GARDENS GALORE

(Page 3 of 3)

March/April 1988
 
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Broadloom Mulch

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Carpeting is very effective for preventing weeds in the garden. Old, used pieces can be found for free or purchased for next to nothing. I look for carpet made of natural fibers, then cut it into strips to run between rows and into smaller pieces to position between plants. These can be used for many years, don't blow away (like newspaper does) and allow the rain to soak through. You can place carpet over compost, if you wish, and over drip irrigation systems, too. And it's great for those soggy spots where you'd otherwise sink ankle-deep in mud.

—C athryn Marshall
Atlin, British Columbia

No Strings Attached

Last spring, my neighbor (originally from Vietnam) watched as I struggled to set up a string trellis for my peas. Then he went over to a nearby pile of tree and bush trimmings and came back with several branches, which he stuck firmly in the ground next to the peas. My problems were over. The peas climbed the thin limbs and thrived, and I was happy to find a use for something I would have burned or thrown out. This spring I plan to use branches to support all my vining plants and my tomatoes as well.

—Todd Drake
Greensboro, North Carolina

Waste Not, Want Not

I've found a way to recycle all those plastic bags that manure, peat and other soil amendments come in. I cut the bags crosswise into one-inch strips and use these for tying up tomatoes and other plants that need support.

-Clarence Hoffman
Nestor, California

Through the years we've all discovered a few practical, time-tested solutions to the frustrating little problems of everyday life. Send your own suggestions to Country Lore,MOTHER EARTH NEWS, P.O. Box 70, Hendersonville, NC 28793. A one year subscription—or extension of an existing subscription—will be sent to each contributor whose tip is printed.

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