Garden almanac

This Week in the Garden (Aug. 2nd)

Picture of a Japanese Beetle on a leaf

This week in the garden, it seems a new pest is coming to our area. This is the Japanese beetle which will lay eggs on grass. The eggs hatch and feed on grass roots then hatch into adults. Like grasshoppers, they will eat most crops, especially corn. Fortunately, they have only been found in the eastern part of South Dakota. Their numbers have remained low. You may see the traps around monitoring any activity.

Western Cicada on a tree branch

You may have heard the buzzing mating call of the cicadas in trees last week. The old adage is 6 weeks till frost, hopefully not true. The cicada life cycle in our state varies from 2-5 years, not the 17-year cicada back in the eastern USA. This insect rarely does any damage to the trees.

Wilted tomato plant due to overwatering

I got a few questions about plants in containers wilting and dying, however, they get watered every day. Plants wilt and die from no water or too much water especially if there is no drainage hole in the pot. Constantly wet soil reduces oxygen in the soil killing the root of the plants and causing wilting. Let the top few inches of the soil dry out before watering.

Field cricket

Now to the invasion of crickets. I am finding a lot of crickets around the house. In the flower beds and garden, crickets are usually not a problem. But in the home, I am looking under the stove and refrigerator spraying Raid beneath everything to kill the insect. After a few hours, I found it was on top of the refrigerator, how it got there, I do not know. I know it is dead now. To prevent them from coming into the home, use a foundation insecticide. Spray up on the home a few feet and out from the foundation. Turning off the exterior lights around the house helps.

Fertilize your annual flowers and garden one more time. Do not fertilize any trees, shrubs, or roses, allow them to enter their dormant period.

Ymker Greenhouse will have trees and shrubs throughout the summer. The best time to plant a woody plant is in late summer up to 6 weeks before the soil freezes. Keep newly planted woody plants damp allowing them to dry out the top few inches of soil before watering again. A mulch around the tree will help, keep the mulch away from the truck a couple of inches.

Do not forget the Mid Dakota Fair is going on in Winner, SD at the fairgrounds. From Wednesday through Saturday check out their exhibits.

Home Improvement

Designing A Beautiful Home Made Easy by Karyn Winrich

Remodeled kitchen in white
Photo by Pexels

As homeowners, we all want to have the perfect home. But over time, our homes can become outdated and in need of a little TLC. However, there are some simple and creative ways to revive and refresh your home without breaking the bank in designing a beautiful made easy. In this article from Shippy Realty & Auction, we’ll go over some practical and inspiring ideas that will give your home the facelift it deserves.

Set Up A Backsplash

The kitchen is the heart of the home, and adding a colorful backsplash is a great way to give it a fresh look. With so many options available, you can choose a design that suits your taste and personality. Whether it’s classic subway tile or a unique pattern, a backsplash is an affordable way to give your kitchen a new lease of life.

Upgrade Your Bedding

Investing in new bedding is a great way to revamp your bedroom’s style and overall comfort. High-quality bedding made from soft and breathable materials can improve your sleep quality while also elevating the look of your space. For those who love to switch up their decor frequently, a two-sided duvet with designs that can change according to mood is an excellent choice. If you want to add a touch of personality to your bedroom, this deserves a look. This versatile option allows you to create different looks for your room without having to buy new bedding repeatedly.

Transform A Wall with Removable Wallpaper

An accent wall can really transform a room. But if you’re not quite ready to commit to painting, consider using removable wallpaper or decals. They are easy to install, come in a variety of styles, and can be changed in a matter of minutes. Plus, they won’t damage your walls.

Create Your Dream Home Office

As more people work from home, it’s important to have a comfortable and well-designed home office. Consider swapping out your old office chair for an ergonomic one to support your back and neck. Get more natural light by moving your desk closer to a window or investing in a daylight lamp. A well-designed home office is not only functional but will also boost your productivity.

Change Up Old Fixtures

It’s amazing how much of a difference updating your light switches, faucets, and cabinet handles can make. Opt for sleek and modern designs that will add a touch of elegance to your home. It’s a small investment that will go a long way.

Brighten A Room With Mirrors

Mirrors are a secret weapon in interior design. They can brighten up a room, making it feel larger and more spacious. By strategically placing mirrors, you can reflect natural light and create the illusion of extra space. Whether it’s a full-length mirror or a decorative one, consider adding one to your home.

Invest In Closet Organizers

One of the biggest home challenges is that closet space is often limited. However, there are ways to optimize your closet space and make it work for you. Invest in closet organizers and shoe racks to keep your space tidy and functional. Utilize vertical space by adding hanging organizers and extra shelves.

With these creative ideas, reviving and refreshing your home has never been easier. You don’t have to be an interior designer or spend a fortune to make your home feel new again. By making small changes and adding personal touches, you can create a space that is not only functional but also beautiful. So, get started today and give your home the makeover it deserves!

For real estate services in South Dakota and Nebraska, contact Shippy Realty & Auction today!

The author of the article is Karyn Winrich at [email protected]

Garden almanac

This Week in the Garden

This week in the garden, some people who bought or raised pepper plants from seed are getting different types of peppers than they anticipated. They call this Jalapenogate, Peppergate, or the Great Pepper Mix-up of 2023. This happened when a seed supplier mislabeled pepper seeds and then distributed the seeds to vendors and consumers. Various pepper varieties were affected especially jalapenos, poblanos, and some bell pepper varieties.

Chiggers' life cycle

With the moisture, chiggers are back hiding in the lawns and gardens. They are tiny mites that you cannot see but leave an itchy red spot on your skin. Chiggers will attach to your skin and feed for up to four days then drop off and become adults. They do not burrow under the skin and lay eggs. The adults will lay eggs in overgrown vegetation or debris. There may be 2 or 3 life cycles depending on the weather. Jiggers will burrow and lay eggs under the skin, but jiggers are found in the Caribbean and Africa, not in the United States. Prevent chiggers from getting on you as you would do for ticks, wear protective clothing, and use a Deet-containing product, and shower after being outside.

Getting iris divided and transplanted

Iris can be dug and divided now because they are dormant. Leave 4 to 6 inches of leaf area on each plant with 4 to 5 leaves. When you plant the rhizomes, do not bury the top of the fleshy root, leave exposed.

Suckers at the base of an apple tree

If your fruit trees have suckers coming up from the ground, remove them because they take energy from the tree itself. While you’re doing this, remove any sprouts growing straight up from branches. They are called waterspouts which will never bear fruit. Avoid any major pruning till next spring.

Buffalo grass lawn

A couple of people were wondering if warm-season lawns would do well in our area. You will find a few Zoysia or Bermuda lawns east river in places like Sioux Falls, they are not hardy for western South Dakota. The one that will grow is Buffalo grass. It is very drought-resistant, slow-growing grass forming a dense sod requiring fewer mowings. It has been growing east of my house for years. The cons of the grass is the seed is more expensive, it does not green up until the temperature warms up, and it will not grow in the shade. The variety ‘Prestige’ matures at 4 to 6 inches.

Angular leaf spot in cucumber leaves

Angular leaf spots are more common on cucumbers now. Usually, this bacterium is not a problem since many cucumber plants are at the tail end of their production. The only remedy is to avoid overhead watering. There are resistant varieties like Diva, Fanfare, Marketmore, and many others.

Katchy indoor fly removal system

My problem this week is the number of flies outdoors and indoors. I do not like to use sprays indoors. As for the sticky tapes or pads, if you ever had a dog attached to one of these, you will never use it again. I have been seeing indoor bug zappers ranging from around $40. I am going to order one and see what happens.