8-spring-essentials-for-your-home
04 May

8 Spring Essentials for Your Home

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It’s hard to believe, but it’s actually time to start thinking about your garden.

Now that spring has sprung, here are eight must-have items for your home that will have you ready for the coming days filled with spring cleaning, gardening and enjoying your home in this lovely season.

  1. Grab some nourishment for your soil

    Compost, fertilizer, mulch – now is the time to stock up on the good stuff that your garden needs. While you can always pop down to your corner grocer or garden centre for your plot’s preferred sustenance, many municipalities have a compost and mulch program that they run in the spring, offering up highly nutritious garden goods for free or in bulk at an extremely reduced cost.

  1. Stock up on lawn bags

    Let this be the year that you remember to grab those yard bags BEFORE putting in hours of hard work clearing your garden and lawn. Most municipalities have a specific yard waste schedule, and if you miss it, you will be the one left holding the bag, so unless you are a backyard composter, remember to grab them early.

  1. Fuel up

    So many spring and summer activities require fuel. Whether it is gas for the lawn mower or propane or charcoal for the barbecue, make sure that you have it on hand for when you are ready to get that backyard started. Now is also a good time to ensure that you have functioning accoutrements as well – sharpened lawn mower blades, trimmer line, a proper BBQ brush etc.

  1. Show your HVAC system some TLC

    It is a good idea to schedule maintenance for your heating and air conditioning systems at the beginning of each season, but it is especially critical in spring to ensure that both systems are working properly. Spring can sometimes present extreme weather changes, it is not unusual to flip-flop between the two. Filters should be replaced monthly, or on their recommended schedule depending on the filter type. Try adding a few drops of essential oils on your filter before replacing it to add an extra fresh scent throughout your home.

  1. Gardening essentials checklist

    Check your garage or shed and make sure you have your garden basics in good working order to make this gardening season a successful one. If you’re thinking about involving the kids in your gardening projects this season, you may want to invest in some smaller gardening gear that they can use.

  • Keep water costs down by making sure your garden hose and nozzle are leak-free. Another way to save water and amp up your garden is by installing a rain barrel and running a drip irrigation system through the garden.

  • A good pair of scissors and/or shears are a must-have for any gardener. Start the season by ensuring yours are nice and sharp and in top working order.

  • Your indispensable trowel and fork are likely your most-used garden tools. Some also swear by a good soil or hori hori knife which can combine many of the jobs of other hand tools.

  • A quality shovel and rake are obvious necessities for your lawn and garden. This is not the place where lowest price is king. A shoddy shovel with the wrong type of blade or handle can make your gardening season a bit miserable.

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  1. Check your outdoor lighting

    It may be time to switch out the bulbs in your outdoor lights or upgrade to energy-efficient lighting. Make sure your backyard is evening-ready, and have some back up bulbs on hand.

  1. Grab some batteries

    Whether for your flashlight, or for a remote control toy, spring seems to be a time when battery-operated gadgets are brought out of hibernation. It is a good idea to have a mixed battery stash at the ready. Spring is also a good time to switch out the batteries in your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.

  1. Clean naturally

    Why suffer through a toxic spring cleaning with harsh chemicals when there are plenty of natural ingredients that can get the job done? With just a few ingredients you can make almost any kind of specialized cleaner for your home. Add some essential oils and you can make them smell great as well. Here are a few simple recipes for non-toxic and effective, natural cleaners:

  • All-Purpose Cleaner: Grab an empty spray bottle, add ½ c white vinegar, 2 tbsp baking soda, and 10 drops lemon essential oil, fill the rest with water and you are good to wash just about any surface in your home.

  • Window/Glass Cleaner: In a spray bottle mix ¼ c white vinegar, ¼ c isopropyl alcohol, 1 tbsp corn starch, 2 c water, the cornstarch will help to reduce streaks, and the alcohol will keep the mixture from pooling.

  • Tile and Grout Cleaner: In a dish, mix 1 part water with 3 parts baking soda, work it into the grout with a stiff scrub brush, leave it on for 10 minutes and wash off.

  • Sink and Tub Cleaner: In a dish, mix 1½ c baking soda with ½ c of castile or other natural soap, and 10 drops of lemon essential oil or tea tree essential oil. This mixture will scrub off tough stains and build up.

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