You may not know it, but there are proper methods to watering your plants that involve more than just pouring water on top. Plant size, soil type, weather, sun exposure and time of year all factor into how much water is needed. Timing and frequency are also important, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. So how do you effectively manage your dampening strategy? Consider:

• Watering in the Morning – Water can penetrate the soil where the plant’s roots can reach, absorbing and drying in the cooler hours of the day. Watering during other times of the day could cause you to boil the roots, sunburn the leaves or grow mold spores and rot.
• Increasing Drainage – Excessive moisture around the root zone can lead to stagnant water and root rot, according to Deep Green Permaculture. To prevent this add a coarser material to the bottom of the pot to vary the potting medium and water retention.
• Soaking Deeply – Dampen the soil at least eight inches below the surface so the roots are encouraged to grow deeper and are not sitting too close to the surface.
• Optimizing Your Soil – Clearing out rocks and debris, loosening the soil and adding organic matter can affect how your plants absorb water. Adjust your planting strategy based on the soil type and how you apply compost.

Since there are so many different aspects of an effective watering system, there are also many opportunities for blunders. Here are a few common missteps to avoid:

 Watering Too Frequently – Adding too much could kill your plants because it drowns them and cuts off the oxygen. Each plant is different, but you could look out for yellow, wilted or dropped leaves, brown spots, mushy stems and molding soil to understand if your plant is being overwatered.

• Using a Sprinkler – Plants absorb most of their water through the soil, and sprinklers tend to moisten the top foliage.
• Relying on Rain – There isn’t always enough rainfall for plants to thrive, so don’t count on it to keep them alive. You should test your soil for the amounts of water and adjust your watering methods as your plants need it.

There are also regional variations and differing needs of specific plants, so check with your local gardening center for more information. Paying attention to your plant’s moisture and developing a watering strategy will have your garden flourishing in a wonderful world of green in no time.

JENNIFER MCGUIRE https://blog.coldwellbanker.com/the-wonderful-world-of-green-tips-for-hydrating-plants/

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As the days grow shorter, it’s time to bring fall’s warm and inviting hues into your home. Embrace the season’s vibrant colors to create a cozy atmosphere that celebrates autumn’s magic and reflects your tastes. But don’t be scared – adding an autumn look doesn’t mean completely overhauling your home’s interior design! Here are five simple and creative ways to incorporate fall decorations this year.

Cozy Throws and Textiles

Stylishly transition your home from summer to fall by updating your living room and bedroom with new throw pillows, blankets and bedding. For a lush pop of fall color, choose heavier fabrics in rich, deep colors like burgundy, mustard, chocolate and rust. Mix patterns with solids and velvets with flannel and fake furs for a chic, boho look.

 Candles and Diffusers

Don’t just change what you see around your home, but also what you smell. Light cinnamon- and vanilla-scented candles and tea lights on a rainy evening for some seasonal aromatherapy. For flame-free options, look to essential oils, incense and reed diffusers to add a festive pumpkin chai or autumn plum scent to the air.

Warm Lighting

Is it time to swap out some of your lighting? Create additional coziness with soft, warm-toned lighting for an effortless autumn glow. Warm white twinkle lights, fairy lights or a string of Edison bulbs can also add a fun and festive touch, inside or out.

Fall Artwork and Accessories

Display decorative items like ceramic vases, pottery and glassware in Earth tones of deep greens, oranges, and browns. To incorporate a bit of fall and stay up on the newest trends, add some stylish and quirky mushroom décor to your space. These accessories can quickly transform the ambiance of any room and create a fall-inspired aesthetic.

Rich and Colorful Table Linens

Autumn is also the season to bring colorful plaids, checkered prints and velvet-trimmed accessories to your dining room. Indulge in layered linens, different textures and an eye-catching mix of dark and light colors. Try blending a deep forest green tablecloth with a taupe velvet runner and moss-colored linen napkins. Play with colors and fabrics will bring depth and interest to your table this fall.

These easy fall decorating tips and accent ideas will create a warm and inviting atmosphere to welcome friends and family this season!

https://blog.coldwellbanker.com/5-tips-for-adding-fall-accents-to-your-home/ – JENNIFER MCGUIRE

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