Paint a Flower Pot Saucer that Doesn't Match PotFlower pots and saucers are sold separately. I knew I had a saucer at home so I didn't buy a new one. When I went home, the saucer didn't match the pot. You can revamp the saucer with a little bit of paint and it pairs nicely with the accents of the pot. I was able to save the $1-2 on a saucer, and use an existing one.
Protect Ripening Fruit with NewspaperIn our yard, we have been experiencing more wild animals lately (i.e.: birds, rats, rabbits, etc.) especially since our yard is near a canyon. These animals are eating our fruit! It is quite frustrating watering these fruit trees, watching the fruit grow, and then finding them eaten/ruined.
Make Your Own Gutter Guard SweeperI have been looking for a curved brush attachment to go on my 12 ft. extension pole to use to sweep the leaves off our gutter guards. I can't find one so I made one myself.
DIY Moat to Keep Ants Out of Hummingbird FeederMake a plastic cap moat to keep the ants from getting into your hummingbird feeders.
Using Bread to Pick Up Broken GlassI recently dropped a dainty black light bulb on the kitchen floor. There were tiny bits everywhere! I swept up what I could see, but I was scared there were minuscule shards everywhere. I carefully pressed a slice of bread over the glass. The sponginess and little nooks sucked up all of the debris.
Using A Coffee Container As An Indoor or Outdoor PlanterBecause we drink a lot of coffee, we often have so many left over containers. I have given these sturdy and decorative containers a new life while helping with the land fill. I use them as planters for myself, friends, and family.
Growing Celery From Kitchen ScrapsWhen you are finished with the bunch of celery, put it in a glass of water to root. Then put it in a pot with potting soil. When it gets bigger plant in the ground. Water it regularly and you will have celery.
DIY Green Onion GardenI love having a never-ending green onion garden, especially on the cheap. I recently got a huge bag of green onions at the shop for 50 cents. Some of them were starting to wilt at the tips. I used the dark green parts in some recipes, and soaked the roots in some water overnight. I then planted them.
Cleaning Your Hair DryerDust can clog the motor, and shorten its life. I used a combination of a vacuum cleaner and an old toothbrush to clean mine.
Mr. Red (Hummingbird)This is one of our favorite hummingbirds, Mr Red, because he's the friendliest little guy of all the hummingbirds, I've ever seen.
A Big Bug? No a Hummingbird!I was sitting outside hand feeding my favorite squirrel. This usually keeps her out of my bird-feeder when I heard this thump and felt something hit the side of my leg. Looking down I thought, WOW, what a huge bug. I reached down to pick it up and throw it into the grass when I realized it was a hummingbird.
Clean Lines For Small LawnI have a good sized piece of property. As I get older, it seems to get even larger when it comes time to mow it with a push mower. Doc says the exercise is good for me. But then, he ain't the one doing the pushing.
Grow a Rose Cutting in a PotatoIf you have a rosebush that's doing well and want to grow more from it, or give some as a gift, it's a good idea to propagate a cutting from that bush inside of a potato. Potatoes have a good amount of moisture and nutrients for a new cutting to develop from.
Shop Specifically For Plant BargainsA Tightwad Grows Flowers: Someone said I was so tight, I squeaked when I walked. So tight, I squeezed a nickel til the buffalo bellowed. Say what they will, when it comes to buying flowers, being miserly certainly has it's advantages.
Clean Fridge And Freezer Interior With PeroxideFor years I've used baking soda to clean inside my refrigerator and freezer. I've found something I think I like better. Peroxide.
Euonymus As Foundation PlantingI did a previous post on using Euonymus fortunei Emerald Gaiety as a foundation planting. My last picture in the post left you looking at some tiny Euonymus plants I had rooted. It also showed a dead Bermuda lawn. (I killed it).
Planting Seed in the GardenThis is a new version of a pipe for planting seed in the garden. The old version of my idea was posted last year on May 3rd.
Save Soil if Planting SucculentsSucculents have shallow roots and do not require much soil. You can fill a giant pot with other items like cartons, planters, containers, etc. to save soil.
Potting ShedThis is a potting shed I made. It had a re-purposed wood ceiling. Re-purposed granite top tables made out of 2x4 and 4x4 outdoor wood and re-purposed shelving with a lattice back.
File Flower Seeds to Help SproutingYou can file the flower seed a little bit to help germinate the seed if there is a thick coating like this, nasturtium. By filing down, it'll help the water absorb. I soaked the seeds 24 hours prior then planted in soil.
Kitchen Scrap Trash CanCut the base out of a gallon water bottle and you can line it with small baggies you get from the grocery store (the ones for putting your produce or vegetables in). This light weight trash can that can easy move around your counter top.
Toilet Paper Tubes for SeedlingsToilet paper tubes make excellent biodegradable plant pots for seedlings. All you need are the tubes and a pair of scissors. Make four cuts about an inch long at one end and fold them in. There should be a small hole for drainage. Fill with compost and sow seeds or plant a seedling.
Tips for Waxing CarsMy friend and I came up with this list after waxing his car and learning through trial and error (and success).
Testing Bargain Camellias (And Other Plants)The above picture is of a new variety of camellia. If I am correct, it is one of a series called 'October Magic', this particular variety being named 'Orchid'.
Most camellias bloom late winter to early spring.This plant is said to bloom in fall, at a time when there is little else in bloom. I like that.
Growing HyssopHyssop is a low growing evergreen shrub with a strong slightly musky odor and stalks of white, pink, or lavender flowers. It is grown as a low hedge, but also has medicinal and culinary uses. This is a page about growing hyssop.
Growing HawthornThis tree is native to Europe, North Africa, the Mediterranean, and Western Asia. It produces fragrant flowers in May. The hawthorn is considered sacred in parts of the middle east because legend has it that the crown of thorns mentioned in the New Testament was fashioned from this tree. The hawthorn has known medicinal and culinary uses. This is a page about growing hawthorn.
How to Make a Plastic Bottle PropagatorThis is a page about making a plastic bottle propagator. A plastic drink bottle can easily be converted into a mini greenhouse for small plants and cuttings. Save your next empty drink bottle and give it a try.
Removing Musty Smell from a Wedding Dress?Stored clothing can develop a musty odor over time. Hanging it near an open window can help air it out and potentially cause the odor to dissipate. This is a page about removing musty smell from a wedding dress.
Tips for Tomato GrowersEven though the tomato is the most popular garden crop in the US, there are some important things to keep in mind to ensure the best crop possible. This page contains tips for tomato growers.
Removing Candle Wax from HolderTo remove the candle wax, left over after burning a candle, I put the container in the freezer. When the wax is frozen, it's easy to pop loose leaving the container practically clean. All that's needed is a good washing.
Does Homemade Laundry Detergent Really Get Clothes Clean?This is a page about whether homemade laundry detergent really gets clothes clean. Many people are skeptical about whether homemade laundry detergents work as well as store bought ones. Here is some feedback and recipes from people that use homemade detergents.
Planning an Inexpensive GreenhouseThis is a page about planning an inexpensive greenhouse. Having your own greenhouse can drastically change the things you can grow. While you can spend a fortune on a greenhouse, you don't have to. Here are a bunch of tips for saving money when building a greenhouse.
8 Great Perennial VegetablesDespite the wait, often a year, before they produce their first crop there are many advantages to planting perennial vegetables. Some good choices include, artichokes, asparagus, chayote, rhubarb, and more. This is a page contains information about eight great perennial vegetables.
How to Use Fresh Mint as an Air FreshenerIf you grow your own mint, you can gather the sprigs, crush them, and place in a bag or bowl to freshener the air in your home. This is a page about using fresh mint for an air freshener.
Picking the Ripest BlackberriesOptimal sweetness is achieved when the berry is fully ripe. Some berries actually may appear ready to pick when black and shiny, but with some varieties it is when they become less shiny that they are the sweetest. This is a page about picking the ripest blackberries.
A Bouquet of EdiblesThree wonderful sunny days this week tell me that the darkest days of winter are behind us. The seed catalogues landing in my inbox and in my postbox are filled with possibilities to make even more colourful and tasty edible bouquets than the ones I created last summer.
Preventative Medicine For Your Vegetable GardenIt is always preferable to prevent problems than to have to remedy them after they occur. This is also true of a vegetable garden. Proper care and maintenance, such as watering, fertilizing, weeding, and pest elimination can help keep your garden growing and producing well throughout the season. This is a page about preventative medicine for your vegetable garden.
Use Recycled Oven Racks for a Drying RackIf you have extra toaster/oven racks, you can make yourself a drying rack. The oven rack is elevated and underneath you can put a towel to absorb the water.
How to Clean Fireplace Bricks?Soot and dirt can stain the bricks on a fireplace, but there are ways to get them surprisingly clean. This is a page about cleaning fireplace bricks.
Artificial Fertilizers?The main difference between organic and artificial or inorganic fertilizers is the source of the chemicals each contains. Both types must be used according to package instructions so as not to damage your plants. This is a page about artificial fertilizers.
Grow Your Own GingerNow that everyone's battling colds and flus, I'm reminded that growing your own ginger is super easy and, of course, great for your budget. When you're at the store, choose a ginger root that looks like it has eyes growing from it (much like potato eyes), or take it home and wait for the eyes to grow themselves.
Grow Your Own Tomato PlantsLast spring was the first time we ever tried growing our own tomato plants. We had a big plastic tank that didn't work well for what we got it for. My husband removed the plastic and used the frame to make a greenhouse.
Clear Bird Feeder VisitorsI got my father a clear birdhouse feeder because he adores interacting with animals, but he's now too old and fragile to go outside to play with them as often. I initially got it so he could watch the birds eat the food he left inside, but now it seems every creature visits.
Tending Your GardenThere is more to gardening than simply planting your tomatoes or veggies. Tending the garden means paying attention to the needs of the garden, supplement with water when it is dry, enrich poor soil, and check your garden routinely to ensure that it is healthy and happy. This is a page about tending your garden.
Fast Growing Evergreen TreesNot all evergreen trees fit into the category of fast growing. This page offers some good choices for this type of tree. This is a page about fast growing evergreen trees.
Saving Money on BulbsOne way to save money on bulbs is to check the discounted items at your local garden center or nursery. Many bulbs can be planted throughout the year, even if it is too late for them to bloom the first year. This is a page about saving money on bulbs.
Getting Rid of Tiny AntsBoth borax powder and diatomaceous earth can be effective in deterring ants. This is a page about getting rid of tiny ants.
Protecting Trees and Flowers from Spring Frosts?Even after the freezing temperatures of winter, your plants may still suffer frost damage in early spring. Make sure that potted plants are watered, this protects their roots better than dry mix. Also, covering smaller in ground plants and potted ones should help. Established trees generally can withstand a light frost with minor damage. This is a page about protecting trees and flowers from spring frosts.
Getting an Orchid to Rebloom?Many orchids will rebloom if given the necessary amount of sunlight. Also make sure that that potting mix and pot size are suitable. Don't overwater. This is a page about getting an orchid to rebloom.
Cleaning Dull Laminate FloorsLaminate floors can become dull from wear or the use of certain cleaning products. Many homeowners have had success cleaning them using steam or vinegar and water. They typically need to be dried to prevent water spots and streaks. This is a page about cleaning dull laminate floors.
Removing Mildew from LeatherLeather clothing, shoes, handbags, etc. can develop mildew while being stored. One method that can be successful is wiping down the item with white vinegar. No matter what you use, be sure to check colorfastness before cleaning the entire surface. This is a page about removing mildew from leather.
Epsom Salts for PlantsAdding Epsom salts to the water you use for your houseplants is a good practice to help their overall health and vitality, increase blooms, and improve leaf color. This is a page about using epsom salts for plants.
How to Clean Water Spots on MarbleMarble polish is one possible solution for removing water spots on a marble surface. This is a page about how to clean water spots on marble.
Growing ClarkiaClarkia can easily be grown from seed. It is considered an annual or tender perennial suitable for full sun or filtered shade garden spots. Well drained sandy soil is perfect, but this flowering plant is adaptable. This is a page about growing clarkia.
Turkey Baster for Watering HouseplantsI find that using an old turkey baster to water my houseplants keeps the leaves dry (which prevents mold and rot) and keeps me from overwatering smaller plants. I will even use a squirt from some of my fish tanks water occasionally for the fertilizing effect!
Overwintering Corkscrew Vine (Vigna Caracalla)Some friends have expressed an interest in growing Vigna Caracalla outside and overwintering them inside. I have a tip or two on that subject. These vines are perennials in their native Central American and tropical South American climes. In temperate regions, they require winter protection when grown as perennials.
Reusing Old Tires to Make Individual Garden PlotsA smart way to re-use an old spare tire is to use it in the garden. So, we made individual plots for lemons from a pile of old tires. It was filled with healthy soil and we placed bamboo sticks around it so the free range chickens won't be able to reach the plant and feed on its leaves or fruit.
Drying Shoes Without the BangingI thought of this because I hate that banging sound of athletic shoes slamming around in the dryer. It's pretty simple as the pictures show. You need a long mesh laundry bag. This one is 2-3 feet long.
Christmas Draft StopperThis is cute and cozy way to stop those cold drafts from coming in under your door. A pool noodle is covered with cute Christmas socks, then filled with gravel and corked at the ends.
DIY Natural Wood Cabinet CleanerMake your own wood cabinet cleaner with a few simple ingredients, including olive oil, water, and vinegar. This is a page about DIY natural wood cabinet cleaner.
Repairing Scratches on a Fiberglass TubThis is a page about repairing scratches on a fiberglass tub. Using something abrasive on your fiberglass tub can cause scratches. Here are some tips for repairing the surface of your tub.
Building an Easy Wooden Outdoor BenchFamiliarity with power tools, some cedar lumber, and time are all that is needed to make this nice seating addition for your garden. This is a page about building an easy outdoor bench.
Make Your Own Storm WindowsThis is a page about making your own storm windows. Storm windows help prevent drafts and help to keep your home from losing heat. They can also be quite spendy, so here are some tips for making your own.
Braiding Bulb LeavesSome gardeners prefer to braid the leaves of their bulbs once they have flowered to create a neater look. However, there is concern that this will interfere with the process of photosynthesis. It is best to allow the leaves to die back naturally ensuring bulb health. This is a page about braiding bulb leaves.
Use Ammonia to Kill FleasAmmonia applied to carpets where your dogs and cats sleep can be effective in killing fleas. Be sure to let animals out while you do this. This is a page about using ammonia to kill fleas.
Washing Greasy Work Clothes?Ammonia is a great grease cutter, but never mix with bleach. Dishwashing detergent can also work well to remove grease. This is a page about washing greasy work clothes.
Pumice Stone for Removing Calcium BuildupOur cast iron bathtub is 50 years old and I have no plans of parting with it. When the water drains out of the tub, there is a spot near the drain where a little water settles and over the years, a brown circle developed in that area and I could not scrub it off. It was hard calcium buildup.
Tomato Plant HelpGrowing tomatoes is a rewarding gardening experience. While fairly easy to grow, they can suffer from several maladies or care issues. This page contains tomato plant help information.
Removing Stains Above Toilet Water Line?To remove stains above the water line in a toilet there are a couple of good methods to try. Using a pumice stone may work. Also, shut off the water and fill the bowl to just below the rim and add a cleaner or vinegar, soak, and then scrub. This is a page about removing stains above the toilet water line.
Growing Madonna LilyThese beautiful, fragrant, white flowering lilies are planted in the early fall. They produce leaves prior to the frost and then bloom in spring. This is a page about growing a madonna lily.
Taking Multiple Cuttings From A Rose BushIt might be worth a try to see if you can make multiple cutting from longer rose prunings. If they root you can have several of your favorite bushes in the garden. This is a page about taking multiple cuttings from a rose bush.
The Changing Of The SeasonsAutumn is a wonderful time for most. There is the harvesting and the feasting, the storing up for the bleak days to come. There will be lots of shopping, too. Some people love Autumn simply because it's a time to renew their wardrobe. Who doesn't like to have a couple of fashionable cardigans to add to their already bulging supply of clothing?
3 Organic Ways to Control Insects In Your GardenControlling your garden pests is easy with natural pest control. Natural pest controls allow your plants to grow in natural harmony with nature. Even though the insect eats your plants they are a crucial part of the system. When finding insects in your garden, take time to watch what they are doing.
A Bug Named Katy (Cicada)When I was a child, I lived in a small village. All the houses were alike except some were three rooms, some four, and some five. Small and very small homes. Large and very large families. There were two or three homes without children, but for the most part, there were more children than you could shake a stick at. One lady bore seventeen children, and would you believe, there was only one girl in the whole lot.
Don't Discard Sick Plants Too HastilyWhen you read about plants and the pests and diseases that can affect them, you will find some extremes in the figures. Some plants are affected by only one or two pests and/or only one or two diseases. With other plants, that number may double or triple or even quadruple.
Free Houseplant SoilTechnically, this would be a 'medium' rather than soil, but some people haven't caught on to that word, yet. And too, if you have access to enough, it would be great for the garden as well as your houseplants.
Rose Witches BroomOne disease which affects roses is called Rose rosette. The common name for this disease is 'Witches Broom'. It is caused by a virus which is spread by a very small, eriophyid mite. According to Clemson.edu, 'Plants infected with the Rose rosette virus cannot be cured. These infected plants should be removed.
Growing Pansies From SeedI have saved lots of pansy seed from store bought plants over the years. Force of habit, I guess. I never planted them, though. What a shame. That wasteful practice has come to an end, as of now.
Using Liquid Fabric Softener Instead of Dryer SheetsOne alternative to buying fabric softener sheets is using diluted liquid softener sprayed on a cloth or piece of interfacing that is added to the clothing in your dryer. This is a page about using liquid fabric softener instead of dryer sheets.
DIY Comb-top DustpanAttach a wide-toothed comb with hot glue to your dustpan in order to brush out all the debris and dust bunnies from your broom. This dollar hack is a copycat of a $25 dustpan I saw at the Home Goods store.
Coffee Container for Collecting Dryer LintI keep a Folger's coffee container on the clothes dryer to put lint in. When it gets full, I empty the lint into the trash.
Wisteria Serves Double DutyI've done 5 posts on a certain vine and still don't know what to call it. I think it could correctly be called Cochliasanthus caracalla. Having a young wisteria standard (tree form) in my back yard, I decided to keep the Vigna in a 5 gallon bucket and let it grow up and around the wisteria rather than on my clothesline.
How to Compost Shredded PaperOnce shredded, unglossy paper is a great addition to a compost pile, where moisture and worms will turn it into a rich soil addition. This is a page about how to compost shredded paper.
Easy Outdoor BenchThis outdoor bench makes for extra seating, not to mention a resting place when working in the garden! It is an easy, functional, and decorative addition to an outdoor space.
Argiope ~ The Writing SpiderWe, and most of our neighbors, had gardens. They were always home to several writing spiders. With this spider being very active during the day, it was not uncommon to encounter a few during any visit to the garden.
Taking Multiple Cuttings From A Rose BushThis past spring, I bought a floribunda rose named 'Summer Romance'. A $15 rose for $3. It was 1½-2 feet tall. Since that time, it has grown to over 6 feet. It has not bloomed.
Leaves Dying on an Avocado PlantIf the leaves on your avocado plant are dying, it may be a sign of serious stress from something like a fungus or parasite. Leaves dying on an avocado plant is not a sign of good plant health.
Recycled Washing Machine Drum PlantersAn old washing machine tub makes a great container to plant in. Making recycled washing machine drum planters is easy.
Using Cornstarch to Kill Roaches?Cornstarch, by itself, cannot kill cockroaches but when mixed with plaster of paris, it is effective. Using cornstarch to kill roaches alone is not effective.
Hairnets To Protect Small PlantsThis past spring, I had access to 3 two inch gardenia pieces. Just the very tips, mind you. I brought them home and rooted them. Now, I find there are other creatures that love the gardenia just as much as I do.
Corkscrew Vine Bloom TimeI've gotten some private messages asking for further information on the corkscrew vine (Vigna Caracalla). I'm making this post so all who are interested can share this information.
Watering Hanging BasketsAfter a couple of days in the sunshine, the leaves on my hanging basket of petunias look pitiful. To bring them back to life, I put water in a pan and put the basket in the pan to soak up the water overnight. The next day, the dirt in the basket is heavy with water and the leaves on the flowers look lively again. This is easy and there is no dripping when I hang the basket back up.
Busy Butterfly (Monarch Butterfly)I came across this beautiful Monarch butterfly on an early morning walk this September. Intensely feeding on nectar, and pollinating the flower, he did not seem to notice me at all! Quietly, I leaned in closer and closer until I captured him on film. Then I left him unbothered and continued on.
Know Your Beneficial InsectsMost of us know ladybugs are just one of a group of insects that are beneficial to the garden. But what about the ladybug in other than the adult stage? I discovered something very interesting.
Clean Your Earbuds with AlcoholUse rubbing alcohol to clean your earbuds frequently. They can get dirty just by handling and can accumulate earwax.
Why Is Dawn Detergent Recommended So Often?Original blue Dawn dish detergent has a wide variety of uses other than its intended one for cleaning dishes. They range from removing fleas from pets, ridding your plants of insect pests, to its inclusion in homemade cleaning solutions. This is a page about, "Why is Dawn detergent recommended so often?".
Dusting Ceiling FansThe blades and housing on ceiling fans collect a lot of dust when in use and even when not being used. Such high dusting jobs can be messy and difficult to reach. This is a page about dusting ceiling fans.
All Purpose Cleaning Solution With Sudsy AmmoniaAmmonia has been used to clean a variety of items for many years. This page contains instructions for making an all purpose cleaning solution with sudsy ammonia.
Keeping Lizards Off Your Porch?Lizards love to sun themselves during the day. Your porch may very well be a nearly ideal place for them to catch some sun and warm up. If you live in an area with many lizards, keeping lizards off your porch might be an issue you have to deal with.
Compact Seed Starter TrayI am in the process of planting several thousand pansy seed. This being my first time to grow pansies from seed, I really wasn't prepared. I have various trays and flats about, and just about anything else that will hold the seedlings until they're ready for transplanting.
Using A Baker's Rack In Your GardenI found this great baker's rack at my local thrift store. It is a nice height and it also folds flat to transport. Perfect! Because of its lovely lattice metal work, it will be perfect for my outdoor space. With Valspar stone finish paint, I wanted to lighten it up and give it a more stone look.
Installing Peel and Stick TilesAdding new flooring can be simple and easy when you install one pre-glued tile at a time. This is a page about installing peel and stick tiles.
Rehydrating Play DoughOver time, or if left out of a container, play dough can get dried out, fall apart, or become too hard to model. Rehydrating your play dough is easy and will extend the playtime of this classic kids' toy.
The Surprising Facts Behind 10 Gardening MythsSome gardening tips get passed on from person to person and even through generations although they are really myths. Learn about the surprising facts behind 10 gardening myths.
Leaves on Gardenia Turning BrownWhen plants are in pots, they can become root bound and may need new soil and a larger pot. This is a page about leaves on gardenia turning brown.
Why Are My Calla Lilies Blooming in the Fall?Calla lilies typically bloom from spring through September. If yours are blooming later in the season there may be climatic or microclimatic conditions that have allowed them to bloom later than normal. This is a page about, "Why are my calla lilies blooming in the fall?".
Cleaning Silver with Aluminum FoilIt's easy to clean silver using aluminum foil and cleaning agents you have in the house.
Gardening in Small SpacesTo maximize yield in your garden, using your space efficiently is the best way to accomplish this. Gardening in small spaces doesn't have to mean small yields too.
