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Use paper seed packages as markers for rows of seeds. Just cover the seed package with clear contact paper to prevent it from the elements and slip over a small stake.

Herbs to Prevent Insects

Some herbs can help prevent insects from damaging other plants. For example, anise and coriander discourage aphids. Contact your local nursery or agricultural college extension to find out which herbs will work best in your area.

Do Your Weeding After Watering

Pull weeds after you have watered your lawn or garden. That will loosen up the earth and you will get more of the weed's roots.

Wire Hanger Trellis

You can make a small trellis out of a wire hanger. Straighten the hanger's hook and then bend the remaining hanger into whatever shape you want your trellis to be. Then stick the straighten hook into the dirt and you have a wire trellis for potted plants.

Better Drainage in Your Plant Pots

There are lot of items you can put in the bottom of your plant pot to help improve drainage. If you have a broken coffee cup, just break it into smaller pieces and put those at the bottom of the planter. Other items that will are: walnut shells, broken clay pot shards, marbles or stones. To make your planter lighter, use foam packing peanuts.

Borax and Cornmeal for Drying Flowers

You can dry flowers in about 10 days using Borax and Cornmeal. This requires 2 parts borax to 1 part white cornmeal. First, cover the bottom a tub with a thin layer of this powder. Then place your flowers on top of this layer. Slow add more of the powder until the flowers are covered. It's best to not pour the mixture directly on the flowers (it may squish them), but off to the side, letting it cover the flowers as the tub fills up. Once the flowers are covered, let them sit for 10 days. Sand can be substituted for the borax but it takes 16 days for the flowers to dry if you use sand.

Keep Thin Vases From Tipping Over

Fill the bottom of bud vases with sand or gravel to keep them from tipping over easily.



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