General Tips
Clean the outsides of windows and doors at least twice a year. [this is a good time to check for cracked window panes}
Hose down the siding and scrape any peeling paint, repainting as needed.
Gutters and downspouts should be checked and cleaned in the spring and fall. Flush away any debris.
Weather-strip doors and windows. This will help save on electricity.
Caulk cracks around window frames with a latex sealant to stop heat and air conditioning loss.
Use expanding foam to seal the spaces between the slab foundation or cracked or warped floor boards.
If needed add insulation to wall or roof.
If you notice flaking paint scrape it off ant apply a primer
DESIGNING A FLOWER BED
choose a area with good drainage that gets at least 6 hours sun each day
sketch out roughly where you intend to plant making sure you consider the amount of sun, water and soil type that each plant requires.
outline the flower bed with railroad ties. bricks. flat stones or other material.
Water and weed as needed.
pull weeds when they are young and their root system is not yet fully established.
fertilize at least twice during the growing season.
SPRING BEDDING PLANTS
forget-me-nots
pansies
primroses
sweet Williams
English daisies
You may also consider wildflowers.
SUMMER BEDDING PLANTS
Sweet alyssum
petunias
marigolds
dahlias
geraniums
begonias
snapdragons
LAWN CARE
A lawn needs at least one inch of water a week
A lawn needs several hours of sunshine a day.
Purchase a inexpensive rain gauge so you can determine how much water your lawn is getting
During dry spells give it a thorough soaking on a weekly basis, preferably in the morning.
Fertilize with a high nitrogen fertilizer (10-6-4) once in the spring and again at mid summer using 3-4 pounds per thousand feet.
Don't mow your lawn too short. grass needs sufficient leaf area to produce a good root system and dense mat. Bermuda grass should be 2 1/2 to 3 inches in length in hot weather, 1/2 inch shorter in cool weather.
While clippings under 1 inch may be left on the ground larger clippings should be raked and added to the compost pile.
If you use an electric mower be sure to not drive over the power cord. Replacing the cord can get expensive.
Keep your mower well maintained and it will last you a while. (Inspect or havyour mower inspected at the beginning of each mowing season. Inspect the engine,. pull rope, blades, plug, filter, etc.
At the end of mowing season drain gas tank and run mower out of gas.