Spring is offically here!

Below are a few tips from Better Homes and Garden to get your Spring gardening started.

1. Clean the flowerbeds

Clear away dead leaves or any other winter debris from the soil surfaces where you're planning to plant annual flowers and vegetables. Remove protective winter mulch from around perennials and ornamental grasses (hedge trimmers make it easy to give grass clumps a clean, even look), and cut back last year's dried foliage. To protect yourself from cuts and scrapes, remember to wear gardening gloves, especially when working with plants with prickly leaves, such as lungwort.

2. Divide your perennials

A good time to divide many perennials is just before spring growth begins. Dividing perennials is a budget-friendly way to add more plants to your garden, or to share extras with friends. It also aids in keeping your existing perennials healthy. After a few years, if your plants grow in a large clump, the middle can thin out, leaving a bare spot. Dividing the clump will encourage new growth.

3. Add fresh mulch around perennials

One of the easiest ways to make your yard look polished is to add a fresh layer of mulch around the garden beds. This also helps the soil retain moisture and keeps down weeds. It often takes more mulch than you imagine to cover a bed, so it's a good idea to buy a little more than you think you'll need. Spread the mulch evenly with your gloved hands or use a rake, being careful not to layer it on too thickly or too close to your plants, which can cause diseases. Keeping the mulch level also helps it stay in place during heavy rains or wind. If you have downspouts that tend to wash away mulch, one fix is to replace it with river rocks.

4. Prune trees and shrubs

If you didn't prune in winter, now is the time to trim your fruit trees. Prune before the buds begin to break into bloom, or you'll stress the tree and get a tiny crop (or possibly none). It's also a good time to prune summer-blooming trees and shrubs, like potentilla and butterfly bush, just before they push out new growth.

5. Perform basic maintenance on your hardscaping

Check stonework for frost heaves, particularly in paths and edging. Check the general condition of your deck or patio and make any needed repairs. Clean off outdoor furniture so it's ready when you are for relaxing after a busy day in the garden.

6. Plant vegetables

Hardy, cool-season vegetables, like potatoes, artichokes, peas, and some lettuces, germinate best in cool soil, so plant them in early spring, once the soil has thawed. They should be ready to harvest by early summer.

Check out bhg.com for additional tips

Welcome Spring

Now that the weather is starting to turn for the better and daylight savings time is here, lets look at a few items HGTV has listed to review in your home for maintenance.

Inspect brickwork and stucco.

Replace rotted siding and trim; paint as needed.

Clean gutters and downspouts.

Inspect your roof. Check for damaged shingles, which can make your roof susceptible to leaks.

Get a chimney check-up.

Don’t overlook your attic. Check for proper ventilation, obstructions and leaks.

Check out your heat/air unit; change batteries in detectors. Change filters and clean the air purifier.

 Prune landscaping and create good drainage. Maintain your plants and shrubs to prevent soil erosion.

Give concrete a little TLC. Seal your driveway and power wash.

 Weatherproof your windows and doors. Check all caulk lines and weather stripping; replace screens.

Prepare for Winter

12/2/2022

Be In The Know During Power Outages

We know how quickly the weather can change.  Here are a few tips for preparing for power outages.  

·        Download the MyPSE app on your phone. Where you can get up to date outage information, repair progress and estimated restoration times.

·        Gather flashlights and candles and keep them close by.

·        Stock up on essential items.

·        Keep warm clothes and blankets easily accessible.

With the help of Stacker.com, we would like to share with you 12 Ways To Prepare for Winter

·        Learn the three major winter weather warnings:

    • Winter Storm Watch – lowest level, potentially hazardous conditions.

    • Winter Weather Advisory is issued when ice, snow or wintry mix is expected.

    • Winter Storm Warning is issued when a significant amount of winter weather is expected (school closures and offices closing for the day).

  • Make an emergency plan with your family.

  • Pack a ‘go’ bag of essentials you need to leave the house in an emergency.

  • Make sure to have a warm coat, weatherproof gloves and insulated winter boots with good traction, warm hat, scarf and other winter accessories.

  • Layer up – under garments are just as important as outer layers.

  • Create an emergency supply kit and prepare a three-day supply of food and water.

  • Keep rock salt on hand to help with icy, slippery walkways. A bag of sand is also helpful.

  • Having a solid snow shovel and windshield ice scraper is highly recommended.

  • Make sure you have at least ½ tank of gas and winterize your car.

  • Block drafts beneath your doors.

  • Check your smoke alarm and carbon monoxide detector.

  • Finally, don’t forget about our furry friends. Make sure to keep enough food for them too.

RECOMMENDED SERVICE PROVIDERS
Looking to hire a professional for your house projects and/or maintenance? Check out the Service Provider List on the portal by clicking on Shared Documents. If you have recently used a company that you would recommend to neighbors, email their info to us, and we'll add them to the list!

Winterize the Exterior of Your Home

We know how quickly winter is approaching.  Here are a few ways to help prepare the exterior of your home for winter.  

  • Keep your gutters clear

  • Winterize your water systems

  • Wash your exterior before it gets too cold

  • Cover or store outdoor furniture

FALL YARD CARE

  • Remove weeds from grass and beds. Some weeds like dandelions, buttercups, and clover produce flowers -- they still need to be removed. Here are some photos of common Pacific Northwest weeds.

  • Have any plants died from the summer heat? Remove them now.

  • Rake your leaves throughout the fall to help ensure leaves aren't blowing into a neighbor's yard. Run your lawn mower over one of the last leaf dumps; the shredded leaves will turn to compost, which will help feed your lawn.

  • Edge and mow until growing season is over. This includes the parking strip.

  • Treat yard with winterizing fertilizer.

  • Fall is a good time to prune mature trees. This includes any "sprouts" that have grown at the base of the tree.

  • Prevent potential issues from wind by checking to see if any tree branches are too close to your home and cut (or hire someone to cut) them back now.

  • Close the valve of all exterior faucets and cover your spigots before the first frost.

RECOMMENDED SERVICE PROVIDERS
Looking to hire a professional for your house projects and/or maintenance? Check out the Service Provider List on the portal by clicking on Shared Documents. If you have recently used a company that you would recommend to neighbors, email their info to us, and we'll add them to the list!