When tending to potted plants and gardens, people may think soil is a general element that goes along with gardening and landscape, however the details are much more complex. When caring for a garden, it’s important to know the different variations of soil to best determine which will have the greatest impact on your horticultural efforts.

                Two of the most common, and confused, types of soil are topsoil and potting soil. While both have an important presence in gardening, it’s important to use each in its desired atmosphere to ensure the greatest development and growth. Just as it sounds, topsoil is the top layer of soil in a garden or flower bed. It is high in plant nutrients because it is comprised of decomposed leaves, grass clippings, and plant stems that give it many organic nutrients vital for plant growth. However, the word “top” is the key. Topsoil should only remain on the top, or outer, layer of a garden, and through environmental changes, it will combine with other layers of soil. Because topsoil is often a more compact type of soil, if placed in a tight or compressed place, such as a flower pot, it may cause drainage issues. Topsoil is often not aerated enough to allow plants to develop fully in a confined space, so it is best to keep top soil just on the bed of a garden where it is spread as a thin layer over other soil. Here are some more great benefits of using topsoil.

                On the other hand, potting soil is generally used in tight, confined spaces such as flower pots and planters, as indicated in its name. Potting soil tends to retain water and moisture better than topsoil which is one reason it is ideal for potted plants that may receive less water than an outdoor garden. Potting soil does not generally have as many organic nutrients as topsoil which makes it less successful for large outdoor area use. But, for individual planters or small flower pots, potting soil is an efficient product for a sustainable plant environment.

Whether you’re looking for topsoil, gravel, sand, limestone or SoilPlus, contact Jones Topsoil in Columbus, Ohio. We deliver our products right to your home and can help you decide which lawn care products are best for your outdoor lawn and garden needs.  Visit our website, jonestopsoil.com for a list of our products and services.

There are few things more annoying than dealing with pests inside the home. Your home is your place of comfort and relaxation, and it is certainly not a hotel for pests and other insects. Evicting pests from your home can be a simple process if the right methods are used. Often times, people refer to harsh chemicals and poison to clear their home of pests. However, the chemicals can be harmful to the air in your home, and most pests do play an important role in our environment. But, invading your home isn't one of them. Here are some tips to follow to naturally deter pests from entering your home.

Spiders

Spiders are among the creepiest types of pests that find a dwelling place in your home. But, one thing is certain; spiders do not like citrus fruits. Applying orange oil around window sills, door frames and small areas where spiders can enter your home will deter them from even considering inviting themselves inside. Any places that are dark and damp, such as under cabinets and inside closets, are most appealing to spiders. So, keeping those places clean and dry should help eliminate any potential issues.

Ants

Much like spiders, ants invite themselves inside to feast on tasty food and edible particles around the house. Using strong spices such as cloves, sage, peppermint, cayenne pepper and chili pepper sprinkled around problem areas should deter ants. They strongly dislike the scents of the spices listed above, so storing some in old socks and placing them inside cabinets and other small areas where ants typically reside, should reduce the infestation ants can produce. Ants are tiny enough to sneak through slight cracks between baseboards and walls, as well as small openings to the outside, so keeping those closed will keep ants from entering as well.

Flies

Flies are the most prevalent among the other pests listed above because they are more visible on a constant basis. Their loud buzzing and persistence about sharing our food can cause quite an annoyance. It’s important to be sure that all trash cans have lids, both indoors and out.  The smell of food is what initially attracts flies into the home, so keeping old or rotten food out of trash cans can help cut down the problem. They are also attracted to the smell of fresh fruit, so keeping fruit in the refrigerator or in a cloth bag will prevent fly access.

Using these natural pest controls should aid in keeping them out of your home, but for the most comprehensive evacuation and prevention methods, call on the professionals at Varment Guard in Columbus, Ohio.  Varment Guard pest control services takes control of your current situation and protects your home and yard against other pests. From bed bugs and cockroaches to wasps and raccoons, no pest is too big or too small for the experts at Varment Guard. Visit their website for more pest control information prevention and services. 

If you’re in need of a personal injury lawyer in central Ohio, look no further than Buckeye Law, the leading personal injury law firm in Columbus, Ohio. The loss of a loved one takes a great toll on the body; the last thing a victim should have to worry about is the legal aspect of the case, and which personal injury lawyer to choose to represent the party involved.

                The team at Buckeye Law is trustworthy and focused on providing solutions to families and individuals affected with a complex personal injury case. A personal injury affects more than just the physical side of harm. It affects your work, personal life and family. With extensive experience in different aspects of personal injury cases, you can assure Buckeye Law will provide the ultimate care and understanding when handling your case. The serious and complex personal injury cases generally include catastrophic injuries, which arise from motor vehicle collisions, motorcycle accident and trucking accidents.

Put your case in the hands of the team at Buckeye Law who are committed to ensuring their clients receive the greatest benefit and compensation they deserve. If you are a Columbus, Ohio resident who has been affected with a personal injury case, call (740) 282-5393 or visit our website at http://www.buckeyelaw.com for more information about personal injury cases and the Buckeye Law team.