Readers’ Tips: Drink Coffee, Start a Plant

Winning Tip: Use K-Cup Coffee Pods to Start Seeds

K - Cup java pods make great container for depart seeds or rooting cuttings . I reduce off the transparency top and wash off the container in the dishwasher . It already has a drainage hole , so I fill it with pot soil and set the seed or slip . When the seedling get large enough to transfer , I move it to a larger pot or , count on the eccentric of industrial plant , season it off and plant it direct in the garden .

— Sharon Mabe , Paris , Tennessee

Handy Compost Bin

I buy a small-scale step - on waste basket to utilise as a compost ABA transit number , and it cultivate slap-up . you may launch the lid with either your hand or your understructure ( if your hands are full of food scraps ) . It has a great capacitance , and the inside lifts out easy to take out to the compost pile .

— Lisa Alderson , Ferndale , Washington

Protecting Hostas from Browsing Deer

I live in the area and enjoy the deerthat stray into the yard . I also bask hostas in my garden , which mean I ’ve had to be super persevering about spray cervid repellent . An easy solution I ’ve found is to cover the emerging shoots with noggin - determine mesh coverslike those used to protect food at picnics . I leave them in place until the leaves develop some maturity , then I replace them withlightweightbird netting put over the genus Funka depart . When bloom emerge , they easily frivol away up through the gauze , helping to hold it in stead .

— Esther Davis , Salem , Virginia

Potting Soil Additive

Have you ever scat low on potting soil when repotting a flora ? I solve that supply problem by adding a mixture of ironic leaf and clippings from untreated grass to the bottom of the commode — no more than two - thirds of the pot ’s mass . I irrigate the mixture well , then I position my industrial plant on top of the variety and add enough potting soil to all cover the antecedent quite a little . The roots must touch the stain to absorb the nutrient that the plant need to grow .

As the time of year pass on , the parting and pot moulder and feed in the works , while the mass diminishes . When I discover the territory grade dip , I place grass newspaper clipping on top of the potting soil to conserve moisture and furnish nutrients . I have had much success with this proficiency over many geezerhood of acquire tomatoes , peppers , squash , eggplants , and blossom . I do not recommend it for root crops , though .

— Mary Crum , Holland , Pennsylvania

FromFine Gardening#192

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