Looking to brighten up your outdoor space? Want to have some fresh vegetables and herbs? Space can be short in apartment and condominium complexes, so container gardening might be for you! Check out these tips from Hudson Valley Seed Library and start growing you own container garden this weekend:
1. The bigger the plant, the bigger the pot should be.
2. The longer the plant takes to mature, the bigger the pot.
3. Fruiting plants (tomatoes, peppers etc.) need more soil and more nutrients than greens (lettuce, Tatsoi etc)
4. Don’t over crowd. You can plant varieties a bit closer than normal
in a pot, but crowding leads to weak spindly plants. One tomato plant
in a big pot will actually produce more tomatoes than 4 tomato plants in
the same size pot.
5. Pots are thirsty. They dry out quickly. Keep pots evenly moist,
trying not to let them dry out between watering or get too saturated.
6. Make sure there are drainage holes. (Some folks say gravel or sand
at the bottom helps as well.)
7. Container plants still need lots of sun. If you have part shade stick to herbs and greens.
8. Rooftops can be windy. If you’re growing containers on the roof,
consider setting up some kind of windbreak, like lattice, that won’t
cast shade.
9. Use a light potting mix but make sure you have nutrient rich compost mixed in.
10. Succession sow. Since you are growing in a small space, plant some
seeds, let them grow, eat your harvest, and plant some more. Just make
sure to add compost and nutrients between sowings
Now that summer’s here, you’ll want to prepare your condominium or apartment for the onslaught of summer heat. These simple chores will help keep your home happy and healthy.
Check detectors. Check your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors to make sure they’re functioning properly. Change all batteries.
Inspect air-conditioners. Remove and clean the filters before turning on the AC. If you have central air-conditioning, consider a professional servicing.
Clean ceiling fans. Wipe ceiling fans with a damp rag. If you have high ceilings, a ceiling-fan duster can help you de-grime hard-to-reach blades.
Clean your outdoor cooker.* For gas grills, turn the heat up to high and let the grill cook with the lid closed for about half an hour. Allow the grill to cool, then brush it off with a grill brush. Wipe down the exterior with a damp sponge and a gentle cleanser. Clean the grill’s drip pans.
Analyze your deck. Look over your deck for signs of rotting and nails that are poking up. Report any unsafe conditions to your management company. Consider brightening up your deck with some large pots filled with flowers or herbs. Wipe down patio furniture.
Wash your windows. If you didn’t tackle window washing in the spring, now’s the time to get your glass clean.
Stop dirt at the door. Keep summer’s mud and muck outside with not one, but two doormats at your main entry door. Place a coarse mat at the outside and a softer, cloth one on the inside to catch the most dirt. Better still, instruct family members to remove their shoes upon entering.
Now that your home is ready for summer, go out and enjoy the beautiful weather!
* Check your condominium maintenance standards for rules about grills and outdoor cookers. You can also check with your local Fire Marshall.
We are pleased to announce that Melissa Odelius has joined Premier's staff as a Property Manager.
Melissa has over 13 years in the administrative/customer service field, and was most recently employed with a CPA firm, assisting with accounting and tax preparation.
She is very excited about working with Premier because it will give her an opportunity to be an active member of the community, working daily to make people's lives a little easier. As a renter herself, she understands how frustrating it can be when things are not taken care of properly, and she hopes to ease others' frustrations as much as possible.
During her training period, Melissa will be working on Premier's rental side, advertising properties available for rent and showing units at Park Street in Manchester, May Street in Hartford, Stanley Street in New Britain and West Street in Bristol.
We are very happy to have Melissa on our team, and are excited about the energy and enthusiasm she brings to the position.
