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

K-Cup coffee pods make great containers for starting seeds or rooting cuttings. I cut off the foil top and wash the container in the dishwasher. It already has a drainage hole, so I fill it with potting soil and plant the seed or cutting. When the seedling gets large enough to transplant, I move it to a larger pot or, depending on the type of plant, harden it off and plant it directly in the garden.

—Sharon Mabe, Paris, Tennessee

Handy Compost Bin

I purchased a small step-on waste basket to use as a compost bin, and it works great. You can open the lid with either your hand or your foot (if your hands are full of food scraps). It has a large capacity, and the inside lifts out easily to take out to the compost pile.

—Lisa Alderson, Ferndale, Washington

Protecting Hostas from Browsing Deer

I live in the country and enjoy the deer that stray into the yard. I also enjoy hostas in my garden, which means I’ve had to be super diligent about spraying deer repellent. An easier solution I’ve found is to cover the emerging shoots with dome-shaped mesh covers like those used to protect food at picnics. I leave them in place until the leaves develop some maturity, then I replace them with lightweight bird netting laid over the hosta leaves. When blooms emerge, they easily shoot up through the netting, helping to hold it in place.

—Esther Davis, Salem, Virginia

Potting Soil Additive

Have you ever run low on potting soil when repotting a plant? I solve that supply problem by adding a mixture of dry leaves and clippings from untreated grass to the bottom of the pot—no more than two-thirds of the pot’s volume. I water the mixture well, then I position my plant on top of the mixture and add enough potting soil to completely cover the root mass. The roots must touch the soil to absorb the nutrients that the plant needs to grow.

As the season progresses, the leaves and grass decompose and feed the plant, while the mass diminishes. When I notice the soil level drop, I place grass clippings on top of the potting soil to conserve moisture and provide nutrients. I have had much success with this technique over many years of growing tomatoes, peppers, squash, eggplants, and flowers. I do not recommend it for root crops, though.

—Mary Crum, Holland, Pennsylvania

From Fine Gardening #192

Fine Gardening Recommended Products

Ashman Garden Cultivator (1Pack)

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Solid Build—The Ashman Garden Cultivator/Tiller is strong in construction so that it can withstand heavy work in the garden. The blade and the shaft are coupled well for deep digging and uprooting the soil from the depths. It serves the purpose of cultivation very well. Create a blooming crop and watch it blossom and reap the benefits. Sharpened Fine piercing Blade—The blades are razor sharp and are made to pierce into any kind of soil and to serve digging, loosening soil, and weeding. The blades are rust-proof and have chip-resistant coating enhancing durability. Use it to control weeds, bury crop residue in the soil, and for preparing a proper seed bed. High-Quality Design—The thoughtful design incorporated to shape the blades in L shape helps dig deep into the soil and rip it from beneath for cultivation. This helps a lot when weeding. Dig well and plant well. The handle is made to fit in the hand well and can be held tightly to apply push and pull forces effectively. Practical Utility—The garden cultivator is made with “practical utility” as the core of its purpose. It serves all the necessary purposes when gardening. Helps mix soil, which will loosen it up, providing more nutrients for the crops.

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Gardener's Log Book from NYBG

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This weatherproof five-year log book includes the following features: · Sturdy waterproof cover to protect pages from rain and muddy soil · Lined pages and gridded paper for plotting beds · Five years of 12-month bloom and harvest grids for recording what you planted and when · Authoritative appendices on composting, pruning, pest and disease control, and container gardening · Useful reminders by season on fertilizing, mulching, and transplanting · Space for listing your favorite sources and suppliers.

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Corona E-Grip Trowel

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Handle Material: Aluminum. Handle Length: 14-1/2 in. Overall Length: 14.5 in. Head Material: Aluminum. Handle Color: Red.

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