Aggie MacKenzie’s Expert Tips…

OUR HOME AND CONSUMER EXPERT AGGIE MACKENZIE SHARES HER TOP HOUSEHOLD TIPS AND SUGGESTIONS EACH WEEK

■ An £8 orchid will last for months and is far better value than cut flowers. Keep yours blossoming longer by watering sparingly – lift the pot and if it feels light give it a drink – and place in a sunny spot. Dust the leaves occasionally.

■ Tomatoes that are on the soft side are a nuisance to cut neatly. To avoid collapse and get a neat edge, slice with a serrated bread knife. ■ Lock & Lock, the company that introduced leakproof food containers, has gone a step further and have come up with Clearly Lock & Lock. They look like glass but weigh less than half, are shatterproof, stainproof, airtight and carry a lifetime warranty. From £3.25 at good hardware shops.