Changing the Color of a Hydrangea to Blue?
An easy and no cost way to get highly acidic soil is to simply save your coffee grounds. You dont have to do fancy stuff like mixing the grounds into the soil; just dump them on top in early to mid spring.
Birds Eating Grapes?
Birds seem to avoid shiny aluminum foil and movement of the wind making the foil swing around. I know this sounds mighty strange, but the circular plastic covers from coffee, cream cheese, sour cream etc. can be covered with aluminum foil (not expensive good...
Gnarly Old Weeping Willow
I just love this picture! My son and his dad built a cool tree house in our backyard willow tree many years ago. One summer, he was especially thrilled with his secret place and I finally understood why. I climbed up and discovered my neighbors teenage daughter...
Flowers or Flock of Geese? (Western New York)
I agree the loosestrife is just gorgeous but is it extremely invasive. Its very, very hard to eradicate because if there is one teeny, tiny root left many inches under the soil - it lives again:)
Growing Clematis
It is true they love acidic soil. You can also use coffee grounds to add to the soil!
Homemade Plant Markers?
I just replaced my white, plastic vertical blinds. They went straight into the garage because that area is where I keep things to be used differently someday! The blinds cut easily with just a scissors and need only a permanent marker for this project. When...
Spider Plants in Cold Weather?
I agree (zone 4 upstate NY). We get much colder weather so I have to bring everybody inside but if its mildly cold (I know that term is relative), consider leaving it outside in a protected place and covered as the above suggested. Remember it still needs water...
Variation Of Square Foot Gardening
Belinda, I think you mean 15 x 15 Feet garden, not inch! (b)Editors Note:(/b) Thanks Cheryl. The change has been made.
Preventing the Spread of the Neighbor's Bamboo?
Bamboo is very beautiful but invasive. It doesnt so much as attract snakes as anything that grows in highly acidic soil. It seems to grow no matter what the weather, extremely hot or rainy etc. Ive found mowing over the shoots that come up several feet from...
Reblooming Iris Only Bloomed Once?
For many decades, Ive had iris and they only bloomed once! This was normal for them. All of them were perennial and every year, the bearded purple, dwarf purple and lemon yellow grew fine. I never even guessed that there was a way for them to re-bloom in the...
Using Junk Mail to Prevent Weeds
Id be real careful about part of your idea. I live in zone 4 and have used newspapers (not the colored sections) as mulch but it is the pine straw that is the problem. It is highly acidic and I add it to my blueberry bushes and hydrangea plant but nothing else...
Garden: Tiger Lily
Ive had orange tiger lillies for many decades. They are between my land and the farmers field of corn in zone 4. They seem to need direct sun and most definitely spread. A problem Ive had, though, is that they seem to fall over in one direction, even if there...
Giving Pills to Dogs
My very elderly dog has arthritis. I put four baby chewable aspirin in canned dog food on top of the regular dry dog food he usually has!
Amending Sandy Soil?
Id consider making raised beds near the sandy soil because then you can officially start again and put whatever compost or the mowed leaves you want in it! Im talking from zone 4, upstate NY.
Free Wood Chips?
I live in upstate NY and years ago, Niagara Mohawk used to cut, trim and remove trees in the springtime that were growing too high or into their wires. They would use a wood chipper afterwards and if you ask them, that might still be available. The way Ive...
What is Living Down the Hole in My Garden?
Do your neighbors experience similar holes? Ask because critters, flowers and weeds do not grow / live only in your backyard! They are attracted to the weather and soil type you have and that probably means they are known. If your area is in White Plains, they...
Harvesting and Using Blueberries?
Blueberries dont have to be chilled to eat. I have two huge, very old bushes and I grab a giant handful every time I pass them. I must say, it is a war every August between the birds and I in upstate NY zone 4!
My Frugal Garden
There is some information that is incorrect and it is vital that readers be aware about the kinds of material you can use for compost!
Raised Beds Using Cardboard Boxes
I agree with folks; boxes are not good to make raised beds from but you can make them out of old dresser drawers. Just make sure and make holes on the bottom for rain or water to run out! You can even put the dresser drawers on top of the grass or decking.
Will a Broken Bamboo Plant Stalk Survive?
Its fine! Bamboo is impossible to kill. It grows and spreads forever and ever.
Coffee Grounds for Clearing Drains
Whoever is reading this, please do not put coffee grounds down the sink! It is only luck that there is no problem so far!
Gift Ideas for Mother's Birthday?
I always think just plain old time between a mother and daughter is vital, no matter what the age, religion or culture. Think of what just the two of you can do together and since money is not an object, Id think of tickets somewhere for the two of you. You...
Reshaping Old Glasses
When I get new glasses that are a different prescription, there is a box that accepts the old ones as donations to a charity. I think the Lions Club sponsors this. The box is at the common stores like Pearl Vision. Please consider this option with old ones...
Starting a Compost Pile?
Even though your question and all these comments are about starting the pile, there is something I want to add to get a running start. Right this minute, start saving egg shells and all peels you make like from carrots, cukes, apples, celery etc. so they can...
Plant Vegetables After Easter
Here in upstate NY its Memorial Day weekend. No self respecting gardner would even try to plant before then!
White Flowering Plant for a Cat Memorial?
Im so sorry! You might want to make a garden stepper thats made of dried cement and using colored stones for the cats name or dates.
Sewing on Scout Badges
Another idea: when I was sewing all those badges on the Boy Scout shirt, Id use regular tape or masking tape that you make into a sticky two-sided circle and literally tape it in place before I sewed it on.
11th Birthday Party Ideas?
Id combine the best of our ideas. Something along the lines of Make-Your-Own-Pizza or Make-Your-Own-IceCream-Sunday combined with rented movies and provided popcorn. Id also ask the birthday girl to help provide the music in the background while the kids bake...
Uses for Coffee Cans
I have two uses for coffee cans that are a bit unusual, but they sit proudly in my kitchen. I make a small hole in one plastic cover and put all peelings (from carrots, potatoes, celery etc and dried, egg shells) into the compost bin. The other has a large...
Saving Money on Coffee
I mix generic or store brand coffee with a Big Shot brand (if I have a coupon for it!)
How to Plant and Grow Peonies
I took the peonies out of my parents garden (with their permission) before they sold the home. Its only been two years that they are transplanted in my garden but I did put tomato cages around them when they are poking out of the ground. The cages keep them...
Getting Rid of Bamboo?
About 30 years ago, I saw a few stalks on the border of my property. Its a very rural area, zone 4 and I stupidly thought they were cute. For the next few decades, the bamboo and I have been at war. I have tried my very, very best to kill what is now a 40x80...
Inexpensive Stepping Stones
You can also use colored bottle caps as the design of the flower center and at the Dollar Store get the colored stones that are the petals.
Feeding Birds in Snow
This is related and about taking care of birds. Its almost time (about mid-March) to start saving drier lint and hairs from cleaning your brush; this stuff is needed and used by birds to build their spring nests. I just use one of the bags grocery stores put...
Donating Old Cell Phones?
Near you is a YWCA and if you call, they will know where the womans domestic violence shelter is. Make sure and get rid of all personal info on the phone such as numbers of relatives. Oh, dont forget the charger!
Growing Cherry Tomatoes in Containers?
Yes, you can definitely grow tomatoes that way. I would add two things to what everybody said; the plants may still need staking but (obviously) stake differently, outside the container and you can use old, used pantyhose that wont cut into the plant to hold...
Use a Mechanic's Creeper to Garden
I have multiple sclerosis and walk quite carefully and slowly with a cane. I know its been 2-3 years since I divided the iris and hosta like I used to so easily. I am having built extremely raised beds, about 2 feet off the ground so in the future, if I need...
Keep Spare Oxygen for Emergencies
Theres another related thing. If you provide medical documentation to the electricity provider, stating that you must have electricity for a nebulizer or oxygen tanks, they cannot legally ever stop the utility even when you are unable to pay the bill in full...
Ideas for Face-in-the-Board Photo Props for School Fair?
I dont know if this is what youre looking for but, a regular picture taken by a disposable camera can then be taken to Wal Mart one hour processing. The picture is glued onto one of those magnet forms covering the advertising. The childs photo is then in the...
Line Compost Bucket with Newspaper
I like this idea and want to add to it. I keep a coffee can with its plastic top in the kitchen and dump egg shells, coffee grounds, the peelings from carrots, celery, potatoes and bananas in it. When its full, I empty it in the compost bin.
Reusing Paper Towel Tubes
Ive used toilet paper cardboard rolls to cut in half with a scissors and place on a cookie sheet to be homes for soil when I start seeds. When youre ready to transplant, the entire cardboard roll decomposes in the dirt. The roll also absorbs water so you can...
Cleaning Vinyl Records
And one more-- if youre wondering what to do with the dirty record and dont want to clean it at all then you can make a serving bowl out of it by making the oven 200 degrees, putting the record on a pizza tray and counting the minutes to 7. Take it out and...
Math Pancakes
I dont understand. Ive made pancakes with letters on them by using batter with food coloring in it. I carefully putting it on top of the pancake, when its in the pan. I did the same for shapes like a heart, but I cant figure out how multiplication facts could...
Keeping Squirrels out of Your Bird Feeder?
Ive lathered the pole to the bird feeder with vasoline; it doesnt look terrific but it seems to work as its too slippery for the critters to climb/walk on!
Organic Solution for Tomato Blight?
I live in zone 4, upstate NY. This area has had tomato blight three years ago. For no reason we gardeners could figure out, our tomato plants that had enough sun and water --- and grew / looked healthy until early August, suddenly had black bottoms. The price...
Finding Plastic Coffee Can Lids?
Since the project is for senior citizens locally,I would definitely ask a public elementary school. Besides donating lids in the front office, you can make an announcement over the loud speaker in the morning, kids could help you put up or even make posters...
Place Phone in Purse When Charging
I dont understand. To re-charge my cell phone means I have to hook the charger into the wall where the electricity is in the outlet. This would not be possible if it is in my purse. Somebody please explain it to me, but know I understand cell phone stuff on...
Hydrangeas Not Flowering?
My hydrangea is 15 years old and it is this year that it has so many blue blooms on it, as I put the used coffee grounds on top of the soil all spring. All this time, it always grew healthily and had beautiful green leaves but hardly any blooms. The only thing...
Empty Can to Hold Utensils When Cooking
I use the plastic circle top covers from all coffees as the spot on the counter for used cooking utensils. They wash up easily and I have a collection that is used daily.
How to Change the Color of Hydrangeas?
Hydrangea blue or purple blooms come from highly acidic soil. You dont need to buy some chemical additive; you can get acidic soil by dumping your used coffee grounds on top of the soil.
Do I Need Multiple Tomato Plants?
One, alone, will do it. Plan B is always have another one ready just in case the original one falls over in the wind or some other weather crisis happens. Heres a tip: since tomato plants do best in acidic soil, and coffee grounds are acidic----save coffee...
Being a Parent During Tough Economic Times
As a retired school social worker, I want to add ideas for kids in economic stressful times. Call the public school and confide in a social worker or school-home partnership professional. They can help you apply for a free or reduced breakfast and lunch for...
Quilts from Thrift Store Fabrics
I get supplies for quilting at the local Salvation Army. Choose large flat sheets or large mens shirts for the fabric. The selection is excellent and the price is very inexpensive.
Leave Remotes and Appliance Manuals When Moving
This idea helped the sale of my fathers home! Taped to the wall, we made a letter addressed to New Potential Homeowners with the telephone numbers of all utilities, important information like the day of trash pick-up, the local Chamber of Commerce map of the...
Wheelchair Tips and Advice?
I have MS. The quickest and cheapest way to get ideas of how to make life more accessible is to make an appointment with a case worker from RCIL (Resource Center for Independent Living). Additional help is from contacting a college that has a physical or occupational...
Wheelchair Tips and Advice?
I responded earlier and I forgot to say that you must be a very good friend to find resources that helps explain MS! On behalf of all patients everywhere, I want to sincerely thank you. The very smartest thing both you and your friend can do is learn about...
Inexpensive Landscape Fabric?
You could buy a flat king size sheet from Salvation Army for about $3.00. Obviously it doesnt matter if the design is faded. Its usually made of cotton and will let the rain or garden hose water through. It cuts very easily with a scissors and you can cut it...
Kindergarten Bulletin Board Ideas?
A non-holiday and non-weather idea of welcome is to ask every faculty member and principal for a baby picture and put the picture next to a present one, with their name.
Problems With phreebie.net?
I never heard of it until I read this post and tried it. I get a list of porn sites!
Use A Baggie For Making Crumbs
There are two other ways that I put stuff in a baggie and use the rolling pin. I save egg shells to put in the compost bin but first I put them in the baggie so they are crushed up when I dump them in the compost bin. The other way is to put cereal like corn...
Repainting Outdoor Furniture
I had an outdoor wicker chair and wanted to paint it. I read carefully the cans of Wal Mart paint and none of them specifically covered wicker. I ended up buying spray paint but I got just two cans of white. Washed it with the hose first and it dried pretty...
Freezing Cookies
I want to add one more thing that might help folks. If the frozen cookies are for a Care Package to be mailed, place them in the box frozen, not defrosted. The few days it takes for the box to arrive via US Post Office / FedEx will allow the cookies to defrost...
Buying Second Hand Clothing
I have always shopped at the Salvation Army. I have bought dishes, pots / pans, lamps, clothing, books, socks and sheets. I guess the only things I buy new are panties and bras! I always try on the jeans but other clothing, I just critically look at the seams...
Sliding Furniture
All brands of coffee have the plastic covers on top. Save them. Put one each under all furniture legs to be moved.
Using Coupons at Dollar Stores?
Upstate New York will not accept them. From these comments, I think every one has their own policy. There doesnt seem to be a consistent national policy. Weird.
Save Egg Shells for the Garden
My compost pile includes eggshells. However you use the egg inside (baking, hard boiled etc) you let the shell air dry. Actually I let pieces dry on egg cartons. Then put them in a zip lock bag and smash them up with a rolling pin.
Help with Learning About the Computer?
The place that offers free introductory classes is the public library! Also, as someone already noted, the Senior Center. The latter is because the Baby Boomers are a huge age group that wants to learn how to email their grandchildren in college or use Skype...
