It’s Time to Garden! Spring has “sprung,” and if you’re someone who cannot wait to get your plants into the ground, you may be counting down the days until it’s time to get in the dirt. You don’t, however, have to wait for the perfect weather to start your garden. In fact, the best time to plant your seeds is 6–8 weeks before the last frost. If you start now by creating your own “greenhouse,” you can cultivate a stronger garden that’s primed for a bigger harvest and a longer growing season.
START YOUR GARDEN WITHOUT GOING OUTSIDE
so they can soak up as much sun as possible. Be mindful of how cold the room gets. Seeds need a lot of heat as well as light. If you need to add lighting, hang fluorescent lighting a few inches above the seeds for maximum exposure. Standard incandescent lighting likely won’t generate enough heat and light. Keep the lights on for 15 hours each day and allow the seeds to get some rest at night.
Find the right balance. Much like a newborn, seeds need balance. Too
much water will cause them to drown, and if they don’t get enough fertilizer, they may not sprout. Finding that balance takes practice, but there are a few basics to keep in mind. First, have a small fan running for an extended period of time each day. This will prevent excess moisture from accumulating. Then, establish a liquid fertilizer schedule. Once per week is usually best, but check the seed packet for directions.
Plant seeds like a pro. Thankfully, gardening experts have invented tools that offer lots of “hacks.” Look for seed trays, which will have small pockets where you can plant your seeds, and look for small holes at the bottom. This will allow excess water to flow out of the seedling’s new habitat so they don’t rot. Review the instructions on the back of each seed packet to determine soil depth, a watering schedule, and needed soil types.
Once the weather gets warmer, start introducing your new plants to the outside world. This transitory time should take just over a week to avoid a shock to their system.
Look for natural light. Once your seeds are in their new pods, focus on a viable light source. A south-facing garage with windows or south-facing windows in your home are best for natural light. Point your seedlings in that direction
For more gardening tips, be sure to visit your local nursery. Happy growing!
FIVE WAYS TO DEAL WITH ANNOYING ROBOCALLS Protect Your Identity and Kick Scammers to the Curb
According to the latest data, scammers and telemarketers make 1,528 robocalls to Americans every single second . No wonder they’re driving us all crazy! Some of these calls are legitimate reminders about doctor’s appointments and payment plans, but around 55% of them are just nuisances — and we can’t rely on the government to stop them. If you’re sick of hearing about “your car’s extended warranty” or the “student loans” you paid off 40 years ago, try these five tips to cut down on robocalls and outwit scammers. 1. Explore your carrier’s free tools . AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon all offer services to cut down on scam calls. Some of them are free and/or come with your phone, but others you have to pay for or activate. If you have Verizon, for example, you can download the “Verizon Call Filter” app from the Apple App Store or Google Play. Visit your
carrier’s website or call them to learn about tools they offer.
2. Download an ad blocker. For extra protection, you can download a separate ad blocker from the Apple App Store or Google Play. Hiya is a free app that will give you caller ID and block spam calls. Nomorobo is an award-winning option that’s free for landlines and costs $1.99 per month for cellphones. 3. When in doubt, let it ring out. If you don’t recognize the number calling, don’t answer. You can always call back if they leave a legitimate voicemail.
5. Handle voicemails with care. If you get a suspicious voicemail, never call the number or visit the website given by the caller. Instead, Google the company or agency they claimed to be with and call that number. If the real agency has no idea about the call, you’ve just escaped a trap. By taking all five of these steps, you can protect yourself and your wallet from Ponzi schemes, identity thieves, and annoying telemarketers. For even more specific advice, visit AARP.com and search “The Definitive Guide to Reducing Robocalls.”
4. Suspect spam? Hang up. So, you accidentally answered a spam call.
Whether it’s a person or a robot on the line, hang up immediately! Even saying your name or the word “yes” could set you up for identity theft.
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