Handy Dandy Garden Tips
(from the Mira Costa Horticulture Club newsletter)
• To prevent snails and slugs from getting to plants in containers, smear the outside of the container with petroleum
jelly or WD-40.
• If you find handles of tools uncomfortable to hold, try buying a foam bicycle handlebar grip. Slip the grips over
the tool handles, using hand soap or Vaseline if it proves difficult. Pipe insulation may also work.
• If your hose springs a leak it can be temporarily repaired by inserting a wooden cocktail stick or toothpick into the hole. Snap the stick off as close to the hose as possible and wrap around with waterproof tape. As the wood absorbs water, it will expand and seal the hole.
• Don't buy roses in tight bud as the chances are they will not open. Buds should be just starting to open.
• To remove dust from silk flowers, put some table salt into a paper bag, put flowers into the bag and shake vigorously. Remove the flowers from the bag and they should be dust-free.
• Poppies keep longer if you singe the stems over a candle flame.
• To revive drooping tulips or roses, wrap tightly in newspaper and put water up to their necks. Leave overnight.
Remove from newspaper the next day.
• Non-scented flowers last longer!
• Try wiping plant leaves with a wet sponge containing fabric softener. The leaves will shine and also smell
wonderful for about 8 weeks.
jelly or WD-40.
• If you find handles of tools uncomfortable to hold, try buying a foam bicycle handlebar grip. Slip the grips over
the tool handles, using hand soap or Vaseline if it proves difficult. Pipe insulation may also work.
• If your hose springs a leak it can be temporarily repaired by inserting a wooden cocktail stick or toothpick into the hole. Snap the stick off as close to the hose as possible and wrap around with waterproof tape. As the wood absorbs water, it will expand and seal the hole.
• Don't buy roses in tight bud as the chances are they will not open. Buds should be just starting to open.
• To remove dust from silk flowers, put some table salt into a paper bag, put flowers into the bag and shake vigorously. Remove the flowers from the bag and they should be dust-free.
• Poppies keep longer if you singe the stems over a candle flame.
• To revive drooping tulips or roses, wrap tightly in newspaper and put water up to their necks. Leave overnight.
Remove from newspaper the next day.
• Non-scented flowers last longer!
• Try wiping plant leaves with a wet sponge containing fabric softener. The leaves will shine and also smell
wonderful for about 8 weeks.
