I cut 1 to 1-1/2 inch sections of plastic straws, slit them up the side and place around the stems of my plants. Just make sure you leave some of the straw above dirt level. This has worked ever since I used this idea 3 years ago. Before that, my dad always said to place 3 or 4 small rocks closely around the stem of the plants to prevent cutworm damage. ... View related article.
I've owned a Rainbow Vac for 22 years. Sure you have to empty the water container and occasionally clean the metal "thingy" with a toothbrush. But how hard is that? The cleaning tools, I thought, were like any other for a vacuum...you change from a beater bar for carpet, a different one for other floors then the attachments for crevice tool, small brush and upholstery. Yes, we spent a lot of money on ours at the time, too. But worth every penny. The only thing I've had done to mine in all these years...new belts on the powerbar (for carpets), new latches that hold canister to water bowl, and replaced my hose that attaches to the powerbar. Just being able to see the junk you've vacuumed up makes you feel like you've done the job right. It is an investment and if the quality and workmanship is as good as it was 22 years ago, I don't think you can go wrong if you can afford it. ... View related article.
CD's are good for the birds in the berries but they're also good for bunnies in the beans. I hang them with fishing line from extra wire stakes (upsidedown L shaped ones--They were for connecting several together to make a square stake for large plants). You can push the stakes down lower in the ground to rabbit eye level among your beans. Make sure the CD can move freely in the breeze. I'm sure other ideas for stakes will work as well. Bent wire clothes hangers maybe? I've tried this for the past two years with no nibble problems. ... View related article.
I've used the "pea pack" before also, but they didn't stay cold long enough for me. OR the peas would begin to form large hard clumps that were very uncomfortable. Try this homemade ice pack: Take 3 parts water and 1 part rubbing alcohol. (I use 3 cups water/1 cup alcohol). Pour into a gallon- size freezer bag (I use the type they doesn't have the white "lock" on top...they've always leaked for me). Then place it inside another gallon-size freezer bag. Press out as much air in both bags as you can before sealing completely. Lay bags down flat in your freezer. When needed, wrap in a thin towel and place in the area needed. The alcohol keeps the water just mushy enough to fit the contour of your body, but stays nice and cold, too. Reuse over and over. Check for leaks now and then...you'll know by the smell! If you do spring a leak, just transfer the liquid over into new bags. ... View related article.
Take pictures as building progresses. It's not only fun to look back years later on the process, but it's also helpful in finding out where particular wiring and plumbing lines are located. Drilling a well? Installing a septic system? Have the soil tested to see if it will "perk" and drill the well first thing if the area you live it has problems with that sort of thing. Ditto on the suggestion of insulating the bathroom walls...we did and are extremely happy we did (we have a small home). Don't make a payment in full on anything until the work is completed. Partial payments may have to be made...keeps the workers working, but you need a guarantee that the job will be finished. Doors on your walk in closets? Although they're pretty and do provide air circulation, the "slatted" type (can't recall the name) are only dust-catchers and are very hard to keep clean. Although it may cost more during the initial build, get the best windows possible. You'll not regret it...and try to get the type that are easy to clean on the outside...from the inside, if possible. Especially if you're going to need a ladder to do the outside cleaning. My husband and I had a very good experience building a home. Still married...for 29 years now. Now putting a metal storage building together during our 2nd year of marriage was another story. I've always said if you can make it through building one of those, then there's hope for a long life together! Enjoy the experience...just remember that after the house is in the dry...the inside work goes rather slowly...but it will all be worth it! ... View related article.
Use regular Soft Soap and a sponge. Elbow grease may be necessary if it has been baked several times. Also, if, and only if, the pan is stainless steel, spray the pan with oven cleaner, place in a trash bag, tie off, set in the sun for several hours, then rinse. Wash and dry. ... View related article.
I've grown the dwarf bleeding heart (fringed bleeding heart) for years. A very good friend of mine in her 80s now told me this once. Every three years, dig up the plant and give it a good shake...let the dirt fall away from the roots. This is a good time to divide and place in other areas of your garden or give to a gardening friend. Then you can place the plant right back in the same spot you dug it out. Just be sure that you start the job and finish it pretty quickly. You don't want the roots to dry out. Water the area well after repositioning the plant. I've done this for about 15 years now and my plant is still thriving beautifully. Not to mention the many other plants around the yard that came from the original plant. (The main plant is on the north side of my house.) Hope it works for you! ... View related article.
