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Spring Awakening Means Time In The Garden

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Emily Post's Garden

Recently I have noticed more and more signs of spring popping up all around the island. The trees are starting to show new growth, the Crocuses and Snowdrops are starting to pop up everywhere,  Cardinals and Blue Jays are making appearances and,  as hard as it is to believe, The weather seems to be going up in temperature just a scosh. All these signs have me itching to get outside and work in the Garden. The island is home to many amazing gardens, and soon enough just walking through the streets of Edgartown will make you feel as if like walking through an Arboretum or  Botanical Garden.

Here are some great tips for getting your garden ready this spring:

  • Did you know that Corn Gluten is a natural preemptive weed control? Simply sprinkle it around your garden and you won’t see any crabgrass or other pesky weeds popping up. The general timing of this is to apply it just as the forsythia plants start to bloom.
  • Be sure to prune back the following plants to achieve maximum effect come spring:
    • Hydrangeas should be pruned back to the lowest pair of strong buds on last season’s growth
    • Rosa Rugosa should be pruned back roughly 12 inches
    • Any Shrub Roses you may have
  • Now is the time to start adding organic material, such as coffee beans or manure to your garden bed. Make sure you wait until the soil and organic material dries out before you start to dig. Working in the wet soil causes compaction and compound destruction.
  • Once soil reaches 41 degrees on a regular basis you can start to transfer any seedling vegetables you may have planted  indoors before the final frost happens.
    • Hardier vegetables such as carrots and lettuce tend to grow better in the cooler weather, but make sure to have some form of cover handy to keep the plants safe from any overnight frost that may occur.
  • Lastly, take time to shear back any groundcover, such as ivy. They can quickly overtake any garden if not kept in check.

Sandpiper Rentals, Inc
Rent@SandpiperRental.com
CLICK HERE  to search our Martha’s Vineyard vacation rental home SPECIALS
or
CLICK HERE to search through our inventory of over 500 homes

Aquinnah, Chappaquiddick, Chilmark, East Chop, Edgartown, Martha's Vineyard, Menemsha, Oak Bluffs, Owners, Vineyard Haven, West Chop, West Tisbury

Only 15 Days Till The First Day Of Spring!

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spring cleaning

With the promise of spring on everyone’s mind, today seems like a good day to discuss spring cleaning and preparations with homeowners. Whether you are opening your home for your own use or renting it out for the season, here are some helpful tips to get everything in order by Memorial Day – just in time to kick-off the summer season.

  • Before you arrive, plan ahead to schedule any necessary maintenance and services you may need for the season (lawn care, trash removal, house cleaning and so forth). Remember, spring is a very busy time on island, so the earlier you schedule, the better.
  • If this is your first time back since last summer, take a moment to look around and assess any possibly property damage.
  • Spring Cleaning: the ever daunting task. We suggest either dedicating an entire day, or plan on a few rooms each day.  Always start the D’s: de-cobweb, dust and disinfect. Tired of the white-glove test? Swap out your regular light bulb with a black one and you will see every speck of dirt left behind.
    • ENTRYWAY Start by dusting surfaces, including lights, tables and lower walls. Shake out area rugs, clean light switches, railings and doorknobs. Take a moment to clean your light switches, railings, or doorknobs. Lint rollers work wonders on lampshades!
    • KITCHEN: Sanitize the most ‘handled’ areas: faucets, appliance handles and even salt and pepper shakers. Scour your appliances, put the oven on self-clean, wipe down the refrigerator and microwave, and maybe invest in a new trash can.
    • LIVING AND DINING ROOMS Don’t forget to disinfect any remote controls, dust electronics and blinds, lift up the drapes and vacuum behind furniture.
    • BEDROOMS Refresh the bed linens (wash if you haven’t already), vacuum dust ruffles; dust and flip the mattress if you can. Combat any lingering scents with an odor neutralizer or a dish of vinegar works wonders.
    • BATHROOMS Wash all linens and replace shower curtain liners. Use a toothbrush helps to scour mold from tile grout.
    • WINDOWS We suggest either hiring a company to professionally clean your windows and screens, or work as a pair (one person inside, the other outside) with glass cleaner and microfiber cloths. Make sure you check your screens for holes or tears created during storms or from the elements and replace what needs to be fixed.
  • If you supply linens, towels and beach gear to tenants, it is helpful to check everything to see if you need to replace anything for the coming season.
  • Last, but certainly not least, if you rent your home, be sure to let your realtor know of any updates you have made as this allows them to better showcase your home and to alert any tenants of any changes. 

If you would like a property enrichment evaluation for the upcoming season, please feel free to contact us, we would be happy to help.

Sandpiper Rentals, Inc
Rent@SandpiperRental.com
CLICK HERE  to search our Martha’s Vineyard vacation rental home SPECIALS
or
CLICK HERE to search through our inventory of over 500 homes