Draining and Filling your tub at the first signs of fall is the perfect way to get your spa ready for heavier use in the colder seasons. I like to reference the bed sheets analogy – fresh water in the spa is like putting fresh sheets on the bed. The fresh feel is ideal and essential for maintenance. We’ll go over below how we’re going to achieve it!
Clean Up
First things first is to do some cleaning. If you’ve used your spa for a season, it’s good to flush out the pipes. Beachcomber tubs have a product called ‘Pipe Cleanse,’ which is used before emptying the water. This product helps dislodge any biofilm that builds up over time, which can lead to more significant problems down the road. Simply ensure all jets are in the open position, empty the entire bottle into the spa, and then run the jet cycle. Let this sit for 24 hours in the tub. If you can run the jets here and there, it will help get things moving!
Drain
Now it’s time to drain the tub and do some cleaning! Be sure to have a zero reading of your sanitizer of choice before draining the tub – this can be achieved by leaving the top off for a period while it gasses out naturally. Clean the acrylic surfaces with a mild cleanser, like the beachcomber tub clean or a cleanser of your choice, to make them sparkle.
Cover
Spa covers [or heat shields] also need attention, especially if they are constantly exposed to the sun. Clean the surface of debris and use a light soap and water mixture to get any harder stains. Let dry and apply a cover care chemical like beachcombers’ cover care’ or a vinyl UV protectant found in hardware stores. This will give extra vibrancy to the cover, and the UV coating will ensure minimal sun fade.
Replace
While emptying, it’s also a good time to do a little filter maintenance. Depending on how often you use the tub, replacing it at least once a year is recommended. We introduce body oils, and other chemicals build up on the filter, making it less effective. If it’s not time to replace just yet, take the filter out and spray it down with a hose to remove any visible debris. Now it’s time to soak it in a filter cleanser to help break down some of the stuff we can’t see, like mineral deposits and unwanted calcium buildup. I’d recommend the beachcomber Filter Cure for mineral buildup or Filter Pure, which breaks down oil buildup or grease.
Refill
Once our tub is shining, it’s time to refill the tub! Most municipalities have clean ready-to-use water. If you are like me in the Victoria, BC area, our water is so low in dissolved minerals that you need not worry. If you rely on well water; I’d strongly advise using a pre-fill filter attachment to your hose while filling – as all the extra minerals often found in wells can harm your spa in the long term.
Prevent
Once your tub is complete, it’s time for the Eliminate – a liquid product formulated to prevent the stain of iron, copper and magnesium on hot tub surfaces and equipment. It’s a one-time use at startup to protect your spa from the minerals to keep them in solution, preventing them from adhering to the hot tub equipment and fixtures. It will help keep your hot tub water conditioned and clear! This is an excellent time to consider using a product we recommend called Spa Marvel.
The enzymes contained in Spa Marvel Hot Tub Treatment & Conditioner are derived from plant extracts. Unlike chlorine, which sanitizes and essentially kills bacteria, the enzymes in Spa Marvel Hot Tub Treatment & Conditioner help remove the food (organic matter) necessary for bacteria to live, which is partly how lakes and aquariums can maintain themselves without using chlorine. Spa Marvel Hot Tub Treatment & Conditioner clears the path for chlorine, allowing it to work much more efficiently. In other words, it will take less chlorine to maintain desired levels with Spa Marvel in your spa than without.
Spa Marvel is a spa solution that reduces and eliminates many harsh chemicals used in traditional spa water treatment. Spa Marvel also conditions water for sensitive skin, leaving it feeling silky and soft. If you decide to use this, wait until the hot tub is to temperature and empty the entire bottle!
Lastly, it’s time to follow your wet-start instructions that would have come with your spa at the time of purchase, giving you directions on how much to add to each chemical for your spa model and size.
Save Time & Money
This fall, as a special to those who purchased a spa from Wildwood Outdoor Living, we’re offering this pre-packaged drain and fill tote for $40 off! The regular price is $159.99, now only $119.99 until the end of October or while quantities last! It has all the chemicals mentioned above, a pre-filter bag (for larger debris, making your filter last longer) and test strips. It also gives a sample of the Judy essence fragrance to take that spa experience to the next level.
And that’s it! Getting into a freshly filled spa is like getting into a fresh set of sheets. You’ll be thankful that you did and enjoy it in the cooler weather!
Have a suggestion or question?
Let us know at info@wildwoodoutdoorliving.com. Sign up here for more blogs dedicated to better gardening!
It’s October 2022 and in the world of gardening there’s plenty to do! From pruning to planting and of course decorating! October offers a variety of fun activities to keep us gardeners busy and soaking up as much of the outdoors as we can. To keep you busy as a bee this October, check out our hand list of “Fall To-Do’s” below!
Lawn & Pond
Lower the blade on your lawn mower to keep grass cut shorter for fall. Keeping your lawn shorter in fall will prevent fungus like snow mold from forming in the spring.
Remove pond netting and clean the bottom of the pond after the leaves have fallen.
Plant seed while the ground isn’t frozen and the soil is moist!
Keep all toys, tools and furniture off your lawn to allow it to breath and take in as much sunlight as it can.
Add cold water bacteria to ponds to maintain healthy a healthy ecosystem while temperatures cool off.
Remove all dead pond foliage to prevent bad bacteria build up.
Reduce feeding your pond fish to once a day to start their hibernation process.
Switch pond food to cold water fish food pellets.
Move waterlilies indoors if tropical. Relocate to deeper waters if hardy.
Plant Care
Divide perennials like Lilies, Hostas, Peonies, Bearded Iris, Oriental Poppies four to six weeks before the first frost.
Mulch! A great way to keep your plants safe over the winter is to protect them from frost and debris by mulching.
Apply Fall & Winter lawn fertilizer 6-10-20. For the best results, be sure to apply your fertilizer earlier in the month, between October 1st-15th.
Prune out all dead, diseased and dying branches and leaves off shrubs and trees.
Apply dolomite lime to prevent the soil from becoming too acid over the winter months. If the PH level is too high, your grass won’t be able to absorb nutrients properly.
Weeding is more important now than ever! Many weeds establish their roots during late summer/early fall. To prevent weeds for the spring, weed your gardens in the fall.
If you haven’t yet, be sure to bring your tropical plants indoors! Don’t forget to check them over for pests before hand, so you don’t bring them in too.
Flowers
Plant fall bulbs and fall perennials now, for beautiful spring blooms!
Start taking fuchsias and geranium cuttings. This will allow your plants to become dormant during the winter, saving their energy for Spring.
Check your local nursery for decorative displays of Asters, Coneflower, Sunflowers, Mums, Heathers and more!
Check your zones to see what is best to sow in October!
The best selection of fall bulbs is available now. Wildwood Outdoor Living has the largest selection around, online and in-store! Be sure to plan out your garden ahead of your visit to make sure you have the right growing conditions for your bulb choices.
Vegetables
Begin storing onions, carrots, and beets in dry peat moss or “Beats Peat” to absorb excess moisture and keep them well insulated. This will also prevent small rodents like mice from getting to them.
Check for fresh veggie starters in store, like radishes, peppers, lettuce, herbs, kohlrabi and more!
Pumpkins and Squash are ready for harvesting!
Last opportunity to harvest late-end corn and tomatoes!
Check your zones to see what is best to sow in October!
The best selection of fall bulbs is available now. Wildwood Outdoor Living has the largest selection around, online and in-store! Be sure to plan out your garden ahead of your visit to make sure you have the right growing conditions for your bulb choices.
Looking for more inspiration to keep you busy this October? Check out the latest episode of Get Up and Grow with our President, Gord Nickel to learn how to plant your own Snow Drops and Winter Aconite, below!
Have a suggestion or question?
Let us know at info@wildwoodoutdoorliving.com.
Sign up here for more blogs dedicated to better gardening!
The summer is coming to an end, so it’s time to bring your plants inside. We said plants, not mealybugs! Before it’s too late, here’s everything you need to know about the nutrient-sucking, little white cotton-like-critters that could cause you a lot of headaches if you’re not careful.
What Are Mealybugs?
If you’ve ever noticed a weird cotton like substance growing on your plants, chances are they didn’t just leave after wiping them off. It’s more likely that they came back overnight, again and again. If you head to your local garden center to ask an expert, you’ll get a wide-eyed look and the word “Mealybugs!”. It’s no joke folks, Mealybugs aren’t easy to get rid of. The kill every plant they land on and send shivers down our experts backs!
Though, not harmful to humans and pets, they can be life threatening to their host plant, sucking up all the nutrients your plants need to survive. If you’re brave enough to take a closer look at them through a microscope or google images, you’ll find that they look awfully similar to potato bugs but with more legs.
Like many bugs, Mealybugs start their lifecycle in a cocoon form. In just three days they hatch into tiny crawling insects with the female Mealybugs taking the form of larger potato-bug-like critters ready to reproduce without mating. While rare male Mealybugs take form as flying insects.
How did I get Mealybugs?
Mealybugs are attracted to nitrogen rich plants and moisture. If you have a tendency to overwater your plants, it’s a good idea to water as little as you can to make them as uncomfortable as possible.
Not only do Mealybugs love houseplants but like many insects they enjoy common produce from grocery stores and flowers, which is a good reminder to wash your food before putting them away and to check your flowers before bringing them home.
When shopping for new houseplants, be sure to check them over. Once a single plant is infested, it is very easy for Mealybugs to transfer host plants. If you spot any signs of Mealybugs from a new plant, be sure to return it and notify the business of the reason for return so that they can dispose of the plant and check on their nursery.
Tip: Mealybugs aren’t just interested in indoor plants, they can often be found outside during warmer temperatures. Be careful when bringing plants inside from the outdoors, as it’s a good opportunity for them to extend their lifespan.
How Do You Get Rid of Mealybugs?
There are a few methods to taking care of a Mealybug infestation but non of them as as easy as you might hope. Treating mealybugs can take time but with enough care, your plants will thank you for your efforts. Here are a few favourite methods to taking care of Mealybugs.
1.) Dish Soap – Mix 1 tablespoon of dish soap with a quart of water, apply the spray to the leaves and the soil of your plant. This treatment will take some time and should be applied every couple days.
2.) Peroxide – Using a Q-tip swab the insects off the leaves of your plant to ensure all eggs are sterilized to prevent hatching.
3.) Spray – If you’re time sensitive and want to treat your Mealybugs immediately, try Safers End All Ready To Use Spray. Safe to use on all types of plants and highly effective for treating many types of bugs.
Tip: For an effective treatment, shower your plants clean of the effected soil and treat the roots directly. Place your plant in new soil, and treat it again. Since mealybugs live right at the root of the plant, this will help take care of them straight at the source.
Have a suggestion or question?
Let us know at info@wildwoodoutdoorliving.com.
Sign up here for more blogs dedicated to better gardening!
With only 23 days remaining in summer, gardeners all over Canada are excited about a new growing season! And we all know that with a new season comes a lot of work cleaning, pulling, storing and planning, of course! If your plans include adding something unique, you’re in the right place. In this week’s blog, we’re here to share a few of our unique vegetable seeds that will spark interest!
Also commonly known as Pumpkin Tree, Pumpkin Bush or Mock Tomato. Pumpkin-on-a-stick has a mild, slightly bitter taste when green, turning peppery as it matures into orange skin. Although it isn’t quite a pumpkin, Pumpkin-on-a-stick is an eggplant that looks just like a pumpkin and is ready just in time for the pumpkin festivities! When planted in the spring, you can expect unique spiky pumpkin sticks to add to beautiful fall displays and bouquets when dried!
To grow your own Pumpkin-on-a-stick, sow your seeds or plant them directly in the Spring. These fast growers are ready to harvest in only 70 days and work well in containers, indoors or outdoors! In well-drained, loamy soil these annuals bloom from summer until fall when grown in full sun. Be careful, these unique vegetables are toxic to pets when consumed.
Tip: For beautiful arrangements that last years, cut your stems from the bottom of the plant and hang them upside down in a warm, dry place until the skin turns pumpkin-like orange!
With an amazingly sweet and crisp flavour, Carrot Purple Sun is fantastic when eaten raw or cooked! Noticeable deep purple hues with bright yellow-sun centers create a unique garden addition that is sizeable and full of antioxidants!
In well-worked soil, Carrot Purple Sun prefers full sun in zones 4-8. In Spring, sow seeds 1/4 inch deep and 1/2 inch apart. Plant again, three months first expected fall frost for a late crop. Germination can be expected in just 10-20 days with harvest in only 73 days!
Tip: For best-growing results, patiently allow your Carrot Purple Sun to mature fully in size and colour before harvesting – your taste buds will thank you! Pair well with dill, tarragon, chives, mint, or cilantro!
“You’re entirely bonkers, but I’ll tell you a secret. All the best ones are.” – Alice in Wonderland. There is no guessing why we’ve chosen Pepper Mad Hatter as one of the most unique vegetable seeds! These award-winning peppers are a variety of hybrid Bishop’s Cap peppers. With flattened hat-shaped pods that are perfect for snacking, the Pepper Mad Hatter is crisp and crunchy with a sweet-mild flavour that heats up around the seeds.
When grown in container or garden beds, you can expect an impressive yield in just 65-70 days for green peppers and 85-90 days for red. Just start indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost. Transplant outdoors when the nighttime low is above 12C. Plant in full sun and pair with compatible neighbours like basil, carrots, rosemary, swiss chard, endives and more!
Tip: Allow your Pepper Mad Hatter to mature in colour for the most packed vitamin C content!
A tangy tomato with zebra-like markings and crazy green colour! These conversation starters are perfect for slicing and eating raw or cooked. Producing uniformly round, high yields, you’d never believe tomatoes like these could be so sweet!
Start seeds indoors with bottom heat and plenty of sunlight. Transplant your seedlings into pots when plants become rootbound. Once temperatures are above 10C transplant them into rows 50-75cm apart. Germination takes only 7-14 days and 75 days from transplanting!
Tip: Plant in well-drained soil with at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day!
Glow-in-the-dark green skin with crispy, juicy texture! Also known as “yard-long Cucumbers” with few seeds and thin skin, you don’t need to peel it! These garden wonders are not only tasty but decorative when sliced. Armenian Cucumbers are high in vitamins C, A, K and potassium.
Sow in average, well-drained soil in full sun in Spring after the danger of frost has passed. Keep evenly moist and seedlings will start to emerge in just 7-14 days! Great for trellises and garden beds!
Tip: Best for eating when 12 inches long and 2.5 inches thick.
Looking for more unique seeds? Check out a few of our staff favourites for sowing over the winter season below!
With the approach of September comes all things cool and cozy. That could mean growing your cool crops for soups, stews and more in the garden! Though fall isn’t here quite yet, there is still plenty to do in the garden to prepare for an entirely new season. If you’re looking to plan a fall garden this year, be sure to check off a few end-of-season to-do’s before you dive right in.
Lawn & Pond
Net ponds to prevent the accumulation of falling leaves.
There’s still time to feed your fish before they go into a semi-dormant state during winter. Be sure to provide them with nutrient-rich food like premium staple fish food by Aquascapes.
Continue adding beneficial bacteria on a weekly basis.
Sow new lawns when the day temperatures aren’t so hot. Feed soil with turf starter beforehand.
Keep cutting and watering at least one inch per week.
Maintain a clean lawn clear of toys, leaves and tools to ensure your lawn gets the nutrients it needs to survive the winter.
Need more to do in your garden this September? Check out the latest episode of Get Up and Grow, with President Gord Nickel to learn everything there is to plant the perfect trees to add privacy to your yard below.
Have a suggestion or question?
Let us know at info@wildwoodoutdoorliving.com.
Sign up here for more blogs dedicated to better gardening!
