Well fed plants

In order for the plants to enjoy their appearance and tasty fruits, we must power them. However, there are plenty of fertilizers on the market. Which one to choose? How to use them correctly?

To keep planting in the best condition, we have to provide them with water, minerals, carbon dioxide and sun

Properly nourished plants are stronger. Thanks to this, it will be better to withstand the attack of pests, fungal diseases, drought, chill and excess water. In addition, they give a more abundant harvest, and their fruits are tastier, richer in nutrients, vitamins and minerals (which is important for us, consumers), and also store better. If we fertilize our ornamental plants properly, they will repay us with a beautiful look. Leaves and needles will be healthy, nicely stained, the plants are more magnificent and the flowering process is abundant and longer. To keep planting in the best condition, we have to provide them with water, minerals, carbon dioxide and sun. With the availability of these factors there is no major problem, however the presence of minerals depends on the substrate in which the plants grow. These components are divided into macronutrients (they constitute more than 0.1% of the dry matter of plants) and microelements (they constitute less than 0.1% of the dry matter of plants).

Good macroelements

Macro elements are elements such as nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg) and sulfur (S). Each of them has a different role in the proper functioning of plants. Nitrogen affects the production of the right amount of shoots and leaves, which increases yields. In addition, it improves the quality of fruits and their coloring. Remember, however, that excess nitrogen delays the beginning of fruiting and promotes paralysis through diseases. Phosphorus determines the overall condition of plants and their growth, as well as the proper development of the root system. It is also important in the transition of plants to the fruiting phase. Young seedlings show the greatest demand. Potassium is responsible for proper water management.With good nutrition, plantings are more resistant to drought and cold. The fruits are more sweet and aromatic, better stained and store well. Potassium is the most important ingredient in flowering plants, fruit plants, peppers and tomatoes. Calcium affects water and protein metabolism. It is not as indispensable to plants as the soil itself (it should contain its appropriate amount throughout the year), because it regulates its pH (acidity), and as a result, the availability and degree of absorption of other minerals. Magnesium regulates energy and water economy, ensures proper coloring of leaves, and its quantity depends on the content of vitamins in fruits and vegetables. For legumes (beans, broad beans, or lupins), sulfur is very important. Well fed with this element are more resistant to stress (drought downpours, fungi and others), less susceptible to diseases, and as a result they yield better. In addition, sulfur improves soil properties - it reduces its compactness, which is especially important in heavy soils, such as clay or clay.

If we fertilize our ornamental plants properly, they will repay us with a beautiful look

Micronutrients are also important

In this group there are elements such as: iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), boron (B) and molybdenum (Mo).Although they occur in trace amounts, their presence has a huge impact on the growth and development of plants. They affect their condition and resistance to harmful atmospheric and biological factors. The absence of one of these elements disturbs the functioning of the plant.

Time for nutrition

Spring feeding of plants is very important. Hungry after the winter, warmed up by the first rays of the sun, they want to develop intensively. So we spread the compost (if we did not do it in autumn) and we use mineral fertilizers in a loose form. In the following months we also fertilize plants, because during the growth they use minerals we give, they create shortages and as a result they are weakened. In the summer, water or spray with liquid fertilizers - mineral or organic diluted in water - or in a loose form. We make the supply by mid-July at the latest. From now on, we only use special autumn fertilizers, because plants are already preparing for winter and it is better not to stimulate them to grow. You do not need to feed plants if you have used slow-release fertilizer in spring. Autumn fertilization is also important, because in this way we supplement minerals. Plants need elements that will make their tissues harder, become more woody and, as a result, will be more resistant to frost. This is the best time for liming. Organic fertilizers, such as compost and manure, can also be used. However, they must not be mixed with liming, because as a result of chemical reactions between them, compounds unreliable to plants will be created. Between the liming and the organic fertilization, a 2-3-week interval should be maintained. In the autumn, multi-nutrient fertilizers are not worth using, because some of the ingredients will be washed deep into the ground by the winter and the plants will not benefit from them. The only exceptions are autumn fertilizers.

It is best to use multi-component fertilizers in home gardens

Mineral fertilizers

They provide nutrients to plants, but they do not improve the quality of the soil, so when using them, do not give up organic fertilizers. In home gardens it is best to use multi-ingredient fertilizers that contain the necessary macro- and microelements.Universal fertilizers. They are intended for all plant species. They have a loose or liquid form. The latter are mainly used in the summer for feeding plants. Specialized fertilizers. Their composition has been developed for specific species. So we can buy fertilizers, for example azaleas and rhododendrons, hydrangeas, roses, magnolias, hedges, deciduous shrubs, conifers, blueberries, strawberries, vines or lawns. Slow-acting fertilizers. It is enough to add them to the soil once a year - in the spring, because the minerals will penetrate the soil for several months as they are collected by the roots of the plants. Foliar fertilizers.They can be used on a regular basis or when rapid intervention is needed - the leaves turn pale and turn yellow, although there is no sign of feeding for pests. The reason may be the lack of minerals (mainly nitrogen or iron). Such a phenomenon can be observed in azaleas, azaleas, pieris, kalmia, bunches, blueberries, cranberries, magnolias and hydrangeas growing in too little acid soil. In this case, we spray them several times with a solution of foliar fertilizer. It passes through the skin to the inside of the leaf, which quickly improves the appearance and condition of the plant.

Organic fertilizers

They provide the necessary macro- and micronutrients and decompose, enrich the soil with humus and improve its properties.They contain various compounds from the plant and animal world, thus the natural circulation of matter is preserved. Compost.It provides the necessary minerals as well as humus, which improves the structure of the soil - it is plump and airy and easily collects water. Mature compost can be used without fear that the plants will be fertilized. It's best to do it yourself, but you can also buy it packaged in bags. Biohumus preparations. They contain vermicompost made from organic remnants processed by California worms. It has all the necessary nutrients, as well as enzymes and microorganisms associated with the metabolism of earthworms (they improve the condition of the soil). After dissolving the fertilizer in water (as recommended on the packaging), it is sprinkled with water or sprayed with plants. Bird fertilizer. The sale is a fertilizer and guano of sea birds in the form of granules or meal. It is very concentrated - it contains a large amount of minerals, especially nitrogen. It should be used in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions: overdose can harm plants. It is usually used after dissolving in water. Manure. It is sold as dried and crumbled, without any unpleasant smell. It contains easily digestible nutrients, and also improves the soil structure. It can be used in a loose form or after dissolving in water.

Correct fertilization

When using mineral preparations, the instructions on the packaging must be strictly observed. Too much fertilizer causes the salinity of the soil, which contributes to the death of beneficial microorganisms, and if the concentration is high, also damage to the roots of the plant. As a consequence, it begins to deteriorate, leaves appear discolored and discolored, it is less resistant to frost and more susceptible to diseases and pests. Then, the excess fertilizer is washed into groundwater, where it is already out of reach of the roots, but it pollutes the environment. The most common fertilizer doses are in the range from to (e.g. 30-60 g / m2). Lower is used on sandy soils, and higher on clayey and high content of humus. After spreading the fertilizer, the soil around the plants should be watered. You have to be careful not to pour it on the list, because after dissolving in water it could cause local damage. Damage can also result in uneven fertilizer spreading on the lawn - where there is a lot of it, the concentration of mineral salts can be so high that the turf will be burned.

In the home gardens, hand sprayers are most often used

Garden sprayers

With their help, we can distribute fertilizers, plant protection products or biological preparations. In the backyard gardens, most often manual, shoulder and backpack sprayers are used. Hand sprayers. We service them holding directly in the hands. They usually have a capacity of 0.5 to 2 l - they will prove themselves in small gardens. There are hand-operated pulse or pressure sprayers. The first spraying of the liquid occurs only when you press the lever with your hand. The pressure equipment is equipped with a pump that produces pressure in the tank before spraying. As a result, the work is more efficient and the spray is uniform. Shoulder sprayers. They are hung with a shoulder strap. They have a capacity of 3 to 12 liters . In these sprayers, the air is forced into the tank by pressing the pump handle held in the hand. After the air is filled with the liquid-free space, we can start working. The liquid escapes through the nozzle attached to the lance, so it has a much larger range than manual devices. The shoulder sprayers are valued for the safety valve that protects against excessive pressure in the tank. Some models also have a pressure gauge. Backpack sprayers. We put them on the back, thanks to which we can move freely. They have a capacity of 12 to 20 l . They are useful in large gardens or small orchards. The pump drive lever is located on the side of the tank. Backpack sprayers can be equipped with a pressure gauge placed on the handle of the lance. Some models also have a pressure regulator, which allows you to work with a different range - we can control the amount of liquid and the degree of its fragmentation. Newer types of sprayers can also be equipped with a mechanism with electric drive, so you do not have to pump the tank manually.

Why is lime important?

Once every few years, it is worth checking the pH of the soil (using its pH) using an easy-to-use chemical field or electronic acid meter. Most plants grow best in neutral soil (pH 6-7). The exception are heather (azaleas, azaleas, kalma, bunches, pieris, heathers), as well as hydrangeas and magnolias, which feel good in acidic soil (pH 3.5-5). The pH of the substrate depends on the calcium content - the less it is, the more acid the soil is (the pH is lower). Calcium is taken up by plants and washed deep into the soil, which is why its amount decreases over time (the fastest in sandy soils) and needs to be replenished. For liming, it is best to use chalk or dolomite, which contains magnesium (the lack of this element is quite common in sandy soils).

Spread the fertilizer by hand or a seed drill

We can spread the fertilizer by hand, protecting it with a glove. It is worth dividing its surface into several parts, doing the same with the fertilizer. Thanks to this, it will be evenly spread all over the surface. Remember to spread the fertilizer in two intersecting directions. And of course never during the wind. The use of a seed drill is more convenient.

Good contractor - criteria for selecting professionals

In order for our house to be nice and functional, we need to employ reliable and solid specialists for its construction. A trustworthy contractor is a real treasure today. Finding it is not easy, which does not mean that it is not feasible. Where to find and how to find a good construction team?

We should start looking for the executive team much earlier in order not to make the choice under time pressure and not to "take the first better". With some contractors you have to arrange, even a few months before the planned start of construction.Conversations are best carried out in winter or autumn if the construction is to start in the spring. However, do not sign a contract for construction works with a selected contractor before obtaining a building permit. Why? It may happen that the procedure is prolonged and the contractor may withdraw or demand compensation for profits lost during downtime.

Where to look for a contractor?

The best source of information is friends or neighbors who have recently completed their construction or carried out renovations. After all, they know best if the team they hire is worth recommending. It also often happens that manufacturers or sellers of building materials recommend contractors specializing in specific areas - such a contractor certainly knows his job and has a good reputation among his clients. Of course, we can look for a performer who announces himself in a newspaper or on the internet, but remember that even advertising in a reputable letter does not necessarily mean that the company is reliable.

What to ask the contractor?

We should prepare for the conversation with the contractor, and it is best carried out in the presence of a trusted construction specialist - preferably the future inspector of investor supervision. He will soon realize whether we are dealing with a solid company or tricksters, asking questions about technical solutions to be used in the building. We should definitely check whether the contractor we choose has the right construction equipment. A professional contractor has at least basic equipment, while an amateur will lend it, and this will irritate and prolong construction. Our inquisitiveness can be annoying for the contractor, but it will reduce the risk associated with its choice. Before making the final decision, it is worth to look at other houses completed by him and ask the residents for their opinion. An honest trader will give the addresses of previous construction because he has nothing to hide and would like to show off his work.

formalities

It is worth noting whether the company is operating legally, whether the company's data functions on the Internet and whether the business owner is willing to sign the contract. Do not cooperate with companies that want to work in black and avoid formalizing it. Maybe their salary is lower, but we have no guarantee that they will finish their work, and in the event of irregularities on the construction site, we have no way to assert our rights.

Before signing the contract, let's check what is the legal status of the construction company. It could be:

· A natural person or a civil company conducting business activity on the basis of an entry in the business activity register,

· Commercial company (with limited liability or joint stock).

Construction of single-family houses on customer plots is undertaken by the first. At our request, the contractor should provide a certificate of entry in the business activity register. The fact that the commercial company operates legally is shown in the commercial register kept by the district court competent for the place of the registered office of the company. This register contains, inter alia data on the company's share capital, scope of activity and persons authorized to represent the company.Therefore, we must request an extract from the commercial register from such a contractor.

How to determine the remuneration?

The investor has to make a decision, possibly negotiate with the contractor, whether the contract price (the price of all works) will be calculated on a flat rate or determined on the basis of a cost estimate. In the case of a flat rate, it should be noted that the contractor can not demand an increase in remuneration even when the size or cost of the work could not be predicted at the conclusion of the contract. When determining the remuneration, it is necessary to set deadlines and rules for its payment. The point is, for example, that further pay installments will be implemented at the end of each month. However, it is better to determine the payment after completing a specific stage or item of work, because the investor has the ability to control the quality and progress of work on a regular basis.

Good ways to wash the rug

Carpets build a friendly atmosphere at home. However, they must be vacuumed and clean. What are the household ways to wash them and what to do so that they do not get dirty quickly?

Not every carpet can be washed. Before cleaning, let's check whether the manufacturer does not advise you against washing yourself. Perhaps the only possible way to refresh it will be to use dry cleaning. It is worth knowing that some of the factories provide services at the customer's home, so you do not have to bother with transporting a heavy carpet to the laundry.

Home ways to wash a carpet

Our grandmothers already washed carpets and linings in the snow. Place it face down and use a whisk to remove the dust.When flogging, dirt adheres to the snow. Then the place changes several times until the carpet ceased to soak snow.

Another grandmother's method is sprinkling soda carpet with soda, which will not only remove dirt, but also stubborn stains and smells. After a few hours the carpet should be vacuumed. Because more soda is needed for this treatment than in a traditional kitchen packaging, it is worth buying a bulk sack offered by online stores.

Like soda, a solution of water and vinegar works, which is worth washing the carpet with a wide sponge. Vinegar, like soda, eliminates unpleasant odors, including those from cigarette smoke or animal hair.

Fresh stains, even from coffee or tea, are recommended to be sprayed with carbonated mineral water or after shave foam.After a while, you can wipe off the liquid along with the stain with a damp cloth. Traces of red wine should be quickly covered with salt, which will absorb the liquid. Fixed dirt should be covered with a baking paste made of baking soda (if it is not at home, you can use baking powder), vinegar and possibly water.

Remove greasy stains with talcum powder. It needs to be spilled and left for 24 hours, then vacuum the carpet. Wool fiber grease can be tried to melt a light warm iron through the paper, putting a rag under the rug. We will also remove the wax from the carpet. Where, for example, stearin has been drained in large quantities, it may be necessary to change the paper or paper into fresh sheets.

In turn, the chewing gum attached to the carpet hair must be frozen. Ice cubes can be used for this, and then the gum will easily break off.

To refresh the color of the carpet, just wipe it with a sponge with an intensive salt solution.

Ecological cleaning

Ecological method is an increasingly popular method of washing carpets. Preparations of natural origin are used for this purpose, which do not damage the environment and are not dangerous for human and animal health. They are based mainly on active plant extracts. It is therefore worth checking the composition of products intended for washing carpets. We will also find eco-laundries, using safe means and washing technologies. Innocent methods are especially recommended when there are children and people suffering from allergies at home. Chemical preparations, commonly available in stores, can be sensitized, and in their composition can be contained corrosive substances. Often they also have an irritating smell. Ecological measures are friendly and they smell of essential oils.

Impregnating carpets and carpets

Preparations for the impregnation of rugs and carpets can be divided into three types. The first ones are fluorochemicals, forming a stains protection layer on the surface of the fibers. They facilitate later cleaning and vacuuming. It is also easier to wash dirt and level the resulting stains. The measure prevents the dirt particles from joining with the yarn and thread and penetrating into the weaves. Some carpets and linings are impregnated in this way, but this is not enough for a long time, but only for about 2-5 years. Every now and then we have to repeat this process ourselves. The fluorochemical impregnation service is offered by carpets washing plants.

The second type is hydrophobic impregnation. Its layer repels water and dirt from the surface of the fibers, preventing them from penetrating into the depths. The hydrophobic preparation is applied to the rug and waiting to dry. The effect is similar to the first type of impregnation. Both the traditional vacuum cleaner and the water are able to collect dirt easily from the carpet surface so protected.

The third type is fireproof impregnation. The preparation creates a protective barrier, preventing rapid ignition, burning and spreading of fire. It will be useful in homes where there is a fireplace or a goat.

The choice of colors in the interiors - the 5 most common mistakes

Choosing colors in the interiors of a house or flat requires a good thought. Inadequately juxtaposed colors can cause chaos and bother people who are in a given room.

Selection of colors in the interiors

Each of us has its own color palette - a set of colors around which we feel comfortable. In most cases, these are neutral colors.However, there are advocates of strong, intense colors. We transfer the favorite colors not only to your outfits, but also to interiors, combining many different colors in a single room.

In order to match the colors in the interiors, it is worth checking how the planned color combinations will be presented. Let's also remember that the color is not always the same - it changes depending on the light. It will look different in natural light, and differently in artificial light. It is worth taking this into account when planning the colors in the interiors.

The choice of colors in the interiors - error 1 - what is too much is not healthy

A frequent mistake in choosing colors in the interior is using too many colors. It happens so often when we want to revive the interior, give it a cheerful character and we can not decide on the choice of specific colors - we would like everything. The combination of too many colors, especially intense ones, can have a negative effect. Such connections, causing the rainbow effect, become aggressive and overwhelming. They make it hard to relax and concentrate inside. To avoid this mistake , let'sdecide on one, two strong colors, softened with neutral colors - beige or gray.

Let's also avoid painting any interior with a different color. This solution can make us feel uncomfortable in them. The lack of stylistic continuity is tiring and hinders the interior design. If we want to use different colors in different interiors, find a common denominator - for example, the natural color that will appear in every room.

Error 2 - all in the same color

A complete adversity of colorful arrangements is the use of one color in the interior - starting from the color of the walls, through the color of fabrics and accessories. The identical color of all elements of the room makes it visually smaller and flat. Such interiors are also boring and bland. If we want to maintain the harmony of colors and unification instead of using the same color, let's put on its various shades. Thanks to this, the interior will become more interesting.

The choice of colors in the interiors - error 3 - too bright colors

A common mistake is also the use of bright, intense colors on the walls. The reception of such colors is completely different on small and large surfaces, like the surface of the walls. The whole interior painted brightly will be tiring. A better solution is to use bright colors only on fragments of walls.

Mistake 4 - colors not taken for sun exposure

When planning the colors in interiors, we often do not take into account their insolation. As a result, they become grim and smaller visually than in reality. Choosing the color of the walls in the room should take into account the amount of natural light entering it. In a room with a northern exposure, the colors will look colder than in a room facing south. If the interior has a small amount of natural light, use light, neutral colors and use reflective finishes.

Choice of colors in the interiors - error 5 - too much confidence in the formulas

The choice of colors in interiors usually starts with browsing paint patterns. At this stage, we often make decisions and buy paint cans with the selected color. After painting the walls, it is not uncommon that the effect is far from expected. To avoid this error, try to sample a selected paint and paint a fragment of the wall. It is best to apply two layers of paint to obtain a deep color. This will allow us to assess whether the chosen color meets our expectations.

Why is it worth replacing old windows for energy-efficient ones?

Replacing old windows with new ones is a large and quite expensive undertaking. It can, however, help to reduce energy consumption by up to 25%, and thus reduce heating costs for your home

The constantly rising fuel prices cause an increase in heating costs, and thus home maintenance. To reduce them, without sacrificing thermal comfort, you need to protect your home against heat losses outside. As it is windows that are the element through which the most heat escapes (leaky woodwork can cause losses up to 40%), it is worth considering replacing old windows with new ones - preferably energy-efficient.

Better thermal comfort with energy-saving windows

Energy-efficient windows can be known primarily after a low heat transfer coefficient U, which should not be greater than 1.0 W / m2K (this value applies to the entire window, not just glass). Compared to old windows, whose U-value oscillated around 2.5-3 W / m2K, this is an incomparably better parameter, translating into significantly lower heat losses and lower heating costs (savings can amount to over PLN 1000 annually, depending on heating method). Contributing to this, among others warm, double and even triple glazing units used in energy-efficient windows, multi-chamber window profiles, warm inter-glass frame, eg stainless steel, and the use of additional gaskets.

Replacing leaking windows with energy-saving ones will eliminate nagging draughts, especially in winter. This does not mean, however, that such windows will not provide adequate inflow of fresh air into the interior. Deciding on their purchase, we can equip them with modern window ventilators, eg hygroscors, which adjust the intensity of air exchange to its humidity inside the house, so that fresh air flows into the rooms in the right amount without causing them to cool down.

Exchange with additional payment

Changing old, leaky windows for energy-saving ones are works that improve the house's insulation and reduce heating costs.Therefore, they qualify as a thermo-modernization of the house. When planning to replace windows with new, warm ones, you can try to get financial support in the form of a thermomodernization bonus. It can be applied for by building owners or managers who use a bank loan for home renovation.

Fashionable wall detail

Replacing windows with new ones will benefit not only the home budget - it will also improve the aesthetics of the house.Currently, energy-saving windows take on various shapes, they can also have virtually any color. Not only that, window profiles can have a different color from the outside, blending in with the facade of the building, and another from the inside, constituting an important arrangement detail, harmonizing with the furnishings of the rooms. The profile colors are durable and do not fade when exposed to the sun. In addition, the profiles are colored in bulk, so any scratches will not be visible. Such windows are also much easier to clean than their older counterparts.

Why is it worth to do an electrical installation project?

A detailed design of the electrical installation in the house being built can become very useful and helpful at various stages of the building's use.

Until recently, the electrical installation project, like water supply, sewage and heat, was to be included in the construction project in order to obtain a building permit. Without a set of documents, it was impossible to start building a house. Today, according to the amendment to the construction law, from July 2015 there is no need to submit an installation design to the office to apply for a building permit that is no longer required. Responsibility for building a building that will be built in the future will ensure safety, life, health, property, while also protecting the environment and respecting energy, is actually falling on the house designer. The investor only reports such a project. However, it should be in our interest to make a precise design of the installation, especially electrical one. Why?

What is the installation project?

The electrical installation design of the house contains diagrams and plans for its course. But also describes the parameters and network solutions and the selection of materials suitable for a given building. Even their quality is important here. The project takes into account the available electrical network in the given area, the required voltage and matching the whole so that no overloading and short circuits occur. On the plan of the house we have, thanks to this, the place of arrangement of socket outlets, cans, points of light, routes of laying cables and the location of the fuse box. Protections that guarantee earthing are also important.

If we are not sure how we want to plan the interior of the house, before the construction can be only a general outline of the design, while during construction complement with more detailed schemes and additional arrangements necessary for the arrangement.

It is also worth adding a diagram of the electricity supply on the property to the project of installation inside the house. It soon turns out that the installation around the house is necessary for us.

How to make an installation project

The electrical installation should be made by a qualified electrician or a company dealing in the comprehensive provision of electrical services. Qualifications are required up to 1kV, i.e. a certificate of entitlements in the use of devices, installations and power grids up to 1kV. Before commissioning the project, you should have an outline of the concept of interior layout and arrangement. The easiest way to get a sketch from an architect, to whom we order the interior design. When creating a vision of planning the function of rooms and placing individual pieces of furniture, he will know where space for electrical installations will be necessary. On the basis of his sketch, electricians will carry out their project, which will ensure a perfect fit to their needs.

The advantages of the project

Having an accurate electrical installation project in advance, the construction of the house will be more efficient. Electricians will know how to route wires and all the necessary network elements. A good and well thought out design will prevent later problems related to lack of earth electrodes, too few necessary light sources and electrical outlets; bad determination of power demand, unmatched to installed devices and the way they are used; too few circuits and uneven phase loading. In addition, it will ensure that residual current devices will not protect too many circuits. It provides convenient access to the switchboard, which is necessary in the event of failure and that the switchgear itself is large enough. It will prevent a glaring executive error, i.e. ensure that the electrical installation is routed over the water supply and sewage system. The reverse system may cause a serious failure during flooding. In addition, the detailed design of the conductors in the walls will be very useful during future renovations. There will be no need to use detectors and detectors.

It happens that in the case of using a mortgage loan, banks expect submitting documentation from subsequent construction stages, including installations, which is a condition for paying out subsequent tranches. This also speaks for the need to carry out an accurate electrical installation project.