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Published
by the Corpus Christi Caller-Times. CLICK FOR NEWSPAPER DELIVERY
| Home & Garden readers might also want to read Keep it Green, a gardening column by Michael Womack. |
Saturday, August 18, 2001
Home & Garden tips
Small drink
To properly water a bonsai, wait until its soil is dry to the touch, then put the entire tree and pot into a shallow dish and water the whole thing. Let the excess water drain into the dish, and then remove the pot and prop it on a discarded tuna can, at an angle so the extra water can drain completely.
Vinegar air
To combat lingering smoke odors, place a plate of vinegar in the room for a day or so to help freshen the air.
Lively rugs
Rotate a rug 180 degrees every year or two to extend its life by evening out the effects of sunlight and traffic.
Hot pests
To rid your indoor plants of insects, make a spray from peppers. Soak crushed hot peppers or fresh, very hot chile peppers in water for a while, preferably in the sun. Strain the peppers and put the liquid in a spray bottle, then spray on and around plants, as needed.
Scrappy additions
In winter months the best source of nitrogen for the compost pile is kitchen scraps. If you don't have enough scraps, toss some blood meal on the pile. It's inexpensive, and only one dose will keep the compost pile active all winter.
Terrarium fodder
Some recommended plants for indoor terrariums are: a starter palm, any starter houseplant, needlepoint ivy, polka dot plant, pilonia (trailing plant), African violet (miniature form) and dampened forest sheet moss.
Chi way
In keeping with the philosophy of feng shui, the ancient Chinese study of the movement of energy or chi, the entryways to your home should be free of any obstructions to allow chi in and the door should open fully so it can flow freely.
Fresh baked
To keep bread fresh for a longer time, place a rib of celery in the bread bag.
In a fresh light
In lieu of potpourri or store-bought air fresheners, scent a room by dabbing a little perfume onto a cold lightbulb in one of the room's lamps. When the light is on, the warmth of the bulb will release the scent.
- Scripps Howard , News Service
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