Safely Growing Invasive PlantsGrow mints or other aggressively spreading plants in tubs partially sunk into the ground. Punch a few holes in the bottom of the tub for drainage.
Make Your Own Potting SoilMix your own potting soil. Most garden centers sell peat moss in large bags or bales, perlite, and bags of topsoil and compost if you need them too. Adjust the proportions to suit the needs of the plants you are potting.
Label as You ShopLabel plants by writing on plastic pots with acrylic paint pens, which are available in craft departments. If you are shopping at a nursery that does not label individual pots, write on the pot when you select the plant so you won’t have to guess what it is when you get it home. Take a paint pen with you to plant swaps and label plants you are given without labels.
Cleaning PotsClean hard water deposits from clay or plastic pots by spraying with a mixture of equal amounts of vinegar and water. Let the pot sit a few minutes; then use a scrub brush to loosen residue and rinse with fresh water.
How To Attract Hummingbirds to Your GardenAttract hummingbirds to your yard and garden by planting some of their favorite flowers and by hanging nectar feeders when blooms are not plentiful. In addition to nectar, hummingbirds consume large numbers of tiny insects, such as mosquitoes, aphids, and whiteflies.
Garden Scoots Are a Great HelpInvest in a sturdy garden scoot. It saves wear and tear on knees and back, and if the handle locks in place, you have support to help you stand up. A basket or tray keeps tools handy or carries produce back from the garden.
A Roaster To Aid in Seed StartingPlace pots in which you have sown seeds that need warmth to germinate in an electric roaster with the lid on and set on 85 to 90 degrees. (Check the temperature of your roaster first by heating a cup of water in it for a few hours and adjusting the temperature to the desired setting. The correct setting will likely be below the first temperature printed on the dial, and the light indicating heating may not come on often.) Check to see whether seedlings have emerged after the third day and then every day after that.
Tool Bags Are Great for GardenersTurn an unused tool bag into a garden bag. There are plenty of dividers and little compartments for a wide variety of supplies. It’s handy to carry to a potting bench, greenhouse, garden, or plant swap.
Pine Cones Discourage PestsPlace pine cones around the plants in pots to discourage cats from digging. If necessary, add short stakes to keep the cones from being moved.
