Community Magazine May 2012

READER TIPS I buy gardening tools in discount stores like Amazing Savings. To label plants, I use paint stirrers from the hardware store. Just write the name and poke it in the soil. S C. W e hung a bird feeder for dual purposes. Not only do my kids enjoy watching them, but the birds also eat some of the bugs that go after my vegetables. F. Ma ry A simple homemade concoction can resolve pest problems that often plague home gardens. Put 3 tbsp. dishwashing detergent, 1/3 cup oil and 1 cup of water in a spray bottle and spray the plants several times weekly. If that isn’t strong enough you can throw in some ground hot peppers for an extra kick. S a A. Resources Tips on gardening are not hard to find, both in the library and online. On YouTube, for example, you can type in “container garden” or “growing tomatoes” to get pertinent and clear advice. KraftFoods.com and Burpee.com both have home farming guides with expert advice every step of the way, including a crop guide for your region and a timetable for planting. Or just Google “beginner vegetable garden” and prepare to be amazed. Caring for your Crops You won’t need many tools – a spade, a small shovel (maybe more for the kids), gardening gloves, and a hose or watering can. Your garden needs a little bit of maintenance, but it shouldn’t be overwhelming. Often nature takes care of the watering, but you can delegate the fun to your kids at a set time every day, like when they are waiting for the bus. Try not to let the garden get overrun by large weeds, and periodically tie up some of the plants (with a figure eight loop) to plant stakes to support vertical growth. Then just sit back and wait… before you know it your kids will be clamoring to pick the fruits (or veggies, in this case) of your labor! You may notice at the end of the season that certain plants flourished, while others died, or didn’t produce. Every year is another experience, but don’t despair. There’s always next summer to learn more and try again. Send in your tips for the next edition: CURBING CLUTTER mobile: Scan the QR code below online: go.CommunityM.com/ask email: Ask@CommunityM.com facsimile: 718-504-4246 postal mail: 1616 Ocean Parkway, Brooklyn, NY 11223 • Basic & Advanced Cutting... • Intensive Wig Styling Course • Wedding Styling - Updo’s, Halfdo’s, Downdo’s, etc... 347-432-2000 1-866-HAIR-WIG LOCATIONS: DEAL • LAKEWOOD • FLATBUSH Intensive Wig and Wedding Course Apply now for Spring & Summer semesters (424-7944) IYAR 5772 MAY 2012 65 ctE gni gat S stn eT n eniL selb aT s riah C FullLineof Party Goods 718 789 9200 A1partynyc @ gmail.com www.a1partynyc.com ...an event to remember