| How to Grow Crabapple Trees Posted: 12 Aug 2017 05:00 PM PDT A crabapple tree is a flowering tree that adds lovely color to any landscape. In the fall, the tree also produces edible fruit and often offers attractive fall foliage, which gives it multi-season appeal. You can grow a crabapple tree from seeds or purchase a young tree at a nursery for planting. The most important step in growing a healthy tree, though, is ensuring that it receives full sun and is watered thoroughly. EditTreating the Seeds for Planting - Mix the seeds with compost. Place a handful of crabapple seeds in a pot or other gardening container. Add two to three handfuls of peat-free compost to the container, and combine the two fully.[1]
- You can substitute leaf mold compost if you prefer.
- Moisten the mixture. Once the seeds and compost are mixed, add some water to the mixture to moisten it. You want to add just enough that when you squeeze a handful of the seed mixture, only a couple of drops of water emerge.[2]
- If you add too much water to the mixture, mix in a little more of the compost to help dry it out.
- Place the mixture in a plastic bag. When the seed mixture is properly moistened, transfer it from the pot to a plastic bag. Tie the top of the bag loosely in a knot to close it.[3]
- Store the bag in the refrigerator for about three months. Once the seed mixture is sealed in the plastic bag, set it in the refrigerator. The vegetable crisper drawer is an ideal spot to store the seed mixture. Don't keep it in the freezer. Allow the mixture to chill for approximately 12 to 14 weeks, or until the seeds begin to sprout.[4]
- Chilling the seed mixture in the refrigerator for several months helps expose them to cool and moist conditions so they can effectively germinate.
- At the 10 week mark, check the seeds regularly for signs of growth. If they've begun to sprout, it's time to plant them.
- Ideally, you should time the seed preparation process so the seeds are sprouting and ready to plant in early spring or fall.
EditSowing the Seeds - Choose a sunny, well-drained spot for planting. When you're planting crabapple trees, finding the right location is key. They require a site that provides full sun, so avoid shady spots. In addition, the area should have well-drained soil so the roots don't become soggy.[5]
- You can tell if soil is well-drained by digging a hole approximately 12- to 18-inches (30- to 46-cm) deep and wide and filling it with water. If the water drains in 10 minutes or less, you have soil that drains well. If it takes an hour or longer, the soil drains poorly.
- Spread the seeds over the area. Once you've found the right spot to plant the crabapple trees, rake the area to create small furrows in the soil. Carefully sprinkle the prepared seeds in a thin layer over the area, so they fall into the furrows.[6]
- Press the seeds into the soil. After you've spread the seeds over the area, run an empty seed roller tool over the spot. That will press the seeds into the soil to increase the likelihood of effective germination.[7]
- You can usually rent a seed roller tool from your local home improvement center or garden supply center.
- If you don't have a roller tool, you can press the seeds into the soil with a board.
- Cover the seeds with grit. After the seeds are pressed into the soil, sprinkle a layer of horticultural grit over them. Aim for ⅕- to ⅖-inch (5- to 10-mm) layer over the seeds.[8]
- Horticultural grit is a sand-based soil amendment that helps improve soil structure and drainage by creating pockets that hold water and air. It is sometimes sold as soil cover or washed sand.
- Water thoroughly. When you've covered the seeds with grit, use a watering can to water the area. The soil should be moist, but without any standing puddles on the surface.[9]
EditPlanting Store-Bought Trees - Find a sunny spot that drains well. A crabapple tree requires regular direct sunlight, so choose a location for it that doesn't have much shade. Next, make sure that area has well-drained soil to keep the tree's roots healthy.[10]
- Check to see if your soil drains well by digging a hole that's between 12- to 18-inches (30- to 46-cm) deep and wide. Fill the hole with water, and observe how long it takes to drain. If it drains in 10 minutes or less, the soil drains well. If the water drains in an hour or longer, the soil doesn't drain well.
- Clear the area. Before you plant a young crabapple tree, it's important to make sure that the spot is free of debris. Remove any rocks, weeds, or other items that might interfere with the tree's growth.[11]
- Dig a hole as deep as but wider than the tree's root ball. Examine the tree's root ball before you plant it. Use a shovel to create a hole in your chosen location that's as deep as the root ball but two to three times as wide.[12]
- When you set the tree in the hole, the top of the root crown should be level with or just slightly above the soil.
- If you are planting more than one crabapple tree, space them at least 10- to 20-feet (3- to 6-meters) apart.
- Mix some compost into the soil. If the soil in your chosen area isn't in very good condition, it's a good idea to add some type of amendment to it. Add a small amount of compost to the soil that you've removed from the hole to create a healthy mixture for surrounding the tree.[13]
- If the soil that you're planting in is in good condition, there's no need to add compost.
- Set the tree in the hole and fill it halfway with soil and water. Lift the tree out of its container and place it in the hole that you've dug. Fill in the hole approximately halfway with the soil, and then water the hole well to help settle the soil.[14]
- Wait for the water to drain and fill the hole in with soil. Let the tree sit for several minutes until the water drains completely down into the soil. Next, fill the hole in the rest of the way with the soil so it completely surrounds the base of the tree.[15]
- Don't compact the soil around the tree too tightly.
EditCaring for the Crabapple Trees - Apply compost and mulch in the spring. To keep the tree growing healthy, spread a layer of compost beneath it each spring. Extend it out to the dipline, or the area under the tree's outer branches. Next, apply a 2-inch (5-cm) layer of mulch to help the soil maintain its moisture and prevent weeds from growing.[16]
- Keep the mulch 3- to 4-inch (7.5- to 10-cm) away from the tree trunk so the roots don't become soggy.
- Water the trees early in the day. In warm weather, crab apple trees require regular watering if the rainfall is less than 1-inch (2.5-cm) a week. Provide 1- to 2-inches (2.5- to 5-cm) of water once a week during its first year. It's best to avoid watering the tree later in the day when the temperature is cooler, though, because it may lead to mildew.[17]
- After the first year, a crabapple tree doesn't usually require watering unless you're experiencing drought conditions.
- Check the soil beneath the tree regularly to ensure that it's moist. If the soil feels dry, it's time to water it.
- Prune damaged branches. To prevent disease and other issues, you should remove dead, broken, or diseased branches in late winter. Use a pair of sharp garden shears to prune away the problem branches so your tree continues its healthy growth.[18]
- Thick branches may require a saw for pruning.
- While a crabapple tree blossoms with pink and white flowers in the spring, it also produces edible fruit in the fall so it provides year-round interest in your landscape.
EditThings You'll Need - Crabapple seeds
- Pot
- Peat-free compost
- Plastic bag
- Rake
- Seed roller
- Horticultural grit
- Shovel
- Mulch
- Saw
- Garden shears
EditSources and Citations
Cite error: <ref> tags exist, but no <references/> tag was found
|
| How to Increase Driving Visibility in Rain Posted: 12 Aug 2017 09:00 AM PDT Driving in the rain, especially after dark, can cause dramatic declines in visibility. The best ways to improve driving visibility in the rain are to turn on your headlights and your windshield wipers. Stay away from large vehicles that leave a large spray in their wake. Keep your headlights clean and clear, and change windshield wipers that are aged or deteriorating. EditUsing and Maintaining Your Wipers - Turn your windshield wipers on. Unless your car comes with automatic wipers, you'll need to manually activate your windshield wipers to improve driving visibility in the rain. Windshield wipers typically have three different settings: slow, medium, and fast. If the rain is light, select the slow speed. If the rain is heavier (and your visibility is poorer), select a faster speed.[1]
- If you wish, you could use the high speed in low levels of rain, but it is not necessary.
- There is no objective criteria for determining whether you need a faster or slower wiper speed when driving in the rain. Using your best judgment, select the wiper speed that most closely corresponds to the rain's intensity at any given time.
- If you have a rear windshield wiper, activate it, too.
- Change old or brittle wiper inserts. The windshield wiper consists of two parts: the rubber wiper insert that swipes across the windshield and the metal blade that actually holds it. Check your wiper inserts regularly for stiffness or cracks, and replace them if you detect any.[2] Most windshield wiper inserts will need to be changed at least once every three years to improve visibility in rain.[3]
- Consult your owner's manual or an auto parts store for information regarding the type and size of wiper blades you need.
- Generally, wiper inserts can simply be slid into and out of the metal blade itself.
- If you regularly park your car outside, you'll probably have to replace your windshield wipers more often than if you park in the garage.
- Replace windshield wiper blades as needed. If your wiper blades are rusty, bent, or corroded, replace them, too. Use high-quality wiper blades, preferably ones coated with a rain repellent.[4]
- If there are areas of your windshield that do not get properly wiped when you use your wipers, you'll know that the wiper is bent or applying uneven pressure to the windshield.
- Generally, wiper blades can simply be unsnapped from the metal arm that holds the blade, then a new blade can be snapped in.
- Consult your owner's manual or your local auto parts store for information regarding the sort of wiper blades you need.
- Keep your wiper blades clean. Dirty windshield wiper blades can cause streaking and water beading. To clean your wiper blades, soak a lint-free cloth or paper towel in windshield washer fluid. Wipe the cloth or paper towel along the length of the blades. Turn the cloth or paper towel over as needed to ensure you're always wiping the blades with a clean area.[5]
EditUsing and Cleaning Your Headlights - Turn on your headlights. If you're driving in the rain on an overcast day or at night, your headlights can help you increase visibility. Even if you're driving in rain during the day, turning your headlights on is a good idea since it allows other vehicles to see you.[6]
- Many headlights have different settings. Choose the correct one for the existing conditions.
- For instance, if you're driving in light rain through a dark area, you might choose to use your brightest headlight setting.
- If you're driving through fog as well as rain, use your fog lights.
- Wash your headlights. If your headlights are caked in grime or dirt, they will not shine as brightly as they should. This could reduce your visibility when driving in the rain. To keep your headlights shining properly, wash them with soapy water either on their own or when you wash your car.[7]
- There is no regular schedule according to which you must wash your headlights. If your headlights appear less luminous than they previously were, or if they're visibly dirty, give them a wash.
- Scrub your headlights with sandpaper. For a deeper clean, soak a piece of 1000 grit wet/dry sandpaper in cold water. Apply painter's tape to the area of around the perimeter of your headlights. After 10 minutes, lightly sand the headlights, moving in straight strokes from side-to-side. Spray the headlight with water while you work.[8]
- Repeat the procedure using 1500 grit sandpaper, then 2000 grit, 2500 grit, and 3000 grit wet/dry sandpaper.
- Alternate the direction of your scrubbing each time. For instance, if you moved side-to-side with one piece of sandpaper, use an up-and-down scrubbing method for the next.
- When the discoloration, dirt, and scratches on the headlight are gone, move on to the next level of sandpaper.
- There is no regular schedule according to which you must engage in deep cleaning of your headlights. Give your headlights a deep cleaning with sandpaper if washing your headlights using the standard method produces inadequate results.
EditTaking Additional Measures - Don't follow trucks or buses closely. The spray produced by these large vehicles will decrease your visibility in rain. Try to keep several car lengths away from trucks and buses.[9]
- If you need to pass trucks or buses, do so quickly so as to minimize the time you spend behind or beside them, where you can experience significant spray.
- Put on some polarized glasses. If you're driving through rain during the day, put on a pair of polarized sunglasses to increase your driving visibility. If you're driving in rain at night, you will not be able to increase driving visibility by wearing polarized sunglasses.[10]
- Turn on the demisters if necessary. If the temperature of the rain and the temperature inside your vehicle are too different, your windows might fog over. To combat this and increase visibility when driving in the rain, turn on the demisters.[11]
- Slow down. Slowing your speed can give you extra time to see what's ahead. You should be able to see the space you'll be driving through at least 12 seconds before you pass through it. When driving in the rain, adjust your speed to meet this visibility standard.[12]
- Clean your windshield. Sometimes your windshield wipers are not strong enough to wipe away all the grime on your windshield. Dirt stuck to the top corners, especially, could dribble down during a rainstorm. The best way to get your windshield clean is to have it cleaned by a professional at your local auto wash. Alternately, you could soak a cloth or sponge in soapy water and wipe it across the windshield until the entire surface is clean.[13]
- Clean your windshield when it is dirty.
- Don't forget to clean your windshield wiper blades, too.
- Apply a coat of rain repellent to your windshield. Rain repellents will prevent rain from beading on your windshield. Instead, rain will roll smoothly off the windshield upon contact. Specific directions for use vary depending on the product you use. Generally, though, you can simply spray the repellent of your choice on the windshield, then wipe it away using a gentle circular motion.[14]
- Rain repellent solutions usually need to be applied once every six months.
- Keep a warm blanket, flashlight and an emergency kit in your car at all times. If you need to get off the road at any time, you will be ready.
- If conditions deteriorate to the point that you cannot see the road, pull over, turn on your hazard lights, and wait for the rain to abate.[15]
EditRelated wikiHows EditSources and Citations
Cite error: <ref> tags exist, but no <references/> tag was found
|
| How to Bathe a Pet Quail Posted: 12 Aug 2017 01:00 AM PDT Quails can sometimes get dirty from time to time, considering they are ground-dwelling birds. Although the likelihood that you will need to bathe your quail is slim (as they are capable of keeping themselves clean), you might have to step in to help your quail keep clean. This article will teach you how to bathe your quail. EditDeciding on Bathing Your Quail - Decide whether you need to bathe your quail. You should only ever bathe an animal if they need to be bathed. Constant cleaning is unhealthy and dangerous for any kind of pet. Their immunity levels can lower and certain chemicals in shampoos and soaps can irritate and dry their skin.
- If your quail desperately needs to be washed, or if advised by an avian vet, you can decide that it is necessary to bathe your bird.
- Understand the risks associated with bathing your quail. It's good to be knowledgeable on what can go wrong when you decide to clean your quail. Your bird's immunity levels lower when soaked with water, making them more prone to illnesses such as a cold, and they could also accidentally inhale the water. Soaps and shampoos can also irritate and dry out your quail's skin and get rid of the important oils on their feathers.
- This is why you shouldn't randomly decide your quail needs a bath when they actually don't. If your quail seems smelly to you, there's usually nothing to be concerned about and it's a poor reason to bathe your bird.
- Determine what the substance is that you need to clean off. Is it dirt or gum? If it is a tougher substance that won't easily come off, you will need to seek a vet for help. Coarse scrubbing in an attempt to get it off will harm your quail's feathers.
- Examine your quail's physical state. You should never attempt to bathe a quail that is weak or ill. If you attempt to bathe an already unhealthy quail, you will put them in a life-threatening position. You need to seek veterinary care to help your quail get better.
EditBathing Your Quail - Place your quail inside a warm room. You should bathe your quail in a warm area free from drafts. Alternatively, turn a heater on until the room has warmed up to a fair temperature. Never attempt to bathe a quail in the cold. They are prone to sickness this way.
- A bathroom is not ideal as the tiles make the room a lot colder. Unless you can find a heater that will easily heat the room, then don't use the bathroom. Instead, use a warm living room or bedroom.
- Get rid of other pets and threats. The room should be a safe and secure space for your quail. They should feel calm in their surroundings. If there is a chance your quail suddenly escapes, will they be safe in the room?
- Remove other pets from the room. Even a friendly animal can scare a small quail. Cats and dogs should be removed from the premises and so should other noisy birds such as budgies.
- Ensure there are no small children in the room. You may be using objects to preen your guinea pigs that shouldn't be touched by young children.
- Close all windows, doors and ensure the room is draft-free. Quails are more prone to illness if cold air can get into the room.
- Use a damp flannel or sponge to clean your quail. Before you attempt to give your quail a bath, you can always try to get rid of any dirt on your quail with a damp flannel or sponge. If this step doesn't work, move onto bathing your quail.
- Fill a shallow bucket with lukewarm water. The water should come up to the halfway length of your quail's body but not too deep. Be cautious with the water as your quail can easily inhale it.
- Firmly hold your quail and slowly place them in the water. Cup both hands over your quail's body and slowly place them in the lukewarm water. Use one hand to continue firmly holding the quail and your other to wipe away any dirty substances stuck to your quail. The water alone should clean any dirt on your quail.
- Refrain from using soap unless necessary. The chemicals in soaps and shampoos can irritate your quail's skin and remove important oils on their feathers, thus leading to dry and irritated skin.
- If the dirt isn't coming off with plain water, consider using a safe, gentle soap to remove it. Gently scrub the dirt with your finger and a slight drop of soap. A tiny drop of baby shampoo should be safe to use.
- Never wash your quail's face or ear region. These should be kept dry and away from the water. If you attempt to wash your quail's face and ear region, they are prone to inhaling water and irritating their eyes, nose, and ears. If there is dirt stuck to your quail's face, contact a vet for professional advice.
- Gently wrap the quail in a warm towel. Wrap the body of your quail, leaving their head exposed, and allow them to sit in the towel. Gentle blot away at your quail's feathers, partially drying them. Stroke along the feathers.
- Remember that at this stage, you should ensure that your quail is kept warm in a heated room.
- A blow dryer can be used to attempt to dry the quail's feathers, but it's not recommended as the heat can be too hot and stressful for your bird.
- Leave your quail in the towel to air dry. Your quail should be happily sitting in the towel. Not all the water can be dried through using a towel, so you will need to allow the quail to air-dry and preen itself as it does. Your quail should stay indoors until fully dry.
- Clip the wing feathers. Wing clipping isn't necessary, it can help prevent your quail from flying away or out of their cage. Get a friend to firmly hold the quail and then spread out their wing. Clip the tips of the flight feathers on both wings. Avoid cutting too close to the bone area.
- Wing clipping is an easy process, but if you're a little unsteady, you can always book an appointment with a bird groomer or veterinarian, especially if your bird is jumpy.
- Trim your quail's nails. Overgrown nails will need to be filed back or cut down. Take the opportunity to trim them now. You will need sharp nail clippers and watch out to not cut the quick. The quick is the red bloodline that is visible in the nail.
- Return your quail to their cage. Once dry and clean, your quail should be ready to be returned home. Avoid returning your quail to a dirty cage. Make sure he/she won't get dirty all over again by being returned. Never return a wet quail that hasn't fully dried yet.
EditPreventing Your Quail from Getting Dirty Again - Take the opportunity to clean your quail's pen. If dirty, you should opt towards cleaning the housing of your quail to keep them clean. It will benefit both you and your bird. Whilst the quail is currently not in their home, quickly clean it up.
- If you're using water to clean their home, do not place your quail back inside until both they and their housing are dry.
- Consider their type of housing. A large guinea pig cage is adequate for quails as it has a solid and clean bottom. In most cases they can be a lot cleaner than pens which are housed on the garden floor. Keep note of a few factors that will determine your quail's living conditions.
- A small cage will quickly get dirty compared to one with plenty of space to roam.
- Of course, placing your quail's pen on dirt will only set yourself up for failure. When winter time rolls in, that dirt will turn into wet mud. Grass or a solid floor bottom would be a cleaner option.
- Spot clean. Spot cleaning is a term used when you clean little patches of dirt around the cage daily. This can be sweeping up a pile of droppings or soiled bedding and rinsing the food and water dishes each day. Spot cleaning can be effective in making their cage stay clean and their bedding last.
- Disinfect the cage at least every two weeks. It's important that you perform a deep clean at least fortnightly as quails can make a lot of mess. Disinfect all around the cage including their water and food dishes. Add new bedding and sweep up the droppings.
- Allow for dust-bathing. Dust-bathing is your quail's way of keeping clean and grooming themselves naturally. Provide them with a shallow tub or dry dirt or sand and they will be encouraged to dust bathe. It's great for their feathers and health!
- Get a friend to help if you're struggling to bathe your quail. It's well-known that they can become jumpy when in contact with water.
- Avoid contact with water around the face and beak. Your quail can easily inhale water.
- Never return your quail back to their cage still wet. They are prone to illness and catching a cold.
- Some soaps will completely rid your quail from the natural oils in their feathers and skin - thus drying and irritating it. Refrain from using any sort of shampoo or soap.
|
No comments:
Post a Comment