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One of the most fundamental aspects of caring for a plant is ensuring it gets enough water. What many people don’t realize, however, is that the type of water that you feed to your plants can have a huge impact on their health. While tap water has been chemically treated to be safe for human consumption, the purification methods leave traces of chemicals like fluoride and chlorine, which can harm your plants, killing good bacteria on their roots. A simple way to circumvent this is to use a water filter to remove contaminants. This way, you can ensure that you are providing your plants with the purest kind of water, encouraging them to thrive.

The Characteristics of Water

Differences in the makeup of your water depend largely on the region you live in, mostly due to the type of rock at your water source.

Soft Water

When rain falls from the sky, it is naturally soft. However, if it meets a porous material like chalk or limestone when it reaches the ground, it soaks up minerals such as calcium and magnesium, making it ‘hard.’

So that these minerals don’t build up in our plumbing systems, most water is treated with water softeners, which work by replacing existing minerals with potassium or sodium ions.

The problem is that the elevated sodium content can trick your plants and lawn and disrupt their water balance. In a worst-case scenario, your plants will die of thirst, and the salt build-up in the soil will also prevent future plants from growing.

Hard Water

As you now know, the most prevalent minerals found within hard water are dissolved calcium and magnesium, which are responsible for limescale deposits and blockages in pipes, heating systems, and appliances.

Whilst you might be forgiven for thinking extra minerals can only benefit your plants, there can be too much of a good thing. Over time, these minerals can accumulate, reducing the presence of other essential nutrients and altering the pH levels in the soil.

Choosing the Right Water for Your Plants

Tap Water

Whilst many houseplants can survive on a diet of tap water, some more sensitive plants can suffer or even die. This is because of the trace chemicals left in treated water, most typically fluoride and chlorine. If you must use tap water to feed your plants, naturally dissipate the chlorine by leaving it in a container to sit (uncovered) for a day or so.

Rainwater

Rainwater is great for your plants as it is naturally soft. However, there are some cons to consider, such as difficulty collecting sufficient quantities and pollution, and high acidity if you live in the city or an industrial area.

Bottled Water

Bottled water can contain useful nutrients and minerals that encourage healthy plant growth; however, we would not recommend this method due to the serious environmental impact of plastic waste.

Filtered Water

Installing a water filter at home is easy and effective. You can remove dangerous viruses, bacteria, compounds, and toxins responsible for causing illness not just in plants but also in humans. Pre-filtering your water will not just boost growth in your leafy companions but improve the quality of your drinking water as well.

To help your plants live their best life, filtered water is your safest bet. You can be confident that any contaminants and nasty chemicals have been removed, and your plant’s roots can absorb all the hydrating water they need, free of impurities.

How to take care of your lawn organically? Is lawn care without chemicals possible? As the world is transitioning to more sustainable ways of living and doing business, we need to find better ways of taking care of our properties. A lush green lawn starts with healthy soil. The truth is that synthetic fertilizers and weed killers actually only work temporarily and deplete the soil over time. Fertilizers work on the blades of grass, making it look greener. The better way is to take care of your lawn naturally – from the ground up – as healthy soil is a sustainable way to take care of the lawn. Here are several steps that you can use to transform your property’s lawn into a thriving green paradise!

1. Test your soil

Your lawn requires the right pH levels to survive. Most grasses thrive in slightly acidic soils in the 6-7 pH range. If the pH levels go too acidic or too alkaline, you can end up with thin spots. You can get the soil testing kit at your local home and garden store or order it online.

2. Improve the soil based on the soil test results

Finding that balance is the perfect way to start working towards that lush lawn. Try adding lime if the ph level is below 6.0 or garden sulfur if it is above 7.0.

3. Aerating

Aerating is the process of removing 2-3 inch deep core plugs that consist of soil, thatch, and roots. Aerating ensures that air, water, and nutrients can reach the roots to develop the proper growth of your lawn. This type of lawn care service is typically recommended once a year.

4. Mow often, but not too short

Everyone loves a fresh, crisp lawn, but did you know you can actually cause your lawn harm if you mow it too short? Mowing your lawn too short makes it prone to weeds and drought. Grass needs a certain height to produce the proper amount of nutrients via photosynthesis, so both grass and roots are healthy.

5. Sharpen your mower blade

This one may seem obvious, but it’s crazy to hear how many people don’t do this! Why do you have to ensure that your lawn mower’s blades are sharp? Because a dull blade damages grass, therefore taking a long time to recover.

6. Leave the lawn clippings

Go bagless! Clippings break down quickly and return valuable nutrients to the soil. And you save time and won’t need to use plastic bags. Good for your lawn and the environment.

7. Get rid of weeds or pests

No one likes to look out their window and see a farm of weeds and other unwanted growth around their property. Use gardening tools that help to get rid of weeds while getting at the roots deeply and not removing too much soil around. You can use natural and organic agents such as gluten cornmeal during the beginning of the season to stunt the growth of weeds such as dandelion or plantain.

8. Water deeply but not too often

To water or not to water? Finding the perfect compromise for your lawn depends on a variety of factors. If you water it for not long enough, the roots won’t get enough moisture. Watering it too often encourages weed growth. Generally, watering is recommended to be done in the morning or evening time when the temperature isn’t very high so that it won’t evaporate a lot, and you save on water.

9. Overseed

If you’re searching for a luscious lawn this Summer, this is a key step in your yard care journey! Applying an overseeding mix after you mow the lawn will cover any dead patches on the lawn and help it return to its once-perfect state. (You might need to dethatch first if the dead layer is too thick). Make sure to water well the next few days.

10. Dethatching

Dethatching is usually recommended during the beginning of Spring to give your lawn a nice wake-up call for the warmer months ahead! This lawn care service is completed by using an electromechanical dethatcher with rotating steel tines or blades that quickly and thoroughly take care of your thatch problem.

11. Fertilizing

Natural and organic is the way to go when it comes to fertilizing! Choose from various organic fertilizers available on the market or use a local compost from a nursery nearby for the best results. Apply 1 cm. layer and distribute it evenly by raking it through your lawn. This will provide crucial nutrients needed in your soil.

Last Words

These are some important steps on how to take care of your lawn organically. Focus on the health of your soil by testing its pH and adjusting ph levels if necessary. Make sure to aerate once a year to provide the necessary nutrients to the soil. Take care of your lawn by cutting it often but not too short. Sharpen your mower blade for the best results. Overseeding and dethatching help to achieve the proper lawn consistency. If you don’t have enough time or tools to do all the work, you can hire a local natural lawn care company to help with your lawn maintenance.

Lighting and electricity go hand in hand. However, there are many ways to have outdoor lighting without electricity. There are wireless outdoor lighting systems such as solar, solar outdoor chandeliers, battery-operated outdoor lights, battery-operated outdoor chandeliers, solar garden globes, etc.

Numerous solar outdoor lighting options are not dependent on conventional electricity. So you don’t have to worry about power outages during the winter season. Aside from convenience and comfort, an outdoor light fixture fulfills other needs.

Outdoor light fixtures provide bright light for the external premises of your home. This illumination serves as a form of security because it can scare away home invaders or burglars. In addition, it enhances the ambiance of your outdoor surroundings for parties. It can also make you feel safe during strolls around your yard at dusk.

After carrying out some research into the subject, we’ve come up with a list of lighting fixtures that can illuminate your surroundings without electricity.

Before we do that, let’s first consider factors that should influence your choice.

Choose the Outdoor Lighting Fixtures

There are some essential factors to consider when choosing outdoor lighting fixtures. They include:

Outdoor Lighting Cost or Budget

Before deciding how to power outdoor lights, consider the cost of light fixtures and how much you can afford to spend on them. Outdoor light fixtures come in different types and have a wide range of prices.

Have a spending plan for your lighting project. Without budgeting, you may buy what you don’t need or spend more than you planned to. Budgeting gives you control over how much you spend and helps you buy what you can afford.

Color and Style of the Outdoor Light Fixture

What color and style of light fixture do you need on your premises? There are cool light fixtures and warm light fixtures. The color and style of your light fixtures influence the mood or ambiance of your premises. So first, determine what kind of ambiance you want.

Some colors provide illumination. On the other hand, other lighting colors provide illumination and give your outdoor settings a relaxing atmosphere. Cool light fixtures are ideal for this.

If you want to use your outdoor space for hosting a party, a warm light fixture will serve you best.

The durability of Outdoor Lights

Certain light fixtures last longer than others. For durability, we recommend going for LED lights. An LED light fixture can provide sufficient outdoor lighting and also save you the cost of frequent replacements.

This helps you save money. LED lighting is also a popular lighting option, and it’s used in many households.

Positioning of Light Fixture

Consider where you’re going to install the wireless outdoor lighting. Placing your light strategically can beautify your outdoor space. It will also add character and make it an appealing sight to onlookers. Good lighting placement also helps in preventing certain accidents.

Depending on where you want to install outdoor lighting systems, you can go for garden lights, path lights, porch lights, etc. First, consider the kind of lights that are ideal for your placement strategy.

Some lights are installed on the ground, some are installed on the wall of your home, and others are hung on tree branches.

Wattage

Outdoor lighting varies in wattage. So go for the one that meets your needs. If you’re installing lighting for decorative, ambiance, or accent purposes, go for lighting with lower wattage.

However, if you aim to light up the dark parts of your premises at night, go for lighting with higher wattage.

How to Power Outdoor Lights Without Electricity?

Solar Stake Lights

Solar lights are one of the best options to illuminate your premises without increasing your monthly utility bills. It draws its energy from the sun and converts it to electrical power through photovoltaic cells.

During the daytime, it uses its solar panels to accumulate enough power to provide night-time illumination for your premises. A cost-effective solar lighting option is solar garden lights.

Aside from the primary function of providing illumination at night, they also enhance the ambiance of your settings because they are accent lights.

Solar-powered lights are pretty easy to install because they don’t require electrical cords or wires. They are also lightweight, which is an added advantage. We advise you to install your solar-powered lighting where you’re likely to spend more time when you’re outdoors. Good examples are dining and seating areas.

Once the sun sets, your solar power feature lights will detect the absence of the sun and automatically switch on. It’s an intuitive lighting system.

Solar Outdoor Chandeliers

An outdoor chandelier powered by solar energy gives you unlimited options for decorating your patio, deck, gazebo, and other outdoor areas. Outdoor chandeliers are energy-efficient and eco-friendly lights. It’s accent lighting, adding aesthetic effect to your premises. It will also highlight outdoor features as well as your outdoor furniture.

Most outdoor hanging chandeliers are ambient lights. One unique advantage that comes with it is that you can install it anywhere. You can use it to provide lighting for a sculpture and enjoy the view at night. It can even offer aesthetics for an outdoor party.

This ambient light is weatherproof and safe to use during the rainy season. It also comes with rechargeable solar batteries.

Solar String Lights

If you want to install new light fixtures in your compound, this is an excellent option. String lights provide a warm glow. It’s an ideal outdoor lighting design if you’ll be hosting guests or parties frequently.

You can install this battery-operated outdoor lighting system anywhere. For instance, on your lawn, rooftop, or your furniture. You can choose a light string with LED lights to illuminate far corners of your premises. This way, you won’t need an extension cord.

Also, a light string connects to your phone like a smart home system. This makes it easy for you to operate or configure it. We also recommend you go for waterproof string lights so that illumination won’t be a problem when there is snow or rainfalls.

Battery-Powered Outdoor Lights

This is another ideal option for outdoor lighting without electricity. We recommend going with battery-powered lighting that is durable and can reach expansive areas.

Also, go for brands that use weather-resistant materials to design outdoor lighting. Please consider the duration of illumination, too. Good batteries can last for up to 10 hours for a session.

Some of these lights are equipped with a sensor responsive light. The motion sensor lighting switches on when it detects movements. This wireless functionality is excellent for security purposes.

We recommend switching off the light manually when you’re not using it to make the battery last longer.

Battery-Operated Outdoor Chandelier

This battery-powered outdoor lighting is lightweight and easy to install. It provides purely practical security and ambiance. Furthermore, it’s also cost-effective. With the flip of a switch, it can shine brightly on your outdoor premises.

Several of these battery-powered chandeliers come with teardrop-shaped bulbs to provide aesthetic lighting. They add glamour, style, and class to where you sit and dine outdoors. An added advantage is that you can hang this battery-powered outlet anywhere you choose.

No matter where you install the battery-operated chandelier, it will have a strong aesthetic effect. It’s a great choice if you frequently entertain your guests till the wee hours of the morning.

Solar Garden Globes

This is arguably the most aesthetic outdoor lighting option. It can be installed as a permanent fixture in your garden, and it doesn’t require electrical outlets, wires, or even solar panels.

This light comes with replaceable batteries, and it’s a buyers’ favorite because you can create a pattern of your choice. For example, you can decide to spread the globes or clutter them in a particular area.

This lighting is best placed on your patio and deck, besides your swimming pool and garden path. The color emissions from this lighting can make the appearance of your garden a view you can’t get tired of.

They can be installed with screws, and most of them are weatherproof. So you don’t have to worry about the weather when you’re installing them. They are versatile lights and can be installed anywhere on your outdoor premises.

Wax/LED Candles

This is old-fashioned for outdoor lighting, which is precisely where its appeal lies. They are incredibly affordable and easily accessible. Aside from providing illumination, you can use LED or wax candles to enhance the mood or create a romantic setting.

There are house owners who love old-fashioned lighting but don’t want the naked flame. For this category of buyers, we recommend flame-flickering LED candles. They resemble real wax candles, but they’re safer because their wax doesn’t drip.

So you can decide to go for LED or real candles. For wax candles, we recommend going for candles of various sizes. Use old but clean jars to place them, creating homemade lanterns in the process. You can even add some citronella oil to the wax to make a natural mosquito repellent.