Congratulations!

[Valid RSS] This is a valid RSS feed.

Recommendations

This feed is valid, but interoperability with the widest range of feed readers could be improved by implementing the following recommendations.

Source: https://peakyard.com/feed/

  1. <?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?><rss version="2.0"
  2. xmlns:content="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/"
  3. xmlns:wfw="http://wellformedweb.org/CommentAPI/"
  4. xmlns:dc="http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/"
  5. xmlns:atom="http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom"
  6. xmlns:sy="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/syndication/"
  7. xmlns:slash="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/slash/"
  8. >
  9.  
  10. <channel>
  11. <title>Peak Yard</title>
  12. <atom:link href="https://peakyard.com/feed/" rel="self" type="application/rss+xml" />
  13. <link>https://peakyard.com/</link>
  14. <description>Tips to help homeowners achieve a better yard.</description>
  15. <lastBuildDate>Wed, 19 Aug 2020 19:49:13 +0000</lastBuildDate>
  16. <language>en-US</language>
  17. <sy:updatePeriod>
  18. hourly </sy:updatePeriod>
  19. <sy:updateFrequency>
  20. 1 </sy:updateFrequency>
  21. <generator>https://wordpress.org/?v=6.7.2</generator>
  22.  
  23. <image>
  24. <url>https://peakyard.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/android-chrome-192x192-1-150x150.png</url>
  25. <title>Peak Yard</title>
  26. <link>https://peakyard.com/</link>
  27. <width>32</width>
  28. <height>32</height>
  29. </image>
  30. <item>
  31. <title>How Many Gallons of Propane in a 20, 30, 40, and 100-pound tanks?</title>
  32. <link>https://peakyard.com/gallons-of-propane-in-propane-tanks/</link>
  34. <dc:creator><![CDATA[peak]]></dc:creator>
  35. <pubDate>Wed, 19 Aug 2020 19:48:13 +0000</pubDate>
  36. <category><![CDATA[Outdoor Cooking]]></category>
  37. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://peakyard.com/?p=8618</guid>
  38.  
  39. <description><![CDATA[<p><a href="https://peakyard.com">Peak Yard</a><br />
  40. <a href="https://peakyard.com/gallons-of-propane-in-propane-tanks/">How Many Gallons of Propane in a 20, 30, 40, and 100-pound tanks?</a></p>
  41. <p>There are 0.236 gallons in one pound of propane. Therefore, in a 20-pound propane tank. there are 4.72 gallons of propane (20 lbs x 0.236 gallons per lb = 4.72 gallons). The table below provides the gallons of propane in common propane tank sizes. If your propane tank size is not listed below, simply multiply [&#8230;]</p>
  42. <p>The post <a href="https://peakyard.com/gallons-of-propane-in-propane-tanks/">How Many Gallons of Propane in a 20, 30, 40, and 100-pound tanks?</a> appeared first on <a href="https://peakyard.com">Peak Yard</a>.</p>
  43. ]]></description>
  44. <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><a href="https://peakyard.com">Peak Yard</a><br />
  45. <a href="https://peakyard.com/gallons-of-propane-in-propane-tanks/">How Many Gallons of Propane in a 20, 30, 40, and 100-pound tanks?</a></p>
  46.  
  47. <p>There are 0.236 gallons in one pound of propane. Therefore, in a 20-pound propane tank. there are 4.72 gallons of propane (20 lbs x 0.236 gallons per lb = 4.72 gallons). </p>
  48.  
  49.  
  50.  
  51. <p>The table below provides the gallons of propane in common <a href="https://peakyard.com/grill-propane-tank-sizes/">propane tank sizes</a>. If your propane tank size is not listed below, simply multiply the tank size in pounds by 0.236 to determine the gallons of propane in a given tank. </p>
  52.  
  53.  
  54.  
  55. <figure class="wp-block-table is-style-stripes"><table class="has-subtle-pale-blue-background-color has-background"><tbody><tr><td><strong>Tank Size </strong></td><td><strong>Gallons of Propane in Tank</strong></td></tr><tr><td>20 lb</td><td>4.72</td></tr><tr><td>30 lb</td><td>7.08</td></tr><tr><td>33 lb</td><td>7.788</td></tr><tr><td>40 lb</td><td>9.44</td></tr><tr><td>50 lb</td><td>11.8</td></tr><tr><td>100 lb</td><td>23.6</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>
  56.  
  57.  
  58.  
  59. <p></p>
  60. <p>The post <a href="https://peakyard.com/gallons-of-propane-in-propane-tanks/">How Many Gallons of Propane in a 20, 30, 40, and 100-pound tanks?</a> appeared first on <a href="https://peakyard.com">Peak Yard</a>.</p>
  61. ]]></content:encoded>
  65. </item>
  66. <item>
  67. <title>Do Snails Eat Grass?</title>
  68. <link>https://peakyard.com/do-snails-eat-grass/</link>
  70. <dc:creator><![CDATA[peak]]></dc:creator>
  71. <pubDate>Wed, 19 Aug 2020 05:10:48 +0000</pubDate>
  72. <category><![CDATA[Lawn]]></category>
  73. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://peakyard.com/?p=8601</guid>
  74.  
  75. <description><![CDATA[<p><a href="https://peakyard.com">Peak Yard</a><br />
  76. <a href="https://peakyard.com/do-snails-eat-grass/">Do Snails Eat Grass?</a></p>
  77. <p>There are around 60,000 species of snails and slugs in the world. The three types of snails are land, sea, and freshwater. The type of snail that you may see around your yard is a species of land snail. If it doesn&#8217;t have a shell, it is not a snail but a slug. Snails are [&#8230;]</p>
  78. <p>The post <a href="https://peakyard.com/do-snails-eat-grass/">Do Snails Eat Grass?</a> appeared first on <a href="https://peakyard.com">Peak Yard</a>.</p>
  79. ]]></description>
  80. <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><a href="https://peakyard.com">Peak Yard</a><br />
  81. <a href="https://peakyard.com/do-snails-eat-grass/">Do Snails Eat Grass?</a></p>
  82.  
  83. <p class="has-drop-cap">There are around 60,000 species of snails and slugs in the world. The three types of snails are land, sea, and freshwater. The type of snail that you may see around your yard is a species of land snail. If it doesn&#8217;t have a shell, it is not a snail but a slug. </p>
  84.  
  85.  
  86.  
  87. <p>Snails are one of the many culprits that can do serious damage to a garden. They often do this damage under the cover of darkness, so it can be difficult to catch them in the act of their destruction. They feed on both living and decaying plants. While it is widely known that snails love many garden plants, what about grass? Do snails eat it? </p>
  88.  
  89.  
  90.  
  91. <h2 class="has-text-align-center wp-block-heading">Snails and Grass</h2>
  92.  
  93.  
  94.  
  95. <p>According to the University of California Integrated Pest Management Program, snails and slugs prefer turfgrass seedlings and <a href="http://herbaceous plants" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">herbaceous plants</a>. Therefore, <strong>if you have freshly seeded or newly sprouted grass, snails can be a concern. Established lawns are not a preferred meal option for snails, which typically makes this mature grass less susceptible to damaged. </strong></p>
  96.  
  97.  
  98.  
  99. <h2 class="has-text-align-center wp-block-heading">Detecting Snail Damage</h2>
  100.  
  101.  
  102. <p>Snails love moist and shady areas. They most often hideaway during the day unless it is cloudy. During droughts and cold weather, snails will rarely be seen because they seek cover to protect themselves from the elements. In other words, it is very difficult to detect that snails are causing damage.</p>
  103. <p>However, there are some major clues that can link snails to the damage.</p>
  104. <p>Firstly, snails will produce a mucus trail (snail slime) as they move forward. This silvery track is often visible, especially on surfaces like wood or landscape stones. If you spot the slime near the damage, you have a pretty good idea who did it.&nbsp;</p>
  105. <p>Another sign is the damage itself. Snails will leave behind large ragged holes. This may be difficult to detect on the thin blades of <a href="https://peakyard.com/grass-seed-not-growing/">new grass</a>, but nearby plants or vegetables may reveal the damage. You can see an example of this damage in the below photo.&nbsp;</p>
  106. <p></p>
  107.  
  108.  
  109. <div class="wp-block-image"><figure class="aligncenter size-large"><img fetchpriority="high" decoding="async" width="650" height="450" src="https://peakyard.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/Snail-Damage.png" alt="" class="wp-image-8607" srcset="https://peakyard.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/Snail-Damage.png 650w, https://peakyard.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/Snail-Damage-433x300.png 433w, https://peakyard.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/Snail-Damage-640x443.png 640w" sizes="(max-width: 650px) 100vw, 650px" /></figure></div>
  110.  
  111.  
  112.  
  113. <p>Snails can also be detected visually if you look hard enough. During the day, look near the damage for cool, dark, and moist areas where snails love to hide. </p>
  114.  
  115.  
  116.  
  117. <p>Common places to find snails are in the large leaves of hostas, under planters, beneath damp <a href="https://peakyard.com/what-is-the-purpose-of-mulch/">mulch</a>, in ground cover, under woodpiles, under decks, and many other similar places. Eliminating these snail resting areas often can go a long way in eliminating snails over the long haul. </p>
  118.  
  119.  
  120.  
  121. <h2 class="has-text-align-center wp-block-heading">Eliminating Snails</h2>
  122.  
  123.  
  124. <p>One product that can be used to kill snails in the garden or lawn is <a class="aawp-link" href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000VRXLTY?tag=foonva-20&linkCode=ogi&th=1&psc=1" title="Deadline Force II" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"  data-aawp-product-id="B000VRXLTY" data-aawp-product-title="Pamkelle 376 100509275 Deadline Force II Slug and Snail Killer 1-Quart">Deadline Force II</a>. You simply apply the liquid formula around the soil/grass surface where the snails are active. The surface should be damp before the formula is laid down. The snails will be attracted to formula, which is deadly to them.&#xA0;</p>
  125. <p>&#xA0;<strong>A more natural and safer option</strong> for humans and pets is to use a product with the active ingredient iron phosphate. When snails or slugs consume the iron phosphate, they stop feeding and die within about 3 to 6 days. An example of one of these products is <a class="aawp-link" href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001ACRZFA?tag=foonva-20&linkCode=ogi&th=1&psc=1" title="Garden Safe Slug &amp; Snail Bait" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"  data-aawp-product-id="B001ACRZFA" data-aawp-product-title="Garden Safe Slug & Snail Bait Kills Slugs & Snails Within 3 to 6 Days For Lawn and Garden Can Be Used Around Pets and Wildlife 2 lb">Garden Safe Slug &amp; Snail Bait</a>. This is a granular formula that can be used for both lawns and gardens. It can be applied manually or with a broadcast spreader around the area of infestation.&#xA0;</p>
  126. <p>Other less effective methods include handpicking them as you see them or the use of traps. One popular DIY trap is the snail beer bait trap. Snails are attracted to beer (hey, so am I). A well thought out trap, such as the milk carton version in the video below, will provide decent results at helping eliminate snails and slugs.&#xA0;</p>
  127.  
  128.  
  129. <figure class="wp-block-embed-youtube aligncenter wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
  130. <div class="ast-oembed-container " style="height: 100%;"><iframe title="How to STOP Slugs &amp; Snails - Make a Beer Trap" width="1201" height="676" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/x6auBaIDIvE?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>
  131. </div></figure>
  132.  
  133.  
  134.  
  135. <h2 class="has-text-align-center wp-block-heading">Conclusion</h2>
  136.  
  137.  
  138.  
  139. <p>Snails typically aren&#8217;t a major concern for lawns unless you have turfgrass seedlings. However, if they become a problem, they can be eliminated relatively easily by implementing one of the methods we discussed above. We particularly like Garden Safe, which is safe around pets/wildlife and actually works. </p>
  140.  
  141.  
  142.  
  143. <p>If you suspect snails or slugs are eating your lawn or garden, we hope this article was useful in helping you find a solution to your problem! </p>
  144.  
  145.  
  146.  
  147. <hr class="wp-block-separator"/>
  148.  
  149.  
  150. <p><strong>Sources:</strong><br /><a href="https://www.snail-world.com/">https://www.snail-world.com/</a><br /><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Land_snail">https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Land_snail</a><br /><a href="http://ipm.ucanr.edu/PMG/PESTNOTES/pn7427.html">http://ipm.ucanr.edu/PMG/PESTNOTES/pn7427.html</a></p>
  151.  
  152.  
  153. <p></p>
  154. <p>The post <a href="https://peakyard.com/do-snails-eat-grass/">Do Snails Eat Grass?</a> appeared first on <a href="https://peakyard.com">Peak Yard</a>.</p>
  155. ]]></content:encoded>
  159. </item>
  160. <item>
  161. <title>Does Boiling Water Kill Weeds?</title>
  162. <link>https://peakyard.com/does-boiling-water-kill-weeds/</link>
  164. <dc:creator><![CDATA[peak]]></dc:creator>
  165. <pubDate>Tue, 18 Aug 2020 04:19:31 +0000</pubDate>
  166. <category><![CDATA[Lawn]]></category>
  167. <category><![CDATA[Weeds]]></category>
  168. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://peakyard.com/?p=8585</guid>
  169.  
  170. <description><![CDATA[<p><a href="https://peakyard.com">Peak Yard</a><br />
  171. <a href="https://peakyard.com/does-boiling-water-kill-weeds/">Does Boiling Water Kill Weeds?</a></p>
  172. <p>People are increasingly looking for natural weed control solutions given the potential dangers of chemical-based weed killers to humans, pets, and the environment. We believe most people would opt for a natural weed killer over a chemical one if it actually was as effective at killing weeds. The good news for people looking to keep [&#8230;]</p>
  173. <p>The post <a href="https://peakyard.com/does-boiling-water-kill-weeds/">Does Boiling Water Kill Weeds?</a> appeared first on <a href="https://peakyard.com">Peak Yard</a>.</p>
  174. ]]></description>
  175. <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><a href="https://peakyard.com">Peak Yard</a><br />
  176. <a href="https://peakyard.com/does-boiling-water-kill-weeds/">Does Boiling Water Kill Weeds?</a></p>
  177.  
  178. <p>People are increasingly looking for natural weed control solutions given the potential dangers of <a href="https://peakyard.com/best-patio-weed-killers/">chemical-based weed killers</a> to humans, pets, and the environment. We believe most people would opt for a natural weed killer over a chemical one if it actually was as effective at killing weeds. </p>
  179.  
  180.  
  181.  
  182. <p>The good news for people looking to keep it natural is that boiling water does kill weeds. We&#8217;ll give you the simple steps to use boiling water on weeds below. However, as we will explain, this method has its shortfalls, which may convince you to try another weed killing method. </p>
  183.  
  184.  
  185.  
  186. <h2 class="has-text-align-center wp-block-heading">How to Kill Weeds with Boiling Water</h2>
  187.  
  188.  
  189.  
  190. <p>If you choose to use boiling water to kill weeds, follow these steps for the best result: </p>
  191.  
  192.  
  193.  
  194. <ol class="wp-block-list"><li><strong>Dress Appropriately</strong> &#8211; Clearly flip flops and shorts are not the best attire when working with boiling water that will be poured near the feet. It is best to wear long pants, a long-sleeve shirt, and work boots (i.e. steel toe) if you have them. </li><li><strong>Kettle Boil Water</strong> &#8211; Fill a tea kettle with water and place it on a stove on high heat. Bring the water to a boil. Turn off the heat and remove the kettle from the burner once the water reaches a boil. Avoid using a pot or saucepan considering how easy it is to spill boiling water as you carry it.  </li><li><strong>Transport Kettle to Weeds </strong>&#8211; With the lid on the kettle, quickly but carefully walk to the location of the weeds before the water cools. Prepare yourself to start pouring the boiling water on the weeds. </li><li><strong>Pour</strong> &#8211; Pour the boiling water over the entire weed(s). Be cautious not to get any water on desirable grass or plants nearby. More importantly, make sure your body is clear of the path of the boiling water at all times. Be aware that weeds with deep roots, like <a href="https://peakyard.com/are-dandelions-weeds/">dandelions</a>, will need extra water to ensure the weed is killed to the root. </li><li><strong>Wait &#8211;</strong> Once you have covered the weeds in boiling water, do not expect results quickly. Wait a couple of days for the weeds to die. </li><li><strong>Reevaluate</strong> &#8211; A second round of boiling water may need to be applied to the weeds that were not killed in round one. Remember that <a href="https://peakyard.com/how-do-weeds-spread/">weeds spread</a> quickly so you may have new ones that have emerged. Start with step one to kill off the remaining weeds. </li></ol>
  195.  
  196.  
  197.  
  198. <h2 class="has-text-align-center wp-block-heading">Considerations</h2>
  199.  
  200.  
  201.  
  202. <p>This boiling water method to kill weeds does have some flaws. The <a href="http://ipm.ucanr.edu/PMG/PESTNOTES/pn7441.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of California</a> states that the water should be above 200&#xB0;F for this method to be most effective. The problem is that water cools rapidly once it is removed from the burner. By the time someone safely makes their way from the stove to the weeds with the hot water, the water may have cooled too much to be effective.  </p>
  203.  
  204.  
  205.  
  206. <p>Another problem with this method is that it is not very practical, especially for numerous weeds. You need a decent amount of boiled water per weed and often repeat applications are required. The amount of time and energy it takes to boil water, potentially in large quantities, makes this method just not worth it for some people. </p>
  207.  
  208.  
  209.  
  210. <p>Boiled water works best on broadleaf weeds. If you have other types of weeds, you should consider other weed control options. </p>
  211.  
  212.  
  213.  
  214. <p>Lastly, there is clearly a safety issue with carrying around boiling water from stove to the yard. Many yards and interior of homes provide ample opportunity for someone to trip over things like toys, small shrubs, porch steps, and much more. If you are going to attempt this method of weed control, please be safe! </p>
  215.  
  216.  
  217.  
  218. <p> </p>
  219. <p>The post <a href="https://peakyard.com/does-boiling-water-kill-weeds/">Does Boiling Water Kill Weeds?</a> appeared first on <a href="https://peakyard.com">Peak Yard</a>.</p>
  220. ]]></content:encoded>
  224. </item>
  225. <item>
  226. <title>Shallots vs Scallions &#8211; Discover the Differences</title>
  227. <link>https://peakyard.com/shallots-vs-scallions/</link>
  229. <dc:creator><![CDATA[peak]]></dc:creator>
  230. <pubDate>Fri, 14 Aug 2020 18:09:40 +0000</pubDate>
  231. <category><![CDATA[Garden]]></category>
  232. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://peakyard.com/?p=8545</guid>
  233.  
  234. <description><![CDATA[<p><a href="https://peakyard.com">Peak Yard</a><br />
  235. <a href="https://peakyard.com/shallots-vs-scallions/">Shallots vs Scallions &#8211; Discover the Differences</a></p>
  236. <p>It&#8217;s easy to confuse scallions and shallots, especially for new gardeners and cooks. I remember going to the grocery store as a much younger adult and having a battle in my head whether my wife said to pick up scallions or shallots. They both started with &#8220;s&#8221;, they both had &#8220;ll&#8221;, and both were in [&#8230;]</p>
  237. <p>The post <a href="https://peakyard.com/shallots-vs-scallions/">Shallots vs Scallions &#8211; Discover the Differences</a> appeared first on <a href="https://peakyard.com">Peak Yard</a>.</p>
  238. ]]></description>
  239. <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><a href="https://peakyard.com">Peak Yard</a><br />
  240. <a href="https://peakyard.com/shallots-vs-scallions/">Shallots vs Scallions &#8211; Discover the Differences</a></p>
  241.  
  242. <p class="has-drop-cap">It&#8217;s easy to confuse scallions and shallots, especially for new gardeners and cooks. I remember going to the grocery store as a much younger adult and having a battle in my head whether my wife said to pick up scallions or shallots. They both started with &#8220;s&#8221;, they both had &#8220;ll&#8221;, and both were in the onion section. Ugh, who&#8217;s the wise guy(s) that named these two? I think I ended up buying both and dealt with explaining to my wife the whole ordeal.</p>
  243.  
  244.  
  245.  
  246. <p>As my cooking and gardening expertise has greatly improved over the years, I have learned the many differences and similarities between shallots vs scallions. After reading this article, I am confident you will be able to distinguish between these two vegetables. </p>
  247.  
  248.  
  249.  
  250. <h2 class="has-text-align-center wp-block-heading">What are Shallots?</h2>
  251.  
  252.  
  253.  
  254. <p>Shallots are associated with the allium family. There are literally hundreds of species within this family.  The most popular are onions, chives, and garlic. </p>
  255.  
  256.  
  257.  
  258. <p>Shallots are primarily used in cooking for their edible bulb (pictured below). The outside brown papery layer is peeled off to reveal an interior similar to a small onion. This interior is what is sliced or diced to be used as an ingredient in such things as sauces, stews, dressings, and salads. </p>
  259.  
  260.  
  261.  
  262. <p>The picture directly below is what shallots look like in the store. They are typical much smaller than an onion with a size closer to a garlic bulb. They can often be found sold in a bag or plastic container with multiple shallots in each package. Additionally, they can be found sold individually and priced based on the weight or per shallot. </p>
  263.  
  264.  
  265.  
  266. <div class="wp-block-image"><figure class="aligncenter size-large"><img decoding="async" width="650" height="450" src="https://peakyard.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/Shallots-1.png" alt="Two shallots unpeeled" class="wp-image-8549" srcset="https://peakyard.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/Shallots-1.png 650w, https://peakyard.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/Shallots-1-433x300.png 433w, https://peakyard.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/Shallots-1-640x443.png 640w" sizes="(max-width: 650px) 100vw, 650px" /></figure></div>
  267.  
  268.  
  269.  
  270. <p>The below picture on the left shows a shallot partially peeled open to show the onion-like interior that is variations of purple in color. The picture on the right reflects a shallot cut open. Notably the shallot has cloves similar to garlic that can be separated if desired. </p>
  271.  
  272.  
  273.  
  274. <figure class="wp-block-gallery alignwide columns-2 is-cropped wp-block-gallery-1 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex"><ul class="blocks-gallery-grid"><li class="blocks-gallery-item"><figure><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="650" height="450" src="https://peakyard.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/Shallot-Peeled.png" alt="" data-id="8552" data-full-url="https://peakyard.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/Shallot-Peeled.png" data-link="https://peakyard.com/?attachment_id=8552" class="wp-image-8552" srcset="https://peakyard.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/Shallot-Peeled.png 650w, https://peakyard.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/Shallot-Peeled-433x300.png 433w, https://peakyard.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/Shallot-Peeled-640x443.png 640w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 650px) 100vw, 650px" /></figure></li><li class="blocks-gallery-item"><figure><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="650" height="450" src="https://peakyard.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/Shallots-Sliced-Open.png" alt="" data-id="8551" data-full-url="https://peakyard.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/Shallots-Sliced-Open.png" data-link="https://peakyard.com/?attachment_id=8551" class="wp-image-8551" srcset="https://peakyard.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/Shallots-Sliced-Open.png 650w, https://peakyard.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/Shallots-Sliced-Open-433x300.png 433w, https://peakyard.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/Shallots-Sliced-Open-640x443.png 640w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 650px) 100vw, 650px" /></figure></li></ul></figure>
  275.  
  276.  
  277.  
  278. <p> </p>
  279.  
  280.  
  281.  
  282. <h2 class="has-text-align-center wp-block-heading">What are Scallions?</h2>
  283.  
  284.  
  285.  
  286. <p>Similar to shallots, scallions are in the allium family. They are young onions that do not have bulbs and grow in bunches. </p>
  287.  
  288.  
  289.  
  290. <p>They have a long, tubular structure. Moving up from the root, the color changes from white to light green, to a darker green. The green stalks are hollow and the white base has roots. </p>
  291.  
  292.  
  293.  
  294. <p>The whole portion of the scallion is edible from the white portion all the way up to the dark green area. However, most people discard the roots and damaged/discolored leaves.  </p>
  295.  
  296.  
  297.  
  298. <p>Scallions are used in numerous dishes such as fried rice, stir-fry, dips, salads, baked potatos, and much more. They are commonly sliced thin at maybe 1/8 inch to add as an ingredient. However, thicker cuts of scallions are also used for dishes like stir-fry that require high heat. The large cuts minimize burning of the scallions. </p>
  299.  
  300.  
  301.  
  302. <p>Here is how scallions will appear bunched in most stores. </p>
  303.  
  304.  
  305.  
  306. <div class="wp-block-image"><figure class="aligncenter size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="650" height="450" src="https://peakyard.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/Scallions-in-Grocery-Store.png" alt="" class="wp-image-8557" srcset="https://peakyard.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/Scallions-in-Grocery-Store.png 650w, https://peakyard.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/Scallions-in-Grocery-Store-433x300.png 433w, https://peakyard.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/Scallions-in-Grocery-Store-640x443.png 640w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 650px) 100vw, 650px" /></figure></div>
  307.  
  308.  
  309.  
  310. <p>Below are examples of how scallions might be chopped. The photo on the left shows a smaller chop that might be used for something like a salad versus the larger chop on the right that might be used for a dish like stir-fry. </p>
  311.  
  312.  
  313.  
  314. <figure class="wp-block-gallery alignwide columns-2 is-cropped wp-block-gallery-2 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex"><ul class="blocks-gallery-grid"><li class="blocks-gallery-item"><figure><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="650" height="450" src="https://peakyard.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/Scallions-Chopped-Small.png" alt="" data-id="8558" data-full-url="https://peakyard.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/Scallions-Chopped-Small.png" data-link="https://peakyard.com/?attachment_id=8558" class="wp-image-8558" srcset="https://peakyard.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/Scallions-Chopped-Small.png 650w, https://peakyard.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/Scallions-Chopped-Small-433x300.png 433w, https://peakyard.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/Scallions-Chopped-Small-640x443.png 640w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 650px) 100vw, 650px" /></figure></li><li class="blocks-gallery-item"><figure><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="650" height="450" src="https://peakyard.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/Scallions-Chopped-Large.png" alt="" data-id="8559" data-full-url="https://peakyard.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/Scallions-Chopped-Large.png" data-link="https://peakyard.com/?attachment_id=8559" class="wp-image-8559" srcset="https://peakyard.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/Scallions-Chopped-Large.png 650w, https://peakyard.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/Scallions-Chopped-Large-433x300.png 433w, https://peakyard.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/Scallions-Chopped-Large-640x443.png 640w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 650px) 100vw, 650px" /></figure></li></ul></figure>
  315.  
  316.  
  317.  
  318. <h2 class="has-text-align-center wp-block-heading">Taste</h2>
  319.  
  320.  
  321.  
  322. <p>While visual there is a clear difference in shallots vs scallions, what about their taste? In other words, do they both taste the same or is there a distinct difference between the two?</p>
  323.  
  324.  
  325.  
  326. <p><strong>Shallots</strong> have a mild onion flavor with a bit of sweetness. The sweetness becomes more pronounced when cooked. Their flavor does not overpower the palate, therefore, they can be consumed raw in small portions. Shallots also have a slight garlic flavor to them. </p>
  327.  
  328.  
  329.  
  330. <p><strong>Scallions</strong> are also mild in flavor and can be eaten raw in meals like salads. The white portion has a stronger onion flavor than the milder green areas. When scallions are heated, they take on a sweeter flavor. Unlike shallots, scallions do not have a hint of garlic flavor. They are much more like an onion than a garlic clove</p>
  331.  
  332.  
  333.  
  334. <h2 class="has-text-align-center wp-block-heading">Nutrition</h2>
  335.  
  336.  
  337.  
  338. <p>Based on the nutrition facts of shallots vs scallions, scallions have a bit less calories and carbohydrates compared to shallots. Additionally, scallions have more beneficial Vitamins A &amp; C compared to shallots. That being said, most people don&#8217;t opt for scallions over shallots simply for their nutrition. They will select shallots or scallions based on their taste preferences or how they fit into a recipe. </p>
  339.  
  340.  
  341.  
  342. <figure class="wp-block-table is-style-stripes"><table class="has-subtle-pale-green-background-color has-background"><tbody><tr><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center"></td><td><strong>Shallots (Raw)</strong></td><td><strong>Scallions (Raw)</strong></td></tr><tr><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">Serving Size</td><td>100g</td><td>100g</td></tr><tr><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">Calories</td><td>72</td><td>32</td></tr><tr><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">Total Fat</td><td>0.1g</td><td>0.1916.8</td></tr><tr><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">Carbohydrate</td><td>16.8g</td><td>7.34g</td></tr><tr><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">Dietary Fiber</td><td>3.2g</td><td>2.6g</td></tr><tr><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">Sodium</td><td>12mg</td><td>2mg</td></tr><tr><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">Cholesterol</td><td>0mg</td><td>0mg</td></tr><tr><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">Sugars</td><td>8g</td><td>2.3g</td></tr><tr><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">Protein</td><td>2.5g</td><td>1.83g</td></tr><tr><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">Vitamin A</td><td>0%</td><td>19%</td></tr><tr><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">Vitamin C</td><td>13%</td><td>31%</td></tr><tr><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">Calcium</td><td>3%</td><td>7%</td></tr><tr><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">Iron</td><td>6%</td><td>8%</td></tr><tr><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">Vitamin D</td><td>0%</td><td>0%</td></tr><tr><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">Vitamin B-6</td><td>15%</td><td>5%</td></tr><tr><td class="has-text-align-center" data-align="center">Magnesium</td><td>5%</td><td>5%</td></tr></tbody></table><figcaption>Source: USDA</figcaption></figure>
  343.  
  344.  
  345.  
  346. <h2 class="has-text-align-center wp-block-heading">Growing Shallots and Scallions</h2>
  347.  
  348.  
  349.  
  350. <p><strong>Shallots</strong> should be planted in full sun. They are able to grow in planting zones 4-10. You can verify your zone <a href="https://www.gardenia.net/guide/united-states-hardiness-zones" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">here</a> if you are unsure of it. The date to maturity is approximately 90 to 110 days. They can be planted in late fall, spring, or early summer depending on when you want to harvest. You can grow shallots from sets or bulbs at about 5 inches apart and in shallow dirt. They can tolerate soil with a pH of about 6 to 7 so be prepared to adjust the pH (i.e. add <a href="https://peakyard.com/what-does-lime-do-for-grass/">lime to make it less acidic</a>) if your soil falls out of this range. </p>
  351.  
  352.  
  353.  
  354. <p>The below video provides a nice overview on how simple it is to plant shallots. </p>
  355.  
  356.  
  357.  
  358. <figure class="wp-block-embed-youtube aligncenter wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
  359. <div class="ast-oembed-container " style="height: 100%;"><iframe loading="lazy" title="How To Grow Delicious Shallots" width="1201" height="676" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/uZX5wVFrHQM?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>
  360. </div></figure>
  361.  
  362.  
  363.  
  364. <p><strong>Scallions</strong> are extremely economically because you can grow them from grocery store scallions. They grow rapidly and are extremely hardy. You simple bury the white portion of the scallions that have roots and leave any green portion that remains above the soil surface. Plant each scallion about 4 to 6 inches apart. </p>
  365.  
  366.  
  367.  
  368. <p>The below video via Greg the Gardener provides an excellent tutorial on how to grow scallions from store bought scallions. Some decent garden soil, basic <a href="https://peakyard.com/tools-used-for-gardening/">garden tools</a>, and a bit of water is all that you need to get scallions growing.  </p>
  369.  
  370.  
  371.  
  372. <figure class="wp-block-embed-youtube aligncenter wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
  373. <div class="ast-oembed-container " style="height: 100%;"><iframe loading="lazy" title="HOW TO GROW SCALLIONS/GREEN ONIONS from Store Bought Ones - GregTheGardener" width="1201" height="676" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/MiBWiSuGJqQ?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>
  374. </div></figure>
  375.  
  376.  
  377.  
  378. <h2 class="has-text-align-center wp-block-heading">Can You Substitute Shallots for Scallions or Scallions for Shallots?</h2>
  379.  
  380.  
  381.  
  382. <p>Yes, shallots and scallions can typically be swapped for each other in recipes if they are being cooked. This is especially true if they are being hidden amongst several ingredients. </p>
  383.  
  384.  
  385.  
  386. <p> However, if a recipe calls for a raw shallots or scallions, a substitute of one for the other is just too far off in flavor to work. You should make the dreadful trip to the grocery store for missing shallots or scallions instead of trying to substitute them. </p>
  387. <p>The post <a href="https://peakyard.com/shallots-vs-scallions/">Shallots vs Scallions &#8211; Discover the Differences</a> appeared first on <a href="https://peakyard.com">Peak Yard</a>.</p>
  388. ]]></content:encoded>
  392. </item>
  393. <item>
  394. <title>Do Deer Eat Tomato Plants?</title>
  395. <link>https://peakyard.com/do-deer-eat-tomato-plants/</link>
  397. <dc:creator><![CDATA[peak]]></dc:creator>
  398. <pubDate>Wed, 12 Aug 2020 04:02:37 +0000</pubDate>
  399. <category><![CDATA[Garden]]></category>
  400. <category><![CDATA[Pests]]></category>
  401. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://peakyard.com/?p=8528</guid>
  402.  
  403. <description><![CDATA[<p><a href="https://peakyard.com">Peak Yard</a><br />
  404. <a href="https://peakyard.com/do-deer-eat-tomato-plants/">Do Deer Eat Tomato Plants?</a></p>
  405. <p>The odds are pretty good that if you visit any given vegetable garden that you will find at least one tomato plant. In fact, tomatoes are the most grown vegetable in the world. They are appealing not only for their flavor, but also for being extremely simple to grow and productive fruit producers. Despite the [&#8230;]</p>
  406. <p>The post <a href="https://peakyard.com/do-deer-eat-tomato-plants/">Do Deer Eat Tomato Plants?</a> appeared first on <a href="https://peakyard.com">Peak Yard</a>.</p>
  407. ]]></description>
  408. <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><a href="https://peakyard.com">Peak Yard</a><br />
  409. <a href="https://peakyard.com/do-deer-eat-tomato-plants/">Do Deer Eat Tomato Plants?</a></p>
  410.  
  411. <p class="has-drop-cap">The odds are pretty good that if you visit any given vegetable garden that you will find at least one tomato plant. In fact, tomatoes are the most grown vegetable in the world. They are appealing not only for their flavor, but also for being extremely simple to grow and productive fruit producers. </p>
  412.  
  413.  
  414.  
  415. <p>Despite the many advantages of growing tomato plants, they are not immune to pest damage. This article will specifically focus on deer and if their palate has a taste for tomato plants. </p>
  416.  
  417.  
  418.  
  419. <h2 class="has-text-align-center wp-block-heading">Do Deer Eat Tomato Plants? </h2>
  420.  
  421.  
  422.  
  423. <p>Deer will eat almost any type of vegetation if they are hungry enough. This includes tomato plants. However, they do have preferences for the type of plants they eat. Plants like hostas, tulips, and daylilies are certainly favorites of deer that homeowners often struggle to keep deer away from.  But, do deer frequently eat tomato plants?</p>
  424.  
  425.  
  426.  
  427. <p>According to the <a href="http://www.ladybug.uconn.edu/FactSheets/deer-resistant-vegetable-varieties.php" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">UConn Home &amp; Garden Education Center</a>, tomato plants are rarely damaged by deer. That being said, you should strongly consider protecting your tomato plants from deer if they visit your yard.</p>
  428.  
  429.  
  430.  
  431. <p>Let us tell you about our experience with deer and tomato plant.</p>
  432.  
  433.  
  434.  
  435. <p>We live in a suburban area that is heavily populated by deer. We attempted an open vegetable garden for three years. Two of these years the deer moved in in stealth at night and nipped off the top of some tomato plants before  they likely moved on to something more appetizing (i.e. <a href="https://peakyard.com/do-deer-eat-hostas/">our Hostas</a>). </p>
  436.  
  437.  
  438.  
  439. <p>The third year we moved our garden to an area we thought the deer never traveled by. However,  they again found the garden and ate the top of one tomato plant. We installed a fence around the garden and haven&#8217;t had an issue with the deer since. </p>
  440.  
  441.  
  442.  
  443. <h2 class="has-text-align-center wp-block-heading">How to Protect Tomato Plants from Deer?</h2>
  444.  
  445.  
  446.  
  447. <p>Whether you live in a rural, suburban, or even an urban area, there is the possibility that deer will eat your tomato plants or other crops such as <a href="https://peakyard.com/do-deer-eat-pumpkins/">pumpkins</a> or cabbage if they are actively roaming nearby. You should consider implementing one or more of the methods listed below to prevent deer from eating your crops. </p>
  448.  
  449.  
  450. <ul>
  451. <li><strong>Install a Fence</strong> &#8211; We touched on installing a fence above, but let&#8217;s get into a bit more detail. Deer can jump up to 8 feet high so it is essential that you erect one tall enough to prevent deer from easily leaping over it. The <a href="https://pss.uvm.edu/ppp/articles/deerfences.html#:~:text=White%2Dtailed%20deer%20can%20jump,six%20feet%2C%20but%20slanted%20outward.">University of Vermont</a> states that the fence can be only 6 feet tall if it is slanted at a 45&#xB0; angle the direction that the deer approach the fence. Deer will be discouraged from jumping this type of fence since they cannot jump both high and for distance.&#xA0;</li>
  452. <li><strong>Motion Activated Devices</strong> &#8211; There are many products designed to be triggered to scare off deer once they get close to the garden. Some of these device include motion activated sprinklers, sound machines, and strobe lights.&#xA0;</li>
  453. <li><strong>Visual Deterrents</strong> &#8211; Scarecrows, flags, reflective tape, and CDs are examples of visual deterrents that have been known to scare off deer. The key to using visual deterrents is to routinely mix it up since deer can quickly learn when something is not a threat.&#xA0;</li>
  454. <li><strong>Dog on Watch</strong>&#8211; A dog that patrols the yard can be highly effective at driving off deer. The dog needs to bark and/or growl so that the deer thinks a real threat to it is present. A passive dog will provide little or no benefit. Of course, the dog&#8217;s safety should always be in mind. It always best to have damaged tomato plants from deer over having a dog run away chasing the deer or get injured.&#xA0;</li>
  455. <li><strong>Deer Repellents &#8211;</strong> Certain store bought spray repellents can be effective at deterring deer. Look for the repellents that can safely be sprayed on the plant. A popular option is the 100% natural <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Deer-Out-40oz-Ready-Repellent/dp/B002DQCEIA/ref=as_li_ss_tl?crid=283G0O7VEB0KC&amp;dchild=1&amp;keywords=vegetable+deer+repellant&amp;qid=1597199718&amp;sprefix=vegetable+deer+,industrial,166&amp;sr=8-4&amp;linkCode=ll1&amp;tag=foonva-20&amp;linkId=cb6d381646f2cd90c249232260e95107&amp;language=en_US" rel="sponsored">Deer Out</a> that can be used on vegetable plants. Be sure to completely follow the directions of the product, especially in regard to applying and reapplying the spray.&#xA0;</li>
  456. </ul>
  457.  
  458.  
  459. <h2 class="has-text-align-center wp-block-heading">Conclusion</h2>
  460.  
  461.  
  462. <p>Good luck protecting your tomato plants from deer! We understand the frustration of seeing plants grow to only have them damaged without warning by deer. We hope this article inspires readers to protect their tomato plants (if necessary) so that they can fully reap the benefit of beautiful fruit come harvest time.&#xA0;</p><p>The post <a href="https://peakyard.com/do-deer-eat-tomato-plants/">Do Deer Eat Tomato Plants?</a> appeared first on <a href="https://peakyard.com">Peak Yard</a>.</p>
  463. ]]></content:encoded>
  467. </item>
  468. <item>
  469. <title>Dead Bird in your Yard? What to Do</title>
  470. <link>https://peakyard.com/dead-bird-in-yard/</link>
  472. <dc:creator><![CDATA[peak]]></dc:creator>
  473. <pubDate>Sun, 02 Aug 2020 22:28:14 +0000</pubDate>
  474. <category><![CDATA[Garden]]></category>
  475. <category><![CDATA[Pests]]></category>
  476. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://peakyard.com/?p=8499</guid>
  477.  
  478. <description><![CDATA[<p><a href="https://peakyard.com">Peak Yard</a><br />
  479. <a href="https://peakyard.com/dead-bird-in-yard/">Dead Bird in your Yard? What to Do</a></p>
  480. <p>There are many joys associated with homeownership. However, anyone who has owned a home long enough can tell you there are many unwanted surprises that arise more often than can be imaged. One of the surprises that many people don&#8217;t anticipate is dealing with occasional dead wildlife in the yard. Of course, all animals die [&#8230;]</p>
  481. <p>The post <a href="https://peakyard.com/dead-bird-in-yard/">Dead Bird in your Yard? What to Do</a> appeared first on <a href="https://peakyard.com">Peak Yard</a>.</p>
  482. ]]></description>
  483. <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><a href="https://peakyard.com">Peak Yard</a><br />
  484. <a href="https://peakyard.com/dead-bird-in-yard/">Dead Bird in your Yard? What to Do</a></p>
  485.  
  486. <p>There are many joys associated with homeownership. However, anyone who has owned a home long enough can tell you there are many unwanted surprises that arise more often than can be imaged.  </p>
  487.  
  488.  
  489.  
  490. <p>One of the surprises that many people don&#8217;t anticipate is dealing with occasional dead wildlife in the yard. Of course, all animals die at some point, however, we often don&#8217;t expect it to be our yard where the animal departs life. </p>
  491.  
  492.  
  493.  
  494. <p>This article will focus on one animal, the bird, and what to do if one is found dead in your yard. It is important to dispose of a dead bird properly as we will highlight below. </p>
  495.  
  496.  
  497.  
  498. <h2 class="has-text-align-center wp-block-heading">How to Dispose of a Dead Bird in the Yard? </h2>
  499.  
  500.  
  501. <p>A dead bird should be disposed of in the trash or buried. Let&#8217;s take a look at these two methods:</p>
  502. <ul>
  503. <li><strong>Trash Method-</strong> The bird should be scooped up with a shovel and placed in a garbage bag without directly touching the bird with any body part. If you do not have a <a href="https://peakyard.com/difference-between-spade-and-shovel/">shovel</a> or similar tool, you can use disposable gloves or a plastic shopping bag to pick up the bird to place it in a trash bag. The trash bag can be tied shut and tossed in a sealed garbage can for collection by your local waste management company. You do not want leave the dead bird in a trash bag that is exposed to the elements given the possibility that a predator may come along and make a mess of the contents of the garbage bag.&#xA0;</li>
  504. <li><strong>Burial Method &#8211;</strong> Dig a hole at least three feet deep. A deep hole will prevent other animals from digging up the bird for a meal. The bird should be moved to its grave using a shovel without touching the bird with the hands or body. Once the bird is in the hole, the hole can be filled with dirt until it is level with the surrounding soil surface.&#xA0;</li>
  505. </ul>
  506. <p>Always check with your local government for any codes or laws that regulate the burial of a dead bird. If you opt to let nature naturally dispose of the bird, be warned that you could put other animals at risk of becoming ill from a possible diseased bird.&#xA0;</p>
  507.  
  508.  
  509. <h2 class="has-text-align-center wp-block-heading">Why Avoid Touching Dead Birds</h2>
  510.  
  511.  
  512. <p>Birds can carry a myriad of diseases, which can be the reason for the death of a bird in a yard. According to <a href="https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/releases/61646#1">Medical News Today</a>, birds and their waste can carry over 60 diseases.&#xA0; Some notable diseases are Salmonellosis, E. coli, Avian Pox, and Lyme disease.</p>
  513. <p>There is a risk of a bird passing a disease to a human, which is why it is vitally important to protect your body from coming into contact with a dead bird. If you touch a wild bird (dead or alive), it&#8217;s important to thoroughly wash the area of the body that the bird touches with hot water and soap.</p>
  514. <p>Remember that all items that touch the bird, directly or indirectly, will also potentially be contaminated. These items might include clothing, gloves, or tools. Anything that touches the dead bird that is not disposed of should be properly washed to avoid the spread of diseases or parasites.&#xA0;</p>
  515.  
  516.  
  517. <h2 class="has-text-align-center wp-block-heading">Reporting a Dead Bird</h2>
  518.  
  519.  
  520. <p>You should report a dead bird in your yard if your local/state government requests you to do so. Check with your local health or wildlife agency to determine if a dead bird should be reported. You should check with these agencies prior to disposing of the bird because the agency may want to collect it for testing.&#xA0;</p>
  521. <p>The information collected from dead birds helps with research efforts for illnesses like the bird flu or West Nile virus. An internet search can often quickly reveal the procedures to report a dead bird to the appropriate agency in your area. Reporting often can be completed online by filling out a short form.&#xA0;</p>
  522.  
  523.  
  524. <h2 class="has-text-align-center wp-block-heading">Call An Expert</h2>
  525.  
  526.  
  527. <p>While the removal of a dead bird is a relatively easy task, an animal removal expert can always be called to take care of the dirty work. An animal removal expert is particularly useful when a bird dies in the home in a place such as the attic. The expert often not only removes the bird, but cleans/disinfects the area where the bird dies and seals off the entry point where the bird gained access to the house.&#xA0;</p>
  528.  
  529.  
  530. <h2 class="has-text-align-center wp-block-heading">Conclusion</h2>
  531.  
  532.  
  533.  
  534. <p>While birds can be a nuisance with their early morning chirping, <a href="https://peakyard.com/do-birds-eat-grass-seed/">grass seed eating</a>, and many additional annoyances, most people would prefer to have them around the yard because of their many positive characteristics. Many people hate to find a bird dead in the yard, but that, of course, is a reality of nature. We should do our part in ensuring a dead bird is disposed of in a thoughtful manner with a primary focus on human safety when handling the bird. </p>
  535. <p>The post <a href="https://peakyard.com/dead-bird-in-yard/">Dead Bird in your Yard? What to Do</a> appeared first on <a href="https://peakyard.com">Peak Yard</a>.</p>
  536. ]]></content:encoded>
  540. </item>
  541. <item>
  542. <title>Can Snakes Climb Walls and Stairs?</title>
  543. <link>https://peakyard.com/can-snakes-climb-walls-and-stairs/</link>
  545. <dc:creator><![CDATA[peak]]></dc:creator>
  546. <pubDate>Sat, 01 Aug 2020 05:07:31 +0000</pubDate>
  547. <category><![CDATA[Garden]]></category>
  548. <category><![CDATA[Pests]]></category>
  549. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://peakyard.com/?p=8476</guid>
  550.  
  551. <description><![CDATA[<p><a href="https://peakyard.com">Peak Yard</a><br />
  552. <a href="https://peakyard.com/can-snakes-climb-walls-and-stairs/">Can Snakes Climb Walls and Stairs?</a></p>
  553. <p>The common image of a snakes that we see are ones where they are slithering along the ground, coiled up, or maybe hiding in the brush. Most people do not associate snakes with climbing tasks given their obvious lack of legs and feet like raccoons who are known to easily climb fences. However, an interesting [&#8230;]</p>
  554. <p>The post <a href="https://peakyard.com/can-snakes-climb-walls-and-stairs/">Can Snakes Climb Walls and Stairs?</a> appeared first on <a href="https://peakyard.com">Peak Yard</a>.</p>
  555. ]]></description>
  556. <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><a href="https://peakyard.com">Peak Yard</a><br />
  557. <a href="https://peakyard.com/can-snakes-climb-walls-and-stairs/">Can Snakes Climb Walls and Stairs?</a></p>
  558.  
  559. <p>The common image of a snakes that we see are ones where they are slithering along the ground, coiled up, or maybe hiding in the brush. Most people do not associate snakes with climbing tasks given their obvious lack of legs and feet like <a href="https://peakyard.com/can-raccoons-climb-fences/">raccoons</a> who are known to easily climb fences. </p>
  560.  
  561.  
  562.  
  563. <p>However, an interesting question is if snakes can climb things like walls and stairs given the structure of their bodies. This is an important question to answer for homeowners who are concerned with the ability of snakes to access their home or yard through climbing. </p>
  564.  
  565.  
  566.  
  567. <p>Certainly, most people do not want to be surprised by a snake in an unsuspecting location such as the roof, attic, or an upstairs bedroom. This is especially true for people who live in an area where snakes are poisonous or harmful. </p>
  568.  
  569.  
  570.  
  571. <h2 class="has-text-align-center wp-block-heading">Snakes Ability To Climb</h2>
  572.  
  573.  
  574.  
  575. <p>Snakes can climb walls and stairs. As explained by <a aria-label="undefined (opens in a new tab)" href="https://www.livescience.com/20917-snakes-climb-trees-images.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">livescience.com</a>, research shows that snakes use both their scales and muscles to press against a surface to move upward. The many scales on snakes are able to angle to allow ample friction on a vertical surface to allow them to grip and climb. </p>
  576.  
  577.  
  578.  
  579. <p>The surface snakes climb needs to allow for grip. In other words, snakes will have a difficult time making their way up a smooth surface. An object like a smooth metal wall is nearly impossible for a snake to climb. </p>
  580.  
  581.  
  582.  
  583. <p>Additionally, the average flight of stairs is no challenge for many snakes given the short distance between each step. A snake simple has to get a portion the front of its body on the top of the next stair to be able to safely make it to the next stair. </p>
  584.  
  585.  
  586.  
  587. <p>The below videos provide examples of climbing ability of snakes for both walls and stairs. </p>
  588.  
  589.  
  590.  
  591. <p>This python shows that a garage with siding is not much of an obstacle for it to climb to the roof to sunbath.</p>
  592.  
  593.  
  594.  
  595. <figure class="wp-block-embed-youtube aligncenter wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
  596. <div class="ast-oembed-container " style="height: 100%;"><iframe loading="lazy" title="Australian man films 9-foot python on his house" width="1201" height="676" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/NXC1rYBzep0?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>
  597. </div></figure>
  598.  
  599.  
  600.  
  601. <hr class="wp-block-separator"/>
  602.  
  603.  
  604. <p>You can see how relatively easy it is for this smaller snake to navigate up a brick wall. The snake appears to be using the mortar joints between the bricks to gain the best grip.&#xA0;&#xA0;</p>
  605.  
  606.  
  607. <figure class="wp-block-embed-youtube aligncenter wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-embed-aspect-4-3 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
  608. <div class="ast-oembed-container " style="height: 100%;"><iframe loading="lazy" title="snake climbing brick wall" width="1201" height="901" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/wnCJhq-JOck?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>
  609. </div></figure>
  610.  
  611.  
  612.  
  613. <hr class="wp-block-separator"/>
  614.  
  615.  
  616. <p>Stairs are no problem for this garter snake. It rapidly makes it way up the stairs without any issues. Most people can&#8217;t make it up the stairs this fast! Keep in mind that a smaller snake that does not have the length to rise to the height of each step may have difficulty climbing the stairs.&#xA0;</p>
  617.  
  618.  
  619. <figure class="wp-block-embed-youtube aligncenter wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-embed-aspect-4-3 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
  620. <div class="ast-oembed-container " style="height: 100%;"><iframe loading="lazy" title="garter snake climbing steps" width="1201" height="901" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/xSI9W1UyFc8?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>
  621. </div></figure>
  622.  
  623.  
  624.  
  625. <hr class="wp-block-separator"/>
  626.  
  627.  
  628.  
  629. <h2 class="has-text-align-center wp-block-heading">Preventing Snakes in the Yard</h2>
  630.  
  631.  
  632. <ul>
  633. <li><strong>Snake Fencing</strong> &#8211; While not practical for everyone, a fence that makes it difficult for snakes to gain access to the yard is one of the best ways to ward off these unwanted pests. A popular option to use is 1/4&#8243; mesh fencing on the lower portion of an existing fence. The mesh fencing should be a at least 30 inches tall and buried 6 inches underground for many areas. You should consider contacting a fence expert that specializes in snake prevention to have the proper fence installed if snakes are a problem for you.&#xA0;</li>
  634. <li><strong>Cut Trees Limbs</strong> &#8211; Tree bark allows snakes enough friction to climb high into trees. Once snakes reach the tree limbs they can use them as a conduit to places such as a roof or over a fence. Strategically trimming limbs and branches can help deter snakes from entering the yard and home.&#xA0;</li>
  635. <li><strong>Cleanup Debris</strong> &#8211; Piles of debris such as old firewood or bricks provide a place for snakes to hide. Additionally, debris piles can attract rats or mice, which in turn attract snakes that are looking for food. A tidy yard is one that has a better chance of being passed up by snakes due to the lack of resources it offers for snake survival.&#xA0;</li>
  636. <li><strong>Minimize &amp; Maintain Landscaping</strong> &#8211; Landscaping often creates a comfortable environment for snakes to feel at home and stick around. It is not unusual for <a href="https://peakyard.com/does-mulch-attract-snakes/">snakes to be found in mulch</a>, overgrown grass, or thick brush. A bit of yard upkeep can go a long way in preventing snakes from being a problem.&#xA0;&#xA0;</li>
  637. <li><strong>Eliminate Food Sources</strong> &#8211; Animal food sources such as bird seed and dog food can attract mice, rats, and other animals that snakes feed on. It is best to eliminate these food source to deter snakes when they are an issue.&#xA0;</li>
  638. <li><strong>Close Off Cracks</strong> &#8211; According to the <a href="https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/livingwith_wildlife/snakes/deterring.html#:~:text=Most%20snakes%20can%20fit%20through,2%2Dinch%2Dwide%20crack.">Minnesota Department of Natural Resources</a>, most snakes can fit through a crack that is only 1/2 inch wide. Sealing cracks that are a 1/2 inch or larger will help prevent snakes from gaining access to your home.&#xA0;</li>
  639. </ul>
  640.  
  641. <p>The post <a href="https://peakyard.com/can-snakes-climb-walls-and-stairs/">Can Snakes Climb Walls and Stairs?</a> appeared first on <a href="https://peakyard.com">Peak Yard</a>.</p>
  642. ]]></content:encoded>
  646. </item>
  647. <item>
  648. <title>8 Stunning Spider Plant Benefits</title>
  649. <link>https://peakyard.com/spider-plant-benefits/</link>
  651. <dc:creator><![CDATA[peak]]></dc:creator>
  652. <pubDate>Wed, 29 Jul 2020 17:50:08 +0000</pubDate>
  653. <category><![CDATA[Garden]]></category>
  654. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://peakyard.com/?p=8439</guid>
  655.  
  656. <description><![CDATA[<p><a href="https://peakyard.com">Peak Yard</a><br />
  657. <a href="https://peakyard.com/spider-plant-benefits/">8 Stunning Spider Plant Benefits</a></p>
  658. <p>The spider plant or airplane plant (Chlorophytum comosum) is one of most popular houseplants for homeowners. They tend to thrive in indirect sunlight with temperatures ranging from 65 to 75&#xB0;F. The plant is native to coastal South Africa and is known for its arching strap-like leaves that flow out from a centerpoint.&#xA0; Despite its popularity, [&#8230;]</p>
  659. <p>The post <a href="https://peakyard.com/spider-plant-benefits/">8 Stunning Spider Plant Benefits</a> appeared first on <a href="https://peakyard.com">Peak Yard</a>.</p>
  660. ]]></description>
  661. <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><a href="https://peakyard.com">Peak Yard</a><br />
  662. <a href="https://peakyard.com/spider-plant-benefits/">8 Stunning Spider Plant Benefits</a></p>
  663. <p>The spider plant or airplane plant (<em>Chlorophytum comosum) </em>is one of most popular houseplants for homeowners<em>. </em>They tend to thrive in indirect sunlight with temperatures ranging from 65 to 75&#xB0;F. The plant is native to coastal South Africa and is known for its arching strap-like leaves that flow out from a centerpoint.&#xA0;</p>
  664. <p>Despite its popularity, not many people are aware of the benefits of the spider plant. Let&#8217;s take a look at why you might consider adding this plant to your home if you don&#8217;t already have one.&#xA0;</p>
  665.  
  666.  
  667. <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Minimal Care</h2>
  668.  
  669.  
  670. <p>The spider plant is a solid choice for people who might not be the best at caring for their plants. This is particularly true for people that are forgetful with watering.&#xA0;</p>
  671. <p>Spider plants aren&#8217;t keen on wet soil and do best when placed in a potting mix that drains well. Too much water can cause root rot that can be detrimental to the plant.</p>
  672. <p>The soil actually should be dry to the touch before watering a spider plant again. This typically means only watering the plant about once a week in most indoor environments. You can use a <a href="https://peakyard.com/best-soil-moisture-meters/">soil moisture meter</a> if you really want to be precise about when to water. However, this plant is so extremely hardy that a bit of over or under watering won&#8217;t do major harm.&#xA0;&#xA0;</p>
  673. <p>If you happen to notice browning of the leaves at the tips, this commonly means the plant is receiving too much fluoride from the use of tap water or low quality fertilizer.&#xA0;</p>
  674. <p>According to the <a href="https://www.uaex.edu/yard-garden/resource-library/plant-week/spider-airplane-plant.aspx">University of Arkansas Extension</a>, the spider plant should be repotted with fresh potting mix and fertilized with a quality liquid fertilizer if leaf browning occurs. Going forward, the use of filtered/distilled water or rainwater should solve the browning problem.&#xA0;&#xA0;</p>
  675.  
  676.  
  677. <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Air Cleaner</h2>
  678.  
  679.  
  680. <p>Before my wife purchased a spider plant for our home, she kept telling me how beneficial this plant would be for the air quality of our home. I was a bit skeptical to say the least. After a bit of research, it turns out she was right. I had some apologizing to do!</p>
  681. <p>According to the <a href="https://gardeningsolutions.ifas.ufl.edu/plants/houseplants/houseplants-that-clean-the-air.html">University of Florida</a>, studies by NASA <span style="font-weight: 400;">scientists</span> and subsequent other research has found that certain houseplants, like the spider plant, have the ability to remove toxins from the air indoors.&nbsp; Some of the toxins that were discovered to have been removed from the air with plants are formaldehyde, benzene, acetone, ammonia, trichloroethylene, and carbon monoxide.</p>
  682.  
  683.  
  684. <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Pet Safe</h2>
  685.  
  686.  
  687. <p>The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) indicates that the spider plant is non-toxic to both dogs and cats.</p>
  688. <p>However, be aware that this plant can cause certain side effects if consumed by a cat. According to the <a href="https://news.wisc.edu/curiosities-why-do-cats-seem-compelled-to-eat-some-plants-like-my-poor-aloe-and-ignore-others/">University of Wisconsin-Madison</a>, the spider plant has compounds associated with opium. It can cause a cat to hallucinate and/or bring on an upset stomach that may include vomiting or diarrhea. You should avoid bringing a spider plant into a home with a cat unless you can ensure that they will not eat it.&nbsp;</p>
  689.  
  690.  
  691. <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Pest &amp; Disease Free</h2>
  692.  
  693.  
  694. <p>Spider plants rarely obtain diseases with no known major diseases associated with this plant. Additionally, pests that may harm this plant are minimal. The pests to look out for are mealybugs, scales, and caterpillars. If detected early, these pests can easily be eliminated by wiping the leaves, washing the plant, physically removing larger pests, pruning, or pesticides.</p>
  695. <p>Despite having the word &#8220;spider&#8221; in its name, you shouldn&#8217;t anticipate this plant attracting much spider activity through the years. The plant gets its name from the spider-like plantlets it forms and not from being a nice home for actual spiders.&#xA0;</p>
  696.  
  697.  
  698. <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Easy To Propagate</h2>
  699.  
  700.  
  701. <p>A mature spider plant has the ability to produce &#8220;spider babies&#8221;. These babies are plantlets that grow from the mother plant and can be snipped off to produce a new plant when planted in a soilless potting medium. Look for plantlets that have already started to develop roots to be the ones you cut off to replant.&nbsp;</p>
  702. <p>The below video shows the simple propagation process of a spider plant using plastic cups. After about a month and half they are ready to be replanted in the location of your choice.&nbsp;</p>
  703.  
  704.  
  705. <figure class="wp-block-embed-youtube aligncenter wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
  706. <div class="ast-oembed-container " style="height: 100%;"><iframe loading="lazy" title="Spider Plant Propagation From The Babies" width="1201" height="676" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/oEEqJCmrG7o?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>
  707. </div></figure>
  708.  
  709.  
  710. <p>The spider plant is also able to be easily split or divided. The plant should be mature and large to consider dividing it. The below video shows how this is done using a gardening knife and a bit of patience with untangling the roots. You can tell the toughness of this plant just by viewing its healthy root system.&nbsp;</p>
  711.  
  712.  
  713. <figure class="wp-block-embed-youtube aligncenter wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
  714. <div class="ast-oembed-container " style="height: 100%;"><iframe loading="lazy" title="How to split a spider plant | plant propagation | root division" width="1201" height="676" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/19Rzk-M5PUM?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>
  715. </div></figure>
  716.  
  717.  
  718.  
  719. <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Increases Home Humidity</h2>
  720.  
  721.  
  722. <p>Low humidity can be a problem in the home, especially during the winter when the heating system is routinely running. Low humidity can cause several health problems including dry eyes, flaky skin, nasal issues, and more.</p>
  723. <p>Houseplants, like the spider plant, have the ability to add humidity to the home. According to the <a href="https://extension.sdstate.edu/four-benefits-houseplants">University of South Dakota State University</a>, houseplants let out approximately 97 percent of the moisture they take in through a process called transpiration. The humidity creating abilities of the spider plant can help assist in keeping a home&#8217;s humidity above 30 percent for comfortable living.&nbsp;</p>
  724.  
  725.  
  726. <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Better Mental Health</h2>
  727.  
  728.  
  729. <p>A <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4419447/">study</a> was conducted in 2015 that compared the feelings of individuals performing both a plant transplanting task and a computer task. The study found that participants were much more at ease and in comfort after the transplanting task versus feeling uncomfortable and artificial after the computer task. The study found that interaction with houseplants, like the spider plant, may have the ability to decrease stress while subduing sympathetic nervous system activity and diastolic blood pressure.&nbsp;</p>
  730.  
  731.  
  732. <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Visual Appeal</h2>
  733.  
  734.  
  735. <p>One of the primary spider plant benefits and the reason why most people choose to display one in their home is its visual appeal. There is no doubt the spider plant can elevate the beauty of just about any home. Its arching leaves that slope down make this plant ideal for a hanging basket or even for display in a pot on a tabletop. The natural aesthetics of the spider plant with its green and white colors can help brighten up a room and assist in bringing a little of the outdoors to the inside.&#xA0;</p><p>The post <a href="https://peakyard.com/spider-plant-benefits/">8 Stunning Spider Plant Benefits</a> appeared first on <a href="https://peakyard.com">Peak Yard</a>.</p>
  736. ]]></content:encoded>
  740. </item>
  741. <item>
  742. <title>Does Grass Seed Have To Be Covered?</title>
  743. <link>https://peakyard.com/does-grass-seed-have-to-be-covered/</link>
  745. <dc:creator><![CDATA[peak]]></dc:creator>
  746. <pubDate>Tue, 21 Jul 2020 03:59:28 +0000</pubDate>
  747. <category><![CDATA[Grass Seed]]></category>
  748. <category><![CDATA[Lawn]]></category>
  749. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://peakyard.com/?p=8419</guid>
  750.  
  751. <description><![CDATA[<p><a href="https://peakyard.com">Peak Yard</a><br />
  752. <a href="https://peakyard.com/does-grass-seed-have-to-be-covered/">Does Grass Seed Have To Be Covered?</a></p>
  753. <p>The quick answer is no, grass seed does not need to be covered. We have successfully grown grass without covering the seed on several occasions. However, you should strongly consider covering your grass seed as we will explain below. Before we discuss covering grass seed, we recommend following these basic steps to obtain success with [&#8230;]</p>
  754. <p>The post <a href="https://peakyard.com/does-grass-seed-have-to-be-covered/">Does Grass Seed Have To Be Covered?</a> appeared first on <a href="https://peakyard.com">Peak Yard</a>.</p>
  755. ]]></description>
  756. <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><a href="https://peakyard.com">Peak Yard</a><br />
  757. <a href="https://peakyard.com/does-grass-seed-have-to-be-covered/">Does Grass Seed Have To Be Covered?</a></p>
  758.  
  759. <p>The quick answer is no, grass seed does not need to be covered. We have successfully grown grass without covering the seed on several occasions. However, you should strongly consider covering your grass seed as we will explain below. </p>
  760.  
  761.  
  762.  
  763. <p>Before we discuss covering grass seed, we recommend following these basic steps to obtain success with seeding: </p>
  764.  
  765.  
  766. <ul>
  767. <li><strong>Preparing the soil</strong> &#8211; You will not have good results if you plant grass seed in compact soil. The soil should be raked to loosen up a couple inches of the soil surface. This will allow the grass seeds to achieve adequate contact with the soil to eventually take root.&#xA0;</li>
  768. <li><strong>Applying the seed</strong> &#8211; If you are seeding a large area, a spreader works best to evenly lay down the seed according to the manufacturer&#8217;s directions. If you do not have specific spreader settings for your seed, start by laying down minimal seed using a low spreader setting and gradually increase the spreading rate if needed. You always can go over an area with the spreader multiple times if required. However, if you spread the seed on too heavy, it is difficult to then manual adjust the seeded soil for the right amount of seed. When dealing with a small area, you can spread the seed by tossing it with your hand or by using a <a href="http://&lt;a target=&quot;_blank&quot; href=&quot;https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07KMWVBJS/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=9325&amp;creativeASIN=B07KMWVBJS&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;tag=foonva-20&amp;linkId=30f6808570726450ff3fadb75397b765&quot;&gt;Scotts Whirl Hand-Powered Spreader&lt;/a&gt;&lt;img src=&quot;//ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=foonva-20&amp;l=am2&amp;o=1&amp;a=B07KMWVBJS&quot; width=&quot;1&quot; height=&quot;1&quot; border=&quot;0&quot; alt=&quot;&quot; style=&quot;border:none !important; margin:0px !important;&quot; /&gt;" data-wplink-url-error="true">hand spreader</a>.&#xA0;</li>
  769. <li><strong>Seed-to-soil contact &#8211;</strong> Once the seed is on the soil, now it is time to gently rake it into the soil. We like to use the back of the rake to lightly skim the soil surface so that the seed works into the soil about 1/4 inch at maximum.&#xA0;&#xA0;</li>
  770. <li><strong>Water &#8211;</strong> The soil surface should remain damp until the grass blades grow a couple of inches. This typically means watering twice a day for several weeks and adjusting for the weather (i.e. less or no water on raining days and potentially more water during hot and dry days).&#xA0;</li>
  771. </ul>
  772.  
  773.  
  774. <h2 class="wp-block-heading">When To Cover Grass Seed</h2>
  775.  
  776.  
  777. <p>If it is in your budget, we recommend to always cover your grass seed. Grass seed is often expensive and covering it will help protect the seed from the potential problems discussed below.&#xA0;</p>
  778.  
  779. <ul>
  780. <li><strong>Heavy Bird /Animal Activity &#8211;</strong> Certain animals and <a href="https://peakyard.com/do-birds-eat-grass-seed/">birds&#xA0;will eat grass seed</a>. We had a flock of birds have a feast on a seeded area for one of our small projects at home. The whole area required reseeding once the birds finished their buffett.&#xA0; Covering the seed will help deter birds and animals from seeing and reaching the seed for a quick meal. If you have heavy bird/animal activity in your area, it is smart to cover the your seed as a preventive measure.&#xA0;</li>
  781. <li><strong>Windy Conditions &#8211;</strong> If you live in an area with heavy winds, covering the seed can help keep it in place. Grass seed that has been blown out of place will produced patchy or undesirable results.&#xA0;</li>
  782. <li><strong>Hilly Terrain &#8211;</strong> When planting grass seed on a hill, it can be difficult to keep the seed from moving downhill. This is especially true when the seed is heavily watered (i.e. during a downpour) or when the wind picks up. Covering assists in keeping the seed in the soil where it is intended to be.&#xA0;</li>
  783. <li><strong>Heavy Rains &#8211;</strong> Seed washout can occur when the seeded area quickly receives a lot of water, such as during a storm. The seed essential floats away to another area of the yard or maybe even out of the yard.&#xA0; A top covering of the seed helps the seed maintain its position.&#xA0;</li>
  784. <li><strong>Hot Temperatures &#8211;</strong> Most people should be laying down grass seed in the spring or fall when temperatures are ideal for growing. However, there are times when the weather does not cooperate with our time frame for seeding. When the weather is extremely hot, covering the seed will shade the soil and help prevent it from drying out before the next watering session.&#xA0;</li>
  785. </ul>
  786.  
  787.  
  788. <h2 class="wp-block-heading">What To Use To Cover Grass Seed</h2>
  789.  
  790.  
  791. <p>Here are a few materials to consider using if you opt to cover your grass seed:</p>
  792. <ul>
  793. <li><strong>Straw &#8211;</strong> You&#8217;ll often see landscape crews use straw to cover seed. It does a nice job as a cover but the problem with it is that it often contains weed seed. This, of course, is a problem since weeds will grow in along side your new grass. If you choose to use straw, order the kind that is 99% weed-free and biodegradable such as <a class="aawp-link" href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00GRSV936?tag=foonva-20&linkCode=ogi&th=1&psc=1" title="EZ-Straw." target="_blank" rel="nofollow"  data-aawp-product-id="B00GRSV936" data-aawp-product-title="EZ Straw Seeding Mulch with Tack - Biodegradable Organic Processed Straw &#x2013; 2.5 CU FT Bale  Covers up to 500 sq ft  Multi">EZ-Straw.</a>&#xA0;</li>
  794. <li><strong>Peat Moss</strong> &#8211; This material is a good choice for not only helping retain moisture, but also for providing decent cover. However, it lightweight and tends to decompose quickly. You may need to reapply it if grass seed starts to become exposed. Read our article on <a href="https://peakyard.com/wp-admin/post.php?post=8132&amp;action=edit">peat moss</a> for more information on this material.&#xA0;</li>
  795. <li><strong>Lawn Mulch &#8211;</strong> Lawn mulches typically contain recycled paper, fiber, and the bonus of fertilizer. The mulch is biodegradable and swells with water to provide a nice, moist layer over the seed. An example of this type of product is <a href="https://www.jonathangreen.com/product/top-dress-green-mulch-seedling-cover-growth-accelerator.html">Jonathan Green Top Dress</a>. The downside to lawn much is that it isn&#8217;t cheap, making it impractical for some people seeding a large area on a tight budget.&#xA0;&#xA0;</li>
  796. </ul>
  797.  
  798.  
  799. <p> </p>
  800. <p>The post <a href="https://peakyard.com/does-grass-seed-have-to-be-covered/">Does Grass Seed Have To Be Covered?</a> appeared first on <a href="https://peakyard.com">Peak Yard</a>.</p>
  801. ]]></content:encoded>
  805. </item>
  806. <item>
  807. <title>Do Ladybugs Eat Ants?</title>
  808. <link>https://peakyard.com/do-ladybugs-eat-ants/</link>
  810. <dc:creator><![CDATA[peak]]></dc:creator>
  811. <pubDate>Fri, 15 May 2020 03:54:31 +0000</pubDate>
  812. <category><![CDATA[Garden]]></category>
  813. <category><![CDATA[Pests]]></category>
  814. <guid isPermaLink="false">https://peakyard.com/?p=8381</guid>
  815.  
  816. <description><![CDATA[<p><a href="https://peakyard.com">Peak Yard</a><br />
  817. <a href="https://peakyard.com/do-ladybugs-eat-ants/">Do Ladybugs Eat Ants?</a></p>
  818. <p>Ladybugs tend to be one of the more tolerable insect types. To some people they are viewed as cute, even when caught lingering around the home. Ladybugs are often admired for their round bodies, orangish-red coloring, and of course, their black spots. They certainly do not have that creepy factor that many people associate with [&#8230;]</p>
  819. <p>The post <a href="https://peakyard.com/do-ladybugs-eat-ants/">Do Ladybugs Eat Ants?</a> appeared first on <a href="https://peakyard.com">Peak Yard</a>.</p>
  820. ]]></description>
  821. <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><a href="https://peakyard.com">Peak Yard</a><br />
  822. <a href="https://peakyard.com/do-ladybugs-eat-ants/">Do Ladybugs Eat Ants?</a></p>
  823.  
  824. <p class="has-drop-cap">Ladybugs tend to be one of the more tolerable insect types. To some people they are viewed as cute, even when caught lingering around the home. Ladybugs are often admired for their round bodies, orangish-red coloring, and of course, their black spots.  They certainly do not have that creepy factor that many people associate with other insects or <a href="https://peakyard.com/home-remedies-for-spiders/">spiders</a>. </p>
  825.  
  826.  
  827.  
  828. <p>However, when it comes to the animal and insect world, cute appearances don&#8217;t always translate into tame diets. In other words, adorable looking creatures often make a meal of some pretty nasty things. Cats eat mice, beautiful birds eat worms, and list goes on. </p>
  829.  
  830.  
  831.  
  832. <p>But, what about the diet of ladybugs? We will take a look at what they eat and specifically if they eat ants. </p>
  833.  
  834.  
  835.  
  836. <h2 class="has-text-align-center wp-block-heading">Do Ladybugs Eat Ants?</h2>
  837.  
  838.  
  839. <p>Ladybugs do not eat ants. However, it is not unusual for ladybugs and ants to come in close contact. Ladybugs commonly eat aphids (more on this below). Certain ants, on the other hand, are attracted to aphids because of their sweet tasting waste material called honeydew that they eat. You can likely see how this can create a conflict between ladybugs and ants. One wants to eat the aphids where the other wants it alive to continue to produce waste.&nbsp;</p>
  840. <p>Since some ants rely on aphids for their sugary waste material, they provide protection for the aphids. This often means ants must battle predators, such as a ladybugs, in an attempt to ward them off. The University of Wisconsin-Madison notes that certain ants will go the extra mile to protect their aphid food source. This can include ants building shelter for aphids or even transporting them to another plant when the plant&#8217;s sap runs dry [3].&nbsp;</p>
  841. <p>The video below shows the extent ants will go to protect their aphid food supply. The bigger ladybug has a difficult time defending itself against a group of ants.&nbsp;</p>
  842.  
  843.  
  844. <figure class="wp-block-embed-youtube wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-embed-aspect-4-3 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
  845. <div class="ast-oembed-container " style="height: 100%;"><iframe loading="lazy" title="Ants defending aphids from ladybeetles #103" width="1201" height="901" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/S8RTdznEFio?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>
  846. </div></figure>
  847.  
  848.  
  849.  
  850. <h2 class="has-text-align-center wp-block-heading">What Do Ladybugs Eat? </h2>
  851.  
  852.  
  853.  
  854. <p>As indicated above, the preferred food of many ladybugs are aphids. Aphids are tiny bugs that feed off the sap of plants. Their feeding behavior can damage or kill vegetation. Ladybugs are a welcome site for farmers looking to control aphid infestation. Ladybugs will eat a large quantity of aphids, but aphids reproduce so quickly that ladybugs alone often are not enough to completely eliminate the problem [1].&nbsp;</p>
  855.  
  856.  
  857.  
  858. <p>You can purchase ladybugs online to reduce the population of aphids in your home garden. These <a class="aawp-link" href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B087NHC4Z7?tag=foonva-20&linkCode=ogi&th=1&psc=1" title="Clark &amp; Co Organic live ladybugs" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"  data-aawp-product-id="B087NHC4Z7" data-aawp-product-title="Clark&Co Organic 3000 Live Ladybugs - Good Bugs for Garden - Guaranteed Live Delivery!">Clark &amp; Co Organic live ladybugs</a> are an example of ladybugs that can be shipped to the home for aphid control. A single ladybug can eliminate up to 50 aphids a day without harming plants. Over a lifetime, one ladybug can eat up to 5,000 aphids [2]. </p>
  859.  
  860.  
  861.  
  862. <p>However, not all ladybugs are the same in regard to their diet. Depending on the species of ladybug, they may feed on plants, whiteflies, mildew, mites, mealybugs, and several other types of of insects. </p>
  863.  
  864.  
  865.  
  866. <h2 class="has-text-align-center wp-block-heading">Are Ladybugs Harmful in the Home?</h2>
  867.  
  868.  
  869. <p>Ladybugs are actually an insect that can be beneficial in a home in limited numbers, of course. House plants can have aphids just like outdoor vegetation. Adding ladybugs on indoor plants can help solve an aphid problem. This is especially true since the ladybugs will likely not have to contend with ants or other bothersome creatures in the comfort of your home. You have to be certain to only introduce ladybugs that eat aphids since certain ladybugs do eat plants or aren&#8217;t interested in a diet of aphids.&#xA0;</p>
  870. <p>Of course, most people do not invite ladybugs into their home. They typically find a way inside during the fall as they seek warmth for the cooler days ahead. They rest during the winter months and awaken to look for a way outside as the warmer days of spring roll around. Ladybugs aren&#8217;t the type of insect that will do structural damage to a home or cause harm to humans or pets. However, if one enters the home, you may have many since others can be attracted by pheromones produced by the ladybug(s) inside [4].&#xA0;</p>
  871. <p>Do not smash ladybugs since they contain a substance that has the ability to stain. It is best to leave them until they can make their way outside to be a benefit to the garden. If this is not ideal for you, vacuuming them up is often the best option. Other options include live traps or pyrethroid insecticides.&#xA0;</p>
  872.  
  873.  
  874. <p><strong>References:</strong></p>
  875.  
  876.  
  877. <ol>
  878. <li><a href="https://entomology.ca.uky.edu/ef103" rel="nofollow">University of Kentucky &#8211; Entomology &#8211; Aphids</a></li>
  879. <li><a href="https://www.planetnatural.com/aphids-ladybugs/" rel="nofollow">Planet Natural &#8211; Ladybugs and Aphids</a></li>
  880. <li><a href="https://wimastergardener.org/article/aphids/" rel="nofollow">University of Wisconsin-Madison Master Gardener Program &#8211; Aphids</a></li>
  881. <li><a href="https://www.mycentraljersey.com/story/news/local/new-jersey/2014/12/01/welcome-ladybugs-home/19745179/" rel="nofollow">Rutgers Today &#8211; The charming, useful ladybug</a></li>
  882. </ol>
  883.  
  884.  
  885. <p></p>
  886. <p>The post <a href="https://peakyard.com/do-ladybugs-eat-ants/">Do Ladybugs Eat Ants?</a> appeared first on <a href="https://peakyard.com">Peak Yard</a>.</p>
  887. ]]></content:encoded>
  891. </item>
  892. </channel>
  893. </rss>

If you would like to create a banner that links to this page (i.e. this validation result), do the following:

  1. Download the "valid RSS" banner.

  2. Upload the image to your own server. (This step is important. Please do not link directly to the image on this server.)

  3. Add this HTML to your page (change the image src attribute if necessary):

If you would like to create a text link instead, here is the URL you can use:

http://www.feedvalidator.org/check.cgi?url=https%3A//peakyard.com/feed/

Home · About · News · Docs · Terms

 
Copyright © 2002-9 Sam Ruby, Mark Pilgrim, Joseph Walton, and Phil Ringnalda