try hanging We’re & Open plants from a curtain rod. Cre- ate a lush vignette on a bench Blooming! ! or table top. Add a plant to your • Hanging Baskets home office, whatever that • Annuals • SHOP ONLINE might be right now. Plants add warmth and beauty to our inte- • Perennials 24/7 riors and can soothe our spirits • Potting Soil as we ride out this quarantine. • Mulch • SHOP BY PHONE and 2. RESEARCH A NEW • Peat Moss LIVE CHAT PLANT • Vegetable During regular Treat yourself to a new ... & Herb Plants houseplant. You deserve it. But business hours. before you do, make the most Trees! of your newfound time at home Maple, Spruce, Fruit, More Mon.-Fri. 9am-5pm by doing some research to find • Lilacs & Shrubs • the plant that’s right for you. Sat. 10am-3pm What kind of lighting condi- tions do you have at home? Do 12 MONTH NO INTEREST FINANCING you normally travel, or do you spend a lot of time at home? FREE DELIVERY & SET-UP You may need a low-mainte- nance houseplant. We’ll arrange your planters , urns, window boxes. 3. BUILD A PLANTSHELF LANDSCAPING SERVICES! Look it up on Instagram and Pinterest and you’ll get 189 Ft. Covington Street the idea. Plant shelves are an Malone • 483-9452 424 East Main Street, Malone NY • 518-483-0114 aesthetically pleasing way to At the edge of the village Spring Home & Garden April 2020 • 3 Seed companies face onslaught of orders amid virus

By ADRIAN HIGGINS racks. Its owner, Renee Shepherd, cluding seed distributors and Washington Post specializes in varieties developed brokers and directly from con- The best place to keep vegeta- for novices, the cook-gardener tract growers. The seed farmers ble seed packets is in the refrig- and urban dwellers — many are might be in a nearby field, the erator, where they are preserved designed for container growing. other side of North America or and stored away from rodents The normal spring peak is around somewhere around the world, and insects. But this habit comes 350 orders daily; now, it’s up to depending on the variety. Shep- at a price. I have several dozen 2,000, she said. herd offers almost 1,000 varieties half-used packets in the crisper, “We are swamped. It’s taking of vegetable, herb and flowers and there’s no place for the salad us four or five days” to fill or- sourced from 50 companies. “It’s greens. ders, she said. “And normally, more complicated for a company Never mind, because this we would have more warehouse like Renee’s, because we get a lot spring my pack-rat nature is re- Sales of seed of lettuce and other leafy greens are brisk as staff and have double shifts, but of seed from Europe,” she said. warded. Buying fresh seed, while consumers turn to growing their own food amid the coronavirus because of the [employee] safety not impossible, is more com- emergency. Rob Cardillo/W. Atlee Burpee & Co Some suppliers have reserves measures, we can only do what for immediate use, but some va- plicated this year because of the we can do.” coronavirus emergency. and stopped taking phone orders scarce or unavailable, she said. rieties will need another growing to allow staff to catch up with the “At this point, we are just keeping Seed companies obtain their In sum, there is a rush on seed stock from a web of sources, in- See SEED 10 buying as overnight homestead- backlog. He may have to do so up with it.” ers are either seeing the value of again if the volume persists, he Such sales increases histori- growing their own food or feel said. cally follow recessions as people 20 Years they are in a dystopia where their His family-owned seed com- seek to reduce grocery bills by Experience very existence depends on get- pany is known for its unusual growing their own food — seed ting some beans to germinate. Or heirloom vegetable varieties and sales jumped in 2009 after the both. has emphasized Asian vegetable Great Recession. Sudden un- The owners of seed compa- varieties in recent years. More employment is part of a new re- nies I’ve talked to are a bit shell- than a quarter of the offerings ality for millions of Americans as shocked by the consumer fren- have been sold out. “In some communities and states across zy, though they admit there are cases, we can get more seed” for the country have closed down to worse problems to have. They the current sales season, he said, check the contagion. anticipate delays in filling online “and in others, we cannot.” An- Renee’s Garden, a seed com- orders and the sellout of some va- other challenge is the ability to get pany in Felton, Calif., also sells rieties, but no across-the-board fresh seed packets printed as well online and through retail seed shortage. For those venturing as mailing supplies — such things out, retail seed racks may be de- as bubble wrap — now that the pleted. world has shifted to online order- “It’s the largest volume of or- ing and home delivery. ders we have seen,” said Jere Get- “We are definitely seeing an in- tle of Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds crease in sales,” said Jamie Mat- in Mansfield, Mo. Peak seed-buy- tikow, chief executive and presi- ing season for home gardeners is dent of W. Atlee Burpee & Co. in January to March, but the normal Warminster, Pa. As with other re- end-of-season decline in orders tail seed companies, Burpee sells isn’t happening. seed for herbs and annual flowers Customers are gravitating to in addition to vegetables. “Online vegetables high in nutrients, such we are getting many more cus- as kale, spinach and other quick- tomers coming to us, and interest to-grow leafy greens. “Spinach is is skewed toward vegetables,” he off the charts,” said Jo-Anne van said. den Berg-Ohms of Kitchen Gar- Van den Berg-Ohms, of Kitch- den Seeds in Bantam, Connecti- en Garden Seeds, said sales are up cut. 40%. “More people are planting The other top seller is the bean more varieties,” she said. Variet- in all its forms. This is because ies of vegetables and herbs that beans are not only a healthy are directly sown into the garden, source of protein, but are also as opposed to started indoors easy to grow and versatile. In the first, “are really going crazy,” she green stage, the pods and seeds said. are tasty. When left to ripen, the Sales were already up notice- seeds form beans that can be ably in January, she said, but in stored and used for soups and the first week of March, “the in- casseroles. cremental surge” started and has Gettle said his company is han- continued unabated. dling approximately 4,500 orders The company, which special- daily, about twice the usual peak izes in gourmet varieties for home demand of spring. Swamped, he cooks, is able to meet demand, closed his website for three days but some varieties may become 4 • April 2020 Spring Home & Garden How to make spring projects more eco-friendly ple use spring as a time to go This will result in fewer items through closets and garages to ending up in landfills. remove items they no longer use Exercise caution outdoors or need. In an effort to clean up as well. Runoff from cleaning fast, some people may dispose products used on home sid- of chemical products, paints, ing or driveways can leach into treated lumber, and many oth- the surrounding soil or find its er items in ways that can be way into sewage drains that ul- damaging to the environment. timately direct fluids to public Always learn local municipal guidelines for proper disposal waterways. Choose environ- of potentially harmful products. mentally responsible products Area recycling centers may have whenever possible. drop-off areas for stains and Springtime renovation and paints, used motor oil and other cleaning projects provide the potentially harmful products. perfect opportunity to adopt Before discarding something, eco-friendly practices that pay see if it can be donated or sold. dividends for years to come. WINDOWS ONLY “THAT’S ALL WE DO” And have been doing for 33 years Metro items line dry in the sun and America, found that certain The arrival of warmer weath- fresh air. common indoor plants natu- er means different things to dif- If you decide to purchase rally remove toxic agents such It’s Spring... Now is the time to call us and get ferent people. Some anticipate some new items, look for prod- as benzene, formaldehyde and opportunities for outdoor fun, ucts made from sustainable trichloroethylene from the air. your windows ordered and in your while others may be consider- or organic fabrics. Hemp and Efficient air cleaning is accom- home before the new increase. You know ing redecorating or remodel- bamboo textiles have grown in plished with at least one plant the name, lets play the game...You win! ing their homes. For the latter popularity. Hemp and bamboo per 100 square feet of home or Solid Vinyl Replacements. group, home improvement plants grow quickly, and their office space. Variety of styles. season provides a great oppor- durability makes these materi- Proper disposal tunity to make homes more als smart choices. Spring cleaning is anoth- (315) 265-3568 eco-friendly. When replacing items When planning home im- around the house, donate older er tradition for many families Cell (315) 250-5630 provement projects, it’s best items to a charitable organiza- come the end of winter and [email protected] to first choose a project and tion. dawn of spring. Many peo- then look for ways to make the Flowers and plants project more environmentally Spring and summer call friendly. Such an approach may to mind beautiful blooming not only benefit the environ- plants. Relying on native, sus- ment, but it also may benefit tainable plants is practical, homeowners’ bottom lines. environmentally friendly and Interior decorating cost-effective. Longer days and warmer According to the National temperatures often translate in- Wildlife Federation, sustainable to wanting to freshen up the in- plants are native plants. Na- terior of a home. Heavy draper- tive plants sustain local wildlife ies and comforters are put away, more effectively than non-na- and lighter fabrics are taken out tive alternatives, so include na- of storage. Whenever possible, tive plants in your sustainable reuse or repurpose items you al- garden. Native plants also are ready have rather than purchas- less reliant on pesticides and ing new items. Longer drapes herbicides to keep them healthy can be cut and hemmed to be and viable. used as window treatments in Don’t forget to bring plants other rooms. Making a patch- indoors as well. Even though work blanket out of old T-shirts you may be opening the win- is a crafty project that makes use dows more, indoor plants can of items that would otherwise filter and purify indoor air. The be destined for landfills. NASA Clean Air Study, led in When laundering linens, skip association with the Associat- the energy-using dryer and let ed Landscape Contractors of Spring Home & Garden April 2020 • 5 Container gardening tips Metro become waterlogged. Holes other factors. For those who Gardening is beneficial don’t need to be large, but there live in hot climates, selecting in various ways. The AARP should be enough of them so a light-colored container can states that some of the health that excess water can drain out help prevent further soil heat perks associated with garden- readily. absorption. ing include improved mood, n Select the right container Container gardening is a increased vitamin D levels (which benefits bones and im- material. Container materials healthy and enjoyable activity mune system) and reduced risk may be affected by gardeners’ that can pay dividends in vari- of dementia. In addition, if gar- budgets, personal taste and ous ways. dening efforts include growing herbs, fruits and vegetables, it can be a cost-effective way to eat healthy. quiet comfort For gardeners without suf- ficient space or for those with mobility issues, container gar- That’s what you’ll find at this lovely village dening can be an ideal way to grow everything from flowers community with country views! to vegetables. Better Homes & n Fully Equipped Kitchens n Recreational/Activity Room Gardens says most plants are n Laundry & Storage On Site n Affordable Rent not fussy about the containers in which they grow so long as n Rent based on income for qualified seniors some of their basic needs are (62 or older or disabled regardless of age) met. This means watering cor- should be sized to the contain- n Mix it up. When planting rectly for the type of plant, and er. Consider dwarf varieties of containers of flowers and oth- CALL 518-483-0020 TODAY! ensuring sufficient drainage. certain plants if your contain- er greenery, Good Housekeep- The following are some oth- ers are small. ing says to include ‘a thriller, a er ways container gardening ef- n Choose the right soil. Fill spiller and a filler’as a good rule forts can prove successful. ONE BEDROOM containers with a commercial of thumb. The thriller is the fo- APARTMENTS n Watch water. Planet Natu- Maple Ridge potting soil rather than soil cal point, the spiller a trailing NOW SENIOR HOUSING ral Research Center says plants from the garden. Garden soil plant, and a filler has smaller AVAILABLE! with thin leaves typically need 70 Sawyer Avenue, Malone, NY 12953 can dry into a solid mass, while leaves or flowers to add bulk email: [email protected] ample water, and plants with commercial mixtures have and color. TDD: 1-800-662-1220 thick leaves need less. Use this amendments like peat moss, n Poke holes. Drainage holes www.coniferliving.com as a guideline to gauge water vermiculite, compost, and oth- are essential so that soil will not needs. er ingredients to help with soil n Size correctly. Plants texture and moisture retention.

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Fully Insured • Free Estimates Fine Quality Work 518-319-2842 ... FINANCING NOW AVAILABLE 6 • April 2020 Spring Home & Garden Spring cleaning can alleviate allergies window. Having the air con- ble. Plus, don’t forget to vac- When it comes time to ditioning running can help uum upholstered furniture wash linens, do so in hot wa- filter the air as well. and drapes as well. ter, which can kill dust mites Use exhaust fans Launder with hot water See ALLERGIES 9 The AAAAI recommends using an exhaust fan in the kitchen and bathrooms to re- duce the levels of moisture in Cardinal these rooms and filter out po- Agency, Inc. tential allergens and odors. Moisture can eventually lead 26 Elm Street, Malone to the growth of mold and (518) 483-2210 Left To Right: Tara WInters, Maggie Cardinal, mildew, which isn’t healthy [email protected] Justine Chodat, Tom Cardinal for anyone, including allergy sufferers, to breathe in. The Cardinal Agency, Inc., has provided insurance services Invest in a HEPA filter to the community and surrounding areas for over 60 years. Vacuums with HEPA filters The Agency writes personal and commercial business can trap allergens that are so policies to fill the needs of their customers. small that they pass through regular vacuum filters. That Home • Auto •Farm • Life means instead of contain- Recreational • Commercial • Worker’s Comp ing them, these small parti- Metro cles are only being shot back Please call before coming to the office to pollen, mold or ragweed, can keep everyone safe and healthy. Allergies affect people aggravate allergies. There- into the air where they are of all ages. The American easily breathed in. WebMD fore, if windows are being Academy of Allergy, Asth- suggests vacuuming once or ma & Immunology reports cleaned, do one at a time twice a week to keep carpets that allergic rhinitis affects and then promptly close the and floors as clean as possi- between 10 and 30 percent of the world’s population. In addition, the prevalence Protect Your Property of allergic diseases has risen in industrialized nations for With the Right Homeowner’s Policy more than 50 years. Seasonal allergies tend to be the strongest in spring and autumn. Allergies can be ex- acerbated by many factors, including in homes where improvements are being made. Regular houseclean- ing can remove many com- mon allergy triggers and help alleviate symptoms. Know- We are a full Service Independent Property and Casualty ing which common home Insurance Agency. That means that we represent many different improvement mistakes can insurance companies, but we really work for YOU. aggravate allergies can help Our offices are located in the North Country and our objective is homeowners avoid them. to meet all your insurance needs, but we don’t approach that Suit up Before any cleaning be- responsibility by simply offering “cut rate” pricing. We offer gins, allergy sufferers should competitively priced insurance with prompt, friendly service don face masks and rubber and detailed explanations of coverage options that fit your life. gloves to prevent themselves We want to be your insurance advisor. from breathing in allergens or having them touch their Homes • Camps • Commercial hands, where they can be Rentals • Auto transferred to the face or elsewhere. Those cleaning should also wear clothes that can be easily removed and laundered after a day’s work. Clean windows singularly 320 West Main St., Suite 2, Malone Prolonged exposure to 483-3570 • www.OneGroup.com outdoor allergens, such as Spring Home & Garden April 2020 • 7 Get your house clean with these powerwashing tips Metro gree nozzle to test out the Some washers have reser- Powerwashing, also known spray on the surface that needs voirs that will hold a detergent as pressure-washing, utiliz- to be cleaned. A 15- or 25-de- solution. Choose the right es a high-velocity water spray gree nozzle is usually the wand detergent for the job. Keep in to remove dirt and residue for general cleaning and paint mind that cleansers contain- from the exterior surfaces of stripping without damaging ing bleach can damage sur- a home. It is frequently used the surface of the home. Ex- rounding plants, so they may on vinyl siding, concrete and periment with an optimal dis- need to be covered while the sometimes wood decks to tance of the washer wand to washing takes place. treat mildew and other growth get the desired cleaning effects Avoid the use of ladders that accumulates over time. without causing any damage. when operating a powerwash- Powerwashing can be a Work using a horizontal and great way to remove grime slightly downward angle to er. The push-back from the without having to scrub by avoid driving water up under wand can cause falls. Instead, hand. But it requires a delicate the siding of a home. opt for an extension wand to touch to get it right. Some- Avoid spraying any electric address the upper reaches of a times it is best to leave the job wires or components on the home. to professionals. But home- home. Also, try not to spray Powerwashing a home is an owners willing to give it a go upward, and angle the spray effective way to remove stub- can try powerwashing them- away from doors, windows born grime and refresh the selves, as various stores rent and vents. look of a home’s exterior. power washers. Powerwashing the exterior of the home can be an effective way to The home improvement clean it in the spring and fall. website ImproveNet says that, Wildlife Art & Pet Portraits until very recently, pressure vestment. eye protection and ear protec- washers were almost exclu- It is important to exercise tion can be handy. Most units Painted on Feathers or Wood sively commercial machines caution when operating a will connect to a standard gar- sold to professionals or rent- powerwashing machine. The den hose. Choose old clothing Sharalyn Prim ed to do-it-yourselfers. Lately high-velocity spray can tear and expect to get wet. Never manufacturers have targeted through skin. It is key to get a point a powerwasher hose at Constable, New York homeowners looking to buy feel for the washer, and try less anyone and do not attempt to (518)557-5452 [email protected] with lightweight options. For pressure first to get a handle rinse feet or hands in the spray. those who see powerwashing on the magnitude of the tool. The renovation resource as a routine venture, purchas- Don safety gear prior to us- The Family Handyman sug- ing a unit may be worth the in- ing a pressure washer. Gloves, gests starting with a wide-de-

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Use a leaf During the cold months blower to blow away any left- of winter, many people stare over leaves. longingly out of the window n Check if the front porch, dreaming of spring and time railings or decking need paint- spent outdoors. For those ing and/or staining. Tack- with green thumbs, images of le these projects when the tending to the garden and oth- weather is cooler so every- er aspects of their landscapes thing will be ready for those no doubt dominate such day- peak spring days. dreams. n Think about any annu- Draw inspiration from als you might want to plant in those budding crocuses and daffodils pushing through the the landscape this year that last remnants of snow and em- will complement any exist- ploy these tips to prepare for ing shrubbery or perennials. the upcoming gardening sea- Come up with a theme so that son. the entire yard is cohesive. Before homeowners know n One of the first steps is to METRO apply a preemergent weed kill- it, winter is gone and it is time er to get a head start knocking er’s Almanac’); otherwise, you area to enrich it. n Give outdoor entertain- to once again enjoy long days out weeds that can plague the may waste time and money n Lawn and garden experts ing spaces a good scrubbing, spent outdoors. Get a jump lawn during the growing sea- planting flowers or vegetables at The Home Depot suggest clearing away dirt and grime start on spring lawn prep as son. Killing weeds at the roots only to have them zapped by filling in bare patches of lawn that may have accumulat- soon as you can. early on can mean far fewer another frosty day. now by mixing a few shov- hassles in spring and summer, n Amend the soil so that it elfuls of soil with grass seed. and may prevent new genera- is the right consistency — just Then apply this patch to the Miller’s Country Store tions of weeds from cropping crumbling when lifting it. Soil bare areas, water, and contin- Rent-To-Own Storage Sheds up each year. that is too muddy after spring ue to care for the area until the Now In-Stock! Call For Info. n While it may be tempting thaw can harden, making it spot fills in. to take a prematurely warm difficult for plants to flourish n Spend a day in the garage day as a sign that spring is later on. Speak with represen- or shed tending to the lawn in full force and purchase a tatives at a local lawn and gar- mower and other gardening bunch of annuals, it’s better den center about which types equipment. Clean all tools and to know the last of the possible of amendments you can add ensure that everything works, Wooden Clothes Racks frost dates (check ‘The Farm- to the soil in your particular repairing parts as needed. Dry Goods, Spices, Gifts, Shoes, Boots, Vitamins, Essential Oils, Housewares, Wood and Coal Stoves, Coal and Much More! Propane Refrigerators & Ranges Did you know? Comfort Max Selkirk Ultimateone Hot Air Furnace Stainless Steel Metro Stoves conservation in mind. For example, aerat- Kozy King Chimneys When planning spring landscapes, home- ing soil helps to improve water flow to plants’ owners should always group plants with simi- roots and reduces water runoff, helping to en- lar water needs together. According to the U.S. sure that plants get all of the water they need Department of Energy, grouping plants with while reducing the likelihood that homeowners similar water needs together helps to conserve will have to use excessive amounts of water to water, which can be an especially useful strat- keep plants healthy. In addition, using low-wa- egy if or when drought restrictions go into ef- ter-using types of grass can help homeowners Hours: Mon.-Fri. 8am-5pm • Sat. 8am-3pm • Closed Sun. fect in summer. Homeowners also can embrace who live in areas prone to drought conserve wa- WE TAKE CASH OR CHECK additional strategies to landscape with water ter while still maintaining lush, green lawns. 275 East Road, Burke, NY • 518-497-6373 SWEETFLAG ESTATE Rethink Retirement Hogansburg Housing DFC Inc. Living 518.358.4860 • 419 Roosevelt Rd., Roosevelton, NY 13683 Spring Home & Garden April 2020 • 9 Decor ideas to give homes a fresh look stepped back in time. A sim- ter. Create even more space that reflect the latest styles ple, mural-style floral wall- by replacing rarely used end and trends. Such adjust- paper on the walls surround- tables with a storage ottoman ments won’t break the bank, ing a table in a breakfast nook where books and magazines and they can give rooms a can bring nature inside. can be stored to give a room a whole new feel. n Pastel colors: Nothing fresh, clean look. Spring is a great time to embodies the spring quite n Accent features: Some- like pastel colors. If colorful, times the smallest changes reconsider home interiors. bright flowers dot the garden to an interior space make the This spring homeowners can in the backyard, homeown- biggest impression. Replace embrace various strategies, ers can bring those uplifting dated accents like vases and both big and small, to give pastels inside by painting an table lamps with newer items their homes a whole new feel. accent wall or even adding some brightly colored accent furniture to rooms that could use a lift. n Declutter: Clutter is Before You Purchase... often conquered during Metro ers to give their homes an en- spring cleaning sessions, but Spring is a season of reju- tirely new look this spring. homeowners who want to Get The Facts venation, and that spirit of n Wallpaper: Wallpaper create more free-flowing in- renewal can take hold inside fell out of favor years ago, terior spaces can downsize a home. but new styles that arenÕt so their furniture and/or look Warm weather and lon- heavily patterned can make for multipurpose features ger hours of daylight make for wonderful additions to that make it hard for clutter spring a perfect time to imag- any room. Large-scale prints to take over a room. Create ine a home’s interior design can give a room a whole new more open space in enter- in a new light. The following feel without giving home- taining areas by mounting are a handful of decor ideas owners or their guests the the television and getting rid that may inspire homeown- impression that they have of a bulky entertainment cen-

tions that contain at least 10 immediately. percent bleach can be effec- Allergies can be problem- Allergies tive at killing mold, but itÕs From 6 best to prevent mold from atic, but routine home clean- growing entirely. That means ing in the right way can help residing in sheets and blan- keeping tabs of any moisture kets. Employ mattress cov- issues and addressing them alleviate symptoms. ers to further protect against dust mite allergies. Shampoo smart Shampooing a carpet may cause moisture to become trapped in the carpet fibers, leading to increased dust mites or mold growth. Spot- clean stains instead. Oth- erwise, hire a professional cleaner who will clean and dry the carpet as quickly as possible. Damp dusting is better When cleaning up dust or home renovation debris, use a damp cloth or a vinegar solution to wipe down sur- faces. This helps trap small particles instead of sending them into the air. Treat mold issues Mold can trigger aller- gic reactions, so it is best to keep it out of a home. Solu- 10 • April 2020 Spring Home & Garden

den centers and grocery stores Houseplants — businesses generally exempt Seed from closure orders. For her From 2 From 3 rack sales, Shepherd said, “the in diameter, and place them big question is what will happen season to produce a harvest. if they run out and we haven’t in a south-facing kitchen win- Shepherd has her own re- a clue how many stores will re- dow. You can propagate store- serves for sales later in the year main open by [April].” bought basil too. Cut below the to gardeners in mild regions leaf node, and place the stems who want a second harvest in Orders that may have taken in water. After several weeks, the fall. In the current tidal wave a week to arrive will take longer, you should have a good root of orders, she now has to decide in part due to pressures on mail structure. Transfer the cuttings if she wants to dip into those. and parcel carriers. to a pot, or outdoors, and be- Mattikow said Burpee re- “All of us are doing the best fore long you will be in pesto plenishes stocks in retail seed we can to catch up,” Shepherd heaven. racks, which are found in such said, “but people need to be pa- places as hardware stores, gar- tient.” 6. TRY A NEW LOCATION Is your plant thriving in its current location? Does it need more sun, or less? Is it getting enough humidity? Now is a good time to observe what’s going on with your houseplant. Are leaves turning brown or yellow, or falling off? Your plant may be unhappy. Try a new location and watch what hap- pens.

7. DUST YOUR PLANTS While many people are coming together virtually, now is a good Houseplants collect a sur- time to tend to your houseplants. Pexels prising amount of dust at home, especially if they live in age holes at the bottom of the PLANTER GAME the kitchen where they are ex- pot. If it’s a large plant, lay it on Invest in some beautiful posed to cooking grease. Some its side and tap the rim before handmade ceramic planters by experts advise wiping leaves running a knife around the in- local artists who may be strug- clean with a damp cloth and side. Water the plant before re- gling right now. Many planters giving them a bath in the sink moving it and then transfer it to can be purchased directly from or outdoors in the rain. Keep- a pot that is about 2 inches larg- artists as well as at online retail- ing plants clean helps with er than the previous planter. their overall health as it is a ers Individual Medley, Potted preventative measure against 10. ELEVATE YOUR and Poketo, among others. pests and insects. 8. GET CREATIVE WITH PRESENTATION Find creative ways to have fun with your houseplants. Make a macrame plant hang- er. Create a terrarium or fairy garden in a glass container — fishbowls, globes, pitchers or water glasses. You can add some lushness to your interiors MULLARNEY’S by hanging a kokedama string garden — the Japanese art of GARDEN CENTER growing plants in a moss-cov- 518-483-1111 • 2545 US Rt. 11, North Bangor ered ball of soil wrapped with string or fishing line. You can Mon.-Fri. 8:30-5, Sat. 8:30-noon even transform one of your mullarneys.com empty candle containers into an up-cycled planter. 9. IS IT TIME TO REPOT? Most plants need to be re- potted at some point. To deter- mine if your plant needs a new home, look to see if the roots are growing through the drain- Spring Home & Garden April 2020 • 11 Beyond typical spring cleaning: 6 tasks you may have overlooked LOOK CLOSER: Items you use every day need a deep cleaning, too By ELIZABETH MAYHEW IN THE KITCHEN Washington Post Your dish rack: Even though Every March for the past you place clean items on your 25 years or so, I have written dish rack, it can be a breeding articles and done television ground for germs, because segments in which I give ad- water drips from dishes and vice and instruction on how utensils into the crevices and to spring-clean, but this year bottom tray, which, if left to is different. In the age of the sit, can mildew and mold. To coronavirus, you don’t need clean your dish rack, which me to tell you to wipe down I suggest doing every couple and disinfect your refrigera- of days or so, separate all the tor handle, light switches and parts (often the utensil holder doorknobs; you’re probably and tray separate). Rinse all already doing those tasks and parts with hot water, then dip more. a toothbrush or scrub brush With time at home, most of in distilled white vinegar and us are looking around wonder- scrub all parts until mineral ing what else we can scour and deposits, mold and/or mildew scrub. I would hazard to guess spots are gone. Continue to that this will be the cleanest add more vinegar as needed. spring of record, but there’s Rinse and air-dry. one thing that’s important Your sink: I am a stickler to stress: You need to clean, for disinfecting my sink night- and disinfect as well. There is ly; I’ve never understood how a difference between the two. people clean their dishes and Cleaning removes germs and then leave bits of food and dirt from surfaces, but it does grime in the sink! Clean your not kill the germs; it just low- sink with soap and water, then ers their numbers and the risk spray a mist of distilled white of spreading infection. Disin- vinegar followed by a mist of fecting kills the germs, but it hydrogen peroxide, and let air- does not clean dirty surfaces dry. (Don’t mix the vinegar and or remove germs. So, what you hydrogen peroxide together; want to do is clean first, then spray one after the other.) disinfect. (The Environmental Your can opener: I’ve seen Protection Agency has a list too many people use a can of approved disinfectants for opener and then just put it COVID-19 at epa.gov.) back in their utensil drawer. In my house, I have already You should clean a can open- done my typical spring clean- er after every use, and not only ing of the windows, rugs and the blade, but also the handles. upholstery and cleaning and Run it through the dishwasher disinfecting of the refriger- or wash it with hot, soapy water, and allow it to air-dry fully be- ator and toilet, but I am also fore you put it back in a drawer. tackling some other areas of Your garbage can: Com- my home that are often over- pletely empty your garbage looked. You might want to do the same. See TASKS 12 12 • April 2020 Spring Home & Garden Tasks

From 11 can, making sure to remove any Gearing up for spring! stuck-on food particles. Scrub both the interior and the exteri- or with hot, soapy water. Rinse with clean water, turn it upside down on a towel, and allow it to air-dry. You don’t have to do this every time you take out the trash, but it’s good to get in the habit of cleaning the can once a month. However, if you have a top with a handle, make sure to frequently disinfect it with a dis- infecting wipe or wipe it down with a bleach solution. (The New mowers are rolling in...push mowers, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s recommended lawn tractors, Zero Turn models, and more! recipe is one-third cup bleach Take advantage of spring savings with per gallon of water or four tea- spoons bleach per quart of wa- ter.) And to diminish garbage Up to 25% OFF can odors, sprinkle baking soda lawn and garden equipment, mowers, on the bottom of the can before storage & more! inserting a trash bag. POTSDAM IN THE BATHROOM tle thing, but it can help to add Mayhew, a “Today” show 6582 St. Hwy 56, Potsdam Your toothbrush hold- cleaning dates to your calen- style expert and former mag- er: Your toothbrush holder is dar or set phone reminders so azine editor, is the author of 315-268-0909 probably one of the germiest you don’t forget. “Flip! for Decorating.” searshometownstores.com places in your home. I would clean it weekly — or as often as you clean your toilet. Rinse the toothbrush holder with hot • Birdbaths water, then use a small bristle Getting Ready • Windchimes brush or pipe cleaner to scrub the inside of the toothbrush for • Gazing Balls slots. Next, fill the holder with • Leanin’ Tree antibacterial mouthwash and Spring! Gift Cards let sit for several minutes. Rinse with clean water and let air-dry Chicks, Ducklings & Turkey Poults Available before reloading your tooth- brushes. Garden Center Will Chicks: Cornish X Rocl, Araucana, Barred Rocks, Your shower curtain liner: R.I. Red, Buff Orpington, White Leghorn & More Shower curtain liners typically Be Opening Soon! Ducklings: White Pekin, Rouen & Ancona, Cayuga, harbor mold, especially at the • Peat Moss Black or Blue Swedish, Welsh Harlequin bottom of the curtain, where Special Orders • Bluberries • Marigolds (1cu. ft. - 5.5 cu. ft.) Turkey Poults: Broad Breasted White & Mammoth Bronze by Request you might not notice it. To • Pro Mix (8qt-38 cu. ft.) • Raspberries • Petunias clean the liner, remove it from • BMI • AGWAY Seeds MAPLE SUGARING • Apple Trees • Impatiens the rings and put it in your • Green Hubbard, Spaghetti Squash, • Lilacs • Veggies • Top Soil Coming Soon Charleston Gray Watermelon Seeds EQUIPMENT washing machine with a half- • Cow Manure • Hydrangeas • Hanging cup of baking soda and a cou Onion Sets, • Seed Tapes - Carrots, Radishes, Lettuce STOCKING! Tubing, - • Fertilizer Seed Potatoes, • Spruce Trees Baskets ple of towels. Run it through a • Seed Starter - Regular & Organic taps, defoamers & • Lime Pine Bark cleaners,buckets, • Pansies & So Much normal cycle with warm water. Mulch, & Pine • Neptune Harvest Organic Plant Food, Ferilizer bags, accessories, • Geraniums More! The baking soda and towels • Cocoa Mulch Bark Nuggets • Organic Raised Bed Soil • Cedar Mulch NY State jugs, work together, scrubbing the and more. liner to get rid of the grime and (red, black, and natural • Agway Flower & Vegetable SPECIAL ORDERS soap buildup. Remove and let AVAILABLE hang-dry. I suggest doing this Seed Packets every one to two months. • Lawn Grass Seed Mixtures Lastly, some general clean- • Bulk Bean, Pea & Corn Seeds Corner of Raymond & Elm ing/disinfecting tips: Always • Field Seeds - Red Clover, White Streets, Malone • 518-483-8072 clean from top to bottom, so Clover, Timothy, Alfalfa, Purple malonefarmandhome.com you let gravity do the work for Top Turnip, & Horse Pasture Mix Monday-Friday 8:30-5:00 you. - Bulk & Bagged Saturday 8:00-1:00 And it may sound like a lit-