5. grow houseplants

Besides being lovely to look at, houseplants help purify the air. Grow them with the following in mind.

Choose

• Succulents and cacti are practically foolproof—just several hours of sun and not too much water.
• Other low-maintenance options include philodendron, ZZ plant, dieffenbachia, begonia, and aloe.

Water

• Some plants need twice-daily watering, others once a month (whenever the top 2 inches of soil feel dry).
• Aim for the soil. Use a small watering can with a long, slender spout to avoid getting foliage wet.
• A mister works well on ferns and other plants, especially during the winter when heating can leave the foliage parched.
• If your plant is showing signs of overwatering (yellow, wilted leaves), let it dry out between waterings.
• Before going on a short vacation, cluster your plants together, away from the light—even sun-loving varieties. That way, they won’t dry out as quickly. If you’re away for more than a week, though, you’ll need to get a plant sitter.

Fertilize

• Most houseplants need fertilizing from March through September.
• Fertilize both leafy and flowering plants once every two weeks; the same goes for plants that flower during the winter, including after blooming.
• Always dampen the soil before feeding so the nutrients go where needed.

Clean

• Dust and oils block sunlight, so clean plant leaves at least once a month.
• Spray succulents and cacti with compressed air or dust with a soft brush (water will cause leaf rot).
• For other plants: Wipe smooth leaves with a damp bar towel or rag; lightly mist others.
• To clean several plants at once, set them in the shower under a fine, tepid spray. Then blot excess moisture.

Control pests

• Check often—such as when watering—for signs of infestation.
• Brush leaves with a cotton swab dipped in alcohol to get rid of any insects.
• Regular cleaning will also help—you can add a few drops of all-natural insecticidal soap (such as neem oil) to the water.

Repot

• If you notice roots peeking through the pot’s holes, soil drying out too quickly, or that the leaves and stems have stopped growing, the plant may be pot-bound and needs a larger container.

Revive

• Even if a houseplant doesn’t need repotting, you should still replenish its soil once a year. Use a fork to remove the top 2 to 4 inches, taking care not to harm the roots. Replace with fresh potting soil.
• A distressed plant might express it in a number of ways: Look for leaves turning pale, or frequent wilting.
• Rotate plants a quarter turn every other week (or when it is leaning toward the light) for even growth.
• Experiment with watering and sun exposure until you find the right fit.
• If your houseplant just doesn’t seem happy, try starting all over again with a healthy cutting.

Winterize

• During the cold season, try not to disturb plants by relocating or repotting them.
• Let up on watering and fertilizing, too.
• Resume your regular routine once daylight hours extend and growth resurges.

6. Care for the lawn

Care tips depend on the type of grass and your climate, but here is some general guidance.

Mow

• Wait until grass is at least 2 inches tall beforemowing—and never cut off more than the top third.
• Mow when the grass is dry, preferably in the afternoon or early evening.
• Use a string trimmer for hard-to-reach spots.

Water

• A lawn needs, on average, an inch per week, climate depending.
• Water deeply once or twice a week in the morning.
• A soaker hose or pulsing sprinkler will send moisture straight to the roots where it’s needed.
• In drought-prone areas, consider replacing your lawn with drought-tolerant plants to conserve water.

FERTILIZE

• Feed the lawn in early spring and again in late summer (if necessary).
• Use organic products (chemicals harm wildlife).
• Seed bare spots in spring, once the temperature reaches 65°F.

Martha Must

Ease the dirty work of potting plants indoors by employing a broad, shallow bin as a portable potting bench (no more newspaper-covered surfaces). You can do all your fertilizing and repotting within its confines, containing any mess. Afterward, dump the excess dirt, then store supplies (extra pots, stakes, potting mix, gravel) right inside.