Learn to Grow Sprouts, Make Your Own Curtains and Other Homesteading Tips

article image
PHOTO: FOTOLIA/FLARIV
Put these unique pieces of reader advice to work around your home.

Here’s another fine batch of homesteading tips and hints from down-to-earth readers all over MOTHER EARTH NEWS land.

Reader’s Tips

Connie Kerr-Laughlin of Edinboro, PennsylvaniaCountry nights are quiet (between the calls of the owl) unless you have one of those old slat-type beds that creaks every time a sleeper changes position. “But you can silence those complaining boards,” says Connie. “Remove the slats, wrap both ends of each one in newspapers, and replace the boards. Peace at last!” 

Patricia Lynch of Woodinville, WashingtonSetting posts in concrete will help fence posts will stay put a lot longer (especially in damp areas). But there’s a wrong and a right way to do the job. If you just pour the mix into a hole and then push the post down into it, you’ll create a “vase” that holds water. And sooner or later, that water will cause the post to rot or rust off. Patricia had a better idea: “Dig the hole, throw in a few inches of pebbles or crushed stone for drainage, and ‘plant’ the post. Then pour the concrete around the upright. Any water that seeps down between this post and its concrete will harmlessly drain away.”

Mrs. Melvin Frederick of Durango, Iowa — suggests putting a large handful of baking soda into the water you use for scalding fowl of any kind: “You’ll find that it makes it easier to do a quick, clean job of de-feathering the birds.”

  • Published on Jan 1, 1977
Comments (0) Join others in the discussion!
    Online Store Logo
    Need Help? Call 1-800-234-3368