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Home My WebLink AboutThe Citizen, 2013-05-02, Page 14PAGE 14. THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, MAY 2, 2013.Expert says 2013 will be good year for growing Dos and Don’ts of basement remodeling While the long, hard winter may have delayed the planting season for farmers or gardeners alike, gardening expert Ingy Marshall says that the cold weather may prove beneficial for the growing season. “It’s a very good year for growing, with the cold weather, there’s going to be a high moisture content throughout the growing season,” she said. “It might actually be better than last year.” Marshall explained that last year, when the weather varied between warm and cold, it stopped flowers from growing by affecting pollination cycles and that, with the later warming, this year should be much better. “I look at the jet stream to figure out how the season is going to be,” she explained. “We should be frost- free for the remainder of the growing season.” She said that while it will be a shorter growing season, she believes that as it progresses people will see how successful a season it will become. “It should be great due to the high moisture content,” she said. “Things will be backed up a little, but, ifpeople get out in the next two to three weeks and begin cleaning their yards, pruning shrubs, vines and fruit trees before they begin to flower and look at shaping their new growth, it should be a great season.” Marshall explained that plants need to be pruned during this time because pruning them during the growth period can be damaging to the plant. Pruning needs to occur while they are still dormant. Proper pruning is paramount to ensure healthy growth of plants and prevent unhealthy plants. The only way this type of season, with a long cold spell, could prove harmful to plants is through a common mistake that is made not just in cold seasons but every season, according to Marshall. “People often make the mistake of planting perennials, trees and shrubs too early or moving them from hoop houses too early,” she said. A hoop house is a small, warm building similar to a greenhouse that provides a chance for plants to begin growth at a constant temperature before being moved outside. Marshall explained that this makes the plants look more saleable. She said that moving or plantingtoo early is a mistake that will lead to frost damage and rob the plant of a year of growth. “Don’t jump the gun,” she said. “Usually we can plant from mid- May to mid-October without any concern at all. Rushing, however, can lead to frost damage and the plants won’t grow well that season if they can be saved at all. “Bring plants in to the hoop house and allow them to grow and look good, then plant them when they’re ready,” she said. “Otherwise, you’ll lose all the new growth. Plants and shrubs will, for the most part, MS –Remodeling a basement is a popular home improvement project. A finished basement makes the space more functional and, when done correctly, can add a considerable amount of living space to a home. Finishing a basement pays dividends in additional space in a home that doesn’t require the same level of investment as putting an addition on the house. Also, the groundwork for a finished room is already there, as most basements are already set up with a poured concrete floor and some walls, usually cinder blocks. Some electrical components, plumbing and the creature comforts of drywall and a more inviting floor might be all that’s necessary to finish a basement. The process can be labour-intensive, and many people prefer to leave it to a professional contractor. Whatever finishing method is chosen, homeowners should follow the proper procedures when doing the work. DO start with a detailed plan. Measure out the basement and mark any items that cannot be moved, such as a furnace, water heater or pipes. Create a design board that showcases the materials you plan to use on the project. Think about ways you plan to arrange furniture and consider all of the possible uses for the room. Will it be a home theatre? Will someone be sleeping down there? Each scenario will require certain amenities and safety requirements. DON’T plan to finish the entire basement. Doing so will leave you without a storage or utility area where you house holiday decorations, tools, luggage and similar items. DO get the scoop on building NEW AUTHORIZED KIOTI DEALER McGavin Farm Equipment Ltd. 83145 Brussels Rd. 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Open: Mon.-Fri. 8 am - 6 pm; Sat. 8 am - 3 pm 440 Turnberry St., Brussels 519-887-6851 • garden tools • mulch • grass seed • fertilizer • peat moss • top soil • garden seeds • cow & sheep manure • rain barrels • BBQs • outdoor furniture • & much more CONSTRUCTION CUSTOM NEW HOMES...AND EVERYTHING ELSE 519.523.4757 www.buildwithcmb.com PAUL COOK ELECTRIC • Home, Farm & Commercial Wiring BELGRAVE Paul 519-357-1537 By Denny ScottThe Citizen Continued on page 21 Continued on page 21