(NAPSI)-Edible gardening has become a cultural phenomenon. The need to save money at the grocery store and the desire to have better-tasting fruits and vegetables has sparked an increase in home gardening. According to the Garden Writers Association, 41 million U.S. households have a vegetable garden and 37 percent plan to expand the size of their edible garden this year.

Do you want to take the first step? Consider growing tomatoes in a container right on your patio or balcony.

“Growing tomatoes is one of the most popular forms of edible gardening,” says Bayer Advanced™ Garden Expert Lance Walheim, author of “Vegetable Gardening.” “They can be grown from seeds or plants and they make an excellent addition to a salad.”

Tips For Successful Tomato Growing

• Choose your tomato: The Patio Hybrid tomato was developed just for containers, but you can also grow varieties such as Celebrity, Early Girl, Sweet Tangerine, or Northern Exposure.

• Containers: The bigger the better, but containers that are at least five gallons are the best size for promoting growth. Make sure the container has a hole in the bottom for drainage.

• Soils and fertilization: Use a high-quality potting soil and fertilize twice a month.

• When to water: The rule of thumb is to water the base of the plant when the top two inches of soil have dried. Container-grown tomatoes can require daily watering as the plant gets bigger.

• Destructive insects and diseases: Whiteflies and tomato hornworms like to eat tomatoes. Diseases such as blight and powdery mildew can harm your plants as well. The brand-new Bayer Advanced Natria™ Insect, Disease and Mite Control RTU contains sulphur and pyrethrins to control insects and diseases that affect tomatoes in one ready-to-spray application. Be sure to read and follow all label directions. Visit BayerAdvanced.com for more gardening information and to view how-to videos or call (877) BAYERAG.
 

Protect Your Family From Carbon Monoxide

(NAPS)—When people think of unintentional poisonings, the toxic products stashed under the kitchen sink often come to mind. But there is one life-threatening poison that parents may not think about—carbon monoxide (CO).

Carbon monoxide is the leading cause of accidental poisoning deaths in America, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), claiming 400 lives and injuring another 20,000 each year.

Colorless, odorless and tasteless, it is often called “the Silent Killer.” The most common symptoms of CO poisoning are headache, nausea and dizziness. Since these symptoms are similar to those of the flu, CO poisoning may be dismissed as a virus. Unfortunately, the consequences of doing so may be tragic.

“Young children are especially vulnerable to the effects of CO. Due to their smaller bodies, children process CO differently than adults and may be more severely affected by carbon monoxide in their blood,” said Alan Korn, executive director for Safe Kids USA.

CDC reports show that from 2004 to 2006, children age 5 and younger had the highest estimated rate of CO-related emergency department visits among all age groups.

Common household appliances, such as a furnace or water heater, are potential CO poisoning sources. When these or other fuel-burning devices malfunction or are used improperly, carbon monoxide can quickly build up inside a home, causing injury or even death.

So how can families be sure the silent killer isn’t lurking in their home? Install a carbon monoxide alarm. It’s the only safe way to detect this poisonous gas.

In fact, many state leaders have recognized the importance of having a working carbon monoxide alarm. Currently, 24 states require CO alarms in certain residences. In addition, families can take these simple steps to reduce the chance of having a CO incident:

•  Install a carbon monoxide alarm outside every sleeping area and on every level of your home.

•  Place CO alarms at least 15 feet away from fuel-burning appliances to reduce nuisance alarms.

•  Test alarms each month and replace them every seven years.

•  Have all gas-, oil- or coal-burning appliances inspected by a technician every year to ensure they are working properly.

•  Never use a stove to heat your home.

•  Do not use a grill, generator or camping stove inside your home or garage or near a window.

•  Never leave a car, SUV or motorcycle engine running inside a garage, even if the garage door is open.

For more information on carbon monoxide poisoning as well as other home safety tips, visit www.safekids.org.

 As home heating and cooling costs soar, your energy dollars literally might be going out the window - and the walls. Small and not-so-small air leaks through covered walls, floors, ceilings and normal openings such as windows and doors can add up to big losses. While retrofitting older homes with weather stripping, insulation and caulk helps seal air leaks, for new homes and additions, building tight walls can prevent air from escaping.

When building a new home, buyers are often aware of common heating and cooling problem areas, such as windows and doors. Many will ask their builder about double- or triple-pane windows, insulated doors and the quality of insulation, without considering the impact of wall construction on home energy efficiency.

“Energy efficient construction should address air, moisture and thermal movement through walls, as well as floors, ceiling and roof,” says Rob Brooks, green buildings program director for iLevel by Weyerhaeuser. “The quality of framing materials along with the use of spray sealants or housewrap has a large impact on how much air leaks into a house through the exterior envelope, which shields the house from weather. Plus, the spacing and depth of studs and other framing members directly influences the volume of insulation and how effectively it does its job. It’s important to get insulation into all the nooks and crannies such as corners, around windows, soffits and over the outside wall up in the attic space. These issues need to be addressed during construction. It’s very difficult and costly to try to fix them after a home is built.”

Building codes increasingly call for tight construction, yet many modern homes are built with decades-old framing practices that can leave substantial gaps where air can leak into or out of the house. For example, wall studs and floor joists placed at unmatched intervals, single studs at corners, and window openings with multiple, rather than single-piece members, can leave voids that are difficult to reach with insulation. As with gaps under improperly sealed doors, these un-insulated openings provide a path for air to leak from the home. Furnaces and air conditioners must make up the difference to maintain a comfortable indoor temperature.

“The good news is that advanced framing techniques for a tight home are simple and cost effective,” says Brooks. “It’s a matter of educating builders on the latest framing methods and design software that makes the best use of pre-planning. Tools like iLevel Javelin design software at their lumber dealer can show them how to best place all of the framing members for a more continuous fit with the insulation.” (For more information on structural framing solutions, visit www.ilevel.com or call (888) 453-8358 to speak with an iLevel by Weyerhaeuser expert.)

Advanced framing techniques can increase the overall insulating properties of a completed wall by up to 58 percent and allow for 86 percent greater insulation volume when comparing a 2-by-4 to a 2-by-6 wall with the same type of insulation. At the same time, less wood is needed because the larger 2-by-6 studs are spaced farther apart. The result is walls that block heat and cold better, use fewer materials and are stronger than those built using conventional practices.

“More buyers are interested in green or energy efficient homes,” adds Brooks.  “Framing methods that aid energy efficiency not only are environmentally responsible, they can also help homeowners save money.”

Courtesy of ARAcontent

Put Your Home On A Diet!!
 
(NAPSI)-With the Obama administration’s anticipated “Cash for Caulkers” program gaining momentum, now is a great time to put your home on an energy diet.

Much like eating right and exercise can help you shed pounds, making smart investments and small adjustments in your home energy use can make a big difference on your utility bill. While some home energy monitoring tools (or diet programs, for that matter) require consumers to shell out hundreds of dollars, Microsoft offers a free service called Hohm that can help you quickly get started on losing those excess watts.

To get started, visit www.microsoft-hohm.comand answer a handful of questions about your home, such as your zip code and square footage. Hohm will create a personalized energy report for you, complete with tips on how to save energy, home improvement suggestions, project pricing and even estimates for how long it will take to earn back your investment. Hohm will also show you how your home’s energy use compares to other homes in your area. The more information you provide, the more accurate the recommendations you’ll receive. Think of these tips as your home energy improvement to-do list.

Homeowner Barry Fuchs jumped at the chance to put his home to the test. “It was great to receive a personalized report with items that we can check off as home improvement projects are completed. I’ve noticed that I’m more aware of my energy consumption habits after completing the survey,” said Fuchs. “I would recommend this Web site to anyone who is looking to gain more insight into their home energy use.”

You’ll quickly see that easy changes such as replacing regular lightbulbs with compact fluorescent ones (tip: If you don’t like the lighting they provide, use them in rooms you don’t spend much time in, such as closets, attics and laundry rooms), combining laundry loads and running more cycles on cold water can make a big difference in your energy usage and monthly bill. Simply by being aware of your energy consumption habits, you will likely make smarter decisions about energy use.

Give it a try and see your energy use slim down, while helping the environment and your wallet. 

Keeping your wood floor’s natural shine

 Wood floors are a beloved part of a home, and are also a great investment that can boost your home’s value by up to $10,000, according to the Hardwood Information Center.

The wood care experts who make Murphy Oil Soap have some advice on how to keep your floors looking shiny and beautiful.

* The first key to maintaining your wood floors is to know what type of finish you have.
Most wood floors installed after the 1960s are finished with polyurethane, which hardens into layers of solid plastic sheets on the surface of the wood.

To find out, scratch the surface of the wood with a coin in an inconspicuous area. If the finish flakes off, a finish like varnish or shellac was probably used. If you think you have wax floors, apply a few drops of water and wait 10 minutes. If white spots appear under the droplets, then your floor has a wax finish. A polyurethane finish will not flake after being scratched with a coin, and white spots will not appear after exposure to water droplets.

* A finish with a dull and lifeless appearance can usually be revived with a good cleaning to remove accumulated dirt. For polyurethane-finished floors, use a cleaner like Murphy Oil Soap for cleaning. To give your floors the best shine, make sure you follow diluting directions properly when using the concentrated version of Murphy Oil Soap.

* Other ways to help preserve your wood floor shine include regularly sweeping and vacuuming your floors weekly; placing area rugs in high traffic locations; using floor protector pads or soft felt on the bottoms of furniture legs; setting a humidifier or dehumidifier to maintain a level of 30 to 50 percent humidity in the home; and protecting your floors from direct sunlight.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

Give gifts from the heart this Valentine’s Day

 Everyone knows the standard Valentine’s Day gifts: flowers and chocolates. But if you really want to express what’s in your heart, think a little harder about what you’re going to give.

While those tried-and-true gifts are certainly nice, think of them as an accompaniment to the main event - a gift that reflects the personality of the recipient, and which shows that you put thought and creativity into your gift.

Before you set out on a shopping trip, take a moment to think about your gift recipient’s favorite things, whether it’s a charitable cause, an author or a hobby. If you can, try to plan an afternoon with your loved one and, over lunch or an excursion, see if you can pick up some ideas. Make mental notes, write them down when you have a moment, and then hit the shops. But if you aren’t able to connect for some time together, consider using these ideas and adapting them to your fit your Valentine.

Put a spin on the standards
The easiest thing in the world is to get a bundle of red roses with baby’s breath and a pre-made chocolate sampler - you can even pick those up at gas stations. Make the sentiment say more by putting a little extra thought into it. You could consult traditional Victorian flower meanings (for example, asters are symbols of love, freesia indicates trust) or choose a bouquet done in your Valentine’s favorite color. If your sweetheart is a chocoholic, check your area for artisanal chocolatiers. A small sampler of chocolates and candies made with the finest ingredients will be more flavorful and memorable than your standard assortment.

Give the gift that gives back
Valentine’s Day is the time of year when the feelings of your heart are given the most attention - why not let that lead you to think of heart health? According to the American Heart Association (AHA), heart disease kills one person every minute, and it is the No. 1 killer of women of all ages. To raise awareness of the risks of heart disease and also to raise critical funds for the AHA, Yankee Candle Company has continued its annual “Light a Candle for Your Heart” program which coincides with the AHA’s Heart Health month and “Go Red” movement each year.

“By giving selected red Yankee candles to your loved one this Valentine’s Day, you not only are giving America’s best loved candle, you also will be giving a gift which directly benefits heart research,” says Yankee Candle’s Rick Ruffolo. “A dollar is donated to the AHA with every purchase.” You also can include a card to tell the recipient that they can raise more money for the AHA on Facebook. “Become a fan of the company and send virtual candle gifts to all of your friends - for each candle you send, we will donate to the American Heart Association,” Ruffolo adds.

Make it an experience
Going out to dinner is a Valentine’s Day tradition - that much is clear to anyone who tries to get a reservation at a nice restaurant on Feb.14. To avoid the crush of diners and the often inflated menu prices, opt for something a little different. If you’re spending time with your sweetheart, try something that requires you to work together - maybe try out a climbing wall at a local gym - or something that will make you want to cuddle up together, like ice skating or sledding. If your Valentine is more platonic, opt for going to see a movie - or plan a game night at home. No matter what you do, spending time together is a gift that always warms the heart.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

Buying a home or making green home improvements? Don’t miss out on these tax credits

 A wide range of tax law changes over the last year will result in considerable savings for millions of Americans on their 2009 federal tax returns. Homebuyers and homeowners have some of the most to gain from the changes. 

Understanding the qualifications for home-related credits can be confusing and intimidating. Jessi Dolmage, spokeswoman for 2nd Story Software, the makers of TaxACT, breaks them down.

“If you’ve never owned or haven’t owned a principal residence during the three years prior to the purchase date, you may qualify for the First-Time Homebuyer Credit. The purchase date must fall after April 8, 2009 and before May 1, 2010, with closing to take place before July 1, 2010. It’s equal to 10 percent of the purchase price, up to a maximum of $8,000. You only have to repay the money if the home ceases to be your primary residence or is sold within three years of purchase,” says Dolmage.

Property cannot be acquired from a relative, and married taxpayers must both qualify as first-time homebuyers if filing jointly. The credit can be claimed on a 2009 return or an amended 2008 return.

The Worker, Homeownership and Business Assistance Act of 2009 extended the credit’s closing date from Nov. 30, 2009, to April 30, 2010, and added rules for homes purchased after Nov. 6, 2009, including:

* You must be at least 18 on the purchase date (only one spouse must be 18) and cannot be claimed as a dependent.
* Purchase price cannot exceed $800,000.
* If the sale doesn’t close by April 30, 2010, you may still qualify if there’s a binding contract to purchase by that date. The sale must close before July 1, 2010, and the credit cannot be claimed before the closing date.

Purchase date and modified adjusted gross income (MAGI) determine credit phase out. If the purchase date was before Nov. 7, 2009, full credit is available to those with an MAGI up to $75,000 ($150,000 for joint filers). If you have an MAGI between $75,000 and $95,000 ($150,000 and $170,000 for joint filers), you’re eligible for reduced credit. Higher incomes do not qualify.

If the purchase date is after Nov. 6, 2009, full credit is available to those with an MAGI of up to $125,000 ($225,000 for joint filers). If your MAGI falls between $125,000 and $145,000 ($225,000 and $245,000 for joint filers), you could receive a reduced credit. Higher incomes don’t qualify.

“Current homeowners looking for a different or new home may also qualify for the First-Time Homebuyer Credit,” Dolmage says. “The Worker, Homeownership and Business Assistance Act modified the credit to allow for up to $6,500 if you purchase a replacement home before April 30, 2010. You must have lived in the same principal residence for a five-consecutive-year period during the eight-year period that ends on the purchase date of the replacement home.”

In addition:

* You must buy, or enter into a binding contract to buy, a principal residence after Nov. 6, 2009, and before May 1, 2010, and close on it before July 1, 2010.
* The credit phases out for those with an MAGI between $125,000 and $145,000 ($225,000 and $245,000 for joint filers).
* 2009 purchases must be claimed on a 2009 return; 2010 purchases can be claimed on a 2009 or 2010 return.

All homeowners can claim tax credits for green improvements. The Residential Energy Property Credit is worth 30 percent, up to $1,500, for improvements such as adding insulation or installing energy-efficient windows, doors, or heating and air conditioning systems. Bigger improvements involving alternative energy equipment, like solar hot water heaters, geothermal heat pumps and wind turbines can be claimed under the Residential Energy Efficiency Property Credit. This credit is equal to 30 percent of the cost of the qualified property, with no limit on the maximum amount of the credit available.

New tax laws also include breaks for children, college expenses, new vehicles, unemployment and several other areas. Information about all 2009 tax law changes can be found at www.IRS.gov.

 ”You can see exactly how the changes will affect your 2009 taxes with TaxACT Free Federal Edition,” Dolmage adds.”  With TaxACT, all taxpayers can prepare, print and e-file their IRS return for free. Go to www.TaxACT.com to get started.”

Courtesy of ARAcontent

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Take The Chill Out Of Heating Costs

(NAPS)—Making smart decisions can have a big impact on your heating bills.

That’s a good thing, since, according to the Department of Energy, homeowners can expect to spend an average of $1,442 on heating bills this year, and with the turbulent economy and rising energy costs, most people are closely watching their dollars these days. Here are two low-cost tips to help you take the chill out of your house—and a bite out of your heating bills:

1.  Use a programmable thermostat. With a programmable thermostat, you can set the temperature higher for when you are home and awake, and lower at night when you are sleeping or for when you are away. “Setting and forgetting” will allow the thermostat to do the work for you, and allow you to reduce heating costs when you don’t need the heat operating at full blast.

In fact, according to the Alliance to Save Energy organization, lowering your thermostat by just one degree can save you 4 percent in heating costs. Based on this information, if every household in the U.S. turned their thermostat down two degrees, they could save up to 8 percent on heating costs—depending on the type of heating and where they live. Nationally, savings could total more than $11.1 billion a year.

2.  Purchase a portable heater. With portable heaters, you can turn down your central heating and save hundreds of dollars in heating bills annually. Just turn on a portable heater in the room you’re in.

To quickly and easily view how much you could save on heating costs if you turn your thermostat down and turn a portable heater on, use the free, interactive “savings calculator” at www.honeywellheat savings.com. The site also provides a guide for how to buy a portable heater, safety tips and additional energy-saving information.

With a couple of easy steps, you can help to keep your house warm and comfortable while taking control of your heating costs.

Check out his short video on a fully functional boiler from the early 1900’s. Old Boiler Heating System