6/10

Bring Plants Indoors

Kayla Gajdascz, president and co-founder of Mental Houseplants, is accustomed to bracing Massachusetts winters. She shared her tips for migrating houseplants back indoors during colder seasons.

• Pest prevention and control: “Inspect each plant,” she says. “If you see signs of unwanted visitors, isolate the affected plant and treat it with natural or chemical solutions as needed. For a more eco-friendly approach, try neem oil or a mixture of water and dish soap as a mild pesticide.”
• Pruning and repotting: Gajdascz says pruning will promote healthy growth during the winter, while repotting will prevent root-bound stress and give your plants adequate space to thrive.
• Adjust light and temperature: “Gradually acclimate your plants to lower light levels to prevent shock,” she says. “Place them in locations with filtered or indirect sunlight at first, then gradually move them closer to their final winter spots. Be mindful of temperature fluctuations and avoid placing plants near drafts or heating vents.”
• Regular inspection: Inspect your plants regularly, keeping an eye out for any signs of stress or pest reinfestation.  “Address issues promptly to ensure your indoor garden flourishes throughout the colder months,” Gajdascz says.

7/10

Scrub Mudroom/Entryway Floors

Martin O’Callaghan is a carpenter and designer for Munster Hardwood Flooring. He recommends cleaning a frequently-used but often-neglected area of the home: mudroom floors.

“The summer comes with toys getting dragged from the back garden, out the front and back through again, causing the build-up of dirt at entryways to become especially bad,” O’Callaghan says. “Loose dirt and debris may cause a lot of damage, especially around entrances and other places where there may be a lot of foot traffic.”

At the same time, he emphasizes the importance of not over-cleaning. Simply keep a mop near your entryways for the occasional quick wipe-down.

“If you keep cleaning the wood and adding more water, you run the danger of permanently warping it,” he says. “If your floors are still wet several minutes after cleaning, you’re using far too much water.

“It’s also important to remember that hardwood floors should never, ever be cleaned with steam. Steam mops are growing in popularity, but the rapid changes in temperature and moisture will cause the wood to warp.”

8/10

Protect the Pool

Angela Rubin of Ontario’s Hellamaid shares a tip for those who enjoy a pool during summer. “Properly closing your swimming pool for the season prevents damage caused by freezing temperatures,” she says.

“I learned this lesson when I didn’t properly balance the chemicals and cover my pool last year as well, resulting in cracked tiles and an expensive repair bill. Ensure you clean the pool, balance the water chemistry, and cover it securely to avoid costly repairs come spring.”