Second skin

Don’t throw away the vitamin-rich white rind on a watermelon – use it in pickles, jams or stir-fries. Alternatively, freeze it and blend with fruits and vegetables for a delicious smoothie.

Plump it up

Intensify the colour and perfume of sweet peas when planting seed by watering with half-strength seaweed solution and a pinch of Epsom salts added to the watering can.

Quick refresher

To keep rice soft and fluffy when reheating it in the microwave, put it in a microwave-safe bowl with an ice cube on top and cook on High for 60-90 seconds, then discard any unmelted ice.

Soft touch

Use a fluffy chenille stick (from craft stores) to clean the straw in a sippy cup.

Double duty

Recycle a Postpak mailing box by removing any tape, then open it out flat and reassemble it inside out, so it is blank for readdressing.

Control tops

The waistband cut from an old pair of pantyhose will secure the top of your bin liner and prevent it from slipping into the bin.