HOME REMEDIES, ETC.

Over the years we have talked about some “home remedies” such as using a Pampers diaper in the bottom of a hanging basket or patio pot to retain moisture in the soil for a more even, watering technique. Also the use of Epsom Salts as magnesium sulfate either by mixing 2 tablespoons to a gallon of water or simply tossing some dry around your plants in order to green-up the foliage. How about coffee filters in the bottom of your pots to cover up the drainage hole and yet still allow water to flow through.

Lemon scented dishwashing soap has been recommended for insect control to kill aphids, mites and pesky fungus gnats. Do not use Dawn for this application. (Dawn is great for grease and weed control). Use 1 tablespoon of lemon soap per quart of water then spray, but never in direct sunlight. Best time to apply is at the end of the day. I must admit, I like to make my mixture a little stronger. Also it is not a bad idea to pour the remaining mixture right through the soil to chase away worms and slugs and even eggs that might be in your soil. You should definitely do this in the late summer just before bringing your plants inside for the winter.

Weed control can be handled by using vinegar spray directly on the weeds or for best results, add salt and a touch of Dawn soap. This will kill just about any weed or grass for a very long time and is really recommended for brick patio, driveways or sidewalks…anywhere that you never want something to grow. If you have “spot” weeding in mind such as weeds in your lawn, then you must be very careful to direct the spray only on the weeds in question as this will kill the grass as well. Absolutely any type of vinegar will do, usually .05% is the strength listed on the bottle.

Baking Soda is another “miracle” product for gardening. Sprinkle lightly around tomato plants to lower the acid in the soil and to detour pests. Use around geraniums, begonias and hydrangeas for more intense blooming. Sprinkle on slugs or for ants, put on anthills followed by pouring in vinegar 20 to 30 minutes later. For mildew on roses, mix 1.5 tablespoons of baking powder to 1 gallon of water along with a couple a drops of lemon soap then spray onto the leaves. And lastly, sprinkle on old clay pots then wipe off the dirt and grime with a damp cloth to get your pots cleaner than ever.

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