Five yard and garden hacks using everyday items
Ever think about how great it would be if you didn’t have to buy a specialized concoction for every little household chore? And how expensive it becomes when you do?
Add up the cost of some fertilizer, some ant spray and some weed killer, and you’re looking at spending $50 or more at the hardware store. Save the money for your next barbecue. Here are five ways to use the items in your kitchen to spruce up your outdoor space.
1. Restore tired clay pots
A good vinegar bath can make even the dullest clay pots look like new. Start by scrubbing them to remove loose dirt and debris. Then, let them soak in a mixture of one part distilled white vinegar and three parts water for 30 to 45 minutes. Wipe remaining debris and soak in water again to dilute the remaining vinegar. Give them one last scrub with soapy water and rinse.
2. Perk up your plants
Sprinkle coffee grounds in your soil to fertilize your flora and sweeten your stems. Coffee grounds provide important nutrients and release nitrogen into the earth as they degrade. They’re the perfect pick-me-up for acid-loving plants like tomatoes, roses and azaleas. And they attract soil-boosting earthworms, too.
3. Wipe out pesky weeds
Finally, an easy way to get rid of those pesky weeds in the cracks of your walkways and patio pavers. Simply dilute salt in water (mix a three-to-one ratio of salt to water, to start) and pour it over the weeded areas to dehydrate unwanted vegetation. Take care not to pour the mixture too near to areas of desirable vegetation, though, as it will negatively affect them as well.
4. Send the ants marching away
Cucumbers are known to repel ants. Place peels around the perimeter of your patio doors, eating areas and other places you don’t wish to see these bothersome bugs assemble. Mint tea bags, bay leaves and cinnamon are also said to keep ants at bay.
5. Blast concrete stains
Baking soda is sure to take your outdoor flooring stains to task — whether it’s grilling grease, pet urine, motor oil or wine. Start by wetting the area with a hose. Then, sprinkle a generous amount of baking
soda over the stain on the concrete. Use a nylon brush to rub it into the stain and let it sit for about 15 to 20 minutes. In the meantime, boil a large pot of water. Once the soda has set, carefully pour the boiling water over the stain (take care not to splash or scald yourself or others). Once the area has cooled, use the brush to scrub out the stain. (Baking soda is great for cleaning grills too!)
If you’ve got a stubborn stain that just won’t budge, a professional can help. According to HomeAdvisor’s True Cost Guide, most homeowners report paying between $80 and $200 to pressure-wash a driveway.