Question: Can you please send me a safe way to fertilize a cactus? — Brin
Answer: Cacti are hardy plants that require low-nutrient care. Homemade cacti fertilizer is as easy as combining one tablespoon of Epsom salt and four litres of water. Misting plants with a spray bottle rather than pouring water into the pot is preferred. Succulents (plants with leafy tissues that conserve moisture) only need fertilizer in late spring or summer. One of the very best trade secrets for happy cacti is to add compost, rich in nutrients to the soil mix.
Question: I have inherited a leather recliner from my aunt. I am sure that the nursing home she lived in used some sort of detergent on the chair and now everything sticks to it. Is there something I can do or use to get rid of the stickiness and restore the feel of the leather? It is a well-cared-for and comfortable chair and I would like to keep it without recovering it. — Darcy
Answer: Restoring sticky leather is a two-step process. Step 1: combine one tablespoon dish soap into two cups water. Wipe leather with a sponge. Rinse with water. Step 2: using a soft cloth, apply commercial leather conditioner in a circular motion. Wait 20 minutes and, using the same soft cloth, gently buff.
Question: I baked a chocolate rolled cake and it cracked when I unrolled it to add the filling. Is there a way to prevent the cake from falling apart? — Patrick
Answer: Here are a few tips: avoid over-baking the cake. Roll the cake with parchment paper (or a tea towel sprinkled with icing sugar) immediately after removing it from the oven. If the cake cools, the chance of cracks increases.
Cool the cake in the fridge for several hours or overnight. Gently unroll the cake and add filling. If the cake happens to crack, cover with icing, whipped cream, toasted almonds or icing sugar.
Question: Is there anything I can wipe on my feet to get rid or foot odour? Thanks. — Darcy
Answer: Pour vodka on a cloth and wipe your feet. Vodka is an amazing odour killer for fabrics as well as skin. Or soak your feet in a bowl of warm tea.
Note: Every user assumes all risks of injury or damage resulting from the implementation of any suggestions in this column. Test all products on an inconspicuous area first.
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