Plants need light for photosynthesis, and to thrive and be healthy over time. You might think placing a plant near a lamp is just as good as placing it near a sunny window, but the reality is sunlight has red and blue spectra light, which is what plants need most to grow. Traditional lightbulbs lack the spectra light plants need, and while “full spectrum” lights are available in lightbulb form, they are expensive and use energy to work. Why buy special bulbs? Use free sunlight instead.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION

If you’re an avid composter, it may seem like a no-brainer to toss avocado skin and pits into the compost bin. And why not? They’re totally organic and biodegradable. But the reality is avocado waste is very slow to decompose and can ruin your compost if you have too much rind in the mix. If you want to compost it, cut the peels into small strips or squares. And for something adventurous, toss a pit into rich, finished compost. It actually could grow into a mini avocado tree.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION

If you buy only two houseplants, buy ivy and cacti. The ivy plant is one of the most powerful air cleaners you can get. It absorbs harmful chemicals like benzene and formaldehyde from the air. In fact, if you set out an ivy plant in a house, it’ll absorb about 90 percent of the benzene pollutant in just 24 hours. Besides being a pollution fighter, arid environment-loving cacti are among the easiest plants to care for. And another great bonus: Most cacti are succulent plants that emit oxygen at night, which means having them in your bedroom can help you sleep better.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION