Granny's Parlour

As you know by now, I have moved the Frugal Tips segments to the front page of this Blog. Today, we take a wee stroll in the garden to review two gardening tips I posted a while back, but that you might have missed since they were on a separate page.

Gardeners have a unique appreciation for functionality and for taking optimal advantage of the tools at hand. The idea of waste is simply not compatible with a lifestyle that brings one so close to the process of life and growth. We preserve food, we feed the compost bin instead of feeding the garbage pail and we recycle everything. Gardeners also tend to take good care of the tools and objects around them.

It is a state of mind, isn’t it? Once we make up our minds, “I will use and do everything to the fullest,” this decision guides every action. In fact, this decision sparks creativity that flows effortlessly, as a matter of fact, like the plant that emerges from the seed, as a matter of fact. Here are three of my favorite gardening creative sparks.

Get a Handle on Handles

When storing garden tools that have wooden handles, first sand these wooden areas and wax them lightly. This will extend the usage of your equipment. If you break a fork or spade handle, do not throw away to broken shaft. Sharpen and sand the end to turn it into a perfect bulb dibber and seed planter. If it is a spade that you broke, remove any remaining part of the wooden handle and your spade becomes a seed tray.

Spade in a Bucket

Get a large, sturdy box or bucket. Fill it with sharp builder’s sand. Mix in a little oil. No, this is not a recipe for some gardener’s art soufflé; it is a recipe for an easy way to clean your tools. Before storing your hedger, spade or fork when you come in from the garden, plunge them in the bucket several times. Not only will this keep them clean without taking up much of your time, but it will also prevent rust, especially during the winter months.

Start a Raindrop Collection

I cannot say enough about rain barrels. If your main source of water is through a public system, a rain barrel can reduce your water bill considerably. If your system uses a pump, you will save much on electricity every time you water your plants or garden. In addition to this, if you are able to position your rain barrel up hill from your garden, you can use a hose connected directly to the barrel when watering.