The lazy person's way to pull weeds from sidewalks and driveways? Instead of using harmful herbicides or struggling to pull them by hand, let black plastic do the trick. Grab some heavy-duty trash bags and place them over the weeded area and put bricks or heavy rocks on top. Leave the bags there for a week and let the hot sun literally bake the weeds away. Be sure to dust off the trash bags and use them for their intended purpose after you've weeded everything.

To keep mice from coming indoors, look to your green thumb for a decorative and nontoxic way to fence them out. Plant large patches of mint around the perimeter of your house as a ground cover; mice detest mint and it will act as a deterrent to them. Mint is easy to grow and can easily be grown from seed; for faster results, many nurseries sell seedlings that are ready to plant. You can also pluck fresh mint for cooking or steep tea from it, too.

4/12/09

Ask if your local animal shelter is in need of newspapers. Many animal shelters depend on donations of old newspapers so they can use them as shredded bedding for orphaned animals. While you're there, consider adopting a stray cat or dog to be a loving companion in your own home or volunteer some time helping the shelter with their charitable works.

4/11/09