Archive for July, 2010

PostHeaderIcon Tips for Successful Container Gardening

Tips for Successful Container Gardening PhotoHere are some tips to a beautiful hanging basket or container must be creating this summer. The first is by using artificial soil substrate mostly composed of peat moss. good soil, such as Fafard or perlite used Pro-Mix, peat and other materials to produce, which is not compact the soil during the summer months. Properties and compact the ground in concrete shot under normal water pressure. And at that moment ceased to grow the roots of the plants because they move a good open space and take needed nutrients. Hard, compacted soil does not grow a good crop, so do not really use the soil in your container. I’m back to my artificial potted plants with soil from year to year. I dump it out of the pot. Chew with a shovel to cut the roots in the past year, adding about 10% by volume of compost. Compost plant to increase air space and provide a healthy improvement in nutrition.

Feed your plants weekly.  Nitrogen, the engine of plant growth, is water soluble and as you water your containers from the top the dissolved nitrogen is leaving from the bottom.   I use a fish-emulsion liquid feed with seaweed to provide all the trace nutrients my plants require and recommend it highly.  You can use any liquid plant food (like Miracle Grow or Shultz) to promote growth.  Compost tea is the Cadillac of liquid plant food and if you make your own compost tea, your plants will respond with bigger and better blooms as well as increased vigour.

And finally, no matter the size of the container, it is important to soak it all the way to the bottom at each watering.  Continue watering until water emerges from the pot bottom.  This ensures the roots can reach all parts of the container and grow properly.

PostHeaderIcon Considering to Buy Air Conditioner

Considering to Buy Air Conditioner PhotoMost new homes today have air conditioning. This is more unusual to see homes without central air and then to see that with the current. Smoke detector could be a necessity in warmer climates for the comfort of the family. Most air conditioners will range 3-6000 dollars, including installation. This is no small investment, but one necessary for comfort. If you need a new air conditioning, there are some things to consider before buying.

Air conditioning units should be installed by a contractor who is experienced with this type of work. Depending on existing ducts and the type of unit purchased, the price may vary greatly. Get several estimates from qualified contractors before deciding on the unit and installer. Ensure the contractor has experience and works well with you. Get references and check them thoroughly.

Air conditioner units use electricity to run. If the unit is used often this can increase energy costs significantly. This is especially true in warmer climates where it is a necessity to cool the home. To help combat these costs, it is advisable to look at the efficiency of the unit. This may mean a larger initial investment, but should save money in the long run.

The efficiency rating is required to be on all air conditioners. Compare units carefully to determine the cost for each type of efficiency. The more efficient a unit is, the more money you will save on energy bills. A more efficient air conditioner will take less energy to run and cool the entire house.

You will need to determine the appropriate size of the unit needed for your house. This is an important step because units that are too small will have to work harder to cool the home. Units that are too large are simply wasteful and unnecessary. A qualified air conditioner contractor will be able to analyze the size of your home and make recommendations on the size needed.

Always get a contract before starting work with any contractor. Make sure all the costs are clearly spelled out. This should include both the cost of the unit and installation. It should also detail payment policies and warranties. Warranties generally cover the compressor and additional parts. Do not choose a unit that has anything less than a five year warranty on the compressor, but a ten year warranty is better. Additional parts may be warranted anywhere from one to five years and are usually separate.