Water hanging plants with ice cubes. As the cubes melt, the soil absorbs the water, and it doesn't drip out of the bottom of the pot.

Dec 2000 - The Green Thumb

Once every seven to fourteen days, crush some eggshells in a blender and add them to the water for your tomatoes; about six shells per quart of water is enough. The extra calcium aids growth at the leaf tips and blossom ends and prevents blossom-end rot.

April 2000 - The Green Thumb

Before going out to dig in the soil (not “dirt” but “soil”), scratch your fingernails down a bar of soap. The soap will prevent soil from collecting under your fingernails and will wash your dirty hands easier.

—Submitted by Mary Ellen Reed

The Top Ten Garden Tools to have are: round-nose shovel, pitchfork, lawn rake, loppers, hand trowel, stiff-tine rake, scuffle hoe, short-handle spade, pruners (several pair), and garden hose. Is your tool shed fully stocked?

—The Garden Thymes
Multiflora Garden Club newsletter

Make a homemade shredder from an old metal garbage can. Fill the can halfway with dry leaves. Lower your string trimmer into the can and chop the leaves for mulch or compost.

April 2001 - The Green Thumb

For blackspot and rust on roses – Mix 2 tablespoons of Miracid in 2 gallons of water. Spray on leaves

The Cornell University ‘fungicide' formula is 1 tablespoon each of baking soda and either a light horticultural oil or regular vegetable oil, to 1 gallon of water. If using vegy oil, then add a bit of insecticidal soap. Shake well before and during application. This treatment helps reduce blackspot and mildew.

—The Garden Chirp
Fallbrook Garden Club's newsletter

For foliage that shines, try this mixture:
2 oz. mineral oil
2 oz. rubbing alcohol
12 oz. water

Combine in a spray bottle. Always shake before you spray. Wipe with a clean soft cloth for a matte finish on the foliage. Leave the spray on to dry for a shinier look.

—The Rotiller
Stockton Garden Club newsletter

Wash away dust, smoke, and other residues by giving your plants a shower with lukewarm water. You can also dislodge dirt, especially on fuzzy or prickly leaves, with a hair dryer set on cool or low.

—1,001 Hints & Tips for Your Garden