DEAR HELOISE: Right about now, many people start to think of gardening. To get seedlings started, I cut off the lid to an egg carton (foam or cardboard) and use the individual egg slots. I place dirt in each egg holder and plant two or three seeds in them. When it's time to plant, I carefully lift out the plants, soil and all. Not only do I get a start on my garden, but it's a wonderful way to introduce my children to the enjoyment of gardening.
-- Patricia R., Calif.
DEAR READER: Patricia, this is a two-for hint. You also are reusing the cartons for something else.
DEAR HELOISE: Snails and slugs are a real problem in my yard, but I hate to use chemicals to get rid of them. Instead, I take an old pie plate and set it into the ground so that the edge of the plate is level with the ground. Then I fill the plate with beer. Snails are attracted to beer and will crawl into the beer and die.
-- Tiffany L., Ohio
DEAR READER: Tiffany, this tried-and-true hint is an old one, going way, way back.
DEAR HELOISE: Here are a few gardening hints:
• Used coffee grounds have a neutral pH and can be used as fertilizer. Be sure to work it well into the soil around plants.
• Soak used tea bags in a gallon of water overnight. Using this "weak tea" seems to help plants, too.
-- Amelia B., Fort Worth
DEAR READERS: With two adopted dogs running in and out of the doggy door, it can get a little messy at times. At the first sign of rain or damp weather, I put a large microfiber bath towel in front of the doggy door. It acts like a "walk-off mat" and catches most of the debris on their paws.
When it's a heavy rain or a rain that goes on for a day or two, I put down several. It's easy to pick them up and pop them into the washer and dryer for next time.
DEAR HELOISE: I live in a small apartment with very few windows to bring in sunlight. I used several mirrors around my apartment to give the illusion of a bigger space. The fireplace is seldom used, so I put some mirrors in there, added a few fake green plants, and it sort of brings the outdoors indoors. One mirror hanging in an alcove reflects the natural light from a window on the opposite wall.
-- Hazel R., Athens, Ga.
Send a money- or time-saving hint to Heloise, P.O. Box 795000, San Antonio, Texas 78279-5000; fax to (210) 435-6473; or email
Heloise@Heloise.com
Weekend on 03/23/2017