Safe and Green Living: Lawn and Garden

increase soil acidity
In hard water areas, add 1 cup (225ml) of vinegar to 1 gallon (3.75 liters) of tap water for watering acid-loving plants such as rhododendrons, heathers, or azaleas. The vinegar will release iron in the soil for the plants to use. Azaleas will benefit from an occasional watering with a mixture of two tablespoons of vinegar to 4 cups (1 liter) of water.

removing stains from flowerpots
That staining that occurs in clay and plastic flowerpots and their saucers comes right out without scrubbing. Just fill the kitchen sink with cold water and add plain white vinegar about 2/3 water to 1/3 vinegar. Soak the pots and saucers until they look clean and new. This may take up to an hour. Wash with soap and water before reusing.

instant antibacterial aid for gardeners or ramblers
If you hate to wear gloves when gardening (except, of course, when working with roses, blackberries, or thistles) you will, once in a while, get nicked or scratched. White vinegar can be used to treat such scratches if you are not near a water supply. This stings for a second or two, but saves a long trek to the tap.

lawns with no brown patches
Put a tablespoon of your vinegar in your dog's drinking water every day and you will no longer have those brown spots in your lawn from the dog's urine.

pool toy mildew prevention
1 handful baking soda

Inflatable pool toys, including air mattresses, balls, and inner tubes, are susceptible to mold and mildew once they're deflated and stored in the off-season. To minimize this risk, first make sure to dry them thoroughly in the sun for a couple of hours. And for an extra measure, sprinkle each item with a handful of baking soda before rolling up for long-term storage. The baking soda will help absorb any moisture they may be exposed to until next summer.

no-fuss flower pot cleaner
1 handful salt

Scrub brushes can scratch and soap residues can cling to a clay pot's porous texture. Instead, reach for a handful of salt to work in their place. Simply place the salt on a clean damp rag and scrub away to let the gentle abrasive power of salt clean your empty garden pots between plantings. Rinse well with clean water.

Seed germinator
1 teaspoon (5ml) vinegar
3 tablespoons (45ml) water

Most seeds require damp conditions for optimal germination; unfortunately, the same conditions are also ideal for a variety of molds that can threaten a young seedling. If you start to see mold spores collecting, take matters into your own hands and fill a small spray bottle with the vinegar and water. Spray seedlings lightly to clean them off, and then transfer to a new container. Spritz seeds regularly with this diluted mixture while you wait for them to sprout.

neutralize garden lime
Rinse your hands liberally with vinegar after working with garden lime to avoid rough and flaking skin.

cat deterrent
1 handful lemon peel
1 handful coffee grounds

If the neighborhood cat has mistaken your garden for a litter box, lemon peels will make the area a lot less inviting. Use a food processor to chop up a handful of peels and then mix them with your leftover coffee grounds. Scatter the mixture along the border of your garden and work it into the soil with a hand trowel. Cats simply hate the smell of citrus and should steer clear. If your indoor plants are falling victim to your cats, this method should work for them as well.

cleaning metal screens and aluminum furniture
Use vinegar to clean away mineral buil-up on metal. Add 3 tablespoons to 4 cups (1 liter) of water for cleaning metal screens and aluminum furniture.

lawn furniture cleaner
1/4 cup (55g) baking soda
1 quart (1 liter) warm water

If your old patio furniture is looking a little weather-beaten before the season starts, brighten it up with a good baking soda wash. Mix the baking soda in to the warm water and stir to dissolve. Wipe down all surfaces with the solution and rinse clean with fresh water. (Added: 10-Jul-2012 Rating: 0 Votes: 0) Rate It Listed In: Ingredients/Baking_Soda Lawn_Garden General_Purpose/Furniture

grass/weed killer
Kill weeds or unwanted grass with direct application of vinegar onto the trouble spot.

removing calcium buildup from brickwork
to get rid of calcium buildup on brick or on limestone, use a spray bottle with half vinegar and half water, then just let it set. The solution will do all the work.

removing rust from bolts, screws, nails, and hinges
To remove rust from bolts and other metals, soak them in full-strength vinegar. Put the metal objects in a container and cover with vinegar. Seal the container and shake. Let it stand overnight. Dry the objects to prevent corrosion.

poison ivy killer
1/2 cup (150g) salt
2 quarts (2 liters) warm soapy water

Use this simple formula to kill any poison ivy plants you may have in your yard: Combine the salt and soapy water and stir to dissolve the salt. Pour the liquid into a large spray bottle. Spray the leaves and stems of the poison ivy plant (if the infested area is large, you can pour the mixture directly on them.) Once dead, be careful when you remove and discard the plants, as the powerful poison on the leaves may still be active, and never burn poison ivy as this can release toxic fumes into the air. (This formula will kill all kinds of plants, so make sure to avoid spraying any plants you want to keep.)

yard worker's hand wash
1 teaspoon (6g) salt
1/2 lemon
An afternoon of gardening or yard work may leave you with sticky plant residues on your hands that can be difficult to scrub off with the usual soap and water routine. Fortunately, you don't have resort to harsh cleaners. Just put the salt in the palm of one hand, squeeze the lemon half over it, and gently rub your hands together (don't try this if you have any cuts or ragged cuticles). The salt is a natural abrasive, and the lemon juice is effective at cutting through the tar-like properties of many plant compounds. Rinse thoroughly and pat dry. Follow up with your favorite hand moisturizer if they feel slightly tender.

Safe and Green Living