LAVENDER - TIPS

"Lavender is a pretty hardy plant. It can double in size over the year, and produces the most magnificent smell!! I live in Ontario Canada. I am sure that if it can survive -60 to +45 - that is about -76 to +113 for all you yanks! :) I got on small plant....and just put it in the ground....water when needed...likes full to partial sun."(Submitted by Raven)

Mosquito Repellant Plants

"Basil or tansy. Plant in a container on a windowsill or near doors to keep them from entering your house. Lemon grass also helps repel mosquitoes." (Submitted by Rose Marie)

"I'm told to plant Sweet Basil and marigolds for mosquito repelling in the garden/yard." (Submitted by Cheryl)

Thanks to Lavender for this recipe.

1 gallon White Vinegar
1 cup Table Salt
1 tablespoon Dish Detergent

Remove about 2 cups of Vinegar from the container, pour in salt and dish liquid, shake well to mix, pour the 2 cups of vinegar back into the container and shake lightly. Fill a spray bottle and use as needed. Spray in full sun. CAUTION: It kills all the plants or weeds it touches, but is harmless to animals

Poison Ivy or Poison Oak Removal

Read the article: "How to Control Poison Ivy" by clicking HERE

"This is for the gal who needed to get rid of poison ivy or poison oak. When I moved into my mothers old home for awhile the back was completely full of poison oak which I didn't know so I really got it bad. Anyhow, I called the nursery's and Home Agricultural Agent and they both told me the only way to get rid of it permantely was to use Round Up. It will kill off the poison oak or ivy and yet doesn't stay in the ground so you can plant other things once you get rid of those suckers. Good luck. (Its fast also) "Submitted by Pat

"I have Neil Sperry's Guide to Texas Gardening, and he says to apply broadleafed weedkiller to spring or early summer growth. If the ivy has climbed trees, cut the stems at the ground line and apply the weedkiller to the regrowth. Pull the old stems out of the trees with a hoe (and put in a plastic bag for trash collection, I guess.) Don't burn it, as the smoke will have the oil in it, and can cause a reaction in your lungs. Wear long-sleeved clothes and disposable gloves, and bathe with hot, soapy water immediately after working around poison ivy." Submitted by Nancy

Here's a sharp idea: remove rust from household tools by using a paste of Salt and 1 tablespoon lemon juice. Apply the paste to rusted area with a dry cloth and rub.

Snail Removal

"To keep snails out of your garden, all you do is take your egg shells and crush them up and just sprinkle it around. The snails won't cross over and it's good for the garden also. You can even sprinkle it in your potted plants. It's also good for the plants. I hope this helps." Submitted by Velma

" Hi all! My best (and safest) cure for snails is Epsom Salts. Just shake the box or bottle around the lawn and in awhile pick up the empty shells." Submitted by Mari

"I read that if you put a dish of beer in a pie plate and put it were you see the snails they will climb in the pie plate and drink the beer and drown." Submitted by Rose Marie