quick earl tips

To protect maturing sunflower seeds from hungry birds, cover the seed heads with cheesecloth.

Pot up herbs to bring indoors. Parsley, thyme, and rosemary may be added to your windowsill garden.

Nectarines, peaches, avocados, and tomatoes ripen faster in a closed paper bag at room temperature.

For a harvest that lasts all summer, sow beans every two weeks. If you’re going to away, skip a planting. Beans do not wait for anyone.

Early apple varieties tend not to keep well, so put them in a cool place and eat them soon.

Cut out spent raspberry canes and discard. add a deep mulch of leaves or sawdust to the new canes to keep down the weeds in the spring and to retain moisture in the soil

Clean up garden debris to prevent overwintering of insect pests and diseases. Pull up all stalks and turn the soil over.

A “baker’s dozen” is 13.

Inspect and repair window boxes before putting them outside for the season. Make sure they are attached securely and that there is good air circulation between the back side of the box and the house.

Work now on things you won’t have time to do in the spring and summer. Build a cold frame or a potting bench. Set up a system for seed starting.

To remove salt stains from winter boots, rub with a solution of 1 tablespoon white vinegar and 1 cup water.

Soften hardened brown sugar by placing a slice of apple in it.