In times of water shortages, you need to reduce water consumption in your garden. Everyone needs to do their part in conserving this valuable resource. Many states in the United States are experiencing severe drought conditions, including California, Oregon, Texas, Utah, Kansas and Oklahoma. Even if you're not in a drought-stricken area, it's still important to conserve water whenever possible. In this article, we'll give you tips on how to reduce water consumption in your garden – from xeriscaping to using targeted irrigation. Let's get started! Xeriscaping A xeriscape is a type of garden that uses native plants adapted to the local climate. These plants require less water and maintenance than non-native plants. High Country Gardens is a terrific online source for waterwise plants and preplanned waterwise gardens. Xeriscaping can also include using rocks, gravel, and other materials that require little or no watering. If you're not ready to xeriscape your entire … [Read more...] about Reduce Water Consumption in Your Garden
Post Construction Cleaning
Post construction cleaning is the final step in a renovation, remodel, or construction project. A new renovation project is always exciting. A space that may have been dated or even damaged will look entirely different. It will be more functional and look great. However, before it gets to that point, construction and renovation projects can create huge messes. That requires a lot of post construction cleaning work. The new spaces and the areas around them to be properly cleaned and sanitized after the construction work is done. Here’s how to do the work right and make the new renovation and the construction site sparkle. Post Construction Cleaning: Large Removals At the end of any construction project, there will be large materials that need to be removed. This can be debris from the demolition and old installations such as toilets and showers. It can also be broken-up concrete and anything else that is large and on-site that is no longer necessary. These items tend to … [Read more...] about Post Construction Cleaning
Pet Sitter Instructions for Your Fur Baby
Pet sitter instructions include feeding needs, where to find your pet’s food and toys, emergency contacts, and more. Leaving your pet at home for a few days when you go away is never the nicest aspect of having an animal companion. However, if you must go to work or go out of town, leaving your furry friend at home might happen from time to time. The good news: it doesn’t have to be traumatic for you, your pet, or your pet sitter. With a well-organized set of pet sitter instructions, you need not cause any discomfort to your pet. Nor should you lose any sleep while away. By taking the right steps now, you can ensure that your pet will be okay while you’re gone. Here are the essential tips for leaving the perfect pet sitting instructions. Make Pet Sitter Instructions Clear First, your pet sitting plan should be clear for the sitter you choose for the job. Your pet sitter should already have basic knowledge of caring for a pet. But having specific insight into your pet … [Read more...] about Pet Sitter Instructions for Your Fur Baby
Lawn Fertilization Tips for Spring and Fall
Lawn fertilization is necessary for healthy, green grass lawns. A well-fertilized turfgrass lawn is healthy enough to withstand stress from pests, foot traffic, and environmental factors. Quite simply, regular lawn fertilization is necessary to maintain optimal health. Here are some quick tips that will help you maintain a healthy green turfgrass lawn. Then I will give a more in-depth explanation of key lawn fertilization principles. Home, Garden and Homestead receives a small commission (at no cost to you) from product links in this story. Thank you for supporting this website! 5 Quick Lawn Fertilization Tips Fast-Release and Slow-Release Fertilization Depending on your lawn’s needs and your preference, you can choose between fast-release inorganic lawn fertilizers and slow-release organic fertilizers. You can even use the blend of multiple fertilizers if you wish. For example, some homeowners use fast-release fertilizers, followed by a top dressing of organic … [Read more...] about Lawn Fertilization Tips for Spring and Fall
Off Grid Solar and Wind Power for Your Homestead
Off grid solar and wind power for your homestead enables you say goodbye to power bills. Why pay high costs to bring power from a utility company when you can generate your own clean, renewable energy? An off-grid power system is a stand-alone system. It operates completely on its own to supply all your power needs. The cost of and off grid solar and wind power system for a homestead or ranch can be less than bringing in utility power. Especially if you live in an area where it's expensive to bring in utilities. We chose an off-grid power for our home because the start-up cost for utility power was over $10,000! Self-Sufficiency with a Clean, Renewable Resource There is a real feeling of independence and accomplishment that comes with being self-sufficient. We live on an acreage, and we also have our own well, septic system, and a wood stove for heating. We use propane for cooking, hot water, and a small backup heater. This is our only utility expense. If the power goes … [Read more...] about Off Grid Solar and Wind Power for Your Homestead