INPUT ARTICLE: Article: Squeeze the bottom of the pot your lavender plant is in. This helps loosen the lavender and its dirt ball from the smaller pot. Tilt the lavender sideways and pull gently on the plant's base. With the loosening of the previous step, the lavender plant should ease out of its old pot. The dirt should be solid enough that it feels like it will come out in one chunk if handled gently. Handle your pot-less lavender gently to avoid breaking the dirt and damaging the roots as well as the foliage above the dirt. Now you're ready to pot your lavender plant in the new pot! Nestle it into the dirt that is already in the pot for security. The base of the plant should sit 3-inches below the rim of the pot. Gently break the surface of the lavender dirt ball with your fingers to release some of the roots. Root binding happens when a plant has been in a small pot too long and the roots rival the dirt for space. This makes the dirt hard and unless the dirt and roots are loosened, the roots will not expand in their new pot and the plant will soon die. Most potted plants won't be root bound, but it's a good idea to loosen up the roots and dirt a little to ensure the roots get a healthy start. Fill it only up to the top of the dirt ball around the lavender plant's roots. Don't pack the soil around the Lavender plant. The soil needs to stay loose for effective drainage. Sprinkle the fertilizer on the soil and then scratch the fertilizer into the soil with a fork. Timed-release fertilizer can be found at any gardening or farm store and will release fertilizer as the plant is watered. An example of a timed-release pellet fertilizer is alfalfa pellets. They are organic and contain Triacontanol, which is a growth stimulant. Some soils come with fertilizers like alfalfa pellets already mixed in, so you may not need to do this. Turkey grits or white landscaping pebbles work best for mulching lavenders. Lay the mulch on the soil in a 2-inch thick layer up to the base of the plant. This mulch is great for preventing rot in the roots and stems of the plants. The white color of turkey grits and white landscaping pebbles will reflect sunlight back to the plant which will stimulate growth. The mulch will also encourage air circulation and quick drainage. These materials are inexpensive and can be found at farm and pet stores and some garden stores.

SUMMARY: Remove the Lavender plant from its current pot. Place the lavender plant in the center of the pot. Fill the rest of the pot with your potting mix. Spread a half cup timed-release fertilizer over your potting soil. Mulch your lavender plant.

INPUT ARTICLE: Article: Look for something that looks like a tiny onion at the base of a green stem (which fades from lime to emerald green upward from the bulb). The stems are usually thicker and sturdier than green onions to support the bulbs. Spring onions are a more mature version of green onions, hence they have a larger bulb. Most markets and grocers sell spring onions with the bulbs attached and the tops of the stems trimmed down to about 4 inches (10cm) to 6 inches (15cm) long. They'll often be sold in a batch of 5 or 6 bulbs with the tops attached. True to their name, spring onions are harvested in the spring, so depending on where you live, you're more likely to see them at farmer's markets around those times. If you notice there are small bulbs that look similar to garlic at the base, those are shallots. They grow in tight clusters and typically look a little like small brown onions, only more elongated. You'll be able to spot them because they aren't sold with the greens on top. Shallots come in purple, brown, and gray varieties (the gray ones are especially rare and considered to be a French delicacy). Shallots are harvested in summer and fall, so that's usually the best time to eat them. You can also give them a sniffthey have a zingy, sulfuric smell.

SUMMARY: Identify spring onions by their long green stems and white bulbs. Notice the bunched, garlic-like clusters that are a hallmark of shallots.

INPUT ARTICLE: Article: VOCs are chemicals that easily escape into the atmosphere through common use around the house. Check the front label of household products to determine if they contain VOCs. Examples of common products include nail care products (acetone, ethyl alcohol), paint strippers or adhesive removers (methylene chloride), and aerosol spray products (butane). Check the National Institute of Health's Household Products Database for more information about specific products and their ingredients. Shop for "green" products that don't contain VOCs. If you must use VOC products, buy in small quantities that can be used quickly instead of stored. If you must store the product, do so in a tightly sealed, original container, in a well-ventilated area. Gasoline emissions are one of the major causes of smog--whether from vehicles or lawn equipment. Try eco-friendly lawn mowers, hedgers, trimmers, or any other lawn equipment that can be powered electrically. You can also avoid mowing altogether by changing the material in your yard. Opt for artificial grass, succulents, hard landscapes, or rock gardens to do away with mowing forever. This will also save you time and money spent on maintenance and watering. There are also "real grass alternatives" that look and act like traditional grass turf, but require less maintenance. When you buy products that are made locally, it cuts down on the cost of transport which reduces emissions. Local farmers' markets and grocery stores can help you determine where items were produced. There are many sites online that link local buyers and sellers such as Direct Local Food, GrowBuyEat, and AgLocal. Besides farmers' markets, try local farmers' stands, farms, and wineries. There are even many restaurants that are joining the movement towards supporting locally grown items. Make a community garden. Grow vegetables and fruit for your community and local distribution. The less energy you consume at home, the less pollutants that are released into the atmosphere. There are many ways to decrease energy consumption including through lighting, heating and cooling, and appliance use. Replace your old incandescent light bulbs with energy saving halogen incandescents, CFLs, and LEDs which can be found at your local hardware store. For heating and cooling try energy-saving thermostats that automatically reset temperatures while you're away from home. Shop for energy-efficient appliances that use less energy such as washers, dryers, refrigerators, and dishwashers.

SUMMARY:
Avoid high VOC products. Avoid gas-powered yard equipment. Buy local. Be energy efficient in your home.