Vegetable Gardening Tips

There is still plenty of growing season left for most of Canada. In fact, August can have some great sunshine, but remember that daylight hours are starting to shorten. Thankfully summer isn't over yet! Here are three great tips for taking care of your garden.

Watering:
There are parts of Canada that are in a water shortage situation right now. So, it's important that if you are watering your garden, you water effectively. Prioritize vegetables and fruits over the lawns, decorative plants and other cosmetic landscaping.

One of the most effective methods to water efficiently is to use a soaking hose or a garden hose on a very low flow for a longer watering period.

Weeding:
Controlling weeds is one important way that helps with water conservation. Fewer plants to drink the water means more of the water goes to the fruits and vegetables.

Try to keep the weeds to a minimum by weeding often and getting them out of the ground before they start producing seeds.

Feeding:
Fertilize fruits and vegetables as needed with organic, slow release fertilizer. Stake tomato plants as needed. Here's another tip for tomato plants: always water from below. Tomatoes don't like water on their fruit and leaves.

Growing your own food and maintaining a garden are very rewarding. Enjoy your home and garden this summer and all the best to a bountiful harvest.

Amazing Chicken Marinade

This is an unusual combination of ingredients and it's fabulous for grilled chicken.

1/4 cup cider vinegar
3 tablespoons prepared coarse-ground mustard
3 cloves garlic, peeled and minced
1 lime, juiced
1/2 lemon, juiced
1/2 cup brown sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
Ground black pepper to taste
6 tablespoons olive oil
6 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves

In a large bowl, mix the vinegar, mustard, garlic, lime juice, lemon juice, brown sugar, salt, and pepper. Using a whisk add in the olive oil. Add chicken in the marinade. Cover, and let stand for 8 hours, or overnight.

Preheat an outdoor grill for high heat.

Lightly oil the grill grate. Place chicken on the prepared grill, and cook 6 to 8 minutes per side, until juices run clear. Discard marinade.

Budget Savers

August is great for grilling food on the deck or in the backyard. The BBQ is a great way to prepare food for family and friends. Here are some smart tips for getting the most out of your budget.

Chicken
Buy bone-in pieces and remove the skin and bone yourself at home.

Hamburger & Steak
Buy family or club-store size and freeze unused portions for the next BBQ.

Ribs
Pork spareribs are delicious and much less pricey than baby back ribs.

A barbeque dinner can transform an ordinary evening into a magical feeling of a relaxing vacation.
Happy summer from all of us at Capital Direct!

Let Your House Lend a Hand

“Great response - I was very quickly responded to. Using funds to complete some home renovation projects... All questions were answered by Macy in easy to understand terms. Very happy with Macy's assistance - she made everything appear easy. Great service, and Macy made us feel comfortable.”

- Marilyn S., Abbotsford, BC | June 19, 2015

August Sudoku

	2
8
		4

	3	6

		2

	4
	2
		9

	3
2
9		5

		8
3		9
4

5		4
		6
	1

4
	1
	7

1

8	9

9
		2
	5

Click here to view the solution

Request our new booklet: Borrowing for Success

How to Borrow What You Need to Succeed Guide

Learn how you can use your home equity to your greatest advantage.
To receive your FREE copy of this informative new booklet, email us at [email protected] with the subject line: “New Guide Request”. Please include your full name and postal address, and we'll send you a copy via Canada Post.