Put on your coziest sweater, grab a blanket scarf, and get ready to buy every pumpkin in the patch, because it’s finally fall. According to The Old Farmer’s Almanac, fall doesn’t officially begin until the first day of the autumnal equinox (this year it happens on September 23), but we’ve been ready for sweater weather and fall foliage for months.

Now that the season is actually here, we’re sharing our ultimate fall bucket list. It’s full of all the quintessential fall activities you can’t miss—like hayrides through the pumpkin patch—as well as ideas for new fall traditions to start, like helping a local food bank prepare for winter. You can even download our free fall bingo card to check off each item as you go.

1. Go to a Pumpkin Patch

Gourds, apple cider, and hayrides⁠—it just wouldn’t be fall without a trip to the pumpkin patch! Whether you’re there for the memories or to pick the best pumpkin for carving, this is one fall tradition you just can’t miss. If you’re looking for something even more extravagant to do with the family this year, check out one of the most amazing pumpkin displays around the country.

2. Drink a Pumpkin Spice Latte

Now that Starbucks’ classic Pumpkin Spice Latte is back in stores, it officially feels like fall. A hot spiced drink is completely necessary this time of year (whether the leaves have started falling or not!) and we can never say no to a splash of pumpkin. Hit the local coffee shop for your daily dose of pumpkin spice or make your own PSL at home!

3. Get Lost in a Corn Maze

Gather your crew of family and friends and team up to see who can make it through the corn maze the fastest. Some pumpkin patches offer miniature mazes (which are great for kids!) but look for local farms or larger mazes in your area to get the full experience.

4. Roast Marshmallows

There’s something about crisp fall evenings that makes us want to gather around a warm fire and roast marshmallows. You don’t need a fancy fire pit or a big bonfire—just invite a few friends and fire up the backyard grill! Of course, you’ll want to stock up on all kinds of chocolate and graham crackers too so your guests can make their own delicious s’mores desserts.

5. Eat a Caramel Apple

There’s not a better combination than warm, gooey caramel and crisp, crunchy apples—and this fall treat is almost as fun to decorate as it is to eat! Make one of these 13 scrumptious caramel apple recipes or try these marbled caramel apples.

6. Donate the Summer Clothes You Never Wore

As you transition your closet from sundresses to sweaters, take stock of what you have. Any spring and summer clothes you didn’t wear this year can go right into the donate pile—that way, they can be worn by someone else rather than taking up extra storage space. Before you plan a dropoff, review these 5 helpful tips for donating to Goodwill.

7. Pick Apples

Going to the pumpkin patch is about as “fall” as you can get, but a trip to a local apple orchard is also a must-do. Before you go, read up on the types of apples so you know exactly which ones to pick for all the irresistible apple desserts you’ll be making this season. Plus, orchards are usually a great place to snap a family pic so you can get the Christmas card photo checked off your list.

Please note that this Scottsdale Real Estate Blog is for informational purposes and not intended to take the place of a licensed Scottsdale Real Estate Agent. The Szabo Group offers first class real estate services to clients in the Scottsdale Greater Phoenix Metropolitan Area in the buying and selling of Luxury homes in Arizona. Award winning Realtors and Re/MAX top producers and best real estate agent for Luxury Homes in Scottsdale, The Szabo group delivers experience, knowledge, dedication and proven results. Contact Joe Szabo at 480.688.2020, [email protected] or visit www.scottsdalerealestateteam.com to find out more about Scottsdale Homes for Sale and Estates for Sale in Scottsdale and to search the Scottsdale MLS for Scottsdale Home Listings.

Plant Spring Bulbs

When the leaves begin to change, planting spring flowers is probably the last thing you’re thinking about—but you should be! For spring flowers like tulips, daffodils, and hyacinth, fall is the best time to get the bulbs in the ground. If you’re not sure how to plant spring bulbs, we can walk you through the entire process (it’s easy!).

Go on a Nature Walk

Taking a stroll around the neighborhood has health benefits any time of year, but it’s extra enjoyable when you can admire colorful fall foliage as you walk. Take the dog around the block or plan a time to grab to-go coffee with your girlfriends and take a long stroll through the park.

Volunteer at a Food Bank

Many families volunteer with local shelters or food banks around the holidays, but they need support year-round. As the weather begins to cool down, head to your local food bank to drop off extra canned goods or offer to help prepare a meal. Call to check in with them to see what their needs are before you go.

Decorate a Pumpkin

If it feels too early to carve a jack-o’-lantern, paint your pumpkins for fall instead. Stock up on white pumpkins and unusual gourds to decorate your mantel or front porch, and add a few coats of paint. We love the farmhouse look of a gingham pumpkin—and it’s actually easier than it looks!

Decorate with Fall Colors

Take inspiration from the trees outside and bring the bright colors of fall indoors. Look through our favorite fall decorating ideas to get inspiration for your own space.

Burn Your Favorite Fall Candle

There are so many ways to make your home smell like fall, but burning seasonal candles is one of our favorites. Bath & Body Works’ fall candle line is full of seriously swoon-worthy scents (hello, Pumpkin Pecan Waffles) and they even have a selection of spooky Halloween candles too.

Please note that this Scottsdale Real Estate Blog is for informational purposes and not intended to take the place of a licensed Scottsdale Real Estate Agent. The Szabo Group offers first-class real estate services to clients in the Scottsdale Greater Phoenix Metropolitan Area in the buying and selling of Luxury homes in Arizona. Award winning Realtors and Re/MAX top producers and best real estate agent for Luxury Homes in Scottsdale, The Szabo group delivers experience, knowledge, dedication and proven results. Contact Joe Szabo at 480.688.2020, [email protected] or visit www.scottsdalerealestateteam.com to find out more about Scottsdale Homes for Sale and Estates for Sale in Scottsdale and to search the Scottsdale MLS for Scottsdale Home Listings.

 

Fall is the perfect time to take care of the little things that can make a big difference for you and your home. Most of the tasks listed below are well with-in the average person’s ability. But even if you choose to have a professional handle them, it’s worth the expense. You’ll save money—and maybe even your life. We’ll walk you through cleanup for gutters, roofs, fireplaces, and more.

Get on Top of Roof Problems

Few homeowner problems are more vexing than a leaky roof. Once the dripping starts, finding the source of the problem can be time-consuming. Stop problems this fall before ice and winter winds turn them from annoyances into disasters.

Start by inspecting your roof from top to bottom, using binoculars if necessary. Check ridge shingles for cracks and wind damage. Look for damage to metal flashing in valleys and around vents and chimneys. Scan the entire roof for missing, curled, or damaged shingles. Look in your gutters for large accumulations of granules, a sign that your roof is losing its coating; expect problems soon. Finally, make sure your gutters are flowing freely.

Editor’s Tip: Roof-mounted television antennas, even if they aren’t in use, may have guy wires holding them in place. Look for loose or missing guy wires. If you see some, and your antenna is no longer being used, consider having it removed altogether.

Related: Roof Repair Tips Every Homeowner Should Know

 

Please note that this Scottsdale Real Estate Blog is for informational purposes and not intended to take the place of a licensed Scottsdale Real Estate Agent. The Szabo Group offers first-class real estate services to clients in the Scottsdale Greater Phoenix Metropolitan Area in the buying and selling of Luxury homes in Arizona. Award winning Realtors and Re/MAX top producers and best real estate agent for Luxury Homes in Scottsdale, The Szabo group delivers experience, knowledge, dedication and proven results. Contact Joe Szabo at 480.688.2020, [email protected] or visit www.scottsdalerealestateteam.com to find out more about Scottsdale Homes for Sale and Estates for Sale in Scottsdale and to search the Scottsdale MLS for Scottsdale Home Listings.

So you bought your pumpkins! Fresh and pretty- the sign of the season, but before you think about dumping them in the trash after Halloween, think again!

Once all the trick-or-treating is over and it’s time to change your decor to the next holiday, you may be wondering what to do with all your Halloween pumpkins. Tons of them just get tossed in the trash—according to the U.S. Department of Energy, about 1.3 billion pounds of pumpkins in the U.S. end up in landfills, which is pretty scary! Instead, try our eco-friendly ideas for repurposing, reusing, or recycling your gourds post-October. Even those jack-o’-lanterns that may be looking a little shriveled and sunken still can be useful.

1. You Can Eat Most Pumpkins

Of course, you can always bring any clean, uncarved pumpkins to the kitchen to eat yourself! Toasted pumpkin seeds make a healthy snack, and you can use fresh pumpkin puree in any recipe that calls for the canned version. You’ll need to do a little conversion: Keep in mind that one 2-1/2 pound pumpkin is equivalent to about 15 ounces canned pumpkin—the standard grocery store size. Some varieties like Jarrahdale, Hubbard, and Pie pumpkins are grown specifically for eating, so they have naturally sweet, smooth flesh. But you can also doctor up other pumpkin varieties to use in sweet or savory pumpkin recipes (we’d recommend only eating pumpkins that you’ve kept inside your house though, where they’ve been safe from insects and other critters).

2. Pass Along Your Pumpkins

Don’t want to deal with the pumpkins yourself? No worries! There are plenty of places that may take them off your hands. See if you can donate leftover pumpkins to zoos, animal shelters, farms, or community gardens. They’ll be grateful for the compost material or animal snacks. Look local; some towns do a pumpkin collection drive after Halloween, and some farms put out calls for local pumpkin donations. Organizations like Scarce and Pumpkins for the People also have drop-off sites where you can take your old pumpkins, and then they’ll compost them to keep them out of landfills.

3. Feed the Birds

Attract feathered friends to your yard by turning your Halloween pumpkin into a bird feeder. Just cut a pumpkin in half horizontally, empty the cavity, and fill it with birdseed. Either leave it out as is or hang it from a tree with several lengths of thick twine or rope wrapped under the base.

You can add the pumpkin’s seeds to your regular birdseed, too! Rinse and dry the seeds before mixing them in. Don’t flavor or salt the seeds; the birds will eat them as is.

4. Create Compost

Pumpkins make a great addition to your compost pile! Because they’re mostly water, they decompose quickly, but it’ll go even faster if you break them apart first. Turn pumpkin smashing into a fun family activity—you probably won’t have to look far to find willing participants.

Pumpkin composting is pretty simple. Just remember to remove the seeds first so your gourds don’t root in the pile. If you’d like, you can save them to try your hand at growing your own pumpkin crop. Just rinse the pulp away and allow the seeds to dry. Store them in an envelope in a cool, dry place until you’re ready to plant.

Please note that this Scottsdale Real Estate Blog is for informational purposes and not intended to take the place of a licensed Scottsdale Real Estate Agent. The Szabo Group offers first-class real estate services to clients in the Scottsdale Greater Phoenix Metropolitan Area in the buying and selling of Luxury homes in Arizona. Award winning Realtors and Re/MAX top producers and best real estate agent for Luxury Homes in Scottsdale, The Szabo group delivers experience, knowledge, dedication and proven results. Contact Joe Szabo at 480.688.2020, [email protected] or visit www.scottsdalerealestateteam.com to find out more about Scottsdale Homes for Sale and Estates for Sale in Scottsdale and to search the Scottsdale MLS for Scottsdale Home Listings.

Installing a front door handle and lockset is a quick and easy way to add curb appeal to your home. Before you begin, make sure your door has standard preparation boreholes for a knob/lever and deadbolt combination.

This type of preparation means that the door has two sets of boreholes and cross bores, one on top of the other, 5-1/2 inches from center to center. Both boreholes should be 2-1/8 inches in diameter, with the cross bores measuring 1 inch in diameter. The back set measures between 2-3/8 and 2-3/4 inches from the edge of the door to the center of the cross bore. The thickness of the door should be between 1-3/8 and 1-3/4 inches. Be aware of the dimensions of your new handle so that it fits properly on the door.

Use caution when using an electric drill to install any screws. It could easily strip the screw threads or damage the hardware. Do not tighten to screws too tightly—you can always go back later and tighten.

Once you’ve measured and prepped, you’re ready to install a new door handle and lock. Follow our step-by-step instructions to get started.

How to Install a Door Handle and Lock

Supplies Needed

• Door knob/handle kit (we used the Addison handleset from Schlage)
• Deadbolt kit (if not included)
• Tape measure
• Pencil
• Utility knife, if needed
• 1-inch chisel, if needed
• Power drill (or Philips screwdriver with a long shaft)
• Countersink bit (if using a drill)
• Flathead screwdriver, optional
• Hammer
• Block of wood

Step-by-Step Directions

Follow our instructions for installing a front door handle and lockset to get a fresh look you love and enhance your home’s curb appeal.

Step 1: Install the Latch

Determine whether you want to use a flat, rectangular faceplate or a round drive-in faceplate. (Many kits come with both options.) If you want to use a flat faceplate but do not have an indent on the edge of your door to fit it over the cross bore, trace the outline of the faceplate with a pencil and score the outline with a utility knife so the wood doesn’t splinter. Use a 1-inch chisel to chisel out a rectangle 1/8-inch deep (it must be flush with the door jamb), 1 inch wide, and 2-1/4 inches tall, centered around the cross bore. Once you have an indent on the edge of your door, slide the latch into the cross bore, with the bevel facing the door jamb, and secure it against the indent with two short screws.

If you prefer the smaller round drive-in faceplate, use a flathead screwdriver to remove the screws on the flat faceplate and support plate. Install the round drive-in faceplate over the latch and push down to secure. Slide the latch and drive-in faceplate into the cross bore with the bevel facing the door jam, and push in until tight. Use a hammer with a block of wood between it and the latch to gently pound it into place (until flush with the edge of the door) without damaging the hardware.

Step 2: Install the Outside Handle

If your new door handle attaches to the door at a point below the lower borehole (like ours), you may need to drill another hole to accommodate. Line up the spindle on the back of the handle with the slot in the latch, sliding any mechanisms up or down as needed to fit the handle onto the door.

Step 3: Install the Inside Handle

Line up the inside handle or lever so that the screw holes align vertically with the threaded posts on the back of the outside handle. If your inside handle is a lever, make sure that the lever is pointing away from the door jamb. Secure with screws. If your outside handle is attached to the door by a lower spindle (like ours), attach a washer, screw, and cover to secure and finish the spindle on the inside of the door.

Step 4: Install the Deadbolt

Repeat the procedure above for creating a faceplate indent if your lock calls for one and your door does not already have one. Fit the latch bolt into the upper cross bore, making sure the top is facing up (there is usually an arrow on the latch bolt to indicate). Screw the faceplate in to secure. Install the deadbolt mechanisms on the inside and outside, making sure the keyed cylinder part is on the outside of the door. The inside thumb turn should point up when unlocked, and point towards the door jamb when locked.

Step 5: Install the Strike Plates

Align the strike plate for the handle against the door jamb and attach with two small screws. Make sure the bent lip of the strike plate is facing the direction in which the door opens. Align the strike plate for the deadbolt, pre-drill your holes, and attach the strike plate to the door jamb with two longer screws for extra reinforcement. Alternate between the two long screws as you drill them in so that the strike plate does not get pushed out of alignment.

Test the latch and the deadbolt to make sure both slide in and out smoothly but not loosely. If the bolt won’t turn all the way, drill the bolt hole a little deeper until it does. Alternatively, you may need to adjust the position of the strike plate.

Please note that this Scottsdale Real Estate Blog is for informational purposes and not intended to take the place of a licensed Scottsdale Real Estate Agent. The Szabo Group offers first class real estate services to clients in the Scottsdale Greater Phoenix Metropolitan Area in the buying and selling of Luxury homes in Arizona. Award winning Realtors and Re/MAX top producers and best real estate agent for Luxury Homes in Scottsdale, The Szabo group delivers experience, knowledge, dedication and proven results. Contact Joe Szabo at 480.688.2020, [email protected] or visit www.scottsdalerealestateteam.com to find out more about Scottsdale Homes for Sale and Estates for Sale in Scottsdale and to search the Scottsdale MLS for Scottsdale Home Listings.

Do you have a fireplace that operates inefficiently? Have you been considering going with a new fireplace insert to create a better warming environment and cut down on the monthly utility bills? Good move. Many homeowners are enjoying the benefits that fireplace inserts provide, and you could be one of them. Here’s how to choose the right fireplace insert.

The right fit for your fireplace insert

Step one in choosing the right fireplace insert is getting the right size. Modern inserts come in a variety of shapes and sizes, and with a little investigating, you’ll find the perfect one for your fireplace.

When measuring the opening of your fireplace, measure from side to side and from top to bottom. If the top of your fireplace mouth forms an oval shape, take three up-and-down measurements: one on each side and one in the center.

What is your fuel preference?

After you know the dimensions of the insert that will fit your fireplace, decide if you want your fires to run on gas or wood. The inserts you’ll find in a good hearth store will all be constructed for high-efficiency operation, but there are a few other things to think about.

For the budget-conscious, a wood-burning fireplace insert is probably the wisest choice, because wood is less expensive to burn than gas. Additionally, a wood fire in an insert produces far less smoke than in a traditional “open” fireplace. This, coupled with the fact that wood in its natural state (i.e., tree) absorbs toxins from the atmosphere, means your fireplace is a carbon-neutral heating source.

Gas, however, is more convenient than wood. With a gas fireplace insert, starting a fire is as easy as flipping a switch. Controls allow you to adjust the flame level and therefore the amount of heat produced by the unit. A fireplace run on gas also requires no cleaning of ashes and wood chips from the firebox.

A fireplace insert as an accent to your home décor

Armed with the dimensions of your fireplace and the knowledge of what type of fuel you want to burn, the next step is a more creative one. With the many styles and finishes of fireplace inserts, it won’t be hard to select a model that compliments the design of your fireplace and your overall room décor.

Also consider the features you prefer. Here are a few of the options with a new insert:

• Efficiency rating
• Heating square footage
• Heating time
• Self-cleaning glass
• Remote control
• Accent lighting

A fireplace insert, whether gas-burning or wood-burning, brings many benefits to the homeowner, one of the greatest being a hotter and more efficient heat source. When shopping at a retailer, make sure to ask all the questions you can think of to make sure you choose the right fireplace insert for your home.

Please note that this Scottsdale Real Estate Blog is for informational purposes and not intended to take the place of a licensed Scottsdale Real Estate Agent. The Szabo Group offers first class real estate services to clients in the Scottsdale Greater Phoenix Metropolitan Area in the buying and selling of Luxury homes in Arizona. Award winning Realtors and Re/MAX top producers and best real estate agent for Luxury Homes in Scottsdale, The Szabo group delivers experience, knowledge, dedication and proven results. Contact Joe Szabo at 480.688.2020, [email protected] or visit www.scottsdalerealestateteam.com to find out more about Scottsdale Homes for Sale and Estates for Sale in Scottsdale and to search the Scottsdale MLS for Scottsdale Home Listings.

It’s time to put away your light clothing as summer has officially ended. With the fall season upon us, it is a wonderful time to embrace new changes, as while the trees may shed their leaves, all of nature would once again wake up once spring comes.

Yet while fall is an exciting concept, with it comes the looming inevitably of winter. Thankfully, before the cold weather fully sets in, every homeowner is given the chance to prepare for it. You can use the fall season to prepare for winter, so when the latter comes, you would be prepared and snug in your cozy house.

Here’s a handy fall home maintenance checklist for you Arizona folks.

1. Set a good foundation.

Before you tinker with things indoors, make sure that your house is ready for winter. If there are any signs of weaknesses in your exterior, moisture can seep in and damage your walls and foundation.

Avoid this by inspecting your windows, sidings, doors, walls, driveways, and foundation, among others, for cracks and any signs of weakness. Experts say that if the gaps between your door frames or window and siding are already bigger than the width of a nickel, then you need to reseal it. Reseal any cracks you see and reapply caulking as needed. This will save you money from costly repairs come springtime, and would also ensure that your home is as airtight as it can be when it comes to keeping the cold out.

2. Look up!

You may be lax about your roof maintenance for the most part of the year, but you will be in for a rough few months if you don’t maintain it properly. Remember that fall can bring in all sorts of debris, such as leaves and whatnots that can all pile onto your roof. There have been numerous instances where roofs have caved in because of the intense amount of weight that is the result of several years of neglect!

What’s more, your roof will keep you protected during winter, and will help keep out the cold weather. As such, have your roof inspected this fall to ensure that it won’t drip all over you when it rains. Clean out your rain gutters and repair or replace any broken, loose, damaged, or missing shingles. While you already have someone up there, have that person check out your chimneys and vent stacks too.

3. Check out your outdoor plumbing

Outdoor plumbing is a godsend if you are muddy and don’t want to bring it indoors, or when you are washing your cars or cleaning your home’s exterior. Unfortunately, it can become a liability come winter, as burst pipes are among the more common problems of Arizona residents. You need to have your plumbing inspected to ensure that there is no residual water trapped into your pipes, and to reduce the risk of freezing or bursting. You also need to have it inspected so that you can have any broken pipes replaced.

Once you’re sure that there is no residual water and you don’t have broken plumbing, then as a precaution, shut off your water source for your outdoor plumbing. This will then give you peace of mind that your outdoor pipes would be safe from damage during the winter.

4. Turn the heat on

Your heating system is integral in keeping your home snug and dry during the winter. Your furnace and chimney must be in perfect condition so that it can provide adequate heat during winter. Make sure to have it professionally checked out during the fall so you would have ample time for repairs, if there are any.

A qualified technician should be able to see if your system is in good working condition and that it has achieved maximum efficiency as rated by its manufacturer. Doing so would minimize your carbon-monoxide leakage, which in turn will make your home safer.

Also, here’s a helpful tip: use the “reverse” switch on your ceiling fan to make the blades run in a clockwise direction. This will produce an updraft and push down heated air from the ceiling. If you have high ceilings, this can also reduce your energy consumption as you can turn down your thermostat if warm air is already circulating through the house.

5. Run a thorough check

Your attic may be the place you stash a lot of unneeded but still wanted items in, but it can also be home to ice dams or icicles. Have a weatherization contractor or a home-energy auditor come into your home to identify and fix inadequate insulation or air leaks. This will help you avoid costly repairs brought about by meltwater, and the inevitable damage it would bring into your house.

Likewise, make sure that you also clean out your gutter of debris, as this can cause water to back up and once again cause leaks and ice dams.

 

The Bottom line

While winter can wreak havoc into an unsuspecting homeowner’s property, the bottom line is that the amount of damage your home would incur during the winter would be minimal if you routinely maintain your home. For example, you don’t necessarily have to wait for winter to have your foundations checked for cracks.

You should address all these maintenance issues during the fall so that you would be ready when winter comes. Also, most inspectors and service providers are usually backlogged during the season, as there would be many customers who would want their homes serviced. If you dally on your decision to have your home checked, particularly your roof and heating unit, then you could be in for a long wait.

Please note that this Scottsdale Real Estate Blog is for informational purposes and not intended to take the place of a licensed Scottsdale Real Estate Agent. The Szabo Group offers first class real estate services to clients in the Scottsdale Greater Phoenix Metropolitan Area in the buying and selling of Luxury homes in Arizona. Award winning Realtors and Re/MAX top producers and best real estate agent for Luxury Homes in Scottsdale, The Szabo group delivers experience, knowledge, dedication and proven results. Contact Joe Szabo at 480.688.2020, [email protected] or visit www.scottsdalerealestateteam.com to find out more about Scottsdale Homes for Sale and Estates for Sale in Scottsdale and to search the Scottsdale MLS for Scottsdale Home Listings.

This is the time of year when Arizona’s desert gardeners head outside to get a jump on fall vegetable and herb planting. Fall is our biggest planting season, when we can have successive crops of edibles, some that will last into early spring. It’s a huge time for seed planting, as evidenced by the number of seed orders we place at the shop each week just to keep up.

Despite the heat, everyone is itching to get going, here’s a list of all the things that can go into the ground. We’re starting with October in this post because we want you to use September to prepare your soil. Tending to soil is the best thing you can do to ensure a good crop of healthy, relatively pest-free produce. Remember to prepare your soil and then let it sit for a few weeks before planting, so everything gets a chance to percolate together.

Fall Seeds & Transplants: 

Vegetable Seeds – Beets, Bok Choy, Broccoli, Brussels Sprouts, Cabbage, Chinese Cabbage, Carrots, Cauliflower, Celery, Chard, Collard Greens, Endive, Kale, Kohlrabi, Lettuce (both leaf and head), Leeks, Mustard, Onions, Parsnips, Peas, Radishes, Rutabagas, Spinach, Turnips

Vegetable Transplants – Broccoli, Brussels Sprouts, Cabbage, Chinese Cabbage, Cauliflower, Celery, Chard, Garlic, Kohlrabi, Lettuce (head and leaf)

Flower Seeds – Calendula, Cornflower, Desert marigold, Gaillardia, Johnny Jump-ups, Larkspur, Nasturtium, Sweet Pea, Wildflowers (native varieties)

Herbs – Chives, Cilantro, Dill, German Chamomile, Fennel, Lemon Grass,  Marjoram, Mint, Oregano, Parsley, Rosemary, Sage, Salad Burnet, Thyme

If you’re interested in taking your gardening skills to the next level come to the Cool Season Vegetable Gardening Workshop.  Nurseryman Gregory Ware will teach you everything you need to know to grow your own healthy organic fall crop garden.

Soil:

This is the foundation of everything that happens in your garden and if you skip it, you run the risk of losing what you plant. Every time you plant you need to renew/refresh/feed your soil. Our native soils lack a lot of nutrients that plants need, and when nutrients are added your healthy garden plants use them up. It’s important to feed your soil each season before you plant.

1. Start by cultivating your garden beds. Dig into them (not when the soil is soaking wet), fluff up the soil, make air in there so roots will grow.

2. Add organic matter  – basically you are feeding your soil beneficial microorganisms that will become nutrients for the plants. Organic matter is composted horse or chicken manure, or compost (preferably from your own compost pile).

3. Add sulfur – Desert soil is very alkaline and soil sulfur counteracts alkalinity. It helps make the nutrients in the soil available to plants as well as helping to reduce nutrient deficiencies such as chlorosis and calcium deficiency.

4. Add organic fertilizer – If you are planting flowers choose a balanced fertilizer with a good amount of phosphorous (the second of the three hyphenated numbers on the package) for good bloom. If you’re planting vegetables and fruits, choose a granular fertilizer formulated to help them, like  Happy Frog Tomato & Vegetable Fertilizer.

Please note that this Scottsdale Real Estate Blog is for informational purposes and not intended to take the place of a licensed Scottsdale Real Estate Agent. The Szabo Group offers first class real estate services to clients in the Scottsdale Greater Phoenix Metropolitan Area in the buying and selling of Luxury homes in Arizona. Award winning Realtors and Re/MAX top producers and best real estate agent for Luxury Homes in Scottsdale, The Szabo group delivers experience, knowledge, dedication and proven results. Contact Joe Szabo at 480.688.2020, [email protected] or visit www.scottsdalerealestateteam.com to find out more about Scottsdale Homes for Sale and Estates for Sale in Scottsdale and to search the Scottsdale MLS for Scottsdale Home Listings.

Would you like to grow gardenias in Arizona?  A lot of people love the plant but seem to struggle in our uniquely hot and arid environment.  This post will give you insight into how to do it.

The best mulch can make all the difference in your yard. With so many types of mulch available, it can be difficult to choose one. From shredded bark to compost, we cover the mulch basics to help you select which one will work best in your landscape. While mulching may seem like a basic part of gardening, there is so much to learn about the different types of garden mulch and what benefits each type provides. We’ll show you how to compare and contrast the different types of mulch and what situations to use them in.

There are a number of advantages to adding mulch in your garden. In the summer, mulch helps the soil hold moisture so you don’t have to water your garden as often. In the hot sun, soil also tends to dry out faster and harden. Mulch will help with this by protecting the soil from direct sunlight.

Mulch also prevents weeds. Adding mulch to your planting bed will block light from openings in the soil, therefore inhibiting weed germination. By adding a thick layer of mulch, you’ll ensure that the weeds never see the light of day!

 Tip: While a concentrated layer of mulch is ideal, don’t overdo it. 2–4 inches is the ideal depth for a mulch layer.

Over time, garden mulch types made from organic materials break down and increase your soil’s structure and fertility. This is especially true with compost used as a mulch, as the nutrients will promote soil organisms and aid in plant growth.

Shredded bark is one of the most common and least expensive types of mulch. It comes from a variety of sources, including cedar trees. Shredded bark is one of the best mulch types to use on slopes and it breaks down relatively slowly. Some shredded-bark products are byproducts from other industries; they’re considered environmentally friendly. Check the mulch packaging for more information.

Straw mulch has a beautiful golden color that looks great in the garden. It’s also a bit slower to break down than leaves or grass clippings. Some gardeners like smaller, more shredded straw pieces while others prefer larger straws. Straw is classically used in more utilitarian gardens, such as vegetable gardens, and under strawberry plants. Straw does a great job of keeping mud out of your edibles.

Compost looks like soil, except it’s darker, so it really sets off plants well. This mulch material breaks down quickly but adds to your soil structure the fastest. Plus, it’s inexpensive; you can create your own rich compost for free. Many municipalities give away compost as well.

These bark nuggets are slower to break down than shredded bark, but they don’t stay in place as well. They’re not the best type of mulch for slopes or other areas where they may be washed away by heavy rain; the chips will tend to float and take off like boats. The nuggets are available in a variety of sizes; the bigger the nugget, the longer it lasts.

Please note that this Scottsdale Real Estate Blog is for informational purposes and not intended to take the place of a licensed Scottsdale Real Estate Agent. The Szabo Group offers first class real estate services to clients in the Scottsdale Greater Phoenix Metropolitan Area in the buying and selling of Luxury homes in Arizona. Award winning Realtors and Re/MAX top producers and best real estate agent for Luxury Homes in Scottsdale, The Szabo group delivers experience, knowledge, dedication and proven results. Contact Joe Szabo at 480.688.2020, [email protected] or visit www.scottsdalerealestateteam.com to find out more about Scottsdale Homes for Sale and Estates for Sale in Scottsdale and to search the Scottsdale MLS for Scottsdale Home Listings.