Sweep Up

The winter months are filled with snow storms and high winds that blow debris onto the patio. Grab a broom, and sweep the patio clear of dirt, sticks, and other accumulation. Starting with a clean patio will make it easier to see what else needs to be done.

Power Wash

If the surface of your patio is made of wood or cement, you may want to give it a good wash job with a power washer. This will remove any deeply ingrained dirt. Be careful not to spend too much time washing any particular area of the patio; a power washer can create holes in a soft surface if the stream is directed at a narrow angle.

Shade Your Patio 

You should try to find a way to shade the patio. Providing shade on your patio can increase its usefulness during inclement weather. It will also offer protection from the hot sun. If you want a covered patio, you should decide between a simple awning or umbrella and a more permanent type of covering. Or if you would prefer, you can plant one or more well placed trees to provide natural shade in the coming years.

Screen-In Your Patio

Another improvement you may want to consider is a screened-in patio. A screened-in patio will make the patio more comfortable when the weather is bad. It will also keep biting insects at bay. You can add the screen yourself or contact one of the many companies who specialize in patio additions.

Decorate

Every patio looks nicer when it is embellished with flowers. It may be worth your time to talk to a master gardener to help you pick out just the right flower arrangements. Keep in mind that flowers will have to be watered on a regular basis and will also attract bees and other insects.

Think about Patio Furniture

Finding the right furniture for your patio may be the most important part of your pre-summer preparations. Depending on how big the patio is, you may have to limit the number of chairs or swings you have on it. Although it may be nice to extend an invitation to everyone you know, it makes more sense to only have enough chairs or swings that can fit on the patio without people being too close to each other. Part of the fun of enjoying your patio is to be relaxed, and your visitors may not be able to do that if they’re piled one on top of another. The type of furniture you get for your patio will depend not only on your budget, but on your personal taste as well.

Accessorize Your Patio 

No patio would be complete without personal accessories to set it apart from every other patio in the neighborhood. Some people like wind chimes. Others prefer prisms that reflect the sun in numerous directions and colors. You could also put up a few strings of Christmas lights to help brighten things up, or hang some other type of decorative lights. The patio accessories you choose will be limited only by your budget and your personal taste.

Guest post from Payton Price. Payton writes about term life insurance for TermLifeInsurance.org.

Trial Run

Before you actually sell your home with the intention of living on a houseboat, you may want to try it on a trial basis to see if you’ll like it. Contact a boat rental business and make arrangements to live onboard for a little while. During the time you’re living on your rental houseboat, make every effort to treat it as your home. In that way, you’ll be more likely to get a feel for what it’ll be like to have your own houseboat. If you find that you aren’t especially comfortable living on the water for an extended period of time, you can simply move back to your home. But give it a chance. Sometimes it takes a while to get used to new things.

Find a Dock

If you go through your trial run and find that you like living on a boat, you’ll have to buy one and find a place to dock it. Don’t assume the dockage will be included in the price of the boat. In most cases the dock space will have to be a separate purchase. You’ll have to find out how much the dock rental is per month, and determine whether or not you’ll be able to park your vehicle nearby. If you don’t own a vehicle, you’ll still need a way to get around, which means you’ll need access to public transportation.

Downsizing May be Necessary

In most cases, your houseboat won’t be nearly as big as your home or apartment. You may have to sell, store, or give away some of your possessions. Take your time and be realistic about what you can and can’t have on your houseboat. Keep in mind that you’ll be living on the water, so humidity will be an issue on a daily basis. You’ll probably have to store some items in waterproof containers so they won’t become moldy or spoil.

Safety Issues

Because you’ll actually be living on the water, you’ll have to be able to ensure the safety not only to yourself and your family, but to visitors as well. This is extremely important, especially if you have small children or entertain others who do. Your pets will also need to be kept safe. You’ll have to keep life jackets aboard, and make sure the railings are closed. You should also find out if your visitors are able to swim. Even though you’ll probably be docked in rather shallow water, safety precautions are necessary.

Upkeep on Your Houseboat

Just because you’re going to sell your home for a life on the water doesn’t mean you’ll be exempt from maintenance issues. In fact, you may have to spend even more time and effort on upkeep on your houseboat. Because you’ll be living on the water, your boat will be susceptible to the damage that perpetual humidity can do. Even if your boat is constructed well, it will still suffer weather damage. Painting is something that has to be done on a regular basis on boats, as well as other routine maintenance. If you’re not the handyman type, you’ll have to be prepared to pay someone to do it for you. It’s really no different than keeping up your home, only the chores are different. Instead of mowing your lawn, you’ll be repairing a railing or overhauling the boat’s engine.

Be Self-Sufficient

Living on a houseboat differs from residing in a house or apartment in another important way–access to utilities. At your home or apartment, all you have to do is contact the power company and have them hook you up. Providing you pay your bills on time you won’t have to worry about keeping warm or having lights. On a houseboat, you’ll probably have access to power via a hookup at the marina, but that will only last as long as you’re docked. If you spend any amount of time out on the open water, you should have a generator so you can have heat and lights.

Guest post from Tracy Sheldon. Tracy writes about boat insurance for BoatInsurance.org.

1. Get a Copy of Your Credit Report 

Prior to applying for a mortgage loan, you will want to get a copy of your credit report. Your credit report holds key information for mortgage lenders, which is why you should look it over thoroughly and check for any inaccuracies beforehand. You can get a free copy of your credit report once a year, so take advantage of this. Also, make sure to get your report from all three of the main credit reporting agencies, as your credit score can vary from one company to the next. If you find any errors, you should take the proper steps for correcting them.

2. Fix Inaccurate Information

When you go over your credit report, there is a good chance you may find information that is not accurate. If you do, you will want to notify the credit reporting agency that has made the error. If you have proof that the information is incorrect, make sure the credit reporting agency knows and sees the proof. Do not give up until all the information contained in your credit report is accurate to the best of your knowledge. You want your credit report to be accurate and free of errors before applying for a mortgage loan.

3. Pay Any Overdue Accounts 

If your credit report contains any accounts that are delinquent, this can greatly hurt your credit score and show lenders you are irresponsible with your money. To prepare your credit for a mortgage loan, you will want to take care of any overdue debts that you may have. Although paying overdue accounts will not improve your credit score instantly, it is necessary if you plan on purchasing a home.

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4. Do Not Take On Any New Debt 

Since a mortgage loan is one of the biggest loans you will take out in your life, it is important to not take on any new debt before applying for a mortgage. Opening numerous accounts prior to applying for a mortgage may show lenders you are not ready to take on such a loan. Try to avoid opening any new accounts, as they will only put you further in debt and hurt your chances of being approved for a mortgage loan.

5. Lower Your Debt-to-Income Ratio

When a lender checks your credit, they will look at your overall debt-to-income ratio. This is the ratio that compares your overall debt with the amount of money you bring in. You want to keep your debt percentage as low as possible in comparison to your income, as this shows lenders you are responsible with your credit and not in over your head.

All of these tips are great for preparing your credit for a mortgage loan. Remember, you will want to do these things well before applying for a mortgage, as it takes some time for your credit to improve and cannot be accomplished overnight. You want to show lenders you have a responsible credit history, otherwise you may be turned down for a mortgage loan.

Guest post from Riley Finnigan. Riley writes for Creditscore.net.

Rental Agreement vs. Lease Agreement 

Although most people that are renting a home or apartment simply say they’re renting a place to stay, there is a difference between a rental agreement and a lease agreement. Signing a lease is usually a much more formal arrangement than a rental agreement, and is legally binding. When you have a rental agreement, you are simply paying rent every month, or whatever term you’ve agreed upon. On the other hand, a lease lays out the conditions of the agreement in very specific terms–due date, amount of money to be paid, and penalties for not meeting the terms of the lease, among other things.

Decide What You Want the Lease to Say

The first thing you need to do when creating a lease agreement for a tenant is to decide exactly what the terms and conditions will be.

Length of Lease 

You will need to decide the length of the lease. Will it be for a year? Two years? Six months? Since it is your property, you can make that decision and the tenant will have the choice of either accepting or declining it.

Utilities 

Will you be paying for utilities? If so, you’ll have to make sure you include a predetermined amount in the lease payment in order to cover the cost. If you won’t be paying the utilities, you should include verbiage that requires the tenant’s to establish and pay for electricity, heat, and other utilities. If the gas service is shut off in the winter because of a tenant’s failure to pay their heat bill, your house could suffer damage to its pipes and other systems.

Payment Terms 

Most leases include a specified amount for a cleaning deposit, which will be used to alleviate any costs for damages the tenant has done to the property and that you have to fix when the lease expires. In order to protect you from the possibility of a tenant leaving early without paying, a lease agreement may include a proviso for payment of not only the cleaning deposit and first month’s rent up front, but obligates the tenant to also pay the last month’s rent at the same time. You should also be very specific about what day of the month the rent is due and whether or not there will be a grace period. It may be to your advantage to indicate that the check must be received by the end of the business day, or some other specified time. The more precise you make your lease, the less confusion it will create.

Types of Provisions

A lease agreement may also specify the number of occupants a tenant is allowed to have in the dwelling. It could include whether or not a tenant is permitted to have a pet, and if so, the type and number of pets that are acceptable. Because you own the property, it is your right to include these conditions in the lease. It is up to the tenant whether or not they want to sign the lease, but if they do, they must abide by the contract. You can also stipulate in the lease agreement whether or not the tenant is allowed to smoke inside the building, and whether or not parking is available, or limited to a specific location.

Timeframe 

When creating your lease agreement, you should be specific about times and dates. Leave no doubt as to the exact length of the lease. For instance, the lease should state that the tenant can move in at 9 a.m. on the 1st day of June in the specified year, and must be out by midnight of the 31st day of May the following year–unless they either renew this lease, or sign a new one. Make sure you include a precise time of day to lessen the possibility of confusion. If you specify May 31st, you may consider that to mean noon, while the tenant may think it means the end of the business day. By including the exact time, in this case it was midnight, there won’t be any chance of confusion.

Renewal 

Often a tenant will be entirely satisfied with the terms of a lease agreement, and the place they’re renting, and will want to continue living there for a longer period of time than the lease specifies. The lease agreement should include a clause for renewal, and it should be specified exactly what the terms are. If the tenant plans to vacate at the end of the lease, you may want them to notify you 30 days in advance so you can advertise for new tenants.

Guest post from Chris Black. Chris writes about renting and renters insurance for RentersInsurance.com.

Get the Home Ready

It’s only natural for your parents to want to live in their own home, but it may become necessary for you to care for them in your house instead. In most cases, it would be easier to move them into your home than for you to pick up and move into theirs’. However, there will be a disruption in your schedule, and most likely in the house as well. You may have to deal with such things as the rearrangement of your furniture, and possibly change your sleeping and bathroom schedule. In order to deal with the coming changes, it may be a good idea to consult with a home health care professional and go over what your parent will need and how to go about providing it for them. Your parent may require a wheelchair or hospital bed, which will mean reorganizing your home to make room for specialized equipment.

Remove Obstacles

Depending on how much care your parent needs, or what type of special equipment is necessary, you will most likely have to remove some obstacles in order to make your home accessible to them. If your home is multi-level, your parent may either be limited to one level, or you will have to install an elevator, a ramp, or some other means to get them from one level to another. At the very least, you will have to make sure the space between furniture will be able to accommodate a wheelchair. The bathroom may require the installation of specialized bath or toilet equipment, and the kitchen may have to be made handicap accessible.

Educate Yourself 

One of the best ways to make sure your parents are well taken care of in your home is to educate yourself as to what type of care they may need and how to provide it. Ask your parent’s doctor to give you advice on what you should be doing to make your parents comfortable. You should also ask them to recommend a home health care agency in case you reach the point where you can’t provide the proper care yourself. You should contact the home health care agency prior to actually needing their help. They will be able to give you advice on how to provide care to your parent, and will also be able to help you realize when it’s time to seek additional, professional help.

Exercise Is Important 

It is accepted within the medical community that getting regular exercise will help a person get healthy and stay that way. Even though your parent may need care, they should still exercise as much as possible. Doing so will help them be able to help you. Consult with your parent’s doctor about a proper exercise regimen. You may have to assist your parent in doing the exercises. Keep in mind that even though it may be time consuming, or even psychologically painful to watch your parent struggle, the physical exercise will help them remain healthier longer.

Independence 

One of the hardest parts of having your parent move into your home where you will provide necessary care is the loss of independence, both for you and your parent. Keep in mind that they have lived a long life, and in that time they not only took care of themselves, but raised you, as well. Giving up their independence probably won’t be easy for them. You must learn to be patient. The fact that your own autonomy is threatened will most likely be hard to accept, too. Depending on the amount of care that’s required your independence may be affected for an extended period of time.

Time Away 

Due to the fact that–no matter how you look at it–prolonged care of your elderly parent in your home is traumatic, for you as well as your parent. It cause disruptions of the lives of everyone concerned, and that can lead to a lot of stress. Because stress can cause health problems you should try and arrange a little time away from your home, and the person you’re caring for. It is important to give yourself a break once in a while. In order to do that, you may have to get someone else to come into your home for a short period to stay with your parent. A sibling or your own child could provide you with a break. You may even want to consider hiring a home health aide to help out once in a while. In the same way that it’s important for you have a break from the stressful routine, your parent could use a change of pace once in a while, too. A stroll through the mall or a drive in the country will give them a chance to see something besides the inside of your home and enjoy themselves for a little while.

Guest post from Finley Crest. Finley writes about senior care for SeniorCare.net.

What Is a Home Inspection?

Basically, a home inspection is a visual check of the home performed by a trained inspector. They will be looking at the building itself as well as the systems contained within it, such as the water, sewer, plumbing, wiring, and insulation. They will check for water damage, both inside and out, and make sure the electrical and plumbing systems are up-to-date and working the way they should be. In some cases, the inspector may check for mold, termites, or radon. Keep in mind that this is a visual inspection, so they won’t be tearing the walls apart.

You Can Learn a Lot

Although in most instances it’s not mandatory that you are present while the inspection is being performed, it may be in your best interest to be there. A home inspector is usually knowledgeable about how to perform routine maintenance and will most likely be willing to share their years of experience. You can learn a lot if you pay attention. A professional home inspector will notice things that escaped you during your tour of the house and will be able to point out what needs to be done in order to ensure the home is safe to live in. A home inspection goes far beyond mere cosmetic discrepancies. It is structural damage that you should be concerned about.

What a Home Inspector Looks For

The inspector will be looking for more than a missing tile in the bathroom or a torn carpet in the living room. They will check everything from the roof to the foundation for structural damage. They will look at the shingles, the gutters, and the siding. The inspector will make sure that water will drain away from the home and make sure that the sidewalks and driveway aren’t potentially dangerous. They will check the structural integrity of any porches, patios, or decks. On the inside the inspector will be looking at the attic, checking to make sure it’s appropriately insulated and properly ventilated. The inspector will also look at the bathroom fixtures, and will usually check for correct water pressure. They will also ensure the electrical system is working properly.

Further Checks

This may seem like an awful lot of work, and it is. A thorough home inspection will usually take anywhere from 2 to 4 hours, and can seem quite tedious. On the other hand, you really should know of any potential problems that exist. In addition to the above mentioned items, a home inspector will also make sure the water heater is in good shape, and the heating system is working right. That includes checks of the furnace, chimney, and fireplace (if there is one.) The inspector will also look at the duct work, and the central air conditioning unit if one is installed (weather permitting.) The kitchen appliances, such as the range, oven, and dishwasher will be checked, as well as the washer and dryer. If there is an attached garage, the inspector will take a close look at the floor, walls, and doors, including an electric garage door opener, if one is being used.

Report Time

After the inspection is finished, it will be a few days before a report is issued. Don’t be surprised if there is a laundry list of items that need to be addressed. It’s common in most any sale. The inspector will usually separate the essential repairs from the less important ones. Once you are aware of what needs to be done, you’ll be able to determine whether or not you want to go through with the purchase. Usually a compromise of some sort can be worked out between the buyer and the seller as to what each will pay for. Unless the price of the needed repairs is exorbitant you should be able to negotiate a fair and reasonable transfer of ownership.

Guest post from Jean Clark. Jean writes about background checking for BackgroundCheck.org.

Placement

If you’re thinking about getting an area rug, you probably already have an idea about where you want to put it. Placement is an important thing to consider because the size, layout, purpose, and décor of the room as a whole will heavily influence your choice. Determine the area your new rug will occupy, and start thinking about what kind of rug will fit in with all of its surroundings.

Purpose

What will be the primary purpose of the area rug? Some people use area rugs to protect their floors, while others use it to hide flooring that is outdated, worn, or otherwise unattractive. Maybe you would like a rug for warmth or comfort in a room that you or your family members plan to spend a lot of time in. If the rug will need to withhold a lot of foot traffic or will be played on by young children, you’ll need a durable one that can tolerate heavy use and be cleaned easily. If your rug is being purchased merely as a room accent or decorative piece, color or texture will be of more importance than durability.

Size

The size of the room that will be accommodating the area rug is very important when it comes time to choose one. Take accurate measurements of both the room and the space that the rug will occupy. Consider the furniture that will be placed on or around the area rug and how it might look and fit once it’s all put together. Keep recorded measurements handy so that you can easily locate them when shopping either online or in a store for your new area rug.

Color and Texture

Last but certainly not least are the notions of color, design, and texture. An area rug is the perfect way to accent a room with color, and you can choose one that’s a solid color or one with an interesting pattern. If the room is already busy due to multiple patterns and artwork, you may want to select a rug that’s on the simple side. If the room could use some flare– a rug with ornate or colorful patterns or designs might contribute a nice decorative touch. Rugs come in an endless variety of textures, too. If your rug is being used for comfort or warmth, you may want one with a soft feel to it. On the other hand, if your rug will be tolerating a lot of activity, go with a tightly woven rug that can handle wear and tear. A rug used only for decoration offers up a lot more flexibility when it comes to texture. If it’s merely there to look at, any texture that you desire will do.

Knowing ahead of time what qualities and functions you want in an area rug will make it much easier to choose one when it comes time to buy. Not only will you get your money’s worth out of a nice area rug, you’ll be satisfied for years to come by a choice that was well-considered.

Guest post from Bailey Harris. Bailey writes for Area Rugs, a site that sells brand name area rugs and related supplies.

The most significant problem with conservatories is their ecological impact, which can be vast, depending on who you entrust with the build.

What with the materials and potential heating issues involved, it can be difficult to know where to begin if you want to retain an environmentally conscious lifestyle, and also save yourself a bit of money on bills.

Follow these steps, though, and the process will be much simpler.

1. Choose the Right Glazing

Glazing is probably the most substantial element of your conservatory, and will certainly be the most noticeable.

Shoddy glazing, or glazing inappropriate for a conservatory, will leave you shivering all winter and scorching in the summer.

When choosing your glazing, look out for low-e (low thermal emissivity) glazing, complete insulating glass units, and high “R-ratings”.

An R-rating is quite simple to understand – 0.35 is normal glass, 3 is a decent start, and about 5 is good.

Some glass units have reached R-ratings as high as 12.5, but this will definitely be overkill for the average conservatory. Most customers will have to ask their builder on this one, so make sure you get one who is trustworthy and knows what they’re talking about.

2. Choose the Right Material for the Framework

The choice here is mostly between metals (aluminium), hardwoods and uPVC. In terms of eco-friendliness, all three have different strengths and weaknesses.

– Choosing uPVC

Unplasticised Polyvinyl Chloride is often considered less attractive than hardwoods or metal, but is a good insulator, lasts a long time, and represents very good value for money.

The biggest environmental issue you will face with it is that, when it comes to the end of its life, recycling is more difficult than for other products. uPVC does not biodegrade, although there are schemes in place to enable consumers to recycle their used uPVC, though.

You don’t have to worry about replacing your conservatory framework when it starts to deteriorate. uPVC spares are plentiful, cheap, and easy to get hold of.

– Choosing Metal

Dealing with metal in conservatories is not as common as it used to be, but it is also much easier than it was in the days of cast-iron monoliths.

Aluminium is probably the most common metal in use on conservatories, and is fairly typical of metals; it provides a strong, flexible framework which is useful for areas with a lot of ‘clay heave’ (clay bulging and contracting) or soft ground, but it lets out a lot of heat.

There are also hidden environmental costs, in the strip mining and vast amounts of industry required to produce Aluminium in large amounts, although once you have it in place it’ll last for a long time.

– Choosing A Hardwood

Hardwood is probably one of the trickiest issues for the layperson to approach.

Price is not necessarily an indicator of quality: many valuable hardwoods are prized more for their rarity and attractive grain rather than practical properties. Conversely, cheaper hardwoods are not automatically from more sustainable plantations.

Look for woods which have been certified as sustainable – Forest Stewardship Council wood, Pro Forest wood, PEFC wood.

Avoid tropical or exotic woods unless you are sure that they are not under threat, and if in doubt, look for a second opinion.

In terms of wood quality, look for strength, natural oil and moisture content, and ability to receive coats of varnish or paint.

3. Think Carefully About the Interior

In terms of conservatory furniture and miscellaneous items, a certain amount of research is required, but these are the general rules to follow:

• Steer clear of air conditioners if you know you can cool the room down by opening windows
• Don’t buy expensive heating solutions if you can prevent heat loss in the first place
• Go for beech or wicker rather than oak or mahogany

You can also seek out companies that specialise in eco-friendly solutions. This way you can be a little more confident that your efforts really are helping the environment, and get everything from one convenient and relatively trustworthy place.

Ideally, you’ll end up with a conservatory that keeps you and your plants warm from February to early October, and doesn’t drag your heating bills up the rest of the year.

Plus you get that warm inner glow from having helped save the world!

Patrick Robson is a regular blogger and eco-enthusiast. He blogs for David Salisbury Conservatories, who provide a bespoke hardwood conservatory design service, utilising a range of FSC and PEFC certified timbers.

Homeowner’s Insurance

Traditional homeowners insurance probably won’t cover items of great value–you will have to stipulate that you need the additional coverage in order to ensure you’re completely covered. Each policy will have limits built in, so you’ll need to take out extra coverage for expensive items like expensive jewelry, one-of-a-kind paintings, or a collection of antique figurines.

Get an Appraisal

It will probably be necessary to have an independent appraisal done for each item or items that are part of a collection. Keep in mind that the way an insurance company looks at valuables may differ from an appraiser. Because the cost of precious metals continues to rise, your antique pocket watch that was handed down from your uncle could be increasing in value not only because of its age, but because the metal itself may be worth more now than it was in the past. You need to make sure your insurance policy will cover each item’s actual worth, which means carrying a replacement value policy.

Travel Insurance

When taking out a personal possessions policy, sometimes called a PAF or personal articles floater, find out if the items in questions will be covered while you’re traveling. If you take a vacation overseas and wear your expensive jewelry, you will want to make sure you’re still covered. If your present policy doesn’t cover you, you may want to consider taking out an additional travel insurance policy.

Determine Your Needs

After you’ve determined the value of your possessions, you need to decide the extent of coverage you’ll need. If you’ve been collecting valuable coins, stamps, or antiques, their value could fluctuate according to the market for that particular item, so you should carry adequate insurance to protect against their loss or damage. Make sure your policy will cover additions to your collection, as well. Since these items are more than likely not covered by your regular policy, there will be an additional premium charge. The object is to make sure you’re adequately covered without paying outrageous prices.

High Deductibles

As with any other type of insurance, the cost of personal possession floaters can be alleviated somewhat by raising your deductibles. It is standard practice within the insurance industry to lower your premiums as you raise your deductibles. Because the items you’re insuring are considered to be extremely valuable you should use caution if you decide to take this route, because the deductible could be excessive. Having a high deductible policy will mean that if you need to file a claim because your collection of rare baseball cards was damaged in a fire, you will be required to pay the deductible before your insurance policy will kick in. It would be a good idea to open a savings account designated strictly as an emergency fund. If you deposit money into this account on a regular basis, it will accrue interest and be available if you need to pay a deductible–providing you exercise the necessary will power and avoid tapping into the account for non essential items.

Shop for the Best Price

Because the insurance industry is extremely competitive, you should shop for the best price on insurance coverage. This is true for any type of insurance, but extremely important for additional coverage such as a personal possession floater. Because this is additional insurance made necessary due to the value of the items it’s designed to protect, it probably won’t be cheap. Shopping for the best price could begin by gathering quotes from online insurance companies. Use these quotes for comparison when you call on the more traditional brick and mortar insurance companies. Tell the agents you talk to what items you’re looking to insure and ask them for their best price. Also ask if you qualify for any discounts. If you already do business with an insurance company, make sure you tell them the best price you’ve been offered. If they want to keep your business, they will make every attempt to match or beat the price.

Guest post from Bailey Harris. Bailey writes about free insurance quotes for InsuranceQuotes.org.

January

Provide unfrozen water daily for the birds to drink and bathe in. Make sure you provide plenty of food off the ground such as fatty peanut cakes and high energy garden bird food. The breeding season is about to start to do provide nest boxes if you have the opportunity in your garden. Look out for Mistle Thrush and Redwings during cold spells.

February

Keep feeding the same nutritious food and unfrozen water that you did in January. Top up the supplies regularly and keep on top of hygiene in the feeding stations. Chances are, you’ll have plenty more birds visiting in the winter months and it’s important to keep feeding areas clean. Also, check your nest boxes if you haven’t already done so to make sure they are easily accessible for the birds as they begin to prepare their nests. Be prepared for sharp weather changes as February can be unpredictable.

March

As spring time approaches bird song will intensify as the male birds compete for the females. Don’t reduce the amount of garden bird food you provide as the birds will still be struggling to find food naturally and need more energy during the breeding season. It’s the last chance to clean out that nest box or provide a new one in time for the nesting season, and ensure that it’s protected from predators.

April

Keep your feeders topped up as the weather is still unpredictable and can serve both warm spring temperatures and snow and sleet. Consider feeding the birds live foods as some birds don’t eat seeds and can really benefit from these. To help the birds build their nests you can put out pet hair or wool from sheep so they can line their nests with it.

May

A high activity month with plenty of bird song as the breeding season reaches its peak and eggs are hatched. By the end of the month many baby birds will have already learned to fly and left the nest, and demand high protein food from their parents. You can help them by feeding live foods and keeping the nutritious seeds topped up.

June

The young birds are coming into their own and there will still be high activity in the garden as they learn to fly and become independent. Keep your garden protected from predators such as cats by fitting them with a bell to warn off birds of ensure they will be deterred from entering your garden with special deterring products such as sprays. Bear in mind that some eggs are yet to hatch, for example House Martin eggs.

July

Keep providing water as it will evaporate in hot weather. You should also keep providing food as normal and ensure you stay on top of the cleaning of feeding areas. Most of the young would have left the nest and activity levels may start to die down in your garden. Keep an eye out for baby birds such as Robins and tits and note if they look different to their parents, or if they are just smaller copies.

August

August is much the same as July, however, some species are leaving for their natural habitats in woods and fields while the summer migrates start preparing to return. The last broods of young are expected this month so it’s important to keep your food supply high on protein for the little ones. Even if you have less visitors this month, don’t stop leaving food out for the birds as they might not come back come winter.

September

The nesting season is over for most bird species and many of the visiting birds will return south for the winter. With natural food supplies being widely available you will probably see a decrease in garden visitors, but like August, don’t stop putting out food.

October

Another quiet month in the garden as natural food is plentiful. Take advantage of the calm and have a clean out of your feeding stations and nest boxes in preparation for next month. Stock up on highly nutritious garden bird food and fatty bird food such as peanut cakes.

November

As the weather starts turning colder more and more birds will find their way to your garden as the natural food resources become scarce. Winter migrants start to arrive and by the end of the month you should have seen a significant increase in garden visitors. Be sure to provide unfrozen water regularly in case of freezing conditions.

December

By December your garden will be busier with more birds seeking food and water. You might need to increase the amount of food you put out to make sure there is enough for everyone. Also, vary the types of food you offer to accommodate the different eating habits of the birds. You can start thinking about where to put up the nest box next year or even take in down for a clean in preparation for the breeding season starting in the early part of next year.

Follow these basic tips and you can enjoy bird song and bird watching all year round while helping our feathered friends.

Tina Smith is a keen bird watcher and loves providing food and water for birds throughout the year. She can recommend the high quality selection of garden bird food from Peckish all year round.