What Causes the Ground to Become Acidic As a gardener, you may be surprised at the results of a soil test showing that the ground in which you garden has become more acidic since the last time you checked. But Mother Nature would be surprised at your surprise. In nature, acidic soil is the norm in many places, including in most wooded areas. This is why many woodland plants, such as the native North American ground cover, bunchberry (Cornus canadensis), prefer acidic soil....

Actaea produces white, red, or purplish-black berries on thick, red stalks. The black dot on the white berries leads to the common name, Doll’s Eye. All parts of this plant are toxic to humans and pets, with the berries and roots being the most hazardous. If planting bare-root bugbanes, place the crown one inch under the soil’s surface to ease transplant shock. Gardeners prefer potted plants over bare-root where available....

Fast Facts Scientific Name: Piranga rubraCommon Name: Summer TanagerLifespan: 4-6 yearsSize: 8 inchesWeight: .9-1.1 ouncesWingspan: 11-12 inchesConservation Status: Least concern Summer Tanager Identification This bird’s characteristic fiery plumage is a key field mark, but because males and females look different, it is important to recognize more than just color to properly identify the summer tanager. First note the large, thick, pale yellow bill with a relatively blunt tip, and the overall slender build with a relatively large head....

What Is Wide Plank Flooring? True wide plank wood flooring was originally sawn to size at a sawmill, then further scraped or planed by hand to smooth out the roughness. This gives the flooring an attractive, rough-hewn texture that is missing from much of today’s wood flooring. Authentic wide plank from warehouses and barns often comes saddled with industrial-type problems: embedded with oil, splintered beyond belief, too rough for the home....

For the majority of cases, the answer is yes, but “majority” is not always. Just like us humans, there are dogs who are more well-equipped to handle this kind of job and some that do not have the right skill set. The bedbug-sniffing dogs you want to find are those with extensive training and ones who work with experienced handlers. It’s best to ask the pest control professional a few questions and require a bit more evidence before you put your signature on the line for treatment....

Light Baby toes succulents require full sun when they are grown indoors and outdoors. Ideally, they should receive at least six to eight hours of direct sunlight every day to encourage healthy growth and prevent legginess. If you are growing baby toes succulents indoors, you might need to provide a grow light to ensure they are receiving enough light throughout the day. Soil These succulents are susceptible to overwatering and should be planted in a well-draining, sandy soil mixture to help control moisture around the roots....

Single-use plastic bags are on the outs, being banned by more and more states. To be environmentally friendly and curb shopping waste, eco-conscious people are looking at reusable shopping bags that are handy to keep in a purse or the car for shopping errands. So many times, we have been asked at the checkout counter, “Do you have bags?” and it’s about time we say, “Yes.” The BagPodz Reusable Shopping Bags come in a pack of 5 or 10 held in a “pod” for easy access....

The bald cypress is a large deciduous conifer that sheds it needles in the late autumn (hence, the name ‘bald cypress’). The feathery, delicate needles and beautiful bark and cones make it an exciting addition to a landscape design in any season. Most people immediately think of the famous cypress knees, technically called pneumataphores, that grow around the trunk’s flared base jutting out of black waters. These otherworldly-looking growths are woody projections growing from the tree’s roots....

You don’t have to live near the seashore to inject these nautical themes into your backyard landscaping. Beach landscape ideas work well in lakeside communities, too by association—despite the fact that there are no real whales or lighthouses within hundreds of miles! Such details don’t stop the true ocean-lover from decorating with beach themes. We’ve witnessed the use of outdoor nautical decor in yards located nowhere near water of any sort, whether fresh or salty....

When it comes to door colors, red has always been a bright, dynamic option. It can brighten an otherwise dull facade, complement a home’s architectural materials or the landscape, or serve as the perfect accent. Looking at a color wheel, you know that there are many hues and shades of red: red-violet, orange-red, or bluish-red. On this small porch, appropriate accent colors and materials are used: dark gray cast metal outdoor furniture, a black metal mailbox, and the white trim of the doorway and pediment....

A true walk-in shower is defined as a fully open and tiled shower without any enclosing walls or doors and with a floor that is flush with the rest of the bathroom. A walk-in shower won’t have a barrier or a threshold to step over. However, there are many walk-in showers with subtle modifications to fit the needs of the space. Some styles will have lower lips and ledges to contain water....

Perpetually wet surfaces—like bathtubs and showers—are sure to accumulate rust, hard water, soap scum, and other hard-to-clean messes. But shower cleaners, like Bio Clean Hard Water Stain Remover, are meant to make things easier. We picked up a 48-ounce container (which comes with cleaning brushes) to see if it was able to tackle our glass shower door. Read on to get our take on the application process and performance of this eco-friendly option....

Whether you’re decorating on a budget or just love a good DIY, these stylish and affordable Ikea hacks for nurseries and kids’ rooms are guaranteed to please.

About Peanut Butter Despite minor additives in most peanut butter (the exact composition varies by brand) the main ingredient is always peanuts. Peanuts are an ideal source of fat, calories, and protein for birds, providing good energy for all their active needs. Peanut butter also has other nutritious components, including: IronPotassiumCalciumMagnesium While these vitamins and minerals may only be present in small amounts, they are still essential for a bird’s healthy diet and peanut butter can provide them....

To release the insect repelling fragrance from your crash, simply crush some of the leaves. You can also rub crushed leaves directly on your skin. It is advisable to test a small patch first to make sure you don’t experience any irritation or allergic reaction. Citronella is a tall, fast-growing grass that release a signature lemony scent when crushed. which mosquitos and other insects dislike. Besides discouraging pesky insects that can spoil your backyard BBQ, citronella grass acts as a wonderful decorative grass....

Summer Home Tour by Design Loves Detail Patio Retreat by At Home With Ashley Inspired Home Office by The Confused Millennial Master Bedroom by Driven by Decor Read more about our Diversity and Inclusion Pledge to make The Spruce a site where all feel welcome. Tropical Dining Oasis Makeover by Beauteeful Living Tropical Dining Room by Rambling Renovators Office Reveal by Design Loves Detail Tropical Nursery by Elisabeth McKnight Tropical Retreat by Audenza Modern Boho Design Nursery by Curated Nest Office Makeover by Paper & Stitch Modern Boho Kid’s Room by @fourcheekymonkeys via Instagram

Kitchen cabinet pulls, appliance handles, and control panels should be cleaned after food preparation or daily, using a disinfectant wipe or spray-on disinfectant cleaner and clean cloth or paper towel. According to the National Sanitation Foundation International (NSF), 45% of all home sinks tested had E. coli or some type of coliform bacteria. The kitchen sink should be disinfected after every meal preparation, washing dishes or at least once per day, and don’t forget the handles and faucet and the counter areas near the sink....

Why Some Plants Need Moss Poles Epiphytic climbing plants use their aerial roots to grow up trees and larger plants in their natural environment. These plants often grow in the forest understory, so they climb towards the light as they mature. Their aerial roots support their growth, absorbing nutrients and water from the debris around them as the plant climbs upwards. When grown indoors as houseplants, moss poles provide an opportunity for houseplant owners to mimic the natural environment of their climbing houseplants....

Pros Granite countertops are gorgeous additions to a home, with each piece like a unique work of art. Due to granite being available in so many colors, homeowners have many options to choose from. Granite can be chosen to fit any decor or design scheme. Granite is also very durable and resists heat. This makes it great for kneading ​dough, making roll-out cookies, and other tasks that need a cool countertop for best results....