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Patio Pot and Container Gardening: Save Time and Space

3/14/2017

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Mary, Mary quite contrary, how does your garden grow: With pots and containers on the patio, all lined in a neat little row. Okay . . . we won’t be winning any poetry prizes anytime soon, but you get the point.

Imagine walking out to your backyard and plucking fresh blueberries off a bush or gathering a handful of ripe, juicy strawberries to toss in a smoothie. Better yet, wouldn’t it be delightful to be able to whip up a healthy meal using basil, peppers, tomatoes and other fresh ingredients from your garden.

So what’s stopping you from having fresh produce at your fingertips? Is it limited time or lack of space? Container gardening is a viable solution to both issues. Basically, all you do is grab a few pots or some old containers, and grow your garden right on your patio.

Easy Peasy

Digging and tilling in a garden can make your back feeling like Quasimodo's. Gardening in pots and containers is a much easier solution to all the strenuous back-work. Simply put potting soil in appropriately sized pots and then plant your seeds or starter plants. Patio gardening methods are also ideal for those of you who have small backyards and prefer to preserve what little space you have for your children, grandchildren or pets to romp through.  

Plant Choices Galore

The great thing about gardening in pots and containers is that the choices of fruits, veggies and herbs you can grow are endless. In many cases, you will even have enough of a harvest to share with your friends and family. Check out this list – it is by no means exhaustive:
  • tomatoes
  • herbs (all kinds)
  • peppers (jalapenos, banana peppers, etc.)
  • radishes
  • strawberries
  • blueberries
  • cucumbers
  • zucchini
  • summer squash
  • cantaloupe (That’s right!)
  • onion
  • chives

There’s nothing more freeing than having your favorite fresh fruits and veggies right at your fingertips when you want or need them. As long as the patio gets plenty of sunlight, and you care for the plants properly, you should reap the spoils of your efforts all summer long.

For the best concrete finishing services in Huntsville and surrounding areas, contact B.J. Stewart Concrete today! 

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Easy Ways to Spice Up Your Patio This Spring

3/11/2017

 
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Plants Can Brighten Your Patio


The warm weather is finally here and it’s time to kick back on your patio with a glass of old-fashioned, southern sweet tea. There’s just one problem. Your patio is boring and could use a little spice. Sprucing up your patio is as easy as adding furniture, plants and a little light.

Plants galore! Putting a few potted plants on your patio is an easy way to make it feel homier. Combining lush green plants with flowering plants adds vibrancy and color to the space. Some plants such as vanilla leaf and citronella can help ward off mosquitos and make your outdoor time more comfortable.

Furnish it. The right outdoor furniture can help make the patio feel like an extension of your home. If you’re on a skimpy budget, visit a local home improvement store or large-chain retailer to find reasonably priced patio furniture. Use bold-colored pillows and other outdoor accessories to make the space come alive.

Let there be light! If you’re the type of person who enjoys being outside at night, invest in some outdoor lighting. String lights, lanterns, umbrella lights and flood lights work well to brighten up the patio after dark. If conserving energy is your thing, solar lighting is also an option.

Resurface it. If your patio is cracked or in need of a facelift, consider having it resurfaced. A professional concrete finisher can help you determine whether or not your patio can be resurfaced.

For the best concrete finishing service in Huntsville, AL and the Tennessee Valley, contact B.J. Stewart Concrete today!


How to Find the Right Concrete Contractor

3/10/2017

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Whether you are a homeowner looking for someone to pour your dream patio, or a business looking for a concrete finisher to pour a foundation for a building, finding the right contractor is important. A concrete contractors who is serious about his business always has the proper paperwork, uses qualified subcontractors, and has a trail of satisfied customers willing to vouch for him.

Check for proper licensing. Always check with the appropriate authorities to make sure the contractor you hire has a valid business license. If you knowingly hire an unlicensed concrete finisher, you may face fines and penalties from the city, and jeopardize your homeowner’s insurance coverage.

Check for insurance.  While you may not be legally obligated to hire a contractor who has insurance, it’s always in your best interest if you do.  If an uninsured contractor injures someone or causes damage to a neighbor’s property, you may be held liable. Even if you have your own insurance coverage, it may not be enough to cover damages, lawsuits and other expenses that can result from the contractor’s negligence.

Ask about subcontractors. If you are having specialty work done such as digging or foundation breaking, find out if the contractor will hire a subcontractor to help. If so, get the names of the subcontractors and check them out to make sure they are qualified to do the job.

Do an Internet search. Before you make a final decision, search the Internet to see if the contractor has any complaints against him. While it’s not realistic to expect a business to have a perfect track record, you should run the other way if there are several people complaining about the same contractor.

In addition to the above steps, opt for a concrete contractor with experience. While it’s admirable to give a new person a chance, hiring someone with proven experience is always the best option.

If you want a concrete finisher who puts quality and customer service first, contact B.J. Stewart Concrete today!


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