Is Your Garden Spring Ready?
Did you know?
Though you don’t want to get overzealous too early, there are things you can do now to ensure that your garden is beautiful and bountiful this spring through fall.
The Clean Up
Rake dead leaves and remove twigs and other winter debris build up. This will allow sunlight and air into the soil, preparing it for planting. This will also help your grass get an early start on the spring growing.
Remove any perennials that didn’t survive the winter—plant new ones in their place. Cut back any dead foliage on living plants. Trimmings can be composted.
Prune rose bushes before they grow new leaves and remove any winter protection you used over rose beds.
Weeds don’t wait for the warmer weather. As soon as you see one, get rid of it. Weeding when their roots are still shallow is not only easier, it will make weeding later lighter.
Prepare Your Foundation
Don’t dig in beds too early. You can damage soil if you manipulate it when it’s still in dormant, winter mode. However, when it’s warm enough that soil breaks apart easily when picked up, you can start top dressing your beds with compost or manure.
If your soil needs lime, it’s best to lay it out at least two weeks before planting anything. During heavy rains, cover your limed soil to prevent run-off.
Start Planting!
Once soil is crumbly and free of ice crystals, it’s ready for early spring vegetables such as peas, lettuce, spinach, and leeks.
Plant any daffodils, crocuses, or tulips you forced in a pot. Though they may take at least another season to fully bloom, early spring is the optimal time to put them in the ground.
When perennial shoots are two to four inches tall, they are ready for dividing.
Deal with Unwanted Guests
The best offense is a good defense… especially when it comes to garden invaders like aphids and spider mites. An early spring application of pesticide or oil on ornamental trees with a history of infestation can prevent later visits from these pesky critters. Applying horticultural oil sprays to apple and pear trees can help keep disease and bugs away as well.
By the way…
I hope this information has been helpful to you. If you know someone who could also benefit from this type of information, or who is in need of a trusted real estate advisor, please forward their contact information to me so I can get in touch with them. I’m never too busy for your referrals.
Is a Second Home a Good Investment?
Did you know?
Almost 40% of those buying a second home don’t plan to use it for vacation purposes, but rather as an investment property.
In most areas throughout the region, home values have appreciated at an exponential rate. Partner that with continued low interest rates and many homeowners find they are in a good position to invest in additional real estate.
While many second homeowners are seeking mountain seclusion or a beachfront getaway, the number of those investing in a second home to pad their portfolios is growing consistently.
Is a second home a wise investment for you? There are several factors to consider:
Can You Afford It?
There are many costs associated with owning a second home besides the additional mortgage. Some things to keep in mind are maintenance, repairs, property taxes, security, and insurance.
Location, Location, Location
Where you choose to look for a second home can determine how smart an investment might be. For instance, a river front home sounds lovely and should be easy to rent when you’re not using it, but will it be in danger come flood season?
Also, if your investment property is located in another city or state, consider the travel expenses, not to mention time, involved with every visit or check-up.
Another issue can be the market in which the property lies. Houses might have appreciated steadily over the past two years, but what will happen to home as we enter a less frenzied, more balanced market?
Taxes
How will owning a second home affect your taxes? Each case is different. I recommend talking to your lawyer or financial advisor to fully understand the benefits and potential pitfalls.
By the way…
I hope this information has been helpful to you. If you know someone who could also benefit from this type of information, or who is in need of a trusted real estate advisor, please forward their contact information to me so I can get in touch with them. I’m never too busy for your referrals.
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