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It’s obvious that I don’t or can’t know all that there
is to cutting corners or saving money. So, I look through books and
magazines. I found a really good garden tip by Dorene Martin of
Michigan.
Buy some inexpensive medium-sized baskets at yard
sales. Set them in different places around your garden and as you walk
around pulling weeds drop them in the closest basket. This means that
you don’t have to walk back and forth too much. You can empty each
basket as it fills up.
Since the baskets are outside, the bottoms will rot
out eventually. Pick them up and put them over some of your perennials
in the spring while the plants are still young. As the plants grow, they
will fill up the baskets and create something that you can enjoy all
season long.
Some really good ideas for stalks of plants are
aluminum knitting needles that come in all sizes or old umbrellas with
the fabric removed. The handle and spines will hold up the wildest of
plants. If you need to hold up some floppy plants, use old wire-framed
lamp shades. Remove the material and place around the plants.
If you live near a wildlife or hunting area, take a
walk after bow hunting season. All the arrows that you find will make
great plant stakes and you’ll get some exercise too.
Inexpensive plant hangers can be made from wire coat
hangers. Just cut the hook part off the hanger with wire cutters and use
a pair of pliers to twist the hanger into the shape that you want. If
the plant is too heavy, use two hangers. Check the weight close to the
floor before you hang it up. Add a third hanger if needed.
I hope that some of these inexpensive garden tips have
helped you.
My thought for the month is: Even though April showers
may bring May flowers, you are the one who has to dig, plant, fertilize,
prune, thin out, weed and finally enjoy.
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