| How to Keep Hydrangeas Alive Posted: 06 Jul 2018 05:00 PM PDT Hydrangeas are beautiful flowering plants that come in a variety of colors and sizes. If you want to keep your outdoor hydrangea plants looking nice, be sure to water them and prune them regularly. For cut hydrangea stems, try dipping the tips in alum spice powder, changing the vase water regularly, and dunking the hydrangea blooms in lukewarm water. EditMaking Cut Hydrangeas Live Longer - Cut the stems at an angle. Give your hydrangea stems a deep diagonal cut across the bottoms. A diagonal cut will help minimize damage to the stem ends[1]
- Cutting the stems under warm running water will help prevent potentially damaging air bubbles from forming on the stem.
- Dip the hydrangea stems in alum spice powder after cutting the stems. Place a bit of alum powder on a plate, about deep. Once your hydrangea stems are cut, dip each individual stem in the alum powder. Then place the stem in a vase with water and arrange the flowers. This will help the blooms thrive for a longer period of time.[2]
- You should be able to find alum in the spice section of any grocery store.
- Place the cut stems in lukewarm water immediately after cutting. Once you've cut the stems, you'll need to get your hydrangea in water as quickly as you can. Fill a clean vase up with to of lukewarm or room temperature water.[3]
- Do not crush the stem ends, as this can prevent your hydrangea from hydrating.
- Mist the petals with water once a day. Hydrangeas actually absorb more water from their petals than through their roots and stems. If you have cut hydrangeas that you want to keep looking nice, you'll need to gently mist the petals with water each day to keep them hydrated.[4]
- Use a spray bottle with a gentle misting stream so as not to damage the delicate petals.
- Replace the vase water every day. Fresh water will help your hydrangea blooms stay properly hydrated, and prevent them from wilting as quickly. Remove your cut hydrangeas from the vase and discard the old water. Refill the vase with fresh room-temperature water.[5]
- Rinse out the vase to remove any debris before adding the fresh water.
- Add ice to the vase if your hydrangeas wilt when exposed to high temperatures. For hydrangeas that have begun to wilt, fill the vase with 2 parts ice and 1 part water. This will help cool the plants down if they are overheated.[6]
- You should start to see improvements after one day. Feel free to continue the ice/water treatment for several days in an attempt to revive your hydrangeas.
- Dunk the flower heads in warm water if they start to wilt. If your hydrangea blooms begin wilting, you can give them a bit of life support by submerging them in a bowl of warm water for up to 30 minutes.[7]
- Be careful when lifting the hydrangea back up, as the water can make them quite heavy.
EditCaring for Planted Hydrangeas - Plant your hydrangeas with sun exposure and protection from the wind. Hydrangeas need direct sunlight to thrive, so plant them in a spot that has either full or partial sun exposure. Your hydrangea should also be planted away from the wind.[8]
- Winds can actively dry your hydrangea plants even further, so be sure to protect your plant from the wind and hydrate it frequently.
- Plant hydrangeas in moderate climates. Hydrangeas thrive in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 3-9. The ideal temperature is around during the daytime and just under at night. If it is hotter than this, the blooms might wilt. And in colder temperatures, the foliage may suffer from frost.[9]
- In the fall, hydrangeas are making buds that will bloom the following year. During this time, hydrangeas need a 6-week period of temperatures below for the buds to set.
- Use standard potting soil or compost to plant your hydrangeas. If you plant your hydrangeas in the ground (instead of in a pot), make sure to add some potting soil or bagged compost to the potting hole to help the plant handle the transition. But remember that the color of the hydrangea flowers is determined by the soil's pH level.[10]
- A high number of aluminum ions in the soil will produce blue hydrangea blooms.
- A pH level of 6.0 and above will produce pink hydrangea blooms.
- White hydrangea blooms are not affected by the pH level of the soil.
- Water the hydrangeas each day so that the soil remains moist. Hydrangeas need to stay hydrated to survive, especially during the first couple of years. If the soil is too dry, the leaves and petals will start wilting. Try watering your hydrangea plants each day – just enough water to keep the soil moist – and see how they do. At a minimum, water your hydrangea plant at least 3 times per week.[11]
- You may want to water less if you live in a particularly rainy climate, or more if you live in a very dry climate.
- If the leaves start wilting, try watering more. If the plant starts looking sticky or wet, consider watering it less frequently.
- Keep your hydrangea plant pruned. While it may seem counterproductive to cut off some of the plant to improve health and growth, this is actually a very common practice. Prune away any older stems or shoots that seem to be wilting or fading.[12]
- Always cut above a node on the stem.
- Removing old growth will make room for new growth!
- Cover the plant with leaves or mulch in the fall to protect it from frost. If you want your hydrangeas to survive the cold season, it's a good idea to cover them from the fall season until the spring when the weather starts warming up again. This will protect them from the cold weather and ward off any damage caused by frost. Cover the plant with of bark mulch, pine needles, leaves, or straw.[13]
- You may want to cover the entire plant by making a loose cage of chicken wire and placing it over the plant. Fill the inside of the cage with leaves and mulch to keep the plant insulated from the cold.
- Don't use maple leaves for this project, as they deteriorate too quickly.
- Prevent gray mold by trimming the affected area and spraying with fungicide. Botrytis blight, also called gray mold, is a fungal disease that commonly affects hydrangea plants. If you see a fuzzy gray spot on your hydrangea plant, you need to trim it off immediately. Cut off the affected area and discard it. Then spray your hydrangea plant with an organic fungicide that will help protect it from further infection.[14]
- Be sure to disinfect your pruning shears with household disinfectant between each cut to prevent the fungal spores from spreading.
- You can use sulfur (liquid spray or wettable powder) as a fungicide. Just be sure to stop using the sulfur when the temperature rises above , as sulfur can damage the plant in hot weather.
- Try to water from beneath the branches to prevent the leaves from getting too wet. This will help prevent gray mold.
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| How to Drive a Van Posted: 06 Jul 2018 09:00 AM PDT Larger than cars and smaller than semi trucks, vans are a perfect solution for people who need to transport a lot of things but still want to use a relatively cheap and compact vehicle. Whether you're renting a van or using your own, knowing some simple rules of the road will help keep you and everyone around you safe. EditGetting Ready to Drive - Adjust your seat and mirrors. Move your seat until you can reach the pedals comfortably while still seeing all your mirrors. Adjust your mirrors so that you can clearly view the adjacent roads and just a small amount of the van's edge. Since they're designed to hold cargo, many vans do not include a rear-view mirror, making your side mirrors more important.[1]
- Some vans have extendable side mirrors designed for people carrying trailers. When using this feature, adjust the mirrors so that when the van and trailer are perfectly aligned, you can see a tiny bit of the trailer.
- Familiarize yourself with the dashboard. Unlike semi trucks, most modern vans have similar dashboards to cars. However, the gauges and icons may look or be arranged differently, so take some time to learn their design and placement. Keep an eye out for features specific to larger vehicles, like multiple gas tanks, or modern vehicles, like dashboard cameras.
- If you have trouble figuring out what different gauges or icons represent, consult your user manual.
- Load your cargo evenly and secure it with bungee cords. Many vans, especially cargo vans, are built to accommodate large packages and bulky furniture. When packing multiple items, distribute weight as evenly as possible between the front, rear, left, and right sides of the van. To keep items from shifting during transit, hold them in place with bungee cords strapped to the van's interior hook holes.
- Stay under the weight limit. If you're hauling cargo, make sure whatever you pack stays within your van's hauling limit. This will prevent potential auto damage and ensure the van drives correctly. This number is typically listed in your van's user manual. If you cannot find the number, search the van's model online or contact the dealership you purchased or rented it from.[2]
- Acquire van insurance or certification if necessary. If you are borrowing or renting a van, make sure you purchase temporary insurance for the time you intend to use it. Depending on your area and the size of the van, you may need to apply for local or state certification before legally driving the vehicle. To check if your area requires such certification, contact your local branch of the Department of Motor Vehicles.[3]
- Practice driving the van in empty parking lots and small streets. Vans can be difficult to adjust to, so take some time to practice your driving skills before actually heading out on the road. Empty parking lots and small, unoccupied streets are perfect places to test how the van accelerates, brakes, and turns without putting yourself and others in unnecessary danger.[4]
EditDriving Safely - Drive with 2 hands firmly on the wheel. No matter what vehicle you're using, it's important to keep 2 hands on the wheel at all times. To give yourself maximum control, imagine that your steering wheel is a clock and keep your hands at the 9-o'clock and 3-o'clock positions. This is particularly important for vans because, if you don't keep a firm grasp on the wheel, you could lose control of the vehicle and cause a rollover.[5]
- Leave extra space between you and other vehicles. Vans are heavier and bulkier than normal cars, meaning they take longer to brake. To account for this, leave more space than normal between yourself and other cars. As a general rule, leave at least 4 seconds of distance between you and the car in front of you.[6]
- To calculate how far behind a car you are, wait until the car passes a clear object or road marker. As soon as it does, count how many seconds it takes until you pass that same object.
- Obey van specific speed limits. Depending on the area and the exact size of the vehicle, your van may be subject to special speed restrictions different from the posted speed limit. In most cases, this will be per hour lower than the max for standard cars. To see if an area you're traveling in enforces van-specific speed limits, contact the local Department of Motor Vehicles or search online for local driving regulations.[7]
- Slow down more than normal when approaching turns. Vans are tall and narrow, which means they're more prone to tipping over. Though not usually a problem on straight paths, this can make turning more precarious. To minimize the risk of tipping, slow down to around per hour before making sharp turns.[8]
- Make wide turns. To avoid colliding with curbs, road signs, and other vehicles, make sure your van is positioned in the left or right-most lane, depending on which direction you need to turn. Make sure other vehicles are far enough away from the van that you won't side sweep them when turning. Then, make your turn, waiting until you are far enough into the intersection that your vehicle's back end won't hit other cars.[9]
- Check your mirrors before backing up or changing lanes. Before changing lanes or backing up, put on your blinkers to indicate your intentions. Then, check all your mirrors for other cars and pedestrians. If your cargo van has a clear back window, turn your head and look through it to make sure there are no cars in your blind spot.[10]
- If necessary, get out of your van to check the surroundings before backing up.
- Be cautious before going under bridges and other low ledges. Though vans are not as large as semi trucks, they are significantly taller than normal cars, meaning they may not be able to go under bridges and ledges other vehicles can. Before going under a low ledge, check the clearance sign on top to see if your van is short enough to fit underneath. Do not go under ledges that are lower than your vehicle.[11]
- Most major bridges are tall enough to accomodate semi trucks, so look out primarily for old, small-town bridges and clearance poles at places like gas stations and fast food restaurants.
EditParking Properly - Park in large, open spots and designated areas. Vans are typically longer than standard cars and require more room to park. When pulling into traditional parking lots, look for areas on the side of the lot where you can parallel park, open areas with multiple spots you can occupy, or areas sectioned off for large vehicles. If none of these areas are available, use your best judgement and either park carefully, wait for an opening, or find another lot.
- Back into parking spots to make getting out easier. Whenever possible, you should back into parking spots instead of pulling into them. To do this, pull in front of the parking spot, brake, and put your car in reverse. Scan your mirrors to make sure the area is clear, then turn your wheel toward the spot and gently release your brake pedal. Slowly back your van into the parking spot, readjusting your vehicle as necessary.[12]
- Place a spotter or traffic cone behind the vehicle to make backing up easier.
- Parallel park when normal spots aren't available. Find a space large enough for your van and park next to the car in front of it. Then, put your van in reverse and release the brakes. When your side window is lined up with the car's back bumper, turn your steering wheel toward the parking space and back into it. Once your car is at a 45-degree angle, turn your steering wheel away from the parking space and back up until you're completely in the parking spot.[13]
- Apply your parking brake. Vans are far larger and heavier than most vehicles, meaning they're more prone to rolling while parked. To avoid this, make sure to apply your parking brake whenever you're not inside the vehicle. Most parking brakes are controlled via a pedal below the steering wheel or a lever near the shift controls. If you have trouble finding the parking brake, consult the van's user manual.[14]
- To avoid damaging the vehicle, only apply the brake when the van is in park.
- Remember to release the parking brake before driving.
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| How to Treat Flea Bites on Dogs Posted: 06 Jul 2018 01:00 AM PDT Fleas are a real pain for you and your dog. If you notice your dog itching or scratching more than usual, check them for signs of fleas including eggs, bite marks, and flea dust. Generally, you can get rid of these pests at home using topical flea treatments such as shampoos and collars. Before anything else, though, you should talk with your vet to ensure that you are using the right treatment and the right dose for your dog. EditIdentifying Fleas - Look for small red dots, flea dirt, and flea eggs on your dog's skin. One of the most conspicuous signs of fleas are what they leave on your dog. Take a close look at your dog's skin to see if they have any small, red, raised bite marks. Additionally, fleas often leave behind "flea dirt," which will look like small, dark grains of sand, as well as small white eggs that resemble tiny grains of rice.[1]
- If your dog has an allergic reaction to the bite, the red area may be larger.
- If your dog has dark fur, run a flea comb once through its fur to check for signs of fleas. Then, tap the comb on a white paper towel to see if any flea dirt or eggs fall off.
- Watch your dog to see if they scratch excessively. Excessive scratching, licking, and biting at the skin is another clear sign your dog may have fleas. Watch your dog's behavior to see if they are suddenly itching, biting, or licking at their skin more than is typical.[2]
- Look for irritation and scabs on your dog's skin. Scabs, bald spots, and inflammation can be indicative of a number of skin conditions, including fleas. If you suspect fleas, take a look at your dog's coat to see if the they have any areas of irritation, bald spots, or scabs.[3]
- If you find any of these symptoms present on your dog, call your vet. In addition to being a sign of fleas, these symptoms could be signs of ticks, mange, and other canine skin conditions.
- Use a flea comb. If you think your dog may have fleas, you can buy a flea comb from most pet stores. Use the comb to check for fleas, as well as anything fleas may leave behind. Flea combs can make it easier to identify fleas, along with flea eggs and flea dust.[4]
- Look for jumping adult fleas. In severe cases, you may actually see adult fleas jumping on your dog's back when it moves. Take your dog to the vet right away for treatment.
- The severity of the case also depends on your dog, so don't panic. The vet will be able to tell you how bad it is and prescribe treatment accordingly.
EditTreating a Flea Infestation - Check with your vet. Before using a home treatment, talk to your vet to make sure you get the right product for your dog. Different sized dogs will require different dosages, and young puppies may be too small or young for certain medications. Call or schedule an appointment with your vet to make sure you get the right flea treatment for your dog's specific needs.[5]
- Use a flea shampoo to kill fleas. Flea shampoo is a fast-acting way to kill fleas on your dog. It's a first line of defense, though, and will only last for about a week, so take your dog to the vet for a more permanent oral medication as well. Read over the packaging to make sure you apply the correct amount to the correct areas on your dog. Repeat the bath as recommended by the packaging or your vet.[6]
- Too much topical flea treatment can be irritating and potentially dangerous for your dog. Be careful about using the right amount for your dog's size and age.
- Use your flea comb to brush out your dog after they dry to help remove any residual flea eggs.
- Applying the flea shampoo correctly should leave very little residue on your dog's fur, but still be sure to rinse well afterwards.
- Apply a flea and tick prevention medication to your dog's fur. The same medication that you use to keep fleas and ticks off your dog can be used to help kill a flea infestation. This treatment is more gradual, so it is most effective when combined with a fast-acting treatment such as a flea shampoo.[7]
- Topical treatments such as Advantage and flea collars can both help manage a flea infestation.
- Flea collars only target adult fleas. You'll still need to treat your dog with a medication that targets the eggs and fleas in developmental stages, in case any were left over after the bath.
- Get a prescription for stubborn flea infestations. If your dog has a flea infestation that is causing them a severe amount of discomfort or is otherwise difficult to dismiss, make a vet appointment. Your vet can prescribe medication to get rid of a stubborn infestation, and to help keep your dog comfortable during treatment.[8]
- Always carefully follow your vet's instructions for administering the medication. Pay special attention to things like dosage, what time of day it should be administered, how many times a day it should be administered, and potential side-effects.
- Treat your house immediately to prevent a recurrence. Wash your dog's bed, blankets, clothes, and cloth toys in the washer, using dog-safe detergent and the "sanitation" setting if your washer has one. Disinfect bowls and plastic toys with hot water and dish soap. To remove fleas on the floor or carpet, place a flea collar inside your vacuum bag and vacuum up your dog's common areas. Empty the vacuum frequently.
- Flea-proofing your environment right after an infestation will get rid of any fleas or eggs that happened to fall off and escape.
EditPreventing Future Flea Bites - Use regular flea and tick prevention. You can find flea and tick prevention in tablet, topical, and collar forms at most pet stores. Pick a method that works for your dog, and use it regularly. Apply topical treatment or administer the pill as instructed by your vet or the medication's packaging. Likewise, flea collars should be changed as recommended by the collar manufacturer.[9]
- Brush them with a flea comb. Regular brushing with a flea comb can help get rid of fleas before they spread. Brush your dog weekly with a flea comb to help get rid of fleas before they can lay eggs and create a full infestation.[10]
- Wash your pet's belongings weekly. Help keep fleas away from your pet by washing their bed and blankets, bowls, toys, and clothing like sweaters weekly. Use hot water and a dog-safe laundry detergent to wash fabrics, using the "sanitation" cycle if your washing machine has one. Wash your dog's dishes and plastic toys with hot water and dish soap.[11]
- Keep your house clean. To keep fleas away from your dog, you need to keep them out of your home. Vacuum in the areas where your pet regularly rests, and use flea spray or flea traps around your home. This is especially important if your dog has had a previous flea infestation.[12]
- The right solution for your home will depend on your particular environment. If your dog has suffered from repeated flea infestations, opting for something like a flea bomb can help you get rid of a lot of pests quickly.
- Flea traps work well as a safety measure in homes where infestations are already controlled.
- Isolate any infested pets. Keep fleas from spreading from pet to pet by keeping any infested pets secure in their own space. This could include keeping a dog with a minor infestation in a room with a closed door to make sure no other pets can enter. If you have a more significant infestation around your house, you may want to take non-impacted pets to a stay with a friend or at a boarding facility until the fleas clear up.[13]
- Isolation should not seem like a punishment. Make sure your dog has access to plenty of food and fresh water, as well as comfort items like blankets, beds, and toys. Spend ample time with them every day. The point is to keep the fleas from spreading, not to ignore them or make them feel bad.
- Always wash your hands and change your clothes after you have interacted with a flea infested pet before you allow any other animals to come in contact with you.
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