Gardening & Landscape

Storing Garden Chemicals

Storing liquid garden chemicals properly is crucial for safety, preserving their effectiveness, and protecting the environment. Ideally, this should be a cool, dry, and well-ventilated space, such as a shed, garage, or outdoor storage cabinet. Avoid areas exposed to direct sunlight, heat sources, or extreme temperatures. Additionally, ensure the storage area is secure, out of reach of children and pets, and, if possible, use a locked cabinet for added safety. Do not allow them to freeze. This will break the suspension of particles and depending on what the chemical is, may make them inert.

Always store chemicals in their original containers. These are specifically designed to prevent leaks and spills while maintaining the integrity of the product. Transferring chemicals to other containers, particularly food containers, can lead to dangerous accidents and confusion. Ensure lids and seals are tightly closed after each use to prevent spills, evaporation, or contamination.

Do not allow them to freeze. This will break the suspension of particles and depending on what the chemical is, may make them inert. Store these in areas where the temperature remains stable and above freezing. Regularly check the expiration dates on your garden chemicals and dispose of any expired or unused products following your local hazardous waste disposal guidelines.

Do not remove labels. For instance, there are different types of Malathion which have different rates of usage. Most chemicals, kept properly, can be used for several years.

Proper storage of dry garden granules, such as fertilizers, pesticides, and soil amendments, is essential to maintain their effectiveness, ensure safety, and prevent contamination. Start by choosing an appropriate storage location. Granular products should be kept in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated area, away from direct sunlight, heat sources, and moisture. Humidity and water can cause granules to clump, dissolve, or lose their potency. A shed, garage, or similar space works well, but ensure it is away from areas accessible to children and pets. If possible, use a locked storage cabinet for added security.

Always store granular products like grub control in their original packaging. These containers are designed to protect the contents from environmental factors and provide critical information, such as usage instructions, precautions, and expiration dates.

Keep granular products off the floor to prevent moisture damage and consider placing them on shelves or inside bins. Group similar products together, such as fertilizers, weed killers, and pest control granules, but avoid storing incompatible materials close to one another. For example, keep chemicals away from soil amendments.

Regularly check the condition of stored granules and their containers. Discard any products that show signs of contamination, clumping, or have surpassed their expiration date, following your local hazardous waste disposal guidelines.

By taking these precautions, you can ensure the safety and effectiveness of your dry or liquid garden chemicals while minimizing potential hazards to yourself, your family, and the environment.

Christmas

Christmas Decorations Bubble Lights

Bubble lights, a nostalgic Christmas tree decoration, were introduced in the late 1940s. These unique lights feature a small vial of liquid, typically methylene chloride, which bubbles when heated by a small incandescent bulb at the base. Their mesmerizing effect quickly made them a popular alternative to traditional string lights.

Originally marketed by companies like NOMA Electric Corporation, bubble lights became a staple in mid-century holiday decor, symbolizing the era’s fascination with novelty and innovation. While their popularity waned with the rise of modern LED lights, bubble lights remain a beloved vintage decoration for many holiday enthusiasts.

Christmas

Caring for a Poinsettia

Caring for a poinsettia is pretty easy once you get the hang of it! They love bright, indirect sunlight, so a sunny spot near a window is perfect. Avoid placing it in direct sunlight because it can burn the leaves. A south, east, or west-facing window works best. When it comes to temperature, poinsettias do well in 65°F to 75°F, which is just room temperature for most homes. Make sure it’s not in a drafty spot or anywhere too cold—nothing below 50°F, please!

For watering, you don’t need to go overboard. Water your poinsettia when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. It’s super important that the pot has good drainage, so the water doesn’t sit at the bottom and cause root rot so remove the foil wrapper. And remember to empty any excess water from the saucer afterward. Poinsettias also like a bit of humidity, so if the air is dry (especially in winter), consider putting a humidifier nearby. You also can place the plant on a tray filled with pebbles and water—just make sure the pot doesn’t sit in the water!

During the growing season, you can feed your poinsettia with a balanced fertilizer every 2-3 weeks to help it grow strong and healthy. But once it starts blooming, you can skip the fertilizer. After the holiday season, cut it back to about 4-6 inches in spring to encourage fresh growth. If you want it to bloom again next year, in the fall, give it 12-14 hours of darkness each day to help trigger the next round of colorful bracts (the fancy red leaves).

If you see yellowing leaves, it might be a sign of overwatering, or maybe it just needs better drainage. Dropping leaves can happen if the plant is stressed, so check if it’s too dry or cold. And if the colorful bracts start to fade, try moving it to a brighter spot! With a little love, your poinsettia can last for months and may even bloom again next year!