Time to winterize your lawn equipment

To ensure your lawn equipment starts easily and performs well next spring you need prepare it for the long winter of sitting unused.

The first thing to do is run the equipment until it is out of fuel. Fuel left in the tank for long periods of time will form gum deposits and make it hard to start. Fuel stabilizers work well but they won’t last all winter - after two months it slowly stops working to stabilize the fuel. If any of your equipment is four-cycle you need to drain the oil. Don’t forget to check the spark plug and air filter and clean or replace as needed.

How to lower the acidity level of your tomatoes

If you prefer a sweeter tasting tomato you first have to lower the acidity level. To do that simply sprinkle baking soda around the plants and work it into the soil.

Growing grass under River Birch trees

The seed pods that drop from River Birch trees in the spring change the Ph of the soil where they lie and prevent grass from growing thick and healthy. Also, River Birch is a thirsty tree and draws a lot of moisture out of the ground leaving less for the grass. The solution to this problem is simple and easy.

First rake up and discard as much of the seed pods from the ground as possible. Next apply pelletized lime to the affected area. Be sure to measure the square footage of the area and strictly follow package directions for application. You are now ready to apply seed and seed starter fertilizer. Water often and continue to do so after the new grass has matured.

This procedure will have to be repeated each spring after seed pods are done falling and, for best results, apply the lime and more seed in the fall ( first weekend in September is ideal).

Geranium Care

Geraniums are plants that require a lot of water to keep the roots moist, but do not do well if the roots sit in water. They need proper drainage when planted in a pot or in the ground. A good way to keep the roots moist is to create a mulch from your coffee grounds. Rinse off the coffee grounds and place them around the base of the plant.

Patio moss & weeds in cracks

Use distilled white vinegar as a more environmentally friendly way to get rid of patio moss and weeds growing up through cracks. Just pour the vinegar on the affected areas and let it stay there - do not hose it off - and in a couple of days weeds and moss are dead.

If you want more immediate results boil 1/2 cup of table salt in one quart of water and pour the very hot liquid directly on the weeds and moss.

Removing Splinters

Working with decks and fences as much as I do, I get my share of splinters. Here's two easy ways to remove splinters. Press tape over the splinter and quickly remove the tape in the opposite direction that the splinter went in. Or cover the splinter with glue (not Super Glue!). Let it dry and then peel it off at an angle and the splinter should come out.

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Concrete stain removal

Grease and oil stains on concrete can be removed with liquid dishwashing detergent. Drench the stain with the detergent and let it soak for an hour. Ater an hour pour just boiling water on it. A little scrubing with a stiff bristle brush may be needed. If some of the stain remains, repeat the entire process.