The only difference between a gardener and a cheapskate gardener

**Sinclairwife** · 05-26-2004, 09:00 AM

I've learned the only difference between a gardener and a cheapskate gardener is the amount of money they spend to achieve the same results. Here are a few quick hints:

PANTY HOSE: You can't find better ties for plants and trees than strips of panty hose material. They're stronger than twine or tape and if you have a pair you were already planning to throw out, they're free. When used in the garden, they surprisingly blend right into the environment.

CALCIUM BOOST: Crush eggshells and add them to the soil surrounding your tomato plants at least once a month. Calcium encourages the formation of healthy plants and root growth.

BOOST THOSE BUDS: When your tomatoes, eggplants and peppers begin to bloom, give them a healthy watering with this potion: 2 tablespoons Epsom salts dissolved in 1 gallon of water.

CLEARLY APHIDS: They're easy to control. Wash them off with clear water. They will return, but keep hosing every few days. You could buy expensive pesticide, but the instructions are going to say "Repeat every few days." Clear water is best for all involved.

GOOD, GOOD GARLIC: Here's a quick recipe that will help keep bugs away and plants healthy. Puree 2 cloves of garlic in the blender on high for a minute. Slowly add 1 quart of water and continue blending for 6 minutes. Strain and add 1/8 teaspoon of liquid soap (not detergent). Cover and store in the refrigerator. To use, mix 1 part garlic mixture with 10 parts water and spray for pests or on plants with fungal, viral and bacterial diseases.

GROUNDS FOR YOUR SOIL: Save your coffee grounds (or pick up a bag at your local Starbucks, no charge). About once a month, add a thin layer to the soil of acid-loving plants like azaleas and gardenias.

SNAILS AND SLUGS: Hit snails with a direct spray of one-third household ammonia mixed with two-thirds water. Slugs usually hide way before the sun comes up. So, bury a butter tub, half-full of beer, level with the ground in the slug areas of your garden. They'll crawl to the tub to drink the beer at night, fall in and drown. Be careful using this method in areas where there are unsupervised pets and children, though!

BUTTERMILK SHAKE: Scientists at Purdue University developed this buttermilk spray to fight spider mites. Mix together 1/4 cup buttermilk, 2 cups wheat flour and 2-1/2 gallons water. Shake ingredients thoroughly and spray on plants.

MAKE YOUR OWN PLANT FOOD: Mix 1 teaspoon baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon household ammonia, 1 tablespoon Epsom salts and 1 teaspoon salt in 1 gallon water. Shake or mix well. Use as plant food once a month for all your flowers and plants, both indoors and out.