QUESTION: Can dandelions be thrown into the compost? Gertha, Winnipeg
ANSWER: I can honestly say it depends on who you ask. Some gardeners say hot and colder composting kills most weed seeds including dandelions. Another group of gardeners will tell you that you are just asking for a yellow field of dandelions if you add them to your compost.
Decomposing dandelions provide mineral-rich composted matter and nitrogen to the soil. It is true that if you add fresh dandelions to the top of your compost pile you will quickly notice a formation of puffy white dandelion seeds, therefore, it is important to turn your compost pile regularly. Doing this will force dandelions to the centre of the pile, where they break down in temperatures exceeding 55 C for several days and do not survive as seeds.
Did you know?
Dandelions have been historically considered one of the most edible of plants in the vegetable garden. The Celts ate them and introduced them to the Roman legions when Caesar invaded the north. Anglo-Saxons and the Normans used them as a preventative for scurvy. It was a staple food and medicine (diuretic) in the monastery gardens of the middle ages. Puritan settlers brought seeds to North America as a common garden vegetable. The moral of the story? If you have never treated your dandelions with weed killer you can treat your tummy to a healthy dose of dandelion salad.
QUESTION: What do you recommend to keep crickets away and from coming inside that is safe to use? Don, Winnipeg
ANSWER: It sounds as though you would prefer not to keep crickets as pets, like some people do. It also sounds like you care about not hurting the little critters who are invading your home. It is true that some crickets feed on a wide variety of fabrics, foods and paper products. Cotton, linen, wool, rayon, nylon, silk and furs are susceptible, along with soiled fabrics, sizing from wallpaper, glue from bookbindings, fruit, vegetables, meat and even other crickets. An occasional cricket or two in the home usually presents no serious problem. However, large populations may congregate around lights at night, making areas unattractive.
Sanitation is the most important means of eliminating nuisance crickets. Keep all areas in and around buildings free of moisture, dense vegetation and weeds (one-foot band next to foundation). Mow lawns, cut weeds, and clean up garbage collection areas. Remove piles of bricks, stones, rotting wood and other debris. Caulk and seal all cracks and crevices, especially near the ground level at basement windows and doorways.
Tips to keep crickets from entering your home: Using a garden hand sprayer, combine eucalyptus oil and water. Spray around foundation and doorways and reapply after rain. Another option is to spray water and dried banana leaves where crickets tend to congregate,. This does not cut down on crickets but it does cut down on the chirping
You can also create a no-kill trap for crickets. Using an empty two-litre pop bottle. place the lid on and cut the bottom part of the bottle off. Put dry banana peel inside. As you lure crickets into the bottle, you can catch them and bring them outside.
Did you know?
Only male crickets sing (chirp). Unlike we humans who use our lips to sing, male crickets "sing" using a pair of their front wings.
QUESTION: I am on a trip with my family and only have Household Solutions 3 with Green Alternatives with me (the other two books are at home). I have a dog who chewed a gel pen, which then exploded all over the carpet. How can I remove the stain? Would you suggest the Fantastic Carpet Cleaning Recipe or just rubbing alcohol, or something else? Derek, Virden, Man.
ANSWER: Yes, either rubbing alcohol, hairspray or a mixture of Oxy Clean and water. Just be sure to test everything on an inconspicuous area first as you don't want to discolour the carpet. If you notice that ink is being transfered to the cloth that you are cleaning with, keep doing what you are doing because you are on the right track. Next, wash the area with dish soap and water. Blot with a generous amount of water and let air dry. A last resort is paint thinner, but test first and rinse well after because it does smell.
QUESTION: I did the unthinkable and spilt nail polish on my carpet. Can I get it out? Or should I just call my insurance company? Thank you. Faye, Winnipeg
ANSWER: The "unthinkable" is a lot more common than you might think. Before trying anything else, soak the area with a generous amount of white vinegar. Leave for one hour and blot. Next, pour one quarter teaspoon dish soap and one cup of water onto the area. Blot to lift remaining colour. Let me know how it goes and we can determine if we need Plan B.
Fabulous tips of the week:
-- Just about to go out on the town but your blouse is wrinkled? Lynda Baxter sent in this solution: Use a flat hair iron to remove the crease. Heat the iron and insert fabric, smooth fabric with the heat and voila.
-- No more smelly feet. Wash your feet and dry them well. Apply deodorant to feet bottoms before putting on socks. Also soak your feet in vinegar or tea for five minutes nightly. Airing out shoes and pouring a bit of baking soda inside shoes also helps.
I enjoy your questions and tips. Keep them coming.
Reena Nerbas is the author of the national bestselling Household Solutions series. Her website is www.householdsolutions.org. You can contact her at Box 429, Blumenort, Man., ROA 0C0.
