Maintaining a healthy home garden is a hands-on task. You need to consider everything from the ideal weather to the best supplements for stimulating plant growth. This also includes getting rid of weeds—plant killers that can be a nuisance and prevent you from maintaining a lush, green outdoor space. So, you should keep an eye out for weeds and stop their growth. Here are 6 useful tips for managing and preventing weed growth:

Identify the type of weed
You may think all weeds are bad and should be removed. But it is important to identify the type so that you can choose the most effective countermeasures. For instance, many types of weeds are unaffected by pesticides and sprays. So, to avoid wasting time, first, you should try to identify the type of weed growing in your backyard. For example, broadleaf weeds grow flat and are not grassy or needle-like. Common examples here could be dandelions, clovers, or ground ivy. Grassy weed is a more common type that resembles regular grass but is easily identifiable due to its distinctive growth pattern. If you spot triangular or tube-like weeds that are not as flat as the blades of the grass, then these are regular wild creepers.

Use a potent spray
Some growths, like crabgrass, persist and dominate the entire garden. Crabgrass is an annual weed that thrives in hot and humid weather and targets barren spots in the garden. The weed can ruin the look of the garden and potentially produce over 150,000 seeds for a single plant during the growing season. One of the best ways to target its growth is by using Preen® Lawn Crabgrass Control. This product comes with pre- and post-emergent action to counter crabgrass overgrowth. The dual action formula comes in a granular form and is potent for 4 months after it has been applied. Alternatively, if you are looking for the best plant killer sprays, you can try the Spectracide Weed Stop for Lawns, which is effective against 470 different types of weed growth. The spray covers up to 5,000 square feet and works well in both warm and cold climates. You can find several crabgrass killer products today intended for use in different temperatures and climates.

Manually pull out the weeds
Many types of weeds are resistant to chemical sprays. Here, manually yanking the overgrowth by the root can prevent the weeds from sprouting seeds and germinating. There are many techniques you can choose, like hand pulling—a popular technique where you identify the patches of weed growth and pull out the baby plants before they mature. But this is the most labor-intensive technique and is advisable only if you are dealing with smaller patches of weed growth. Alternatively, you can also use a weeder tool to get more control and exert minimal force while pulling out the weeds. Or, a scuffle hoe can help you tackle larger patches of overgrowth. Scuffle hoes can burrow deep and cut the plant at the roots while pulling a large patch of overgrowth in a single action. You can save time and effort by using such tools in the process. You can even apply a layer of herbicides or plant-killer sprays to tackle leftover roots.

Use organic herbicides
Herbicides are potent sprays that can control the growth of weeds around plants. These liquids come in handy in places where it is not possible to manually remove weeds. It is better to use organic herbicides that naturally kill the weed plants and avoid damaging any other growths in the vicinity. Corn gluten is a popular compound used to control the overgrowth of crabgrass and different types of lawn weeds. You can also consider a white vinegar-based herbicide to counter fast-growing weeds.

Try flame weeders
If you tend to your garden often, then a flame weeder to destroy weed growth can be a suitable option. This tool is designed to wipe out excess weed growth by torching the grass and burning off the excess in small patches. But the technique does not destroy the roots, so you will have to use the flame weeder several times in a growth cycle to properly tackle and address the problem. On the one hand, burnt weeds can be used as a supplement as it replenishes the soil with nutrients to aid the growth of healthy plants. Flaming also gets rid of pests that can thrive among the weeds.

Water just the cultivated plants
One of the common mistakes among first-time gardeners is watering the entire garden. But here, you are simply providing additional nourishment to the weeds along with the plants. Weeds mostly grow in patches, so you can strategically deprive these growths of all forms of nourishment. Over time, the weeds will wither away, leaving behind a clean patch ready for new plants. You can place drip soakers around plants and vegetation and deprive the weeds of any nutrition. While this does not ensure the complete removal of harmful weeds, it will still them from growing and starve the smaller weeds before they mature and deprive healthy plants of all nutrition.

Samsung smartphones do not need an introduction as they have been reigning the market for a long time. The brand continues to maintain its strong foothold in the technological world with its amazing smartphones and other gadgets. In fact, Samsung announced its much-awaited Samsung Galaxy Note 10 and Note 10 Plus on August 7, 2019, and this has lead to prospective smartphone buyers deliberating on whether it is worth upgrading to the latest Samsung Note 10. This phone is available for pre-order starting August 8 and goes on sale on August 23.

With Samsung Note 10, Samsung has unveiled a smartphone that combines the user experience of a computer, gaming console, a movie-tech camera, and an intelligent pen in one compact device! You can even say that the Samsung Note 10 is the company’s easiest-to-use S Pen-toting phone till date. If you are considering buying a new phone and are curious to gauge whether the latest Samsung Note 10 fits the bill, here are certain things about the device that will you help you make an informed choice.

Design
We tend to favor things that appeal to our aesthetic sense. So, there are high chances that your decision would be in favor of the Samsung Note 10 as it is hands-down one of the most striking phones of the year. If you want an impressive phone, you should consider buying the Samsung Note 10 in the Aura Glow color; it gives off a silvery iridescence that changes hues when light hits it at different angles. This phone is also available in Aura White, Aura Red, Aura Pink, and Aura Black. Samsung Note 10 feels just right in your hands and offers a respite from the usual bulky phones. It is 6.3 inches long and has a slightly smaller screen than the earlier 6.4 inches Samsung Note 9. However, Samsung Note 10 is thinner and lighter than its predecessor and wins brownie points for this.

Another prominent change that accompanies the Samsung Note 10 is that there’s no headphone jack; it ditched the 3.5-millimeter, and the microSD card slot for a sleeker design. Also, the power button and the volume controls are on the left side of the phone, which has evoked mixed feelings from users.

Display
Samsung Note 10’s display is quite impressive. It has an on-screen Ultrasonic Fingerprint scanner that offers vault-like security, and it detects the 3D ridges and valleys of your fingerprint for invisible security. Also, it features a 6.3-inch Infinity-O display that offers an uninterrupted view as the front camera is tiny and is discreetly positioned. Since the bezels are pushed way back, you’ll get a truly great view. With Samsung Note 10, you can enjoy a cinematic experience irrespective of whether it is bright or dark outside. This is made possible with its HDR10+ certified with Dynamic Tone Mapping for playback with tone and contrast in accordance with how it is intended to be seen. So, if you are viewing HRD10+ content on YouTube, it will be vivid and exciting.

S Pen
The S Pen is amazing, but some of the features are more gimmicky than useful. The S Pen on the Samsung Note 10 can convert handwriting to text, and you can scribble a note using the Screen off memo feature. This note can be saved and exported to a Word doc, PDF, or other file and sent out. Also, the new Air Actions gestures for the S Pen require minimal efforts. There’s an added feature to the S Pen—AR Doodle. This feature allows you to create viral moments; you can draw on a live view of a subject or multiple subjects. You can draw on them (on the faces), and whatever you draw will travel with them as they move about the frame.

Cameras
Samsung Note 10’s new camera system brings top-notch movie technology to mobile and makes it easy to use. This multi-camera system gives you the power to go from shoot to edit instantly. The back of the phone has a triple-camera set up that includes a wide-angle 12MP shooter and an ultra-wide 16MP camera that captures 123-degree photographs. It also has a 12 MP telephoto lens that’s limited to 2x optical zoom. Samsung’s video prowess is what stands out in its latest rendition. The phone has a Live Focus mode for video and lets you blur out the background or add special effects.

The phone harbors a single 10MP front camera that shoots wide-angle selfies. The Night Mode delivers better results even in dim conditions.

Battery life
In terms of battery life, the Samsung Note 10 is powered by a 3,500mAh battery. It is smaller than its predecessor, but the low screen resolution can ensure that it consumes less power. Also, it will provide good endurance. This smartphone comes with a 25-watt charger, which helps your phone get from 0% to 100% in less than an hour.

Though the specs are quite impressive, people might be a little apprehensive about the smaller battery or the absence of a headphone jack. However, if these factors are out of the picture, you are left with a smartphone offers faster performance, improved productivity features, better cameras, and an enhanced S Pen. You can now decide whether you are willing to spend $949.99 for pre-ordering the compact yet powerful Samsung Galaxy Note 10.

Seniors who are financially challenged and need free cell phones for emergencies use can get free cell phones for the occasional calls through a few no-contract plans available for them. Wireless free cellphones for seniors are also available for free for seniors, depending on their income. This is along with monthly air-time minutes according to the criteria seniors qualify for.

One can get free cellphones for seniors by looking up some cheap deals online or in the nearby stores. For example, free cellphones for seniors can be obtained through a few no-contract phones that work well for infrequent users of cell phones. These pay-as-you-go phones help save money as they are pre-paid cell phones that are not owned on a contract basis. With these free cell phones, there are no credit checks, fixed monthly bills, hidden costs, or contracts that are the usual features of traditional phone plans for cell phones. These no-contract phones allow users to purchase a special pre-paid phone with a certain amount of available minutes for texting or in the form of talk time that need to be used within the given period. Majority of national carriers like Verizon and AT&T offer pre-paid plans that are inexpensive, similar to independent networks like Cricket, Net10 and Virgin Mobile. T-Mobile and TracPhone also offer some good free cellular phones plans.

Another option is the Doro PhoneEasy 618 that is sold via Consumer Cellular. It offers senior-friendly phones with simplified features and big buttons on a no-contract basis and is one of the cheapest options out there in the market. With calling plans starting at $10 per month, it costs about $60.

Lifeline Assistance program
The Lifeline Assistance Program is a government-sponsored program that subsidizes landline companies as well as wireless services that offer free cell phones along with 250 minutes of monthly free airtime and texts. This is done for those who qualify for the low-income criteria. Millions of Americans are eligible for this free cell phone offered via the Lifeline program, and only about 15 million have availed the service so far.

Many different national pre-paid wireless companies like Assurance Wireless and Safelink offer free minutes and phones through tie-ups with other regional carriers within the country. It is true that more than one wireless company provides the free phones and minutes in most of the states. For those who are eligible, the free phone that is received is a basic cell phone that offers voicemail, text messaging, caller ID, and call waiting. To qualify for these services, the recipient needs to prove that they are receiving some government benefits like Food Stamps, home energy assistance, Medicaid, public housing assistance, or SSI. Another criteria for eligibility is the household income that needs to be at or below 135 or 150 percent of the Federal Poverty Guidelines. These vary from state to state.

The Lifeline program is a good way for low-income seniors to obtain a free cell phone, and seniors should check for service and eligibility requirements around their area by logging on to the site and locating the services available in their zip code area. The Lifeline program lets households with low income to get discounted telephone services to help them make ends meet on a monthly basis. A telephone is a necessity for most Americans, and more so for seniors. A cell phone or even a basic telephone is an important link to the outside world in today’s age. Whether it is an emergency, or for a job or even to simply know that help is a call away, a phone that is affordable is a necessity.

Everyone likes to have a sleek, new 40- or 43- inch TV size to make their living room cool. If you’re determined to fit in a TV cabinet or in between some objects, then knowing the size of the TV set is paramount. Calculating a TVs dimension isn’t tedious, just like tying the shoelaces.

• Estimate
  Diagonally measure the TV from one corner to the other. Don’t think that a 40-inch TV is 40-inches wide from bottom left to bottom right; it’s 40 inches from bottom left to top right, or in the other way, bottom right to top left. Another point is the mistake regarding measurement from the outer edge of the bezel to the opposite edge of the frame. Diagonally calculate from one edge where the screen or frame finishes to the opposite one to avoid the incorrect bezel measurement.
• Accommodation in a tight space
  Calculate the entire size of the TV, whether it’s a 40- or 49-inch TV, including the frame or bezel. The overall measurement of length, width, and depth is vital if you want to fit the TV set in an existing space. If you’re going to buy a 46-inch set, it’s nearly 44.5 inches in width and 25 inches in length. It can technically fit into the existing cabinet, which is 45 inches tall; however, it won’t give an aesthetically pleasing view. For a 45-inch-tall cabinet, buy 40-inch TV set to let some extra space.
• Aspect Ratio
  When it comes to aspect ratio, it’s the proportion of the display image width with respect to its height. Maximum standard TVs use a screen ratio of 4:3, whereas modern TVs use an aspect ratio of 16:9, which is a widescreen TV ratio. Although the diagonal calculation would be same, the total space of the screen would not be the same. The picture of wide-screen TVs will be more horizontal instead of square. Do a simple measurement for matching the screen dimension of one standard TV to that of a newer wide-screen one. For a 4:3 aspect ratio standard TV, multiply the diagonal length of older model by 1.22 to get the screen size of a newer TV.
• Distance as per the size
  It’s pretty critical to determine the actual distance to maintain in between the TV and the seating arrangement. After getting the right size of a TV, the final thing is deciding the distance between the TV and the seating place. For a 40-inch TV, set a 5 to 8 feet. In case of a 46-inch TV, it must be 5.75 to 9 feet.

Buying a new computer can be incredibly expensive, given the significant investment it requires. Also, the amount of choice available in terms of prices and configuration can make the whole process of buying a new device very overwhelming. Shoppers often make mistakes when buying a new computer, especially those who are less tech-savvy. In this article, we’ve listed a few common mistakes you can avoid when buying a new computer.

Purchasing a computer that does not meet your needs

Before buying a computer, it is important to determine your needs, whether you want to use it for home, work, or gaming. There is no reason to buy a computer with tons of RAM if you are not going to use it for heavy workloads or gaming. Shoppers often spend more money on features that they do not need. Before buying, you must list all the features you need and purchase the best one that meets your needs.

Not thinking about other costs

If you buy a gaming computer, be aware of what is included in your purchase. Most computer software is accessible on a trial basis, and you would need to pay after the trial period ends. It is best to look for deals where software is included in the price to help save money. For example – many computers come standard with Windows 10. Again, shoppers often forget to buy antivirus software, a must-have when buying a computer. Some computers may come with a 90-day free virus scanner; if you want to use it, it is best to purchase the updated software.

Paying for an extended warranty

Most computers come with a 1-year warranty, and it is better to skip the extended warranty when buying a new computer. Extended warranties are available for a fee, and companies profit significantly from them. It is not worth buying an extended warranty because the chances of needing a repair in a new computer are very low. Also, even if something happens, the cost of repairs will be less than the cost of an extended warranty.

Spending too little or too much

Many shoppers tend to underspend and later regret it as it is likely to have fewer features than they need. There are many computers on the market, giving you many options to select from. With some research, you can easily find a computer that offers the best value for your money. You can probably opt for something inexpensive if you need a computer for basic tasks. But hardcore gamers may need a pricier computer with the latest processor and large storage. Instead of buying immediately and paying a lot, browse through dozens of websites and find promotional offers from time to time.

Not buying the right OS for your needs

There are several operating systems to choose from when buying a computer, including Windows, Linux, macOS, and Chrome OS. Each has its advantages, and you must decide which one you want depending on your needs. Many shoppers often end up with macOS despite being a power user resulting in headaches later. macOS is usually best for those who want a computer for basic tasks, while Windows is a better choice for any other work.

Focusing on only the processor

Though choosing a suitable processor is very important, other factors should also be considered while buying a computer. This includes clock speed, thermal design power, cache size, and the brand- Intel or AMD. For example, an Intel Core i5 or an AMD Ryzen 5 will work well for a casual user as each has 6 cores and 65-watt TDP. For a gamer, an Intel Core i7 or i9 or AMD Ryzen 7 or 9 would be a go-to choice. They have eight cores and offer great single-thread and multi-thread performance for ultimate gaming performance.

When buying a new computer, thoroughly research the available options, and choose the one with enough memory and processing speed ideal for your needs.

You can install a sundial anywhere, but ensure that the location gets sunlight. Usually, people think that only a wall oriented north (in the case of the southern hemisphere) can get a sundial, but this is far from the truth. The original dials are typically aligned between the cardinal points, and they are not even vertical at times. Read on to know more about installing a sundial for your home.

Positioning a sundial
Consider the best place for installation when you shop for a unique sundial for your home. You can even use the slanting roof to install a sundial that’s visible from a distance. Here’s what you need to do to position the device correctly:

• Step 1
  Level off a full-sun area of your home or garden. The sundial’s angle in relation to the horizon is important, but it will not impact its accuracy significantly. If you seek complete accuracy in the sundial’s placement, you should find the true north.
• Step 2
  Choose a clear night, locate the North Star, and align the sundial’s shade arm or gnomon. You need to ensure that it is in line with the North Star.
• Step 3
  If the North Star cannot be seen from where you are, you can choose to set your sundial on either of these dates: April 15, June 15, September 1, or December 25. On these days, the solar time and the clock time are in sync. So, you can simply orient the sundial to ensure that the shadow of the gnomon falls on the marking for noon.

Some people prefer to use a compass to locate the magnetic north, but it will not be the true north. You have to consider the magnetic declination of your location to set the sundial accurately.

Other factors to consider while positioning a sundial
Ensuring thorough risk understanding and preparation increases the chances of your project’s success and the durability of the unique sundial you choose to install. Consider the following parameters before choosing a place for installation:

• Visibility from the street or the garden
• Daily illumination duration throughout the year
• Accessibility for installation, especially if you chose a giant-sized, heavy sundial
• The risk of bushes or plants obscuring the sundial or trees casting a shadow over it
• Exposure to bad weather like ice, heavy rain, or wind
• Risk of injury majorly by the dial’s style, especially if you choose the metal style of an equatorial or horizontal sundial