Home gardeners are sharing practical and low-cost tips for fall upkeep. These reader-submitted ideas address common challenges like protecting bird feeders, storing seeds, and managing pests. The suggestions use everyday items to simplify garden tasks.
Keep Squirrels Away from Feeders
Squirrels can quickly empty a bird feeder. A homemade solution can help keep them at bay. The idea is to create a slippery barrier above the feeder that squirrels cannot grip. To do this, one gardener uses the plastic lid from a large takeout cake.
The gardener removes the lid and makes a hole in its center. A chain is threaded through the hole, and the lid is hung above the bird feeder. The plastic dome is too slick for squirrels to stay on. They slide off before they can reach the food. The gardener notes this is a budget-friendly way to protect the bird feeders.
Remove Pests Without Damaging Plants
Squash bugs and other insects often hide deep inside flowers, making them hard to remove. Picking them off by hand can damage the plant. A reader in Ohio found a solution using longer tweezers.
These tweezers have handles that are about twice as long as standard ones. They allow the gardener to reach into the center of a flower and pluck out the pests without harming the bloom. The bugs are then dropped into a bucket of soapy water to kill them quickly. This method is precise and effective for pest control.
Organize Seeds with a Repurposed Rack
Storing seeds can lead to clutter. Small bottles, like those from prescriptions, are useful for keeping seeds sealed and dry. However, they can be difficult to organize and store.
One gardener solved this by using an old revolving spice rack. The bottles fit neatly in the rack’s slots, allowing for vertical stacking. The rack can be spun to easily find specific seeds. The gardener uses stick-on labels to write the plant name, harvest date, and origin on each bottle. This system saves space and makes seed retrieval simple.
Plan Your Garden on a Whiteboard
Garden designs often change as plants grow or are replaced. Keeping track of these changes can be tough. A reader in North Carolina uses a whiteboard to manage her garden layout.
She draws the shapes of her garden beds on the board. She then creates a key, using different shapes or colors to represent various plants. The location of each plant is marked on the board. This makes it easy to erase and add new plants as needed. The whiteboard is kept in her garden shed for quick access when making changes or planning new designs.
Efficient Leaf Cleanup
Raking leaves and hauling them to a compost pile can be time-consuming. Instead of making multiple trips with a wheelbarrow, one gardener uses an old baby playpen. The playpen has tall sides and two wheels, making it easy to move even when full of leaves and debris.