Nov
07
Snail Barriers
Snails do not like sand, lime, copper or ashes. Put a line or barrier of any of these around an area you wish to keep snail free.
Nov
07
Repel Ants and Aphids
Ants and Aphids can be deterred by growing Spearmint, Peppermint and Pennyroyal.
Nov
07
Removing stains from flowerpots
That staining that occurs in clay and plastic flowerpots and their saucers comes right out without scrubbing. Just fill the kitchen sink with cold water and add plain white vinegar about 2/3 water to 1/3 vinegar. Soak the pots and saucers until they look clean and new. This may take up to an hour. Wash […]
Nov
05
Prevent wicker furniture yellowing
1/2 cup (150g) salt 3 cups (750ml) warm water White wicker furniture that’s been finished with an oil-based paint has a tendency to yellow with age, especially if it is stored in the dark during the winter. To fight the effects of aging, give your wicker furniture an annual scrub down with a stiff brush […]
Nov
05
No-fuss flower pot cleaner
1 handful salt Scrub brushes can scratch and soap residues can cling to a clay pot’s porous texture. Instead, reach for a handful of salt to work in their place. Simply place the salt on a clean damp rag and scrub away to let the gentle abrasive power of salt clean your empty garden pots […]
Nov
03
Mosquito repellent
peel of one (1) lemon Few things can disrupt the pleasantries of summer like a slew of itchy and unwelcome mosquito bites. If you prefer to try a natural way to keep the mosquitoes at bay, cut the peel off a lemon and then rub the essential oil from the outside (yellow side) on your […]
Nov
02
Lawn furniture cleaner
1/4 cup (55g) baking soda 1 quart (1 liter) warm water If your old patio furniture is looking a little weather-beaten before the season starts, brighten it up with a good baking soda wash. Mix the baking soda in to the warm water and stir to dissolve. Wipe down all surfaces with the solution and […]
Nov
02
Keeping cats out of children’s play box
Pour vinegar around the children’s sand box to keep cats (and a few other critters) from using it as their litter box. Reapply about every two months just to be sure. Also you can sprinkle a little vinegar on your garden paths and patios to help keep cats away.
Nov
02
Instant antibacterial aid for gardeners
If you hate to wear gloves when gardening (except, of course, when working with roses, blackberries, or thistles) you will get nicked or scratched. White vinegar can be used to treat such scratches if you are not near a water supply. This stings for a second or two, but saves a long trek to the […]
Nov
02
Increase soil acidity
In hard water areas, add 1 cup (225ml) of vinegar to 1 gallon (3.75 liters) of tap water for watering acid-loving plants such as rhododendrons or azaleas. The vinegar will release iron in the soil for the plants to use. Azaleas will benefit from an occasional watering with a mixture of two tablespoons of vinegar […]